22 USC CHAPTER 52, SUBCHAPTER IV: COMPENSATION

From Title 22—FOREIGN RELATIONS AND INTERCOURSECHAPTER 52—FOREIGN SERVICE

SUBCHAPTER IV—COMPENSATION

§3961. Salaries of chiefs of mission

(a) Except as provided in section 3942(b) of this title, each chief of mission shall receive a salary, as determined by the President, at one of the annual rates payable for levels II through V of the Executive Schedule under sections 5313 through 5316 of title 5, except that the total compensation, exclusive of danger pay, for any chief of mission shall be subject to the limitation on certain payments under section 5307 of title 5 or the limitation under section 3962(a)(3) of this title, whichever is higher.

(b) The salary of a chief of mission shall commence upon the effective date of appointment to that position. The official services of a chief of mission are not terminated by the appointment of a successor, but shall continue for such additional period, not to exceed 50 days after relinquishment of charge of the mission, as the Secretary of State may determine. During that period, the Secretary of State may require the chief of mission to perform such functions as the Secretary of State deems necessary in the interest of the Government.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §401, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2087; Pub. L. 100–204, title I, §177(a), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1362; Pub. L. 102–138, title I, §142(b), Oct. 28, 1991, 105 Stat. 668; Pub. L. 108–447, div. B, title IV, §412(c), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 2905.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2004—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–447, which directed the substitution of "shall be subject to the limitation on certain payments under section 5307 of title 5 or the limitation under section 3962(a)(3) of this title, whichever is higher" for "shall not exceed the annual rate of pay payable for level I of such Executive Schedule", was executed by making the substitution for "shall not exceed the annual rate payable for level I of such Executive Schedule" to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

1991—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–138 substituted "Except as provided in section 3942(b) of this title, each" for "Each" and "level I of such" for "level II of such".

1987—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–204 substituted "Each chief" for "Except as provided in section 3942(b) of this title, each chief", and inserted before period at end ", except that the total compensation, exclusive of danger pay, for any chief of mission shall not exceed the annual rate payable for level II of such Executive Schedule".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–204 not applicable to salary of any individual serving under Presidential appointment under section 3942 of this title immediately before Dec. 22, 1987, during the period such individual continues to serve in such position, see section 177(c) of Pub. L. 100–204, set out as a note under section 3942 of this title.

§3962. Salaries of Senior Foreign Service members

(a) Prescription by President; basic salary rates; adjustments; determinations by Secretary

(1) The President shall prescribe salary classes for the Senior Foreign Service and shall prescribe an appropriate title for each class. The President shall also prescribe ranges of basic salary rates for each class. Except as provided in paragraph (3), basic salary rates for the Senior Foreign Service may not exceed the maximum rate or be less than the minimum rate of basic pay payable for the Senior Executive Service under section 5382 of title 5.

(2) The Secretary shall determine which basic salary rate within the ranges prescribed by the President under paragraph (1) shall be paid to each member of the Senior Foreign Service based on individual performance, contribution to the mission of the Department, or both, as determined under a rigorous performance management system. Except as provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary and, to the extent possible, consistent with regulations governing the Senior Executive Service, the Secretary may adjust the basic salary rate of a member of the Senior Foreign Service not more than once during any 12-month period.

(3) Upon a determination by the Secretary that the Senior Foreign Service performance appraisal system, as designed and applied, makes meaningful distinctions based on relative performance—

(A) the maximum rate of basic pay payable for the Senior Foreign Service shall be level II of the Executive Schedule; and

(B) the applicable aggregate pay cap shall be equivalent to the aggregate pay cap set forth in section 5307(d)(1) of title 5 for members of the Senior Executive Service.

(b) Career appointees in Senior Executive Service accepting limited appointment in Senior Foreign Service; adjustment

(1) An individual who is a career appointee in the Senior Executive Service receiving basic pay at one of the rates payable under section 5382 of title 5 and who accepts a limited appointment in the Senior Foreign Service in a salary class for which the basic salary rate is less than such basic rate of pay, shall be paid a salary at his or her former basic rate of pay (with adjustments as provided in paragraph (2)) until the salary for his or her salary class in the Senior Foreign Service equals or exceeds the salary payable to such individual under this subsection.

(2) The salary paid to an individual under this subsection shall be adjusted by 50 percent of each adjustment, which takes effect after the appointment of such individual to the Senior Foreign Service, in the basic rate of pay at which that individual was paid under section 5382 of title 5 immediately prior to such appointment.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §402, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2087; Pub. L. 97–241, title I, §124, Aug. 24, 1982, 96 Stat. 281; Pub. L. 108–447, div. B, title IV, §412(a), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 2905.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Level II of the Executive Schedule, referred to in subsec. (a)(3)(A), is set out in section 5313 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Amendments

2004—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 108–447, §412(a)(1), substituted "The President shall also prescribe ranges of basic salary rates for each class. Except as provided in paragraph (3), basic salary rates for the Senior Foreign Service may not exceed the maximum rate or be less than the minimum rate of basic pay payable for the Senior Executive Service under section 5382 of title 5." for "The President shall also prescribe one or more basic salary rates for each class. Basic salary rates for the Senior Foreign Service may not exceed the maximum rate or be less than the minimum rate of basic pay payable for the Senior Executive Service under section 5382 of title 5, and shall be adjusted at the same time and in the same manner as rates of basic pay are adjusted for the Senior Executive Service."

