Michael Baumgartner (R-WA)
Less Bureaucracy, Better International Foreign Gift Transparency Act
A Republican bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 20 - 16.
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, known as the "Less Bureaucracy, Better International Foreign Gift Transparency Act," transfers specific responsibilities regarding foreign gift and contract reporting from the Department of Education to the Department of State. It moves all functions related to section 117 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to the Secretary of State. Along with these duties, the bill transfers related personnel, assets, liabilities, and funds to the Department of State. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget is tasked with ensuring these transfers do not result in a net increase in full-time equivalent employees. The Act includes various provisions to ensure the continuity of legal proceedings, orders, and administrative functions during the transition.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +1
Would students be better off under this?
The bill includes savings provisions to ensure pending applications for financial assistance continue to be processed.
- Scored +1
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill directs the OMB to ensure no net increase in full-time equivalent employees during the transfer of functions.
- Scored +1
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The act aims to improve international foreign gift transparency by transferring reporting duties to the Department of State.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Efficiency in Personnel Management: The Director of the Office of Management and Budget must ensure that the Act does not lead to a net increase in full-time equivalent employees at the impacted Federal agencies (Section 5).
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Continuity of Services: Existing legal documents, such as permits, grants, and contracts, will continue to be in effect according to their terms during the transition (Section 8).
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Protection of Pending Applications: Any pending proceedings or applications for benefits, service, or financial assistance will continue to be processed as if the Act had not been enacted (Section 8).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Changes in Oversight: The responsibility for managing foreign gift and contract reporting is being moved from the Department of Education to the Department of State (Section 2).
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Substitution of Parties in Legal Matters: In the event of a suit where the Secretary of Education is a party, the Secretary of State or another official of the Department of State will be substituted or added as a party (Section 8).
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.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would students be better off under this? — The bill includes savings provisions to ensure pending applications for financial assistance continue to be processed.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill directs the OMB to ensure no net increase in full-time equivalent employees during the transfer of functions.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The act aims to improve international foreign gift transparency by transferring reporting duties to the Department of State.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — The bill moves foreign gift and contract reporting oversight to the Department of State, aligning it with foreign policy leadership.
- 8/20/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/15/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 20 - 16.
- 7/9/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Introduced in House
Michael RulliRepublican · Ohio