Bill · H.R. 5251· House(119-HR-5251)
To provide for the public diplomacy 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: 48 - 0.
- Sponsored by
- Bill Huizenga
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill establishes a new Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy within the Department of State to lead global public diplomacy and information operations. It creates two supporting roles: an Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs and an Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications. The bill outlines responsibilities for managing educational exchanges, countering foreign censorship, and coordinating messaging across various government agencies. It also provides funding authorizations for these positions for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Additionally, it repeals a specific limitation on funds for international expositions and reclassifies certain sections of the United States Code.
Yes· 3 of 8
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?+6
It establishes comprehensive leadership structures for global public diplomacy and educational exchanges.
Would students be better off under this?+5
Supports educational and professional exchange programs specifically for students.
Does this get reliable internet to more people?+5
The bill mandates advancing tools to circumvent censorship and advocating for internet freedom globally.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Global Access to Information: The bill directs the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy to ensure global access to free information and counter foreign censorship (SEC. 701(b)(1)).
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Support for Media and Internet Freedom: The Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications is tasked with supporting independent and investigative media, advocating for internet freedom, and advancing tools to circumvent censorship (SEC. 721(b)(5)-(7)).
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Educational and Professional Opportunities: The bill maintains the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to administer programs for students, youth, and professional leaders (SEC. 711(b)(1) and SEC. 712).
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Increased Efficiency: The Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs is responsible for reducing overhead and administrative spending costs for programs (SEC. 711(b)(4)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Government Influence on Media: The Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy is responsible for assisting United States-funded media to present U.S. policies and submitting editorial material to those media outlets (SEC. 701(b)(5)-(6)).
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Foreign Information Operations: The bill authorizes the Department of State to conduct information operations targeting foreign audiences (SEC. 701(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.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Students+5Good For Young Adults+4
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Diplomatic Engagement+6Improves International Alliances+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+4Increases Federal Power+2
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+4
- 9/18/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 48 - 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