Subsec. (a)(2), (3). Pub. L. 108–447, §412(a)(2), added pars. (2) and (3) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "The Secretary shall determine which of the basic salary rates prescribed by the President under paragraph (1) for any salary class shall be paid to each member of the Senior Foreign Service who is appointed to that class. The Secretary may adjust the basic salary rate of a member of the Senior Foreign Service not more than once during any 12-month period."

1982—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–241 designated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted provision authorizing the President to prescribe one or more basic salary rates for each class, and added par. (2).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Feb. 15, 1981, except that subsec. (a), for purposes of implementing section 4151 of this title, is effective Oct. 17, 1980, see section 2403(a) and (d)(2) of Pub. L. 96–465, set out as an Effective Date note under section 3901 of this title.

Executive Documents

Establishment of Salary Classes With Titles for Senior Foreign Service

For establishment of salary classes with titles for the Senior Foreign Service, at basic rates of pay equivalent to that established from time to time for the Senior Executive Service under section 5382 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, see section 4 of Ex. Ord. No. 12293, Feb. 23, 1981, 46 F.R. 13969, set out as a note under section 3901 of this title.

§3963. Foreign Service Schedule

The President shall establish a Foreign Service Schedule which shall consist of 9 salary classes and which shall apply to members of the Service who are citizens of the United States and for whom salary rates are not otherwise provided for by this subchapter. The maximum salary rate for the highest class established under this section, which shall be designated class 1, may not exceed the maximum rate of basic pay prescribed for GS–15 of the General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5. Salary rates established under this section shall be adjusted in accordance with section 5303 of title 5.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §403, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2088; Pub. L. 101–509, title V, §529 [title I, §101(b)(1)], Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1427, 1439.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1990—Pub. L. 101–509 substituted "section 5303" for "subchapter I of chapter 53".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–509 effective on such date as the President shall determine, but not earlier than 90 days, and not later than 180 days, after Nov. 5, 1990, see section 529 [title I, §305] of Pub. L. 101–509, set out as a note under section 5301 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Effective Date

Section effective Feb. 15, 1981, except that for purposes of implementing section 4151 of this title it is effective Oct. 17, 1980, see section 2403(a) and (d)(2) of Pub. L. 96–465, set out as an Effective Date note under section 3901 of this title.

Executive Documents

Executive Order No. 12249

Ex. Ord. No. 12249, Oct. 25, 1980, 45 F.R. 71347, which provided for a Foreign Service Schedule, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12330, Oct. 15, 1981, 46 F.R. 50921, formerly set out as a note under section 5332 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Adjustment of Foreign Service Schedule

For adjustment of Foreign Service Schedule pay rates under this section, see the executive order detailing the adjustment of certain rates of pay set out as a note under section 5332 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§3964. Assignments to salary class

(a) The Secretary shall assign all Foreign Service officers and Foreign Service personnel (other than Foreign Service personnel who are paid in accordance with section 3967 of this title or section 3968 of this title) to appropriate salary classes in the Foreign Service Schedule.

(b)(1) The salary class to which a member of the Service is assigned under this section shall not be affected by the assignment of the member to a position classified under subchapter V.

(2) Except as authorized by subchapter I of chapter 35 of title 5, changes in the salary class of a member of the Senior Foreign Service or a member of the Service assigned to a salary class in the Foreign Service Schedule shall be made only in accordance with subchapter VI. The Secretary shall prescribe regulations (which shall be consistent with the relevant provisions of subchapter VI of chapter 53 of title 5 and with the regulations prescribed to carry out such provisions) providing for retention of pay by members of the Service in cases in which reduction-in-force procedures are applied.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §404, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2088; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §180(a)(3), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 415.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–236 struck out "who are family members of Government employees paid in accordance with a local compensation plan established under" after "section 3967 of this title or".

§3965. Performance pay

(a) Eligibility; additional lump sum payment; excessive compensation not precluding award

Subject to subsection (e), members of the Senior Foreign Service who are serving—

(1) under career or career candidate appointments, or

(2) under limited appointments with reemployment rights under section 3950 of this title as career appointees in the Senior Executive Service,

shall be eligible to compete for performance pay in accordance with this section. Performance pay shall be paid in a lump sum and shall be in addition to the basic salary prescribed under section 3962 of this title and any other award. The fact that a member of the Senior Foreign Service competing for performance pay would, as a result of the payment of such performance pay, receive compensation exceeding the compensation of any other member of the Service shall not preclude the award or its payment.

(b) Criteria; limitations

Awards of performance pay shall take into account the criteria established by the Office of Personnel Management for performance awards under section 5384 of title 5 and rank awards under section 4507 of title 5. Awards of performance pay under this section shall be subject to the following limitations:

(1) Not more than 33 percent of the members of the Senior Foreign Service may receive performance pay in any fiscal year.

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (3), performance pay for a member of the Senior Foreign Service may not exceed 20 percent of the annual rate of basic salary for that member.

