State Department Integrity and Transparency Act

The State Department Integrity and Transparency Act seeks to enhance the professionalism and nonpartisan nature of the Department of State, particularly for senior officials like Chiefs of Mission and Assistant Secretaries. It emphasizes the critical need for detailed knowledge and experience in U.S. foreign policy to effectively advance national security and manage the federal workforce abroad, especially in the face of expanding global diplomatic presences from competitor nations.

To achieve this, the bill mandates that not fewer than 75 percent of Assistant Secretaries in the Department of State must have served in the Senior Foreign Service or Senior Executive Service. It also expands disclosure requirements for nominees to Chief of Mission or Assistant Secretary roles, requiring detailed reports on their knowledge of the principal language or dialect of the country or region, and their understanding of its history, culture, economics, politics, and interests, along with any relevant business interests.

Furthermore, the legislation introduces new financial disclosure requirements, defining terms like "bundled contribution" and "immediate family." Nominees must disclose all bundled contributions facilitated by them, and these reports, along with "Certificates of Competency," must be published on a publicly available State Department website. The President is also required to certify to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that Chief of Mission nominees meet all qualifications and that any political contributions played no role in their nomination.

Finally, the bill places limitations on certain overseas appointments, stating that special appointments to a U.S. diplomatic mission, including Schedule B or C positions, may not exceed 90 days. An individual is also prohibited from holding more than one such position in a single calendar year, with these limitations taking effect on January 1, 2029.