We are pleased to announce that Congress passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) Wednesday that extends Overseas Comparability Pay (OCP) authority through December 20, 2024—meaning a lapse in OCP, as well as an imminent government shutdown, has been averted. The CR now goes to the president’s desk for signature into law. This successful outcome is due to our key allies in Congress, as well as our Foreign Service community, whose relentless advocacy ensured the pay of our overseas Foreign Service members was protected. A special thanks to all of you who raised your voices to make this outcome possible.  

AFSA's efforts helped get this extension on OCP over the finish line. We wrote letters to congressional leadership and worked with authorizers and appropriators to convince key decision makers. We encouraged three congressional letters to leadership urging OCP’s extension, resulting in a total of more than 30 bipartisan signatories. And our social media campaign helped rally public support. At the end of the day, we secured OCP's continuation in one of the few opportunities left available in a divided Congress.  

However, we want to acknowledge the stress and uncertainty this situation caused. We understand the impact it had on you, your families, and your ability to serve overseas. While this immediate crisis has been averted, AFSA remains committed to ensuring a lasting solution to OCP that guarantees equitable compensation permanently for our overseas Foreign Service members.  

What’s Next for AFSA’s OCP Advocacy 

• AFSA anticipates that the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which Congress has managed to pass annually for more than 60 years, will further extend OCP authority through September 30, 2026. Should this not happen via the NDAA, AFSA expects Congress to act through another legislative vehicle before the new deadline. For example, if another CR is all that Congress can agree on, AFSA is confident the OCP extension will remain included.   

• Once the risk of an unlikely lapse is avoided, AFSA will focus on securing a permanent solution for OCP. While authorizing and funding permanent OCP at the equivalent of full D.C. locality pay has faced resistance, the staunch support for extending its authorization in the CR highlights new momentum in Congress and an opportunity for AFSA. As such, we'll pursue the best legislative options to gain bipartisan support and secure funding. 

• We don't anticipate the a permanent authorization of OCP, and especially its funding, to be resolved immediately or even in the next two years. A divided Congress and narrow partisan margins have restricted most lawmaking to must-pass bills. Still, we are hopeful this crisis has opened a door, presenting an opportunity we fully intend to seize by prioritizing OCP as part of our advocacy strategy until we get it done.  

Please know that AFSA is committed to advocating for what you deserve—permanent OCP with full Washington, D.C. locality pay, not just two-thirds. We are grateful for your trust and partnership, and we will continue to listen, learn, and fight for the long-term stability and security of our Foreign Service community.  

You can always reach us at member@afsa.org.  

Thank you for all that you do.