Reading Room Document
Construction of Certain Statutory Provisions Relating to the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System
This document discusses the proper construction of certain statutory provisions relating to the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System. It explains the liberalized retirement provisions for certain Foreign Service personnel and the subsequent efforts by Congress to negate these provisions. The conclusion reached is that those who retired after the liberalized retirement benefits were passed but before the subsequent provisions came into effect are entitled to receive the benefits. The questions presented for review include whether the subsequent provisions should be applied prospectively or retrospectively, and whether Congress intended a retrospective repeal of the liberalized retirement benefits.
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