Expeditionary Diplomacy Act

This bill, known as the "Expeditionary Diplomacy Act," aims to enhance the Department of State's ability to conduct expeditionary diplomacy , particularly in environments with elevated security risks. It mandates the Secretary of State to define this term within 90 days, consulting with external stakeholders, and to report on how the Department will apply this definition to improve its capabilities. The Comptroller General is then required to submit a comprehensive report within 18 months, detailing challenges to expeditionary diplomacy at the Department and U.S. posts. This report will assess the capacity of regional security officers , identify internal and external obstacles, evaluate existing initiatives, and provide recommendations to overcome these issues and improve personnel policies. A central provision establishes an Expeditionary Diplomacy Tiger Team within one year, led by a senior official, to produce recommendations enhancing the ability and willingness of Chiefs of Mission, Regional Security Officers, and Foreign Service members to regularly practice expeditionary diplomacy. The Tiger Team will collaborate with external stakeholders, assess challenges, and develop policy, regulatory, and legislative recommendations, with a final report due within two years. Additionally, the bill amends the Chief of Mission authority , requiring them to exercise appropriate risk management practices to encourage all relevant U.S. government employees to engage in expeditionary diplomacy and with local populations. It also includes a Sense of Congress that the President should promote effective risk management in diplomatic instructions to further encourage such engagement.