(3) Not more than 6 percent of the members of the Senior Foreign Service may receive performance pay in any fiscal year in an amount which exceeds the percentage limitation specified in paragraph (2). Payments under this paragraph to a member of the Senior Foreign Service may not exceed, in any fiscal year, the percentage of basic pay established under section 4507(e)(1) of title 5 for a Meritorious Executive, except that payments of the percentage of the basic pay established under section 4507(e)(2) of such title for Distinguished Executives may be made in any fiscal year to up to 1 percent of the members of the Senior Foreign Service.

(4) Any award under this section shall be subject to the limitation on certain payments under section 5307 of title 5, or the limitation under section 3962(a)(3) of this title, whichever is higher.

(5) The Secretary of State shall prescribe regulations, consistent with section 5582 of title 5, under which payment under this section shall be made in the case of any individual whose death precludes payment under paragraph (4) of this subsection.

(c) Determination of amount by Secretary; distribution on basis of selection board recommendations

The Secretary shall determine the amount of performance pay available under subsection (b)(2) each year for distribution among the members of the Senior Foreign Service and shall distribute performance pay to particular individuals on the basis of recommendations by selection boards established under section 4002 of this title.

(d) Recommendations for meritorious or distinguished service awards

The President may grant awards of performance pay under subsection (b)(3) on the basis of annual recommendations by the Secretary of State of members of the Senior Foreign Service who are nominated by their agencies as having performed especially meritorious or distinguished service. Such service in the promotion of internationally recognized human rights, including the right to freedom of religion, shall serve as a basis for granting awards under this section. Recommendations by the Secretary of State under this subsection shall be made on the basis of recommendations by special interagency selection boards established by the Secretary of State for the purpose of reviewing and evaluating the nominations of agencies.

(e) Recognition in lieu of award

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of State may provide for recognition of the meritorious or distinguished service of any member of the Foreign Service described in subsection (a) (including any member of the Senior Foreign Service) by means other than an award of performance pay in lieu of making such an award under this section.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §405, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2088; Pub. L. 100–204, title I, §175(b), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1361; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §173(d), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 412; Pub. L. 105–277, div. G, subdiv. B, title XXIII, §2311(a), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–826; Pub. L. 105–292, title V, §504(a), Oct. 27, 1998, 112 Stat. 2811; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title III, §323], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-437; Pub. L. 107–228, div. A, title III, §312(a), Sept. 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 1378; Pub. L. 108–447, div. B, title IV, §412(b), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 2905.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2004—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 108–447 inserted ", or the limitation under section 3962(a)(3) of this title, whichever is higher" before period at end.

2002—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 107–228 inserted second sentence and struck out former second sentence which read as follows: "Payments under this paragraph to a member of the Senior Foreign Service may not exceed $10,000 in any fiscal year, except that payments of up to $20,000 in any fiscal year may be made under this paragraph to up to 1 percent of the members of the Senior Foreign Service."

1999—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 106–113 substituted "33" for "50".

1998—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–277, §2311(a)(1), substituted "Subject to subsection (e), members" for "Members" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–292 inserted "Such service in the promotion of internationally recognized human rights, including the right to freedom of religion, shall serve as a basis for granting awards under this section." after first sentence.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–277, §2311(a)(2), added subsec. (e).

1994—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 103–236 amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (4) read as follows: "The total amount of basic salary plus performance pay received in any fiscal year by any member of the Senior Foreign Service may not exceed the salary payable for level I of the Executive Schedule under section 5312 of title 5 as in effect at the end of that fiscal year. Any amount which is not paid to a member of the Senior Foreign Service during a fiscal year because of this limitation shall be paid to that individual in a lump sum at the beginning of the following fiscal year. Any amount paid under this authority during a fiscal year shall be taken into account for purposes of applying the limitation in the first sentence of this subparagraph with respect to such fiscal year."

1987—Subsec. (b)(4), (5). Pub. L. 100–204 inserted at end of par. (4) "Any amount which is not paid to a member of the Senior Foreign Service during a fiscal year because of this limitation shall be paid to that individual in a lump sum at the beginning of the following fiscal year. Any amount paid under this authority during a fiscal year shall be taken into account for purposes of applying the limitation in the first sentence of this subparagraph with respect to such fiscal year." and added par. (5).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–228, div. A, title III, §312(b), Sept. 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 1378, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect October 1, 2002."

Senior Foreign Service Performance Pay

Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §173(a)–(c), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 412, as amended by Pub. L. 103–415, §1(gg), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4303, provided that:

"(a) Prohibition on Awards.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of State may not award or pay performance payments for fiscal years 1994 and 1995 under section 405 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3965), unless the Secretary awards or pays performance awards to other Federal employees for such fiscal years.

"(b) Awards in Subsequent Fiscal Years.—The Secretary may not make a performance award or payment in any fiscal year after a fiscal year referred to in subsection (a) for the purpose of providing an individual with a performance award or payment to which the individual would otherwise have been entitled in a fiscal year referred to in such subsection but for the prohibition described in such subsection.

"(c) Application to USIA, AID, and ACDA.—Subsections (a) and (b) shall apply to the United States Information Agency, the Agency for International Development, and the United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency in the same manner as such subsections apply to the Department of State, except that the Director of the United States Information Agency, the Administrator of the Agency for International Development, and the Director of the United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency shall be subject to the limitations and authority of the Secretary of State under subsections (a) and (b) for their respective agencies."

