S.Amdt. 3791

This amendment, submitted by Mr. Risch and Mrs. Shaheen, aims to add a new section called the Department of State Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 to bill S. 2296. Its purpose is to establish new rules, reporting requirements, and programs for the Department of State.

The amendment seeks to change or add the following:

• Workforce and Personnel: It introduces new rules for vetting language instructors, provides monetary incentives for civil service employees to maintain foreign language skills, and requires the Secretary to look into "360-degree reviews" for promotions. It also directs the creation of policies for part-time work and job sharing.

• Organization and Oversight: It mandates more frequent briefings for Congress from the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, requires better support for congressional travel, and sets strict notification rules for when personnel are ordered to leave diplomatic posts.

• China and Global Strategy: It establishes a Regional China Officer program, requires reports on China's worldwide diplomatic presence, and creates a strategy to move supply chains away from the People's Republic of China. It also calls for a security review of the science and technology agreement with China.

• Technology and Security: It authorizes funds for data analytics and AI pilot programs, sets policies to oppose the misuse of commercial spyware, and requires annual reports on technology transformation projects.

• Diplomatic and Consular Affairs: It explores attaching consular officers to Navy and Coast Guard missions in Pacific island countries, requires a security report before reopening a mission in Syria, and provides a report on visa backlogs.

• Miscellaneous Updates: It extends overtime pay for protective services, modifies the HAVANA Act payment dates, and updates permitting for international bridges and land ports of entry.