Diplomacy
State Department restores passport processing to pre-pandemic levels
A hiring surge and mandatory overtime has brought passport processing down to its lowest level in years.
State Dept. employees praise Biden administration for encouraging dissent
The administration has faced some criticism for censoring employee speech related to the Israel-Gaza conflict, but staff say internal channels are open for disagreement.
Henry Kissinger has died. The titan of US foreign policy changed the world, for better or worse
The former secretary of state and national security advisor was 100.
State Dept. expands capacity for training and onboarding amid hiring surge
Middle East war demonstrates need for a competent diplomatic workforce, State Secretary Antony Blinken says.
Passport Processing Remains Strained Despite Record Pace and a Hiring Spurt
The State Department cannot give an estimate for when the outlook will improve.
Marines Update Evacuation Playbook
A pre-deployment exercise allowed the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit to practice what they learned from the Afghanistan withdrawal and other non-combatant evacuation operations.
State, Union Say Complying With House Subpoena Would Create Chilling Effect on Career Staff
The department said turning over a protected communication on the Afghanistan withdrawal would undermine its "unique way" for employees to "speak truth to power."
State to End Severe Restrictions on Disabled Individuals Entering Foreign Service
The department will pay out $37.5 million as part of a settlement that will make it easier for people with disabilities to serve in the government's diplomatic corps abroad.
Unfrozen: How the State Department Has Reversed Its ‘Draconian’ Cuts in Just Two Years
Biden promised to revive a "hollowed out" federal workforce, and at one agency, he has.
State Department Opens Up Refugee Sponsorship to Individual Americans
The Biden administration, having bemoaned its internal shortfalls, leans on others outside government to meet the president's lofty admission goals.
State Department Releases its Roadmap for Increasing Diversity and Equity
The department also announced last month a new, paid fellowship and internship program aimed at bringing individuals with diverse backgrounds to the department.
Biden Administration at Odds With the IG Over the Scrutiny Afghans Received Before Entering the U.S.
DHS cannot be sure it properly screened the evacuees, the IG said, raising the possibility it admitted "criminals, suspected terrorists or other nefarious actors."
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