April 30, 2026
Mr. Schatz (for himself, Mr. Van Hollen, Ms. Rosen, and Mr. Merkley) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
To provide a Foreign Service officer career pathway for former United States Agency for International Development officers.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Section 1. Short titles
This Act may be cited as the Pathways for Advancement, Transition, and Hiring to the Foreign Service
or the PATH to the Foreign Service Act
.
Sec. 2. Foreign Service Officer career pathway for former USAID officers
(a) Defined term
In this section, the term USAID means the United States Agency for International Development.
(b) Foreign Service officer career pathway
Former USAID Foreign Service members who are appointed to positions within the Department of State shall be eligible for appointment into the Foreign Service Officer career track at a grade and tenure status commensurate with their prior Foreign Service rank, time-in-service, and performance, subject to applicable suitability and security requirements.
(c) Foreign Service officer test waiver
Former USAID Foreign Service members are not required to take the Foreign Service Entrance Exam, including any written or oral elements, as a condition of appointment or conversion or any hiring mechanism to the Foreign Service of the Department of State if such officers previously met Foreign Service entry requirements and served in good standing at USAID.
(d) Hiring preference points
The Department of State shall award hiring preference points or equivalent hiring credit to applicants for Department of State positions who have prior USAID service, whether in the Foreign Service or the Civil Service. Such preference shall be formally incorporated into hiring and selection processes and applied in a transparent and consistent manner.
(e) Recognition of prior service
Prior USAID service shall be fully credited toward a Foreign Service Officer’s seniority, time-in-class, retirement eligibility, and other applicable career milestones to the maximum extent permitted by law.
(f) Implementation
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in coordination with appropriate officials of USAID and the Office of Personnel Management, shall issue guidance for the timely implementation of this section to ensure uniform application.
(g) Sunset
The provisions of this section shall cease to be effective beginning on the date that is 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.