Bill Huizenga (R-MI)
To provide for the public diplomacy 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: 48 - 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
This bill establishes a new Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy within the Department of State to lead global public diplomacy and information operations. It creates two supporting roles: an Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs and an Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications. The bill outlines responsibilities for managing educational exchanges, countering foreign censorship, and coordinating messaging across various government agencies. It also provides funding authorizations for these positions for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Additionally, it repeals a specific limitation on funds for international expositions and reclassifies certain sections of the United States Code.
Yes· 3 of 8
- Scored +6
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?
It establishes comprehensive leadership structures for global public diplomacy and educational exchanges.
- Scored +5
Would students be better off under this?
Supports educational and professional exchange programs specifically for students.
- Scored +5
Does this get reliable internet to more people?
The bill mandates advancing tools to circumvent censorship and advocating for internet freedom globally.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Global Access to Information: The bill directs the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy to ensure global access to free information and counter foreign censorship (SEC. 701(b)(1)).
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Support for Media and Internet Freedom: The Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications is tasked with supporting independent and investigative media, advocating for internet freedom, and advancing tools to circumvent censorship (SEC. 721(b)(5)-(7)).
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Educational and Professional Opportunities: The bill maintains the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to administer programs for students, youth, and professional leaders (SEC. 711(b)(1) and SEC. 712).
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Increased Efficiency: The Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs is responsible for reducing overhead and administrative spending costs for programs (SEC. 711(b)(4)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Government Influence on Media: The Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy is responsible for assisting United States-funded media to present U.S. policies and submitting editorial material to those media outlets (SEC. 701(b)(5)-(6)).
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Foreign Information Operations: The bill authorizes the Department of State to conduct information operations targeting foreign audiences (SEC. 701(a)).
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.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would students be better off under this? — Supports educational and professional exchange programs specifically for students. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Provides opportunities through the administration of programs for youth and students.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — It establishes comprehensive leadership structures for global public diplomacy and educational exchanges. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill seeks to align messaging with G7 members and coordinate public diplomacy with international allies.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect the individual right to speak freely? — The bill focuses on countering foreign censorship and promoting free information globally. Does this give the federal government more power? — It creates new high-level federal positions within the Department of State to centralize public diplomacy.
- Education And Technology
- Does this get reliable internet to more people? — The bill mandates advancing tools to circumvent censorship and advocating for internet freedom globally.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life? — The bill directs the State Department to counter foreign censorship and advocate for internet freedom globally.
- 9/18/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 48 - 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