Darrell Issa (R-CA)
To require the Secretary of State to submit to Congress a notification of certain construction projects using nonstandard designs.
A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 47 - 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 requires the Secretary of State to notify specific congressional committees before starting certain construction projects with nonstandard designs. These projects involve building new United States embassy or consulate compounds. Before funds are obligated, the Secretary must provide a notification at least 15 days in advance. The notification must include comparisons regarding costs, completion dates, and security against a standard design. It also requires a justification for choosing a nonstandard design and supporting documentation.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +3
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill mandates that the Secretary of State provide specific cost, timeline, and security documentation to congressional committees.
- Scored +2
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill encourages standardization of embassy designs to compare full lifecycle costs, which may prevent unnecessary spending on custom designs.
- Scored +2
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?
The requirement for cost comparisons between standard and nonstandard designs increases oversight of how construction funds are obligated.
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 Construction Costs and Timelines: By requiring a comparison of full lifecycle costs and completion dates between nonstandard and standard designs, the bill forces transparency regarding how taxpayer money is used for embassy and consulate projects (Section 1(b)(1) and (2)).
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Enhanced Security Awareness: The bill requires the Secretary to compare the security of a nonstandard project against a standard design, which may lead to better-informed decisions regarding the safety of these facilities (Section 1(b)(3)).
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Standardization of Foreign Facilities: The bill expresses a sense of Congress that the Bureau of Overseas Building Operations should prioritize standard designs and minimize customization, which could lead to more predictable construction processes (Section 1(a)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Administrative Burden and Delays: The requirement to submit detailed documentation and justifications to multiple congressional committees at least 15 days before obligating funds could create procedural delays for necessary construction projects (Section 1(b)).
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Complexity in Reporting: The Secretary must provide documentation for costs, dates, security, and justifications, or explain why such documentation cannot be provided, which adds a layer of administrative work for the Department of State (Section 1(b)(4) and (5)).
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.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — The requirement for cost comparisons between standard and nonstandard designs increases oversight of how construction funds are obligated. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill encourages standardization of embassy designs to compare full lifecycle costs, which may prevent unnecessary spending on custom designs.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates that the Secretary of State provide specific cost, timeline, and security documentation to congressional committees.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — By promoting standardized and secure embassy designs, the bill aims to ensure more stable and predictable diplomatic facilities.
- 1/21/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 47 - 0.
- 1/14/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Introduced in House