[For abolition of United States Information Agency (other than Broadcasting Board of Governors and International Broadcasting Bureau), transfer of functions, and treatment of references thereto, see sections 6531, 6532, and 6551 of this title, and for abolition, transfer of functions, and treatment of references to United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, see section 6511 et seq. of this title.]

Review of Performance Pay Programs

Pub. L. 100–204, title I, §175(a), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1361, provided that:

"(1) Suspension of awards during review.—During the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 22, 1987], and ending on the date on which the Inspector General of the Department of State reports to the Congress pursuant to paragraph (2), performance pay may not be awarded under section 405 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3965) to any member of the Senior Foreign Service in the Department of State.

"(2) Review by inspector general.—The Inspector General of the Department of State shall conduct a complete and thorough review of—

"(A) the procedures in the Department of State under which performance pay recipients are chosen to determine whether the procedures and award determinations are free from bias and reflect fair standards; and

"(B) the adequacy of the criteria and the equity of the criteria actually applied in making those awards.

The review should be conducted in accordance with generally accepted Government auditing standards. The Inspector General shall report the results of this review to the Secretary of State and to the Congress no later than May 1, 1988.

"(3) Report by secretary of state.—No later than 60 days after the report of the Inspector General is submitted to the Secretary of State under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall submit to the Congress a report containing the comments of the Secretary on the report of the Inspector General and describing the actions taken and proposed to be taken by the Secretary as a result of the report."

§3966. Within-class salary increases

(a) Time period; limitation

Any member of the Service receiving a salary under the Foreign Service Schedule shall be advanced to the next higher salary step in the member's class at the beginning of the first applicable pay period following the completion by that member of a period of—

(1) 52 calendar weeks of service in each of salary steps 1 through 9, and

(2) 104 calendar weeks of service in each of salary steps 10 through 13,

unless the performance of the member during that period is found in a review by a selection board established under section 4002 of this title to fall below the standards of performance for his or her salary class.

(b) Additional increase for meritorious service

The Secretary may grant, on the basis of especially meritorious service, to any member of the Service receiving an increase in salary under subsection (a), an additional salary increase to any higher step in the salary class in which the member is serving.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §406, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2089.)

§3967. Salaries for Foreign Service personnel abroad who perform routine duties

(a) The Secretary may establish salary rates at rates lower than those established for the Foreign Service Schedule for the Foreign Service personnel described in subsection (b). The rates established under this subsection may be no less than the then applicable minimum wage rate specified in section 206(a)(1) of title 29.

(b) The Secretary may pay Foreign Service personnel who are recruited abroad, who are not available or are not qualified for assignment to another Foreign Service post, and who perform duties of a more routine nature than are generally performed by Foreign Service personnel assigned to class 9 in the Foreign Service Schedule, in accordance with the salary rates established under subsection (a).

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §407, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2090.)

§3968. Local compensation plans

(a) Establishment; rates of pay; leaves of absence; supplemental payments; transfer from Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund

(1) The Secretary shall establish compensation (including position classification) plans for foreign national employees of the Service and United States citizens employed under section 3951(c)(1) of this title. To the extent consistent with the public interest, each compensation plan shall be based upon prevailing wage rates and compensation practices (including participation in local social security plans) for corresponding types of positions in the locality of employment, except that such compensation plans shall provide for payment of wages to United States citizens at a rate which is no less than the then applicable minimum wage rate specified in section 206(a)(1) of title 29. Any compensation plan established under this section may include provision for (A) leaves of absence with pay for employees in accordance with prevailing law and employment practices in the locality of employment without regard to any limitation contained in section 6310 of title 5, (B) programs for voluntary transfers of such leave and voluntary leave banks, which shall, to the extent practicable, be established in a manner consistent with the provisions of subchapters III and IV, respectively, of chapter 63 of title 5, and (C) payments by the Government and employees to (i) a trust or other fund in a financial institution in order to finance future benefits for employees, including provision for retention in the fund of accumulated interest and dividends for the benefit of covered employees; or (ii) a Foreign Service National Savings Fund established in the Treasury of the United States, which (I) shall be administered by the Secretary, at whose direction the Secretary of the Treasury shall invest amounts not required for the current needs of the Fund; and (II) shall be public monies, which are authorized to be appropriated and remain available without fiscal year limitation to pay benefits, to be invested in public debt obligations bearing interest at rates determined by the Secretary of the Treasury taking into consideration current average market yields on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States of comparable maturity, and to pay administrative expenses. For United States citizens under a compensation plan, the Secretary shall define those allowances and benefits provided under United States law which shall be included as part of the total compensation package, notwithstanding any other provision of law, except that this section shall not be used to override United States minimum wage requirements, or any provision of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] or title 26.

(2) The Secretary may make supplemental payments to any civil service annuitant who is a former foreign national employee of the Service (or who is receiving an annuity as a survivor of a former foreign national employee of the Service) in order to offset exchange rate losses, if the annuity being paid such annuitant is based on—

(A) a salary that was fixed in a foreign currency that has appreciated in value in terms of the United States dollar; and

(B) service in a country in which (as determined by the Secretary) the average retirement benefits being received by individuals who retired from competitive local organizations are superior to the local currency value of civil service annuities plus any other retirement benefits payable to foreign national employees who retired during similar time periods and after comparable careers with the Government.

