Department of State Policy Provisions Act
Department of State Policy Provisions Act
Plain Language Summary
# Department of State Policy Provisions Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** HR 5300 would establish various policies and initiatives for how the U.S. State Department conducts its operations and international relations. Key provisions include directives to avoid using buildings owned or controlled by China, launching a new trade and investment initiative with African nations, and developing security strategies for 13 Caribbean countries. The bill would also create a program to help foreign countries evaluate foreign investments for national security threats. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects the State Department and its operations, but its policies would have broader impacts on U.S.
relations with Africa, the Caribbean, and China. American businesses involved in trade with Africa could benefit from the new investment initiatives, while foreign governments would be supported in reviewing foreign investments. **Current Status:** HR 5300 is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House. It was introduced by Representative Brian Mast (R-FL). The bill addresses a wide range of foreign policy areas including technology, trade, security, and diplomatic relations across multiple regions.
CRS Official Summary
Department of State Policy Provisions ActThis bill sets policy for the Department of State in the areas of departmental management, political affairs, international security affairs, economic affairs, foreign assistance, and public diplomacy.Among other elements, the bill requires the State Department or organizations within the State Department toavoid or minimize use of certain buildings constructed, altered, maintained, repaired, owned, or controlled by an entity owned or controlled by China or its instrumentalities or agents;establish an initiative to increase two-way trade and investment between the United States and Africa;develop a strategy and implementation plan to enhance security in 13 specified Caribbean countries, including by promoting citizen safety and the rule of law;establish an initiative to assist foreign countries in screening foreign investments for national security risks to such countries, including by providing technical assistance, training, and advisory services regarding best practices;establish and maintain a program to recruit, train, and retain specialized disaster assistance professionals within the State Department; andprovide Congress with a five-year strategy on leveraging major sporting events hosted in the United States to enhance U.S. soft power, diplomatic relationships, and global leadership. Additionally, the billauthorizes the President to provide certain types of assistance to foreign countries to enhance the ability of their intelligence and military personnel to deter international terrorism; andauthorizes the extension of certain diplomatic immunities to the Pacific Islands Forum (a regional political and economic policy organization with 18 member nations).
Latest Action
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 27 - 24.