Overview
- A new AFSA survey of more than 2,100 members conducted in August–September found 98% reported a decline in morale and 86% said policy changes have made it harder to carry out U.S. foreign policy.
- Respondents cited tighter budgets, heavier workloads and delayed or suspended projects, with many reporting diminished credibility with foreign counterparts.
- AFSA estimates roughly one-quarter of active Foreign Service officers have left government this year, and nearly a third of respondents said they have changed their career plans or are considering early departures.
- The State Department issued July RIF notices to about 246 Foreign Service officers and more than 1,000 civil service staff; affected employees were told this week that terminations will be finalized on December 5.
- AFSA argues finalizing the layoffs violates the current funding measure’s RIF restrictions, while the State Department says the process began lawfully before the funding lapse and cites OMB and DOJ opinions in its defense.