Tim Burchett (R-TN)
To require the Secretary of State to submit a notification to Congress prior to obligating funds for certain art-related purchases, and for other purposes.
A Republican bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 46 - 1.
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 requires the Secretary of State to provide notification to specific congressional committees before spending money on certain art-related items. This includes purchases under the Art in Embassies Program, residential design programs, and the Cultural Heritage Program. For any purchase or service exceeding $37,500, the Secretary must submit details such as a description, purpose, cost, and funding source. The notifications must be submitted at least 15 days before the funds are obligated. This ensures that the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations are informed of these expenditures.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill mandates specific details be provided to congressional committees to increase visibility into State Department spending.
- Scored +2
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?
By requiring notification before obligating funds, the bill promotes better fiscal oversight of State Department expenditures.
- Scored +1
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill implements oversight that may prevent unnecessary or excessive spending on art and design within diplomatic programs.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Oversight of Government Spending: By requiring the Secretary of State to submit a notification at least 15 days before obligating funds, the bill creates a mechanism for congressional committees to review costs and purposes for purchases exceeding $37,500 (Section 1(a), 1(b), and 1(c)).
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Transparency in Diplomatic Programs: The bill mandates that specific details, including a description of the art or service, the intended location, and the source of funds, be provided to the appropriate congressional committees (Section 1(a)(1-4), 1(b)(1-4), and 1(c)(1-4)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are mentioned in the provided text.
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.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates specific details be provided to congressional committees to increase visibility into State Department spending.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — By requiring notification before obligating funds, the bill promotes better fiscal oversight of State Department expenditures. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill implements oversight that may prevent unnecessary or excessive spending on art and design within diplomatic programs.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — The bill provides transparency for programs that use art and design as tools of diplomatic engagement.
- 1/21/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 46 - 1.
- 1/20/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/13/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Introduced in House
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York