INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF PROMOTION POLICIES.

SEC. 9213. INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF PROMOTION POLICIES. Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a comprehensive review of the policies, personnel, organization, and processes related to promotions within the Department, including— (1) a review of— (A) the selection and oversight of Foreign Service promotion panels; and (B) the use of quantitative data and metrics in such panels; (2) an assessment of the promotion practices of the Department, including how promotion processes are communicated to the workforce and appeals processes; and (3) recommendations for improving promotion panels and promotion practices.