Maria Salazar (R-FL)
To provide for the political affairs authorities of the Department of State, and for other purposes.
A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 49 - 0.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
H.R. 5246 establishes and defines several leadership roles within the Department of State to manage foreign policy. It creates an Under Secretary for Political Affairs and specific Assistant Secretary roles for Africa, Near Eastern Affairs, and East Asian and Pacific Affairs. The bill also establishes Ambassadors-at-Large for the Arctic and the Indian Ocean Region. Additionally, it authorizes the creation of a Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs and a temporary unit to counter the influence of the People's Republic of China.
Yes· 3 of 12
- Scored +7
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?
Creates specific roles (Ambassadors-at-Large) to enhance diplomatic representation and coordination.
- Scored +5
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?
Establishes dedicated leadership for regional diplomacy and strategic engagement across Africa, Asia, and the Arctic.
- Scored +4
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
Requires notification and justification to Congress before changing bureau jurisdictions.
The opposite
- Scored -1
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?
The bill authorizes additional appropriations for new leadership roles and bureaus.
- Scored -1
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill creates new administrative positions and funding units, increasing government spending.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Environmental and Economic Oversight in the Arctic: The establishment of an Ambassador-at-Large for the Arctic focuses on environmental conservation, energy exploration, trade, and infrastructure (Sec. 304).
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Strategic Coordination in the Indian Ocean: The Ambassador-at-Large for the Indian Ocean Region is tasked with ensuring continuity in diplomatic efforts and assistance programs across that region (Sec. 305).
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Government Accountability: The bill requires the Under Secretary for Political Affairs to notify congressional committees 15 days before changing the jurisdiction of regional bureaus, including providing a justification for the change (Sec. 303).
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Efficiency and Waste Reduction: The Director of the Countering PRC Influence Fund Unit is authorized to conduct monitoring and evaluation to maximize government efficiency and reduce risks of fraud and waste (Sec. 309).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Financial Burden: The bill authorizes the use of funds for the Under Secretary for Political Affairs for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 (Sec. 302) and for the Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs (Sec. 307).
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Focus on Confrontation: The establishment of the Countering PRC Influence Fund Unit focuses specifically on degrading the ability of China or its entities to conduct influence operations (Sec. 309).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — Creates specific roles (Ambassadors-at-Large) to enhance diplomatic representation and coordination. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — Establishes dedicated leadership for regional diplomacy and strategic engagement across Africa, Asia, and the Arctic. Does this make trade with other countries easier? — The Ambassador for the Arctic is specifically tasked with trade and economic development. Does this send more money or help to other countries? — The bill focuses on coordinating assistance programs in the Indian Ocean region.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Requires notification and justification to Congress before changing bureau jurisdictions. Does this give the federal government more power? — Expands the organizational structure and authority within the federal Department of State.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The Ambassador for the Arctic is responsible for environmental conservation. Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests? — Focus on Arctic infrastructure development and maintenance may affect land use management.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Potential for expanded trade opportunities in the Arctic and Indian Ocean regions.
- Education And Technology
- Does this make patent and copyright rules fairer? — The CPIF Unit targets PRC activities that include theft of intellectual property.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — Focus on Arctic trade and economic development may provide growth opportunities. Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — Includes monitoring and evaluation to reduce fraud and waste in the CPIF Unit. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill creates new administrative positions and funding units, increasing government spending. Does this reduce what the federal government owes? — The bill authorizes additional appropriations for new leadership roles and bureaus.
- 9/18/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 49 - 0.
- 9/17/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 9/10/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Introduced in House