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Lawler Applauds Passage of Bill to Modernize U.S. Foreign Service

Washington D.C. , September 16, 2026

Washington, D.C. – 9/16/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) released the following statement after his bill, H.R. 9086, the Foreign Service Modernization Act, passed the House by voice vote. 

This legislation will improve the operations and effectiveness of America’s diplomatic corps as they work to advance U.S. interests abroad. 

WATCH: CONGRESSMAN LAWLER DEBATES ON HOUSE FLOOR IN FAVOR OF THE FOREIGN SERVICE MODERNIZATION ACT

The Foreign Service Modernization Act marks the first comprehensive review of the Foreign Service Act since it was signed into law in 1980. 

“America’s diplomats are on the front lines of advancing our interests and protecting our national security around the world. But for more than four decades, their processes and scope have not evolved with the geopolitical landscape. This legislation will give our diplomats the tools, resources, and support they need to meet the challenges of the 21st century. I’m proud to see this important legislation pass the House, and I look forward to working to get it across the finish line in the Senate,” said Congressman Lawler.

The legislation includes several reforms to improve how the State Department recruits and trains diplomats, including measures that would:
  • Provide Ambassadors with increased authority and oversight in carrying out US foreign policy at their posts overseas,
  • Create a pilot program for a Diplomatic Reserve Corps, modeling the reserve functions of the armed services, that would surge diplomats to the front lines in response to emergencies and crises abroad,
  • Enhance expeditionary diplomacy in austere posts to advance American interests outside of the confines of embassy walls,
  • Align State Department human resources, technology, and training to meet modern national security demands, and
  • Increase pathways for military veterans to join the Foreign Service.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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