H.R. 9086, the Foreign Service Modernization Act, passed the House on September 16, 2026.
H.R. 9086 — Foreign Service Modernization Act
What it does
This bill modernizes the Foreign Service by establishing new recruitment pathways (including from community colleges and military veterans), creating a "Tiger Team" to improve diplomatic engagement abroad, strengthening cybersecurity governance at U.S. embassies, protecting career advancement for officers who participate in external training or fellowships, and requiring extensive new training programs on topics ranging from antisemitism to defense cooperation. It also adds transparency and anti-nepotism rules for selecting public members of Foreign Service boards.
Quorum's transparency scan gave Foreign Service Modernization Act a moderate transparency flag.
What happens next
H.R. 9086 passed the House. It now moves to the other chamber.
Who is behind it
Filed by Michael Lawler. Cosponsored by Brian Mast, Craig Goldman and Ryan Mackenzie.
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