Foreign Service Workforce Flexibility and Due Process Act of 2026

This Act amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to establish a balanced framework for reductions in force (RIFs) among Foreign Service officers and certain other federal employees in the Department of State and related agencies. The Secretary of State may implement a RIF only after providing 90 days' written notice to each affected employee, including a statement of the reasons for the RIF and the employee's rights under this Act. Affected employees shall have the right to an administrative hearing before an independent board within the Department of State, which shall review the RIF decision for compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The board may recommend modifications to the RIF plan, but the Secretary retains final authority to implement the RIF after considering the board's recommendations. No RIF shall be implemented without a certification from the Secretary that the RIF is necessary for reasons of national security, efficiency, or fiscal necessity, and that the RIF is the least disruptive means to achieve that goal. This Act does not apply to employees covered by collective bargaining agreements that provide greater protections. The Act shall be funded through the Department of State's existing appropriations, with a cap of $5 million per fiscal year for administrative costs related to hearings and notices. The Act shall sunset after 5 years, and the Comptroller General shall report to Congress on its implementation within 3 years.