119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 9728
The Protecting America's Diplomatic Workforce Act would restrict how federal agencies can conduct mass layoffs of diplomatic and international development workers. The bill caps reductions in force at no more than 50 employees during any six-month period at covered agencies, which include the State Department, USAID, Peace Corps, and similar organizations. If agencies need to lay off more than 50 workers in that timeframe, they must submit detailed justifications to Congress at least 20 days in advance, explaining why other alternatives were exhausted and assessing the impact on U.S. diplomatic capabilities and global competitiveness. The legislation also requires Foreign Service officers to receive at least 60 days advance notice of layoffs, establishes worldwide competitive rankings based primarily on performance evaluations for determining who stays, and mandates that Congress be notified 30 days before major changes to State Department procedures. These protections apply across ten federal agencies involved in foreign affairs, diplomacy, and international development.