The Diplomatic Reserve Corps Act of 2026 establishes a new independent personnel system within the State Department to maintain a trained pool of diplomatic professionals available for rapid deployment during crises and emergencies. The Corps will grow from 250 members in fiscal year 2026 to 1,000 by 2028, with members recruited from U.S. citizens age 21 and older, preferring veterans, across four service categories with varying term lengths and compensation levels. The bill sets out comprehensive rules governing appointments, compensation (including salary schedules and performance bonuses), benefits (health insurance, death benefits, and retirement through the Foreign Service Pension System), training requirements (at least 24 days monthly), and the Secretary of State's authority to call members to active duty for up to 365 days during diplomatic emergencies and crises, capped at 25 percent of Corps strength. The legislation creates a dedicated Treasury account funded through congressional appropriations to cover salaries, training, recruitment, and operational expenses, with appropriated funds available for two fiscal years. Corps members must meet mandatory retirement at age 65 (with limited exceptions), can voluntarily retire at age 60 with 20 years of service, and are subject to performance evaluations and potential termination for cause, with protections including due process rights and separation benefits for those with substantial service.
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