Department of State Authorization Act of 2023
Latest action (13 Jul 2023): Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
What this bill does
The Department of State Authorization Act of 2023 is a broad reauthorization bill covering the operations, staffing, and oversight of the State Department. Among its provisions, it would extend and adjust authority for the Department to use passport fee revenue, require periodic reporting on passport processing wait times, and add prominent travel-advisory notices to U.S. passports. It also addresses personnel matters, including new hiring authorities for positions such as data science, information technology, and human resources; changes to Foreign Service promotion criteria; extended timelines for a "lateral entry" hiring pilot program; a mid-career mentoring program; and new procedures for reviewing and appealing assignment restrictions placed on Department personnel. Additional sections touch on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence oversight roles within the Department, economic and public diplomacy programs, oversight of the Office of Civil Rights, and various other State Department authorities, including provisions on international broadcasting, cultural heritage protection, and privileges for certain international organizations.
The bill primarily affects the State Department and its employees—Foreign Service officers, civil servants, and contractors—as well as passport applicants and U.S. citizens traveling abroad. It authorizes new spending for programs such as a diplomatic security fellowship, and sets reporting and procedural requirements intended to improve transparency, hiring flexibility, and employee protections within the Department.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on June 15, 2023, referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations, and on July 13, 2023, ordered to be reported favorably with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. According to the official summary, the bill did not receive a floor vote in this form; instead, its provisions were incorporated into other legislation.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill was introduced on July 13, 2023, in a previous session of Congress, but it did not receive a vote. Provisions of this bill were incorporated into other bills.
Timeline
13 Jul 2023
Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Common questions
- What does S. 2043 do?
- The Department of State Authorization Act of 2023 is a broad reauthorization bill covering the operations, staffing, and oversight of the State Department. Among its provisions, it would extend and adjust authority for the Department to use passport fee revenue, require periodic reporting on passport processing wait times, and add prominent travel-advisory notices to U.S. passports. It also addresses personnel matters, including new hiring authorities for positions such as data science, information technology, and human resources; changes to Foreign Service promotion criteria; extended timelines for a "lateral entry" hiring pilot program; a mid-career mentoring program; and new procedures for reviewing and appealing assignment restrictions placed on Department personnel. Additional sections touch on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence oversight roles within the Department, economic and public diplomacy programs, oversight of the Office of Civil Rights, and various other State Department authorities, including provisions on international broadcasting, cultural heritage protection, and privileges for certain international organizations. The bill primarily affects the State Department and its employees—Foreign Service officers, civil servants, and contractors—as well as passport applicants and U.S. citizens traveling abroad. It authorizes new spending for programs such as a diplomatic security fellowship, and sets reporting and procedural requirements intended to improve transparency, hiring flexibility, and employee protections within the Department. The bill was introduced in the Senate on June 15, 2023, referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations, and on July 13, 2023, ordered to be reported favorably with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. According to the official summary, the bill did not receive a floor vote in this form; instead, its provisions were incorporated into other legislation.
- Has S. 2043 become law?
- Not yet. As of 13 Jul 2023, S. 2043 is ordered reported.
- Who sponsored S. 2043?
- S. 2043 was sponsored by Sen. Robert “Bob” Menendez [D-NJ, 2006-2024] (Democrat-NJ), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 2043?
- Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably. (13 Jul 2023).
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