To enhance subnational diplomacy efforts within the Department of State, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5323
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-11: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-23T15:05:43Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose The legislation aims to strengthen the Department of State's ability to work with state, county, city, and municipal governments in the United States. It seeks to help these local entities attract foreign investment, resist foreign interference, and align their international activities with national foreign policy goals.
Key Provisions
- Establishes a new Office of Subnational Diplomacy within the Department of State.
- Creates the position of Special Representative for Subnational Diplomacy, who reports to the Under Secretary of Economic Affairs and serves as the main point of contact for these matters.
- Outlines specific duties for the Special Representative, including:
- Advising on local government engagements with foreign entities.
- Helping subnational governments attract foreign investment and host major international events.
- Tracking foreign direct investment at the local level.
- Providing guidance on risks from countries of concern and best practices against malign influence.
- Supporting sports diplomacy, capacity-building for local staff, and cooperation on shared policy issues.
- Coordinating with associations such as the U.S. Conference of Mayors and National Governors Association.
- Assisting with agreements or memoranda of understanding between local governments and foreign counterparts.
Significant Changes to Existing Law This bill introduces new statutory authority by creating a dedicated office and leadership position focused on subnational diplomacy, which previously lacked a centralized structure within the Department of State. It expands the Department's formal role in supporting local government international activities.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Adds administrative and coordination responsibilities to the Department of State, particularly under the Under Secretary of Economic Affairs.
- On citizens and local governments: Provides new resources and expertise to state and municipal officials for economic development and risk management.
- On international relations: May increase U.S. competitiveness in attracting investment and improve coordination against foreign influence at the local level.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- The Department of State and its leadership.
- Subnational governments, including states, counties, cities, and municipalities.
- Professional associations of elected officials, such as the National Governors Association and National League of Cities.
- U.S. businesses and communities seeking foreign investment.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The measure reinforces federal support for state and local international engagement without altering constitutional divisions of power. It could raise questions about resource allocation within the Department of State but does not appear to create new regulatory mandates or legal obligations for private parties.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-5], Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-11: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2025-09-11: Introduced in House
- 2025-09-11: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To enhance subnational diplomacy efforts within the Department of State, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-09-11 — PDF (4 pages)