(3)(A) Whenever a foreign national employee so elects during a one-year period established by the Secretary of State with respect to each post abroad, the Secretary of the Treasury (at the direction of the Secretary of State) shall transfer such employee's interest in the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund to a trust or other local retirement plan certified by the United States Government under a local compensation plan established for foreign national employees pursuant to this section (excluding local social security plans).

(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A), the phrase "employee's interest in the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund" means the total contributions of the employee and the employing agency with respect to such employee, pursuant to sections 8331(8) and 8334(a)(1) of title 5, respectively, plus interest at the rate provided in section 8334(e)(3) of such title.

(C) Any such transfer shall void any annuity rights or entitlement to lump-sum credit under subchapter III of chapter 83 of such title.

(b) Employment programs

For the purpose of performing functions abroad, any agency or other Government establishment (including any establishment in the legislative or judicial branch) may administer employment programs for its employees who are foreign nationals, are United States citizens employed in the Service abroad who were hired while residing abroad, or are family members of Government employees assigned abroad, in accordance with the applicable provisions of this chapter.

(c) Regulations

The Secretary of State may prescribe regulations governing the establishment and administration of local compensation plans under this section by all agencies and other Government establishments.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §408, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2090; Pub. L. 98–164, title I, §127(a), Nov. 22, 1983, 97 Stat. 1026; Pub. L. 101–246, title I, §141(a), Feb. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 35; Pub. L. 102–138, title I, §§148, 152, Oct. 28, 1991, 105 Stat. 670, 672; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §180(a)(4), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 415; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title III, §322], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-436; Pub. L. 107–228, div. A, title III, §313, Sept. 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 1378.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620, which is classified generally to chapter 7 (§301 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 96–465, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2071, known as the Foreign Service Act of 1980, which is classified principally to this chapter (§3901 et. seq.). For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3901 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

2002—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 107–228 in third sentence substituted "payments by the Government and employees to (i) a trust or other fund in a financial institution in order to finance future benefits for employees, including provision for retention in the fund of accumulated interest and dividends for the benefit of covered employees; or (ii) a Foreign Service National Savings Fund established in the Treasury of the United States, which (I) shall be administered by the Secretary, at whose direction the Secretary of the Treasury shall invest amounts not required for the current needs of the Fund; and (II) shall be public monies, which are authorized to be appropriated and remain available without fiscal year limitation to pay benefits, to be invested in public debt obligations bearing interest at rates determined by the Secretary of the Treasury taking into consideration current average market yields on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States of comparable maturity, and to pay administrative expenses." for "payments by the Government and employees to a trust or other fund in a financial institution in order to finance future benefits for employees, including provision for retention in the fund of accumulated interest for the benefit of covered employees."

1999—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 106–113, in last sentence, struck out "(A) provide such citizens with a total compensation package (including wages, allowances, benefits, and other employer payments, such as for social security) that has the equivalent cost to that received by foreign national employees occupying a similar position at that post and (B)" after "Secretary shall" and substituted "the total compensation package" for "this total compensation package".

1994—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 103–236, §180(a)(4)(D), inserted at end "For United States citizens under a compensation plan, the Secretary shall (A) provide such citizens with a total compensation package (including wages, allowances, benefits, and other employer payments, such as for social security) that has the equivalent cost to that received by foreign national employees occupying a similar position at that post and (B) define those allowances and benefits provided under United States law which shall be included as part of this total compensation package, notwithstanding any other provision of law, except that this section shall not be used to override United States minimum wage requirements, or any provision of the Social Security Act or title 26."

Pub. L. 103–236, §180(a)(4)(B), (C), in second sentence struck out "employed in the Service abroad who were hired while residing abroad and to those family members of Government employees who are paid in accordance with such plans" after "United States citizens" and in third sentence struck out "foreign national" before "employees" wherever appearing.

Pub. L. 103–236, §180(a)(4)(A), inserted first sentence and struck out former first sentence which read as follows: "The Secretary shall establish compensation (including position classification) plans for foreign national employees of the Service, United States citizens employed in the Service abroad who were hired while residing abroad, and for United States citizens employed in the Service abroad who are family members of Government employees."

1991—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 102–138, §152(a), inserted "United States citizens employed in the Service abroad who were hired while residing abroad," after "employees of the Service," and "to United States citizens employed in the Service abroad who were hired while residing abroad and" after "payment of wages".

Pub. L. 102–138, §148, added cl. (B) and redesignated former cl. (B) as (C).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–138, §152(b), inserted ", are United States citizens employed in the Service abroad who were hired while residing abroad," after "foreign nationals".

1990—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 101–246 added par. (3).

1983—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 98–164 designated existing provisions as cl. (A) and added cl. (B).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Date of Transfer From Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund

Pub. L. 101–246, title I, §141(c), Feb. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 35, provided that: "The transfer of an employee's interest in the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund shall occur after October 1, 1990."

Foreign National Pay Plans

Pub. L. 96–60, title I, §107(a), Aug. 15, 1979, 93 Stat. 397, provided that: "It is the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of State should—

"(1) improve coordination between the Department of State and the Department of Defense and other departments and agencies of the United States operating outside the United States with respect to foreign national pay systems and wage schedules to the extent that—

"(A) joint wage surveys and compatible pay schedules are adopted in countries where two or more departments or agencies of the United States directly employ foreign nationals, and

"(B) Department of Defense wage rates are included in wage surveys of the Department of State where the Department of Defense operates under indirect-hire arrangements;

"(2) monitor the establishment of wage rates outside the United States more closely to insure that United States missions—

"(A) operate under salary schedules that reflect private sector average pay or average pay ranges,

"(B) include the cost of severance in making pay adjustments, and

"(C) survey jobs in the private sector which represent as closely as possible the work force of the mission; and

"(3) substitute, whenever possible, prevailing local retirement plans for civil service retirement with respect to the retirement of foreign nationals employed by the United States."

