Brian Mast (R-FL)
Department of State Policy Provisions Act
A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 27 - 24.
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
The Department of State Policy Provisions Act is a legislative measure designed to guide United States foreign policy and manage Department of State operations. It establishes new authorities for countering wrongful detention and creates several strategic programs, such as the Arctic Watchs Program and the Strengthening Commercial Diplomacy in Africa Initiative. The bill modifies various international assistance, security, and economic policies, addressing global fragility, port modernization, and subsea infrastructure security. It also establishes frameworks for international narcotics compacts, nuclear energy cooperation, and artificial intelligence security strategies. Furthermore, the legislation introduces development innovation programs and sports diplomacy to leverage major sporting events. Ultimately, the act seeks to modernize the Department's strategic approach to global presence and enterprise management.
Yes· 3 of 23
- Scored +5
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
The bill establishes a pilot program specifically to help veterans transition into careers within the Department of State.
- Scored +5
Does this protect the freedom to practise a religion?
The bill directs the Secretary to prepare an annual report on international religious freedom and implement policies to protect it.
- Scored +5
Does this make it easier to run a small business?
The bill establishes a Global Small Business Network program and grants to assist small business concerns in international commerce.
The opposite
- Scored -4
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill reduces the required percentage of contributions to the Global Fund and decreases funding for PEPFAR through global health compacts.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Countering Wrongful Detention: The Secretary can designate countries as State Sponsors of Unlawful or Wrongful Detention to protect United States nationals who are detained abroad (Section 102).
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Veterans Employment: A new pilot program within the Bureau of Diplomatic Security aims to create a pathway for transitioning service members and veterans into jobs within the Department (Section 210).
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Support for American Artists: The bill requires that any art purchased for the permanent collection of the Art in Embassies program must be created by a citizen of the United States (Section 218).
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Economic Opportunities in Africa: The Strengthening Commercial Diplomacy in Africa Initiative is designed to increase trade and investment, which can promote economic growth and job creation (Section 304).
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Assistance for Oppressed Groups: The act authorizes assistance for individuals from oppressed ethnic groups in the People's Republic of China, including medical, physical, and psychological support (Section 315).
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Regional Security and Stability: The Caribbean Basin Security Initiative aims to promote citizen safety, security, and the rule of law in beneficiary countries (Section 318).
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Improved Global Food Security: The bill authorizes demining activities to help populations in places like Ukraine safely use land for agriculture (Section 402).
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Enhanced Safety from Explosives: Provisions for demining and weapons stockpile security aim to save lives and allow people to return to their homes and land safely (Section 402).
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Modernized Border Infrastructure: The act modifies provisions to include land ports of entry for international bridges between the U.S. and Mexico or Canada (Section 328).
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Increased Security for Subsea Infrastructure: A new strategy will be developed to protect subsea infrastructure from interference and damage (Section 401).
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Support for Small Businesses: The establishment of a Global Small Business Network program is intended to help U.S. small businesses export to foreign markets (Section 506).
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Improved Maternal and Child Health: The bill authorizes the "Safe Passages Maternal and Child Health Program" to reduce mortality through training and resource assistance (Section 622).
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Combatting Malnutrition: The legislation authorizes assistance to monitor and treat malnutrition globally to protect vulnerable populations (Section 601).
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Protection of Religious Freedom: The bill requires an annual report to provide detailed information on the status of religious freedom and the protection of rights (Section 602).
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Improved Global Health Outcomes: The implementation of programs prioritizing the first 1,000 days of life—from conception to two years of age—could benefit maternal and child health in resource-limited settings (Section 622).
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Innovation in Development: The Development Innovation Ventures Program provides flexible funding for researchers to test new ideas that can improve millions of lives on a cost-effective basis (Section 624).
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Protection of Cultural Heritage: The Cultural Heritage Coordinating Committee and its task forces aim to protect international cultural property, which can include sites and objects at risk from conflict or natural disasters (Section 703).
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Enhanced Economic and Diplomatic Opportunities through Sports: The sports diplomacy strategy aims to partner with host cities, athletes, and the sports industry to forge new diplomatic connections and expand commercial engagement (Section 704).
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Streamlined Travel for Athletes: The sports diplomacy plan includes a requirement to ensure expeditious and secure visa processing for athletes, their families, and staff (Section 704).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Travel Restrictions for Terrorists: The bill grants the Secretary of State the authority to refuse to issue or to revoke the passports of individuals who have provided material support to foreign terrorist organizations (Section 226).
