BOOST American Business Act
To help American offices and businesses compete globally, this bill increases on-the-ground support for U.S. companies looking to sell their goods and services internationally. It establishes a specialized Commercial Diplomatic Service within the State Department with a goal of hiring 750 officers by 2028. These diplomats will guide U.S. companies through foreign laws, protect intellectual property, and assist with federal export finance applications. To fill these roles quickly, the State Department will have temporary authority to bypass traditional hiring rules to directly hire experienced trade experts for the next ten years.
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Introduced in House
- Introduced in House
The provisions, in plain language.
The State Department must designate specific domestic and international positions as "commercial diplomacy" jobs, while taking corporate-level compensation practices into account to attract and keep qualified officers.
Within 180 days, the State Department must develop and begin a standardized commercial diplomacy training program for all members of the Commercial Diplomatic Service.
For 10 years following the bill's passage, the Director General of the Foreign and Commercial Diplomatic Service may directly hire qualified candidates into the Commercial Diplomatic Service, bypassing standard hiring procedures.
Within 180 days, the Director General must submit a strategic plan to Congress detailing how the agency will attract, retain, and promote commercial diplomacy officers to senior leadership roles.
Who it helps · who it burdens.
Who it helps
- US exporters and businessesThey receive specialized support, market intelligence, introductions to foreign contacts, and assistance with foreign governments and federal export finance programs from the newly established Commercial Diplomatic Service.
- Commercial diplomacy officersThey receive specialized standardized training, compensation that accounts for private-sector corporate pay, and a clear career path for promotion to senior leadership.
- Job applicants for commercial diplomacy rolesQualified candidates can be hired directly into the Commercial Diplomatic Service, bypassing standard, lengthier hiring procedures for 10 years.
Who it burdens
- Department of StateThe department must designate specific commercial diplomacy positions, adjust job classifications to reflect corporate compensation, and design and launch a new standardized training program within 180 days.
- Director General of the Foreign and Commercial Diplomatic ServiceRequired to draft and submit a strategic plan to Congress within 180 days detailing recruitment, retention, and promotion tracks for commercial diplomacy officers.