§3968a. Locally-employed staff wages

(a) Market-responsive staff wages

Not later than 180 days after December 16, 2016, and every 3 years thereafter, the Secretary shall establish and implement a prevailing wage rates goal for positions in the local compensation plan, as described in section 3968 of this title, at each diplomatic post that—

(1) is based on the specific recruiting and retention needs of each such post and local labor market conditions, as determined annually; and

(2) is not less than the 50th percentile of the prevailing wage for comparable employment in the labor market surrounding each such post.

(b) Exception

The prevailing wage rate goal established under subsection (a) shall not apply if compliance with such subsection would be inconsistent with applicable United States law, the law in the locality of employment, or the public interest.

(c) Recordkeeping requirement

The analytical assumptions underlying the calculation of wage levels at each diplomatic post under subsection (a), and the data upon which such calculation is based—

(1) shall be filed electronically and retained for not less than 5 years; and

(2) shall be made available to the appropriate congressional committees upon request.

(Pub. L. 114–323, title IV, §401, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1926; Pub. L. 118–31, div. F, title LXII, §6226(a), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 980.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Department of State Authorities Act, Fiscal Year 2017, and not as part of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 which comprises this chapter.

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 118–31 substituted "every 3 years" for "periodically" in introductory provisions.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definitions

For definitions of "Secretary" and "appropriate congressional committees" as used in this section, see section 2 of Pub. L. 114–323, set out as a note under section 2651 of this title.

§3969. Salaries of consular agents

The Secretary of State shall establish the salary rate for each consular agent. Such salary rate shall be established after taking into account the workload of the consular agency and the prevailing wage rates in the locality where the agency is located, except that, in the case of a consular agent who is a citizen of the United States, the salary rate may not be less than the then applicable minimum wage rate specified in section 206(a)(1) of title 29.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §409, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2091.)

§3970. Compensation for imprisoned foreign national employees

(a) Eligibility; rates of compensation; terms and conditions of payment; applicability of powers under other statutory provisions

The head of any agency or other Government establishment (including any in the legislative or judicial branch) may compensate any current or former foreign national employee, or any foreign national who is or was employed under a personal services contract, who is or has been imprisoned by a foreign government if the Secretary of State (or, in the case of a foreign national employed by the Central Intelligence Agency, the Director of Central Intelligence) determines that such imprisonment is the result of the employment of the foreign national by the United States. Such compensation may not exceed the amount that the agency head determines approximates the salary and other benefits to which the foreign national would have been entitled had he or she been employed during the period of such imprisonment. Such compensation may be paid under such terms and conditions as the Secretary of State deems appropriate. For purposes of this section, an agency head shall have the same powers with respect to imprisoned foreign nationals who are or were employed by the agency as an agency head has under subchapter VII of chapter 55 of title 5 to the extent that such powers are consistent with this section.

(b) Time spent imprisoned considered as period of employment

Any period of imprisonment of a current or former foreign national employee which is compensable under this section shall be considered for purposes of any other employee benefit to be a period of employment by the Government, except that a period of imprisonment shall not be creditable—

(1) for purposes of subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, unless it is expressly creditable under that subchapter; or

(2) for purposes of subchapter I of chapter 81 of title 5, unless the individual was employed by the Government at the time of his or her imprisonment.

(c) Time of filing of claims

No compensation or other benefit shall be awarded under this section unless a claim therefor is filed within 3 years after—

(1) the termination of the period of imprisonment giving rise to the claim, or

(2) the date of the claimant's first opportunity thereafter to file such a claim, as determined by the appropriate agency head.

(d) Regulations

The Secretary of State may prescribe regulations governing payments under this section by all agencies and other Government establishments.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §410, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2091.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Reference to the Director of Central Intelligence or the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency in the Director's capacity as the head of the intelligence community deemed to be a reference to the Director of National Intelligence. Reference to the Director of Central Intelligence or the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency in the Director's capacity as the head of the Central Intelligence Agency deemed to be a reference to the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. See section 1081(a), (b) of Pub. L. 108–458, set out as a note under section 3001 of Title 50, War and National Defense.

§3971. Temporary service as principal officer

For such time (in excess of such minimum period as the Secretary of State may establish) as any member of the Service is temporarily in charge of a Foreign Service post during the absence or incapacity of the principal officer, that member shall receive, in addition to the basic salary paid to the member and notwithstanding sections 5535 and 5536 of title 5, an amount equal to that portion (which the Secretary of State may determine to be appropriate) of the difference between such salary and the basic salary provided for the principal officer, or, if there is no principal officer, for the former principal officer.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §411, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2091.)

§3972. Special differentials

(a) Additional work requirements

The Secretary may pay special differentials, in addition to compensation otherwise authorized, to Foreign Service officers who are required because of the nature of their assignments to perform additional work on a regular basis in substantial excess of normal requirements.

