A Republican bill with 3 Republican cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
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 is known as the Building Opportunities Overseas to Strengthen and Train American Business Act or the BOOST American Business Act. It establishes a new Commercial Diplomatic Service within the Department of State. The bill creates a Senate-confirmed Director General of the Foreign and Commercial Diplomatic Services to manage these operations. It sets a goal of reaching 750 officers in the new service by 2028. It also requires specialized training for officers on topics like commercial advocacy, market access, and interagency coordination. Finally, it gives the Department of State direct hire authority and contracting flexibility to support these new commercial diplomacy efforts.
Yes· 3 of 10
- Scored +6
Does this make trade with other countries easier?
Its primary focus is expanding international market access and export opportunities for United States companies.
- Scored +5
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?
The legislation significantly reorganizes and expands commercial diplomacy functions within the Department of State.
- Scored +5
Would business owners be better off under this?
Business owners and exporters benefit directly from enhanced federal advocacy and market access support overseas.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 4: This section establishes the Director General of the Foreign and Commercial Diplomatic Services and a specific Deputy of the Commercial Diplomatic Service to advocate for United States businesses overseas. This is positive because it helps American companies find foreign market opportunities, compete for foreign contracts, and protect intellectual property rights.
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Section 5: This section establishes the Commercial Diplomatic Service to help United States companies export products and services to international markets. This is a positive outcome for American workers and industries because it focuses on supporting businesses in industries of strategic importance to the United States.
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Section 7: This section amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to require standard training for members of the Commercial Diplomatic Service on commercial advocacy and market access. This is beneficial because it ensures that officials representing our country abroad are properly trained to help U.S. firms navigate foreign regulations and connect with federal financial resources.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 9: This section adds contracting authority that allows the Secretary to employ individuals or organizations by contract without being considered federal employees under the Office of Personnel Management. This could be viewed as a negative burden or accountability concern because these contractors may be exempt from standard federal employment laws and standard federal contracting procedures.
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 make trade with other countries easier? — Its primary focus is expanding international market access and export opportunities for United States companies. Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — The legislation significantly reorganizes and expands commercial diplomacy functions within the Department of State. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill enhances economic diplomacy and coordination with foreign governments and international business partners.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The legislation explicitly assists American exporters and small-to-large businesses in navigating foreign markets and accessing federal financing programs. Is this likely to grow the economy? — By supporting U.S. exports and protecting American business interests abroad, the bill seeks to enhance international trade and economic competitiveness. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill establishes the Commercial Diplomatic Service and aims to hire and train hundreds of specialized officers to support American businesses overseas.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Business owners and exporters benefit directly from enhanced federal advocacy and market access support overseas. Would farmers be better off under this? — The legislation includes agricultural department coordination in export and market access initiatives.
- Education And Technology
- Does this make patent and copyright rules fairer? — The legislation specifically directs commercial officers to focus on protecting American intellectual property rights abroad.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill creates a new Senate-confirmed Director General and expands federal personnel and contracting authorities within the State Department.
- 6/9/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/8/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/2/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/29/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Introduced in House
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York
Michael McCaulRepublican · Texas
Ryan MackenzieRepublican · Pennsylvania