Data Driven Diplomacy Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7036
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-21: Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 46 - 1.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-25T08:08:11Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Data Driven Diplomacy Act (H.R. 7036) aims to enhance collaboration within the U.S. Department of State by requiring better coordination between two internal offices. Specifically, it seeks to use public opinion data to inform U.S. public diplomacy efforts, particularly in regions where U.S.-funded media outlets are active or could expand.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The legislation is titled the "Data Driven Diplomacy Act."
- Coordination Requirement: The Assistant Secretary for Global Public Affairs (a senior official overseeing U.S. public diplomacy and international communications) must request the Office of Opinion Research—part of the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (which analyzes global trends and public sentiments)—to conduct public opinion surveys.
- Survey Focus: These surveys must provide insights on:
- Cultural contexts in target regions.
- Key audiences for U.S. messaging.
- Evolving attitudes toward the United States and its interests.
- Geographic Scope: Surveys target areas where U.S.-funded media outlets (such as Voice of America or Radio Free Europe) currently operate or might expand in the future.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This bill introduces a formal mandate for the Assistant Secretary to actively request and integrate public opinion surveys into the Bureau of Global Public Affairs' work, which was not previously required by law.
- It promotes data-driven approaches to diplomacy but does not create new agencies, budgets, or enforcement mechanisms; it relies on existing Department of State structures.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Department of State, particularly its public affairs and intelligence bureaus, may see improved internal information sharing, leading to more targeted and effective communication strategies. This could enhance the efficiency of U.S.-funded media without requiring additional funding.
- On Citizens and International Relations: Foreign audiences in surveyed regions could experience more culturally sensitive U.S. messaging, potentially improving perceptions of the U.S. and fostering better diplomatic ties. U.S. citizens may indirectly benefit from stronger global influence through informed policy.
- Broader Effects: No major disruptions anticipated, but it could support expansion of U.S. media presence in strategic areas, influencing soft power (non-military influence through culture and information).
Main Stakeholders
- U.S. Department of State Officials: Including the Assistant Secretary for Global Public Affairs and the Office of Opinion Research, who must implement the coordination.
- U.S.-Funded Media Outlets: Entities like the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which operate in targeted regions and could use survey data for programming.
- Foreign Audiences and Governments: Populations in regions of interest, whose attitudes toward the U.S. will be studied to refine outreach.
- U.S. Policymakers: Congress and the executive branch, benefiting from better-informed diplomacy to advance national interests.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill is a minor procedural adjustment that aligns with the State Department's existing authority under laws like the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998, which organizes its bureaus. It imposes no new penalties or oversight but encourages voluntary collaboration.
- Constitutional: No direct challenges to separation of powers or free speech; it supports executive branch functions in foreign affairs, a area of broad presidential authority.
- Political: Promotes evidence-based diplomacy, potentially appealing across party lines by emphasizing efficiency and global engagement. It could face minimal controversy, as it focuses on internal improvements rather than controversial expansions of U.S. influence.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-21: Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 46 - 1.
- 2026-01-21: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-01-13: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2026-01-13: Introduced in House
- 2026-01-13: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Data Driven Diplomacy Act — issued 2026-01-13 — PDF (2 pages)