Bill restructures State Department leadership over management and consular affairs
In markupH.R. 5245Latest action
Sponsor: Michael Lawler · Representative · NY
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: To provide for the management authorities of the Department of State.
119th Congress
Topics: Security & foreign affairs
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
The bill reorganizes State Department internal management and requires advance notice to Congress before closing embassies.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill reorganizes how the State Department manages internal operations like staffing, technology, security, buildings, and consular services. It formally establishes leadership roles such as an Under Secretary for Management and several Assistant Secretaries, each overseeing a bureau, and sets rules for embassy closures, consular fees, and background-check coordination.
Who does it affect?
It affects State Department employees, Foreign Service officers, and people using consular services like passport and visa applicants or Americans abroad. Foreign governments with U.S. diplomatic missions and Congress members on Foreign Affairs and Budget committees are also affected.
Why does it matter?
The bill increases by requiring advance notice before embassy closures, office transfers, or major consular changes. It primarily reshapes internal State Department operations rather than foreign policy.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Introduced in House” text of Sep 10, 2025.
After that text, a committee agreed on Sep 18, 2025 to send the bill to the full chamber with changes. This plain-language version may not reflect them.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedSep 10, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Sep 18, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 46 - 0.