Bill · H.R. 2602· House(119-HR-2602)
Defending American Diplomacy Act
- Introduced
- 4/2/2025
- Last activity
- 4/2/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Sydney Kamlager-Dove
- Cosponsors
- - 40 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Defending American Diplomacy Act" aims to prevent the Executive branch from reorganizing the Department of State without specific congressional approval. Under this bill, no reorganization can take effect unless there is enacted statutory authorization and a detailed plan is submitted to congressional committees. If the Secretary of State implements a reorganization without following these rules, certain funds will be withheld. Specifically, funds could be blocked for the Department of Government Efficiency, and funds for official travel by political appointees could be frozen. This bill ensures that any changes to the Department of State undergo strict scrutiny.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Oversight of Department Changes: By requiring specific statutory authorization and a detailed plan, the bill ensures that any reorganization of the Department of State is subject to congressional approval before it happens (Section 2(a)).
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Protection of Diplomatic Functions: The requirement for an analysis of potential impacts helps ensure that consular services, visa processing times, and the delivery of humanitarian assistance are considered before changes are made (Section 3(3)).
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Protection of Workforce Rights: The bill requires a certification that no federal laws or regulations will be violated during a reorganization, specifically ensuring that affected employees' rights and protections remain intact (Section 3(8)).
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Risk Mitigation for National Interests: The mandate for an assessment of risks allows the government to consider how competitors might capitalize on downsizing and which diplomatic relationships might become vulnerable (Section 3(5)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Financial Penalties for Noncompliance: If the Secretary of State implements a reorganization without meeting the required conditions, the bill prohibits federal funds from being used for the activity of the Department of Government Efficiency (Section 2(b)(1)).
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Restrictions on Official Travel: In cases of noncompliance, the bill prevents the use of appropriated funds for official travel by any politically appointed official within the Department of State (Section 2(b)(2)).
- 9/26/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/2/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/21/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/10/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 6/11/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 5/13/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 4/30/2025
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- 4/7/2025
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- 4/3/2025
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- 4/2/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 21 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Gabe AmoDemocrat · Rhode Island
Ami BeraDemocrat · California
Wesley BellDemocrat · Missouri
Emanuel CleaverDemocrat · Missouri
Steve CohenDemocrat · Tennessee
Gerald ConnollyDemocrat · Virginia
Joaquin CastroDemocrat · Texas
Gilbert CisnerosDemocrat · California
Troy CarterDemocrat · Louisiana
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormickDemocrat · Florida
Lizzie FletcherDemocrat · Texas
John GaramendiDemocrat · California
Daniel GoldmanDemocrat · New York
Henry JohnsonDemocrat · Georgia
Pramila JayapalDemocrat · Washington
Sara JacobsDemocrat · California
Jonathan JacksonDemocrat · Illinois
Julie JohnsonDemocrat · Texas
William KeatingDemocrat · Massachusetts
Ro KhannaDemocrat · California
Ted LieuDemocrat · California
James McGovernDemocrat · Massachusetts
Kweisi MfumeDemocrat · Maryland
Gregory MeeksDemocrat · New York
LaMonica McIverDemocrat · New Jersey
Sarah McBrideDemocrat · Delaware
Jerrold NadlerDemocrat · New York
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Johnny OlszewskiDemocrat · Maryland
Chellie PingreeDemocrat · Maine
Greg StantonDemocrat · Arizona
Dina TitusDemocrat · Nevada
Paul TonkoDemocrat · New York
Rashida TlaibDemocrat · Michigan
Jill TokudaDemocrat · Hawaii
Shri ThanedarDemocrat · Michigan
Nydia VelázquezDemocrat · New York
Nikema WilliamsDemocrat · Georgia
Bonnie Watson ColemanDemocrat · New Jersey
James WalkinshawDemocrat · Virginia