Foreign Service Age Integration and Reform (FAIR) Act of 2026

The Foreign Service Age Integration and Reform (FAIR) Act of 2026 aims to update the mandatory retirement age for career members of the U.S. Foreign Service. Under current law, these diplomats are generally required to retire at age 65. This bill proposes increasing that age to 67, or to the full retirement age defined by the Social Security Act, whichever is higher. This change would align the Foreign Service's personnel policies with modern federal retirement standards and longevity trends.

If enacted, the bill would allow experienced diplomats to serve longer in their roles, potentially strengthening the nation's diplomatic corps by retaining veteran expertise. Proponents suggest this shift would also ensure that Foreign Service officers can qualify for full Social Security benefits upon retirement, a milestone that currently requires working past the existing mandatory retirement age. By reducing the need to recruit and train new staff to replace forced retirees, the bill also aims to lower long-term administrative and training costs for the State Department.