To amend the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to provide per diem eligibility for required leave of members of the Foreign Service.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9]
- Committees
- Foreign Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Aug 13, 2026
Bottom line
The bill provides financial support for Foreign Service members on mandatory leave, aiming to alleviate personal costs associated with required rest and recuperation, thereby supporting their well-being and continued service.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to ensure that members of the Foreign Service who are officially ordered to take leave are eligible for per diem allowances, lodging, and other related benefits. It specifically references benefits described in 5 U.S.C. 5702, which typically covers travel and subsistence expenses for federal employees. The intent is to provide financial support for mandatory rest and recuperation periods, preventing financial penalties for complying with such orders.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill rectifies an oversight by ensuring Foreign Service members are not financially penalized for complying with mandatory leave orders, especially after stressful or dangerous postings. They contend that providing per diem and lodging benefits during required leave is essential for the well-being and morale of these individuals, allowing them to fully recuperate without incurring significant personal expenses, thereby supporting their continued service and readiness.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that expanding per diem eligibility for required leave could represent an unnecessary increase in government expenditure, especially if the current system already provides adequate support or if the leave is primarily for personal benefit. They might also raise concerns about potential for abuse or the administrative burden of tracking such benefits for non-travel related leave, suggesting that existing compensation packages should cover such eventualities.
The bill text is extremely short and can be read in under a minute, making it highly accessible for immediate understanding.
Section 1, amending Section 903 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4083)
Per Diem Eligibility for Required Leave
This provision adds a new subsection (d) to Section 903 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980. It mandates that any Foreign Service member who is officially ordered to take leave must receive allowances, lodging, and other related benefits. This includes per diem benefits similar to those provided to federal employees on official travel, ensuring financial support during periods of mandatory rest and recuperation.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is crucial for the welfare of Foreign Service members, particularly those serving in challenging environments. They contend it prevents financial hardship during mandatory rest periods, which are vital for mental and physical health, ultimately enhancing readiness and retention within the Foreign Service.
Critics contend
Opponents might argue that this provision could lead to increased administrative complexity and costs, potentially diverting resources from other critical Foreign Service operations. They might also suggest that existing salary and benefits packages should already account for such eventualities, making this specific entitlement redundant or overly generous.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the need to support Foreign Service members' well-being and morale against potential increases in administrative costs and budget outlays for the State Department or other agencies employing Foreign Service personnel.
The bill specifies that eligible benefits include 'benefits described in section 5702 of title 5, United States Code.' This section of Title 5 outlines per diem allowances and mileage for federal employees traveling on official business.
Section 1, new subsection (d) of 22 U.S.C. 4083
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to avoid reprinting lengthy statutory language and to ensure consistency with existing federal travel regulations. It is not intended to be evasive.
Case for: Supporters argue that referencing existing statutes like 5 U.S.C. 5702 streamlines legislation and ensures that Foreign Service members receive benefits consistent with other federal employees on official duty, leveraging established definitions and administrative procedures.
Case against: Critics might contend that relying on external statutory references makes the bill less transparent for the average reader, requiring additional legal research to fully grasp the implications of the benefits being extended.
Estimated impact: Clarifies the specific types and scope of financial benefits (per diem, mileage, subsistence) available to Foreign Service members on required leave, aligning them with general federal travel regulations.