Bill · H.R. 4691· House(119-HR-4691)
Responsive Counterterrorism Policy Act
- Introduced
- 7/23/2025
- Last activity
- 7/23/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Michael Lawler
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Responsive Counterterrorism Policy Act," directs the Department of State's Bureau of Counterterrorism to create written strategies for specific areas. These strategies are required for countries or regions facing significant terrorist threats or where there is ongoing U.S. counterterrorism engagement. The goal is to improve the effectiveness, coordination, and accountability of United States counterterrorism policy. Each strategy is intended to be a forward-looking, operational planning document. Additionally, the Bureau must provide both an initial and annual briefing to Congress regarding these strategies.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+3
The bill mandates the development of strategies that specifically outline coordinated actions with international partners.
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?+3
The bill requires strategies to align with broader United States foreign policy goals and includes diplomatic engagement as a key outcome.
Does this put more money into stopping terrorism?+2
The bill requires the Bureau of Counterterrorism to inform programmatic funding through its new strategic planning process.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Policy Effectiveness and Accountability: The mandate for the Bureau of Counterterrorism to develop written strategies is intended to "enhance the effectiveness, coordination, and accountability of United States CT policy" (Section 2(a)(1)).
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Improved Coordination with Partners: The bill requires strategies to "outline coordinated actions with interagency partners and international partners" and "specifically describe how coordination with such partners will be carried out" (Section 2(b)(1)(A) and (B)).
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Informed Decision Making: Strategies must "take into account local political, economic, and social dynamics" to align with broader United States foreign policy goals (Section 2(b)(1)(C)).
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Adaptability to Changing Threats: The requirement to update strategies annually, or more frequently if "significant changes in threat dynamics or policy priorities occur," allows the policy to reflect "changes in operational context or strategic priorities" (Section 2(b)(4)).
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Congressional Oversight: The Bureau must brief Congress on the countries or regions prioritized for these strategies, as well as annual updates on their development and implementation (Section 2(c)(1) and (2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts or burdens are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Diplomatic Engagement+3Improves International Alliances+3Increases Counter Terrorism Funding+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2
- 7/23/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Introduced in House