Shutdown Deal Gives Laid-Off U.S. Diplomats Hope for Reprieve

Shutdown Deal Gives Laid-Off U.S. Diplomats Hope for Reprieve

The continuing resolution could postpone the end for some State Department employees on leave.

Two visibly emotional women who have just been laid-off from their jobs move to embrace each other in front of a crowd of their former co-workers outside of the U.S. State Department. November 12, 2025, 5:38 PM Comment icon View Comments ( )

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A provision in the continuing funding resolution that the U.S. Congress is expected to shortly pass—ending the longest federal shutdown in U.S. history—has the union representing hundreds of diplomats laid off this summer hoping for a reprieve.

In July, the U.S. State Department sent layoff notices to more than 1,300 employees, includ