Bills/H.R. 5251

To provide for the public diplomacy authorities of the Department of State, and for other purposes.

To provide for the public diplomacy authorities of the Department of State, and for other purposes.

In CommitteeForeign AffairsHouseHouse Bill · 119th Congress
Bill Progress · House
Introduced
Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Passed Both
Signed

Plain Language Summary

# Summary of HR 5251: Public Diplomacy Authorities Act **What the Bill Does:** This bill would establish or clarify the State Department's authority to conduct public diplomacy—activities designed to communicate U.S. values, policies, and culture to international audiences. The legislation appears to address how the State Department manages cultural exchanges, educational programs, media outreach, and digital communications with foreign populations. It also covers coordination between government agencies and private organizations on these efforts. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects the State Department and its ability to operate public diplomacy programs. It could influence Americans participating in international exchange programs, foreign students and cultural organizations, and international audiences reached through U.S.

government media and social media. Americans working abroad and foreign media organizations may also be impacted depending on the bill's specific provisions. **Current Status:** As of now, HR 5251 remains in committee and has not been passed by Congress. The bill was introduced by Representative Bill Huizenga (R-Michigan) in the 119th Congress. Without access to the full legislative text, the specific details of what authorities would be granted or modified cannot be determined from the available summary information.

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Latest Action

September 18, 2025

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 48 - 0.

Subjects

Area studies and international educationCultural exchanges and relationsDepartment of StateDiplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroadExecutive agency funding and structureFederal officialsInternet, web applications, social mediaNews media and reportingPublic-private cooperation

Sponsor

Key Dates

Introduced
September 10, 2025
Last Updated
September 18, 2025
Read Full Text on Congress.gov →
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