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Bill117th CongressFiled Feb 23, 2021International Affairs
H.R. 1251

Cyber Diplomacy Act of 2021

Bill journey · stage 2 of 5

Under committee review

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What it doesSummary passed house (Apr 20, 2021)

Cyber Diplomacy Act of 2021

This bill establishes requirements related to diplomatic engagement with foreign countries on matters of U.S. cyberspace policy.

Specifically, the bill establishes the Bureau of International Cyberspace Policy within the Department of State to advise the State Department on cyberspace issues and lead diplomatic efforts on issues related to international cybersecurity, internet access and freedom, and international cyber threats.

The bureau must undertake specified duties and responsibilities to implement the stated U.S. policy of working internationally to promote an open, interoperable, and secure internet governed by a multi-stakeholder model that (1) promotes human rights, democracy, and rule of law; and (2) respects privacy and guards against deception, fraud, and theft.

The President must devise a strategy for U.S. engagement with foreign governments on international norms related to responsible state behavior in cyberspace. Further, the President is encouraged to enter into executive arrangements with foreign governments that support U.S. cyberspace policy.

In addition, annual country reports on human rights practices must include assessments of freedom of expression in each country with respect to electronic information, and the Government Accountability Office must report on U.S. diplomatic processes and other efforts with foreign countries to advance U.S. interests in cyberspace.

What just happenedApr 22, 2021

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Who’s behind it

Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10](R-TX)Sponsor
10 cosponsors6 D4 R
Read on Congress.gov
10cosponsors2committees13actions2related bills50subjects
  1. Apr 22, 2021IntroReferral

    Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

    Foreign Relations Committee
  2. Apr 20, 2021FloorH37300

    Pursuant to section 6 of H. Res. 330, and the motion offered by Mr. Hoyer, the following bills passed under suspension of the rules: H.R. 367; H.R. 370; H.R. 396; H.R. 397, as amended; H.R. 408; H.R. 490; H.R. 965, as amended; H.R. 1251, as amended; H.R. 1395; H.R. 1491; H.R. 1528; H.R. 1532; H.R. 1565; H.R. 1602; and H.R. 2523, as amended; and the following resolution was agreed to under suspension of the rules: H. Res. 124, as amended. (consideration: CR H1979-1994; text: CR H1984-1988)

  3. Apr 20, 2021Floor8000

    Passed/agreed to in House: Pursuant to section 6 of H. Res. 330, and the motion offered by Mr. Hoyer, the following bills passed under suspension of the rules: H.R. 367; H.R. 370; H.R. 396; H.R. 397, as amended; H.R. 408; H.R. 490; H.R. 965, as amended; H.R. 1251, as amended; H.R. 1395; H.R. 1491; H.R. 1528; H.R. 1532; H.R. 1565; H.R. 1602; and H.R. 2523, as amended; and the following resolution was agreed to under suspension of the rules: H. Res. 124, as amended.(consideration: CR H1979-1994; text: CR H1984-1988)

  4. Apr 20, 2021FloorH1B000

    Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 330, proceedings on H.R. 1251 are considered vacated.

  5. Apr 19, 2021FloorH37220

    At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

  6. Apr 19, 2021FloorH8D000

    DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1251.

  7. Apr 19, 2021FloorH30000

    Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1930-1934; text: CR H1930-1933)

  8. Apr 19, 2021FloorH30300

    Mr. Meeks moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

  9. Feb 25, 2021Committee

    Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.

    Foreign Affairs Committee
  10. Feb 25, 2021Committee

    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

    Foreign Affairs Committee
  11. Feb 23, 2021IntroReferralH11100

    Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

    Foreign Affairs Committee
  12. Feb 23, 2021IntroReferralIntro-H

    Introduced in House

  13. Feb 23, 2021IntroReferral1000

    Introduced in House

Passed HouseApr 20, 202153

Cyber Diplomacy Act of 2021

This bill establishes requirements related to diplomatic engagement with foreign countries on matters of U.S. cyberspace policy.

Specifically, the bill establishes the Bureau of International Cyberspace Policy within the Department of State to advise the State Department on cyberspace issues and lead diplomatic efforts on issues related to international cybersecurity, internet access and freedom, and international cyber threats.

The bureau must undertake specified duties and responsibilities to implement the stated U.S. policy of working internationally to promote an open, interoperable, and secure internet governed by a multi-stakeholder model that (1) promotes human rights, democracy, and rule of law; and (2) respects privacy and guards against deception, fraud, and theft.

The President must devise a strategy for U.S. engagement with foreign governments on international norms related to responsible state behavior in cyberspace. Further, the President is encouraged to enter into executive arrangements with foreign governments that support U.S. cyberspace policy.

In addition, annual country reports on human rights practices must include assessments of freedom of expression in each country with respect to electronic information, and the Government Accountability Office must report on U.S. diplomatic processes and other efforts with foreign countries to advance U.S. interests in cyberspace.

Introduced in HouseFeb 23, 2021

Cyber Diplomacy Act of 2021

This bill establishes requirements related to diplomatic engagement with foreign countries on matters of U.S. cyberspace policy.

Specifically, the bill establishes the Bureau of International Cyberspace Policy within the Department of State to advise the State Department on cyberspace issues and lead diplomatic efforts on issues related to international cybersecurity, internet access and freedom, and international cyber threats.

The bureau must undertake specified duties and responsibilities to implement the stated U.S. policy of working internationally to promote an open, interoperable, and secure internet governed by a multi-stakeholder model that (1) promotes human rights, democracy, and rule of law; and (2) respects privacy and guards against deception, fraud, and theft.

The President must devise a strategy for U.S. engagement with foreign governments on international norms related to responsible state behavior in cyberspace. Further, the President is encouraged to enter into executive arrangements with foreign governments that support U.S. cyberspace policy.

In addition, annual country reports on human rights practices must include assessments of freedom of expression in each country with respect to electronic information, and the Government Accountability Office must report on U.S. diplomatic processes and other efforts with foreign countries to advance U.S. interests in cyberspace.

Cyber Diplomacy Act of 2021 — Informed