(b) Salary limitations

The Inspector General of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) shall limit the payment of special differentials to USAID Foreign Service criminal investigators to levels at which the aggregate of basic pay and special differential for any pay period would equal, for such criminal investigators, the bi-weekly pay limitations on premium pay regularly placed on other criminal investigators within the Federal law enforcement community. This provision shall be retroactive to January 1, 2013.

(c) Compensatory time off

Nothing in this chapter, or in subchapter V of chapter 55 of title 5 shall preclude the granting of compensatory time off for Foreign Service officers.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §412, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2092; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §139(6), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 398; Pub. L. 114–323, title II, §206, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1917.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 114–323 added subsec. (b).

1994—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–236 struck out subsec. (b) which read as follows: "Before implementing any proposal to limit either the number of Foreign Service officers who may receive a special differential under subsection (a) of this section or the amounts of such special differentials, the Secretary shall submit such proposal to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives."

§3973. Death gratuities

(a) Criteria; amount; payment deemed gift

The Secretary may provide for payment of a gratuity to the surviving dependents of any Foreign Service employee, who dies as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of duty abroad, in an amount equal to one year's salary at level II of the Executive Schedule under section 5313 of title 5 at the time of death, except that for employees compensated under local compensation plans established under section 3968 of this title the amount shall be equal to the greater of either one year's salary at the time of death, or one year's basic salary at the highest step of the highest grade on the local compensation plan from which the employee was being paid at the time of death. Any death gratuity payment made under this section shall be held to have been a gift and shall be in addition to any other benefit payable from any source.

(b) Other executive agencies

The head of an executive agency shall, pursuant to guidance issued under subsection (c), make a death gratuity payment authorized by this section to the survivors of any employee of that agency or of an individual in a special category serving in an uncompensated capacity for that agency, as identified in guidance issued under subsection (c), who dies as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of duty abroad while subject to the authority of the chief of mission pursuant to section 3927 of this title.

(c) Guidance

Not later than 60 days after January 17, 2014, the Secretary shall, in consultation with the heads of other relevant executive agencies, issue guidance with criteria for determining eligibility for, and order of payments to, survivors and beneficiaries of any employee or of an individual in a special category serving in an uncompensated capacity for that agency who dies as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of duty while subject to the authority of the chief of mission pursuant to section 3927 of this title.

(d) Eligibility to elect monthly compensation as condition to payment

A death gratuity payment shall be made under this section only if the survivor entitled to payment under subsection (c) is entitled to elect monthly compensation under section 8133 of title 5, because the death resulted from an injury (excluding a disease proximately caused by the employment) sustained in the performance of duty, without regard to whether such survivor elects to waive compensation under such section 8133.

(e) Definitions

As used in this section—

(1) the term "Foreign Service employee" means any member of the Service or United States representative to an international organization or commission; and

(2) each of the terms "widow", "widower", "child", and "parent" shall have the same meaning given each such term by section 8101 of title 5.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §413, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2092; Pub. L. 113–76, div. K, title VII, §7082(a), Jan. 17, 2014, 128 Stat. 565.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–76, §7082(a)(1), substituted "at level II of the Executive Schedule under section 5313 of title 5, United States Code, at the time of death, except that for employees compensated under local compensation plans established under section 3968 of this title the amount shall be equal to the greater of either one year's salary at the time of death, or one year's basic salary at the highest step of the highest grade on the local compensation plan from which the employee was being paid at the time of death" for "at the time of death".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–76, §7082(a)(2), (3), added subsec. (b) and redesignated former subsec. (b) as (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 113–76, §7082(a)(4), amended subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "A death gratuity payment under this section shall be made as follows:

"(1) First, to the widow or widower.

"(2) Second, to the child, or children in equal shares, if there is no widow or widower.

"(3) Third, to the dependent parent, or dependent parents in equal shares, if there is no widow, widower, or child.

"If there is no survivor entitled to payment under this subsection, no payment shall be made."

Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 113–76, §7082(a)(2), redesignated subsecs. (b) and (d) as (d) and (e), respectively.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Pub. L. 113–76, div. K, title VII, §7082(c), Jan. 17, 2014, 128 Stat. 567, provided that: "Notwithstanding any other provision of law, sections 413, 415, and 416 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 [22 U.S.C. 3973, 3975, 3976], as amended or added by this section, shall apply in the case of a Foreign Service employee or executive branch employee subject to the authority of the chief of mission pursuant to section 207 of the Foreign Service Act (22 U.S.C. 3927), serving at a United States diplomatic or consular mission abroad, who died on or after April 18, 1983, as a result of injuries sustained in an act of terrorism, as defined in section 140(d) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1998 and 1999 [probably means "1988 and 1989"] (22 U.S.C. 2656f(d))."

§3974. Border equalization pay adjustment

(a) In general

An employee who regularly commutes from the employee's place of residence in the continental United States to an official duty station in Canada or Mexico shall receive a border equalization pay adjustment equal to the amount of comparability payments under section 5304 of title 5 that the employee would receive if the employee were assigned to an official duty station within the United States locality pay area closest to the employee's official duty station.

