Responsive Counterterrorism Policy Act

This legislation requires the Secretary of State to direct the Department of State's Bureau of Counterterrorism to develop and maintain comprehensive written counterterrorism (CT) strategies. These strategies are specifically for countries or regions where a significant terrorist threat exists or where there is ongoing United States CT engagement. The primary purpose is to enhance the effectiveness, coordination, and accountability of U.S. CT policy, serving as forward-looking, operational planning documents distinct from annual reports. Each strategy must identify specific threats, articulate clear objectives, and outline coordinated actions with both interagency and international partners. It also needs to describe metrics for assessing progress and success, while taking into account local political, economic, and social dynamics and aligning with broader U.S. foreign policy goals. The Bureau of Counterterrorism will serve as the lead entity for these strategies, which must be reviewed and updated annually or more frequently if threat dynamics or policy priorities change. Furthermore, the bill mandates congressional oversight, requiring the Bureau of Counterterrorism to provide an initial briefing within 90 days on the countries and regions selected for strategy development and the prioritization criteria. Annual briefings will also be conducted to inform Congress on the development, implementation, and updates of these strategies, including how they influence programmatic funding and diplomatic engagement.