Us Congress House Bill HB1356

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/3/23
• Refer: 3/3/23

Caption

Public Diplomacy Modernization Act of 2023

Impact

The new legislation mandates the Secretary of State to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improved operations within public diplomacy-related efforts. The bill encourages the maximization of shared resources and aims to mitigate program duplications. By adopting practices that are aligned with best practices of federal agencies, the Department is expected to enhance its evaluation approaches, which include regular research, audience analytics, and program impacts. Such reforms could lead to a more coherent policy implementation that efficiently engages target audiences abroad.

Summary

House Bill 1356, titled the ‘Public Diplomacy Modernization Act of 2023,’ is designed to enhance the efficacy and efficiency of the public diplomacy operations of the U.S. Department of State. This bill aims to modernize the capabilities of the State Department's public diplomacy by increasing the evaluation of its programming and improving strategic planning regarding the Department's physical presence abroad. By focusing on streamlined operations, the bill seeks to fortify America's image and outreach internationally through deliberate coordination and resource management across various public diplomacy bureaus.

Contention

A notable aspect of HB1356 is its instruction for the creation of a Director of Research and Evaluation within the Department to oversee these initiatives. This role would enable a more systematic approach to understanding and improving public diplomacy strategies while maintaining a check on resource allocations. However, the implementation of these changes may raise concerns about potential bureaucratic overlays, where critics argue that increasing managerial layers could counteract the intended efficiencies.

Continuation

Furthermore, under this bill, the establishment of a Subcommittee on Research and Evaluation within the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy is mandated, which would facilitate ongoing assessments and reporting regarding public diplomacy effectiveness. The annual reports produced will enhance accountability and transparency surrounding public diplomacy operations, thus positioning this legislation as a critical step towards modernizing U.S. diplomatic outreach.