Department of State Authorization Act of 2021

Department of State Authorization Act of 2021

This bill modifies the management and operations of the Department of State through various measures. These include requiring actions to recruit and retain a diverse workforce, establishing offices and roles to carry out designated functions, and providing for certain public diplomacy and anti-corruption measures.

Specifically, the bill addresses personnel matters within the State Department by, for example, requiring the State Department to submit a comprehensive five-year strategic staffing plan and otherwise modifying provisions related to home leave travel, employee assignment restrictions and preclusions, and the recall and reemployment of career members of the Foreign and civil service. Further, the bill establishes recruitment, retention, and promotion requirements to further the goal of achieving a more diverse workforce at the State Department.

In addition, the bill modifies the organization and operations of the State Department by, among other things, (1) providing statutory authority for the Bureau of Consular Affairs and the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration; and (2) authorizing the establishment of an Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources to handle global energy-related issues.

The bill also establishes measures to address State Department information and data security, revises procedures and requirements related to the overseas construction of embassies and consulates, and requires the State Department to report on the efforts of the Coronavirus Repatriation Task Force.

Bill 117 HR 1157, also known as the Department of State Authorization Act of 2021, is a piece of legislation that aims to authorize funding for the Department of State for the fiscal year 2021. The bill covers a wide range of issues related to the operations and activities of the Department of State, including diplomatic and consular programs, international security assistance, and the protection of US citizens abroad.

One of the key provisions of the bill is the authorization of funding for the Department of State's diplomatic and consular programs, which includes funding for embassy security, staffing, and operations. This funding is crucial for the Department of State to carry out its diplomatic missions around the world and to protect the interests of the United States abroad.

The bill also authorizes funding for international security assistance programs, which provide support to foreign countries to promote stability and security in regions of strategic importance to the United States. This funding is essential for maintaining strong relationships with key allies and partners and for addressing global security challenges. Additionally, the Department of State Authorization Act of 2021 includes provisions related to the protection of US citizens abroad, including measures to enhance consular services and assistance for Americans traveling or living overseas. This is important for ensuring the safety and well-being of US citizens in foreign countries and for providing support in times of crisis. Overall, Bill 117 HR 1157 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that addresses a wide range of issues related to the Department of State's operations and activities. By authorizing funding for key programs and initiatives, the bill aims to support the Department of State in carrying out its important mission of promoting US interests and values around the world.