Bill Huizenga (R-MI)
Congressional Office for International Leadership Accountability and Reform Act of 2026
A Republican bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill establishes a new charter for the Congressional Office for International Leadership. The Office is designed to help Congress build relationships with emerging political, civic, and professional leaders from eligible foreign states through exchange programs and dialogue. It creates a 12-member Board of Trustees to supervise the Office and an Executive Director to manage its daily operations. The bill also sets up a grant program for U.S. organizations to host these foreign leaders. Additionally, it creates a trust fund to manage the Office's finances and requires regular audits.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +6
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?
It explicitly creates a bridge for grassroots diplomacy and direct dialogue with foreign civic and professional leaders.
- Scored +5
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?
The bill fosters relationships and dialogue between Congress and emerging foreign leaders to improve international relations.
- Scored +3
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill introduces strict auditing requirements and reporting to congressional committees.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Grassroots Diplomacy: The Office facilitates direct dialogue between Congress and foreign leaders on American foreign policy and key policy issues, which may improve international relations (Section 2, subsection b(2)).
-
Community Connections: By administering exchange programs, the Office helps foreign leaders build lasting relationships with American communities (Section 2, subsection b(1)).
-
Support for U.S. Organizations: The bill allows government or community organizations in the United States to receive grants to host program participants, providing funds for administrative expenses and participant costs (Section 2, subsection g(1) and g(4)).
-
Financial Accountability: The bill requires the Executive Director to prepare audited financial statements each fiscal year, which are reviewed by an independent external auditor and the Comptroller General (Section 2, subsection f(11) and f(12)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Spending on Entertainment: The Executive Director is authorized to spend money on official reception expenses, as well as meals, entertainment, and refreshments (Section 2, subsection f(7)).
-
Private Influence: The Board of Trustees includes four private individuals appointed by the Executive Director, which allows non-elected individuals to help direct the Office (Section 2, subsection c(1)(E)).
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? — It explicitly creates a bridge for grassroots diplomacy and direct dialogue with foreign civic and professional leaders. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill fosters relationships and dialogue between Congress and emerging foreign leaders to improve international relations.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill introduces strict auditing requirements and reporting to congressional committees. Does this give the federal government more power? — It establishes a formal federal office to manage international leadership exchanges.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Provides opportunities for emerging leaders, who are often young adults, to engage with U.S. governance.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — The bill mandates annual audited financial statements and GAO review to ensure financial accountability.
- 3/27/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Stephanie BiceRepublican · Oklahoma