HR 2602119th CongressIn Committee

Defending American Diplomacy Act

Introduced: Apr 2, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

Defending American Diplomacy Act would require that any reorganization of the Department of State can only proceed if Congress has enacted specific statutory authorization and the Secretary of State submits a detailed plan to Congress for review. The bill establishes a formal, multi-part plan requirement, limits how such reorganizations can be implemented, and imposes penalties if the administration proceeds without proper congressional approval. The goal is to strengthen congressional oversight over changes to the State Department’s structure, personnel, and mission, with an emphasis on ensuring that reorganizations are justified, carefully planned, and aligned with U.S. foreign policy objectives.

Key Points

1Prohibition on implementation without approval: No State Department reorganization may take effect unless (a) there is specific statutory authorization and (b) the Secretary of State provides a detailed plan to appropriate congressional committees.
2Detailed plan requirements: If a reorganization is deemed necessary, the Secretary must submit a plan covering at least eight elements, including description and justification, new responsibilities and required competencies, impacts on foreign policy and operations (diplomatic footprint, consular services, multilateral commitments, security cooperation, intelligence posture, interagency coordination, and development/humanitarian work), implementation timeline, and workforce impact with transition and compensation details.
3Consequences for noncompliance: If the Comptroller General certifies that a reorganization was implemented unlawfully, funds to the Department of Government Efficiency could be cut, and funds for official travel by politically appointed Department officials could be restricted.
4Definition of “reorganization” and scope: The bill uses a definition aligned with prior requirements for consultation and notification (referencing the statutory framework in Public Law 118-47) and defines “appropriate congressional committees” as the House Foreign Affairs and Appropriations Committees and the Senate Foreign Relations and Appropriations Committees.
5Sponsor and referral: Introduced in the House on April 2, 2025, by Rep. Kamlager-Dove with multiple cosponsors, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: The U.S. Department of State and its workforce, including political appointees, civil service personnel, and diplomatic operations abroad. The bill also directly affects the Secretary of State’s ability to reorganize the department without congressional input.Secondary group/area affected: The U.S. Congress (specifically the Foreign Affairs/Appropriations committees in both chambers), which would gain enhanced oversight role and access to detailed planning documents before any reorganization could proceed.Additional impacts:- Potentially slower or more cumbersome reorganizations of the State Department due to the requirement of statutory authorization and a comprehensive plan.- Increased emphasis on evaluating how reorganizations affect diplomatic capabilities, consular services, military/security cooperation, intelligence posture, and development/humanitarian objectives.- Financial and administrative implications, including possible restrictions on funds and travel for politically appointed officials if compliance is not met.- Clearer risk assessment framework for long-term diplomatic relationships and competition with other nations.

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