Bill · H.R. 5246· House(119-HR-5246)
To provide for the political affairs authorities of the Department of State, and for other purposes.
- Introduced
- 9/10/2025
- Last activity
- 9/18/2025 — Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 49 - 0.
- Sponsored by
- Maria Salazar
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
What this bill would do
H.R. 5246 establishes and defines several leadership roles within the Department of State to manage foreign policy. It creates an Under Secretary for Political Affairs and specific Assistant Secretary roles for Africa, Near Eastern Affairs, and East Asian and Pacific Affairs. The bill also establishes Ambassadors-at-Large for the Arctic and the Indian Ocean Region. Additionally, it authorizes the creation of a Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs and a temporary unit to counter the influence of the People's Republic of China.
Yes· 3 of 12
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?+7
Creates specific roles (Ambassadors-at-Large) to enhance diplomatic representation and coordination.
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+5
Establishes dedicated leadership for regional diplomacy and strategic engagement across Africa, Asia, and the Arctic.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+4
Requires notification and justification to Congress before changing bureau jurisdictions.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?-1
The bill authorizes additional appropriations for new leadership roles and bureaus.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-1
The bill creates new administrative positions and funding units, increasing government spending.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Environmental and Economic Oversight in the Arctic: The establishment of an Ambassador-at-Large for the Arctic focuses on environmental conservation, energy exploration, trade, and infrastructure (Sec. 304).
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Strategic Coordination in the Indian Ocean: The Ambassador-at-Large for the Indian Ocean Region is tasked with ensuring continuity in diplomatic efforts and assistance programs across that region (Sec. 305).
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Government Accountability: The bill requires the Under Secretary for Political Affairs to notify congressional committees 15 days before changing the jurisdiction of regional bureaus, including providing a justification for the change (Sec. 303).
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Efficiency and Waste Reduction: The Director of the Countering PRC Influence Fund Unit is authorized to conduct monitoring and evaluation to maximize government efficiency and reduce risks of fraud and waste (Sec. 309).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Financial Burden: The bill authorizes the use of funds for the Under Secretary for Political Affairs for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 (Sec. 302) and for the Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs (Sec. 307).
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Focus on Confrontation: The establishment of the Countering PRC Influence Fund Unit focuses specifically on degrading the ability of China or its entities to conduct influence operations (Sec. 309).
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+7Improves International Alliances+5Improves International Trade+3Increases Foreign Aid+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4Increases Federal Power+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+3Improves Public Land Management+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+2
- Education And Technology
- Improves Intellectual Property Fairness+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+1Improves Fiscal Responsibility+1Reduces Government Spending-1Reduces National Debt-1
- 9/18/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 49 - 0.
- 9/17/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 9/10/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Introduced in House