This bill aims to enhance the authorities and organizational structure of the Department of State under the Secretary of State. It authorizes the Secretary to establish various positions within the Office of the Secretary, such as a Chief of Staff, Counselor, and Executive Secretariat, to improve situational awareness and decision-making. These foundational changes are designed to streamline the management of the Department. A significant provision establishes the United States Ambassador to the United Nations with the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, reporting directly to the Secretary of State. This Ambassador is tasked with implementing a unified U.S. strategic policy within the UN system. Key responsibilities include identifying and holding accountable Member States engaged in malign influence operations , opposing their nationals for leadership roles in UN entities, and supporting Taiwan's membership or meaningful participation in relevant UN bodies. The bill also establishes the United States Mission to the United Nations , outlining its composition and coordination with Department bureaus to ensure a coherent U.S. foreign policy. The legislation further authorizes the establishment of several crucial bureaus and offices to support the Secretary and Deputy Secretary. These include the Bureau of Legislative Affairs , responsible for congressional engagement; the Bureau of Intelligence and Research , overseeing intelligence analysis; and the Office of Policy Planning , providing independent policy analysis and strategic guidance. Additionally, the bill establishes the Office of the Legal Adviser for legal counsel, the Office of Protocol for diplomatic etiquette, and the Office of the Spokesperson for domestic communications. The Secretary may delegate coordination responsibilities for these bureaus to the Deputy Secretary. To enhance crisis response and contingency planning, the bill mandates the establishment of a Red Team Capability within the Department, with regular reporting requirements. Finally, the legislation authorizes appropriations for the Department of State for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, allocating funds to the various newly defined positions, bureaus, and offices. It also requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to Congress detailing unfunded priorities of the Department, outlining their objectives, funding needs, and prioritization.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 27 - 20.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended).
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 27 - 20.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended).
International Affairs
AsiaCongressional-executive branch relationsCongressional oversightDepartment of StateDiplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroadExecutive agency funding and structureFederal officialsIntelligence activities, surveillance, classified informationInternational organizations and cooperationNews media and reportingTaiwanUnited Nations
To provide for the authorities of the Secretary of State.
USA119th CongressHR-5244| House
| Updated: 9/19/2025
This bill aims to enhance the authorities and organizational structure of the Department of State under the Secretary of State. It authorizes the Secretary to establish various positions within the Office of the Secretary, such as a Chief of Staff, Counselor, and Executive Secretariat, to improve situational awareness and decision-making. These foundational changes are designed to streamline the management of the Department. A significant provision establishes the United States Ambassador to the United Nations with the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, reporting directly to the Secretary of State. This Ambassador is tasked with implementing a unified U.S. strategic policy within the UN system. Key responsibilities include identifying and holding accountable Member States engaged in malign influence operations , opposing their nationals for leadership roles in UN entities, and supporting Taiwan's membership or meaningful participation in relevant UN bodies. The bill also establishes the United States Mission to the United Nations , outlining its composition and coordination with Department bureaus to ensure a coherent U.S. foreign policy. The legislation further authorizes the establishment of several crucial bureaus and offices to support the Secretary and Deputy Secretary. These include the Bureau of Legislative Affairs , responsible for congressional engagement; the Bureau of Intelligence and Research , overseeing intelligence analysis; and the Office of Policy Planning , providing independent policy analysis and strategic guidance. Additionally, the bill establishes the Office of the Legal Adviser for legal counsel, the Office of Protocol for diplomatic etiquette, and the Office of the Spokesperson for domestic communications. The Secretary may delegate coordination responsibilities for these bureaus to the Deputy Secretary. To enhance crisis response and contingency planning, the bill mandates the establishment of a Red Team Capability within the Department, with regular reporting requirements. Finally, the legislation authorizes appropriations for the Department of State for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, allocating funds to the various newly defined positions, bureaus, and offices. It also requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to Congress detailing unfunded priorities of the Department, outlining their objectives, funding needs, and prioritization.