Keith Self (R-TX)
State Department Recurring Reports Repeal and Sunset Act of 2026
A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
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 "State Department Recurring Reports Repeal and Sunset Act of 2026" aims to reduce the frequency and number of reporting requirements for the Department of State. It works by repealing various existing laws that mandate regular reports to Congress. Additionally, the bill modifies several other laws to change reporting schedules from more frequent intervals to annual or specific end-date requirements. This includes shifting many semiannual or periodic reports to an annual basis. The act also implements sunset dates for various reporting mandates.
Yes
- Scored +1
Does this give the federal government more power?
Reducing congressional oversight through repealed reports slightly increases executive discretion.
- Scored +1
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
Reducing reporting requirements may lower administrative costs for the State Department.
- Scored +1
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?
Streamlining government operations by reducing redundant paperwork improves administrative efficiency.
The opposite· 3 of 5
- Scored -7
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill specifically repeals numerous reporting requirements, significantly reducing public and congressional transparency.
- Scored -3
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?
Repealing reports on treaties with Russia, Australia, and the UK reduces formal accountability in those alliances.
- Scored -2
Would immigrants be better off under this?
Repealing reports on the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act may reduce visibility on support for those immigrants.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Reduction of Administrative Burden: By repealing various reporting requirements, the bill reduces the workload imposed on the Department of State (Section 2(a)).
-
Modified Reporting Frequencies: The bill changes several reporting schedules from more frequent intervals to annual ones, which may streamline bureaucratic processes (Section 2(b)). For example:
- The Department of State Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 would change reports from semiannual to annual (Section 2(b)(1)).
- The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005 would change report timing to a fixed annual date of June 30 (Section 2(b)(3)).
- The State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 would change reports from semiannual to annual (Section 2(b)(19)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Reduced Oversight Frequency: Many existing reporting requirements that required updates every 60, 120, or 180 days are being changed to annual reports, which could reduce the frequency of information provided to Congress (Section 2(b)).
-
Elimination of Specific Reports: Several specific reporting requirements are being completely repealed, which may result in a loss of specific data or oversight (Section 2(a)). Examples include:
- The repeal of Section 12 of the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act of 2008 (Section 2(a)(6)).
- The repeal of Section 407 of the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012 (Section 2(a)(9)).
- The repeal of Section 12 of the Clean Diamond Trade Act (Section 2(a)(12)).
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Implementation of Sunset Dates: Many reporting mandates are being given expiration dates, such as December 31, 2030, which could end certain oversight functions at that time (Section 2(b)).
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 give the federal government more power? — Reducing congressional oversight through repealed reports slightly increases executive discretion. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill specifically repeals numerous reporting requirements, significantly reducing public and congressional transparency.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — Repealing reports on treaties with Russia, Australia, and the UK reduces formal accountability in those alliances. Does this make trade with other countries easier? — Repealing reports related to the Clean Diamond Trade Act may reduce transparency in trade monitoring.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would immigrants be better off under this? — Repealing reports on the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act may reduce visibility on support for those immigrants.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — Streamlining government operations by reducing redundant paperwork improves administrative efficiency. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — Reducing reporting requirements may lower administrative costs for the State Department.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this protect the freedom to practise a religion? — Reducing the frequency of reports under the International Religious Freedom Act may reduce oversight of religious liberty issues.
- 5/13/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 5/7/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Introduced in House