State Department can rehire laid-off workers without passing exams.

What it does

The bill lets the State Department rehire Foreign Service workers who lost jobs. The jobs were lost between January 20, 2025, and January 31, 2030. These workers do not have to pass written or oral exams. Normally, these exams are required to join the Foreign Service. Workers must have been in good standing. Good standing means no low ratings in the five years before they left.

Who it affects

The bill affects Foreign Service workers who were laid off. It also affects workers forced to retire early. It changes how the State Department hires new workers.

One thing to notice

The bill skips the standard exams that test job skills. The State Department will not check if workers still have needed skills.

From the analysis of the bill text, linked under Primary records below.

Where it stands

7 cosponsors: 7 Democrats.

• Jul 16, 2026 — Introduced · Congress.gov: “Introduced in House”
• Jul 16, 2026 — Referred to House Committee on Foreign Affairs · Congress.gov: “Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs”

Dates and quoted wording are Congress.gov's action record; the timeline shows status changes, not every procedural step.

Words to know

• Foreign Service — The part of the State Department that sends workers to other countries.
• good standing — No low ratings in the five years before leaving the job.