(b) Employee defined

For purposes of this section, the term "employee" means a person who—

(1) is an "employee" as defined under section 2105 of title 5; and

(2) is employed by the Department of State, the United States Agency for International Development, or the International Joint Commission of the United States and Canada (established under Article VII of the treaty signed January 11, 1909) (36 Stat. 2448), except that the term shall not include members of the Service (as specified in section 3903 of this title).

(c) Treatment as basic pay

An equalization pay adjustment paid under this section shall be considered to be part of basic pay for the same purposes for which comparability payments are considered to be part of basic pay under section 5304 of title 5.

(d) Regulations

The heads of the agencies referred to in subsection (b)(2) may prescribe regulations to carry out this section.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §414, as added Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title III, §333(a)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-439.)

§3975. Group life insurance supplement applicable to those killed in terrorist attacks

(a) Foreign Service employees

(1) In general

Notwithstanding the amounts specified in chapter 87 of title 5, a Foreign Service employee who dies as a result of injuries sustained while on duty abroad because of an act of terrorism, as defined in section 2656f(d) of this title, shall be eligible for a special payment of $400,000, which shall be in addition to any employer provided life insurance policy coverage. In the case of an employee compensated under a local compensation plan established under section 3968 of this title, the amount of such payment shall be determined by regulations implemented by the Secretary of State and shall be no greater than $400,000. The group life insurance supplement employee benefit paid or scheduled to be paid pursuant to this section should not be used to reduce any other payment to which a recipient is otherwise eligible under Federal law.

(2) Designation of beneficiary

A payment made under paragraph (1) shall be made in accordance with the guidance issued under section 3973(c) of this title.

(b) Other executive agencies

The head of an executive agency shall provide the additional payment authorized by this section, consistent with the provisions set forth in subsection (a), with respect to any employee of that agency or of an individual in a special category serving in an uncompensated capacity for that agency who dies as a result of injuries sustained while on duty abroad because of an act of terrorism, as defined in section 2656f(d) of this title, while subject to the authority of the chief of mission pursuant to section 3927 of this title.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §415, as added Pub. L. 113–76, div. K, title VII, §7082(b)(1), Jan. 17, 2014, 128 Stat. 565; amended Pub. L. 114–113, div. K, title VII, §7034(d)(5)(A), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2763; Pub. L. 115–31, div. J, title VII, §7034(k)(8), May 5, 2017, 131 Stat. 651.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 2656f(d) of this title, referred to in subsecs. (a)(1) and (b), was in the original "section 140(d) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1998 and 1999", and was translated as meaning "section 140(d) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989", to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Amendments

2017—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 115–31, which directed amendment by adding "The group life insurance supplement employee benefit paid or scheduled to be paid pursuant to this section should not be used to reduce any other payment to which a recipient is otherwise eligible under Federal law." in par. (1) without specifying a particular location, was executed by inserting the amendment at the end of par. (1) to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

2015—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 114–113 substituted "a special payment of $400,000, which shall be in addition to any employer provided life insurance policy coverage" for "a payment from the United States in an amount that, when added to the amount of the employee's employer-provided group life insurance policy coverage (if any), equals $400,000".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section applicable in the case of a Foreign Service or executive branch employee subject to the authority of the chief of mission pursuant to section 3927 of this title, serving at a United States diplomatic or consular mission abroad, who died on or after April 18, 1983, as a result of injuries from an act of terrorism, as defined in section 2656f(d) of this title, see section 7082(c) of Pub. L. 113–76, set out as an Effective Date of 2014 Amendment note under section 3973 of this title.

Applicability

Pub. L. 114–113, div. K, title VII, §7034(d)(5)(B), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2763, provided that: "The insurance benefit under section 415 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3975), as amended by subparagraph (A), shall be applicable to eligible employees who die as a result of injuries sustained while on duty abroad because of an act of terrorism, as defined in section 140(d) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1998 and 1999 (22 U.S.C. 2656f(d)), anytime on or after April 18, 1983."

§3976. Survivors' and dependents' educational assistance

(a) Foreign Service employees

The Secretary shall, pursuant to guidance issued under section 3973(c) of this title, provide educational assistance to a beneficiary of any United States national Foreign Service employee who dies while on duty abroad as a result of an act of terrorism, as defined in section 2656f(d) of this title, to meet, in whole or in part, the expenses incurred by the beneficiary in pursuing a program of education at an educational institution, including subsistence, tuition, fees, supplies, books, equipment, and other educational costs.

(b) Other executive agencies

The head of an executive agency shall, pursuant to guidance issued under section 3973(c) of this title provide educational assistance authorized by this section to a beneficiary of any employee of that agency who dies as a result of an act of terrorism or terrorism, as defined in section 2656f(d) of this title, while on duty abroad and subject to the authority of the chief of mission pursuant to section 3927 of this title.

(c) Amount of assistance

Educational assistance under this section may be made available up to the amounts provided for in section 3532 of title 38, as adjusted by section 3564 of title 38, and for an aggregate period not in excess of 48 months.

(d) Program of education and educational institution defined

For purposes of this section, the terms "program of education" and "educational institution" have the meanings given the terms in section 3501 of title 38.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §416, as added Pub. L. 113–76, div. K, title VII, §7082(b)(1), Jan. 17, 2014, 128 Stat. 566.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 2656f(d) of this title, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b), was in the original "section 140(d) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1998 and 1999", and was translated as meaning "section 140(d) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989", to reflect the probable intent of Congress.