Bill · H.R. 5245· House(119-HR-5245)
To provide for the management authorities of the Department of State.
- Introduced
- 9/10/2025
- Last activity
- 9/18/2025 — Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 46 - 0.
- Sponsored by
- Michael Lawler
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill establishes and organizes the management authorities of the Department of State. It creates several key leadership roles and bureaus, including an Under Secretary for Management and bureaus for Administration, Diplomatic Technology, Consular Affairs, Diplomatic Security, Asset Management, and Human Resources. The bill defines the responsibilities for these offices, ranging from cybersecurity and personnel management to the protection of diplomatic facilities and the issuance of passports and visas. It also sets rules for the sale of historic furnishings and the management of foreign missions' real property in the U.S. Additionally, it authorizes funding for these positions for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
Yes· 3 of 10
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?+5
Establishes a Bureau of Diplomatic Technology focused on cybersecurity and digital infrastructure.
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?+3
Aims for more responsive and efficient consular services and better organized diplomatic management.
Does this tighten control of the border?+3
Enhances fraud detection for visas and passports and increases counter-intelligence capabilities.
The opposite
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?-3
Increases government ability to share and access interagency data for visa and passport screening.
Does this give people more control over their personal data?-2
Authorizes the Bureau of Consular Affairs to access information from any Federal agency for visa/passport adjudication.
Would immigrants be better off under this?-2
Increases screening and fraud detection capabilities for visa adjudication.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Protection of National Heritage: The Under Secretary for Management must conserve historic and artistic furnishings in the Harry S. Truman Federal Building to leave them for the use of the American people (Section 201(c)).
- Support for Families Abroad: The Assistant Secretary for Administration is tasked with promoting quality elementary and secondary education for dependents of U.S. citizens working for the government abroad (Section 211(b)(7)).
- Improved Consular Services: The bill aims to ensure the "responsive and efficient provision of consular services" both in the U.S. and overseas (Section 231(4)).
- Enhanced Security: The bill mandates substantive counter-intelligence training for Diplomatic Security agents in high-threat roles to better protect personnel and interests (Section 247).
- Fraud Prevention: The Bureau of Consular Affairs is authorized to access information from other Federal agencies to detect fraud and verify eligibility for passports and visas (Section 237(a)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Restrictions on Diplomatic Presence: The bill generally prohibits using funds to pay for the closing of U.S. consular or diplomatic posts abroad, which could limit the government's flexibility in managing its global footprint (Section 234(a)).
- Increased Costs for Facility Use: The government is authorized to charge fees for the use of the diplomatic reception rooms and the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center (Sections 257 and 265).
- Property Restrictions for Foreign Missions: The bill allows the U.S. government to require foreign missions to divest themselves of real property if it is deemed necessary to protect U.S. interests (Section 254(b)).
- Privacy Concerns: The authorization for the Bureau of Consular Affairs to obtain and use information from any Federal department or agency for visa and passport adjudication could be seen as a burden on individual privacy (Section 237(a)).
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 Cybersecurity Defense+5Improves Diplomatic Engagement+3Improves International Alliances+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+3Improves Childcare Affordability+3
- Education And Technology
- Improves Data Privacy-2
- Healthcare
- Improves Mental Health Access+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+3Good For Immigrants-2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2Increases Federal Power+2Improves Privacy Rights-3
- 9/18/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 46 - 0.
- 9/17/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 9/10/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House