H.R. 1251 · 117th Congress · House

Cyber Diplomacy Act of 2021

In Congress· Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Introduced
Feb 23, 21
Passed House
Apr 20, 21
Passed Senate
Pending
Sent to President
Pending
Signed into Law
Pending

Executive Summary

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.

Previous Versions

00Feb 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.

Action Timeline

13
  1. APR 22, 2021IntroReferral

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

  2. APR 20, 2021Floor

    Pursuant to the provisions of H

    Res. 330, proceedings on H.R. 1251 are considered vacated.

  3. APR 20, 2021Floor

    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)

    1979Yea
    1994Nay
    0NV
  4. APR 20, 2021Floor

    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)

    1979Yea
    1994Nay
    0NV
  5. APR 19, 2021Floor

    Mr

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

  6. APR 19, 2021Floor

    Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration

    CR H1930-1934; text: CR H1930-1933)

    1930Yea
    1934Nay
    0NV
  7. APR 19, 2021Floor

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

  8. APR 19, 2021Floor

    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.

  9. FEB 25, 2021Committee

    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  10. FEB 25, 2021Committee

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

  11. FEB 23, 2021IntroReferral

    Introduced in House

  12. FEB 23, 2021IntroReferral

    Introduced in House

  13. FEB 23, 2021IntroReferral

    Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Committees

3

Foreign Relations Committee

ssfr00

Referred: Apr 22, 2021

Active

Foreign Affairs Committee

hsfa00

Referred: Feb 25, 2021

Active

Foreign Affairs Committee

hsfa00

Referred: Feb 23, 2021

Active