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Economic Impact on Zimbabwe: The repeal of the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act of 2001 includes conditions that could halt United States support for funding to the Government of Zimbabwe (Section 303).
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Potential Burden on Information Access: Changes to the Information Facilities and Access Restriction process could impact how personnel access information following a security clearance suspension (Section 209).
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Environmental Oversight Restrictions: The bill mandates that the Secretary shall not compile or consider certain environmental documents regarding Presidential permits for international bridges or land ports of entry (Section 328).
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Increased Risk of Unintended Transfers: The expansion of counterterrorism authorities to include "military" and "intelligence" assistance may impact how assistance is utilized (Section 406).
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Economic Burden of Compacts: Under the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Compact, eligible countries are required to identify a contribution to the compact from their own national budget (Section 409).
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Potential Loss of Global Health Funding: The "Global Health Compact" framework includes a plan to phase out and reduce United States funding for certain programs to encourage country ownership (Section 617).
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Funding Prohibitions: The bill explicitly prohibits any funds from being used for the Global Health Worker Initiative (Section 621).
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Increased Administrative and Reporting Burdens: Various sections require numerous reports to be submitted to congressional committees, such as those regarding the Development Innovation Ventures Program (Section 624), media effectiveness (Section 702), sports diplomacy (Section 704), and the suppression of speech (Section 706).
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Potential Risks in Early-Stage Research: While the Development Innovation Ventures Program uses evidence-tiered funding to mitigate risk at later stages, the program explicitly allows for risk-taking at early stages (Section 624).
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 veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The bill establishes a pilot program specifically to help veterans transition into careers within the Department of State. Would business owners be better off under this? — The Global Small Business Network program is designed to support small business owners expanding into foreign markets. Would children be better off under this? — The Safe Passages Maternal and Child Health Program and nutrition assistance prioritize the needs of children. Would women be better off under this? — The bill prioritizes maternal and child health programs, including support for pregnant and lactating women. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — The bill provides specific support and accountability measures related to the Uyghur ethnic group. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill allocates resources toward global health and development programs that benefit low-income populations.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this protect the freedom to practise a religion? — The bill directs the Secretary to prepare an annual report on international religious freedom and implement policies to protect it. Does this tighten control of the border? — The act modifies provisions to include land ports of entry for international bridges between the U.S. and Mexico or Canada. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — The bill authorizes assistance to monitor and treat malnutrition globally and funds development innovation ventures.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect the individual right to speak freely? — The bill mandates reports on transnational repression of speech to protect individuals' ability to speak freely. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires numerous reports to various congressional committees to ensure oversight of Department programs and foreign assistance. Does this protect people from being watched or searched? — The bill includes requirements for pre-approval for certain digital communications interceptions.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill establishes security cooperation groups with Israel, Greece, and Cyprus, and strengthens ties through various security and economic initiatives. Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill establishes a pilot program within the Bureau of Diplomatic Security to create a pathway for transitioning service members and veterans into jobs. Does this send more money or help to other countries? — The bill authorizes various assistance programs including demining, maternal health, and Uyghur genocide accountability.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill establishes a Global Small Business Network program and grants to assist small business concerns in international commerce. Is this likely to grow the economy? — The Strengthening Commercial Diplomacy in Africa Initiative is designed to promote economic growth through increased two-way trade. Is this likely to create jobs? — The Strengthening Commercial Diplomacy in Africa Initiative aims to promote job creation through increased trade and investment. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill reduces the required percentage of contributions to the Global Fund and decreases funding for PEPFAR through global health compacts.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this repair or build roads and bridges? — The bill includes provisions for the modernization of international bridges and ports of entry between the U.S. and its neighbors. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill authorizes demining activities to help populations safely use land for agriculture.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The bill establishes the Safe Passages Maternal and Child Health Program to reduce mortality in low-income countries. Does this make the country readier for the next outbreak? — The bill mandates continued data sharing with the WHO and participation in CEPI to strengthen global health security.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill provides funding for the Development Innovation Ventures Program and promotes strategies to preserve U.S. leadership in AI through research.
- 9/18/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 27 - 24.
- 9/17/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 9/11/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Introduced in House
5 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.