H.R. 5323

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 5323 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 5323

To enhance subnational diplomacy efforts within the Department of 
State, and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

September 11, 2025

Mr. Lieu (for himself and Mr. Meeks) introduced the following bill; 
which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

A BILL

To enhance subnational diplomacy efforts within the Department of 
State, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. OFFICE OF SUBNATIONAL DIPLOMACY.

(a) In General.--There shall be established in the Department of 
State an Office of Subnational Diplomacy (referred to in this 
subsection as the ``Office''). The Office shall enable the work of the 
Department with sub-national units of governments (such as State, 
county, city, and municipal governments) within the United States to 
improve the ability of such units of government to attract foreign 
investment, counter foreign malign influence within the United States, 
and contribute to the foreign policy priorities of the United States.
(b) Head of Office.--The head of the Office shall be the Special 
Representative for Subnational Diplomacy, who shall report to the Under 
Secretary of Economic Affairs.
(c) Responsibilities.--The Special Representative for Subnational 
Diplomacy shall additionally be responsible for--
(1) advising the Under Secretary of Economic Affairs on 
sub-national engagements within the United States;
(2) serving as the principal official on such matters 
within the Department;
(3) coordinating the Department's support for local and 
municipal governmental engagements with foreign governments;
(4) advising subnational government officials on the 
potential risks of engagements with countries of concern and 
sharing best practices to build resilience against foreign 
political interference and malign influence;
(5) assisting subnational governments in--
(A) attracting or bidding to host major 
international events;
(B) tracking foreign direct investment at the 
county and municipal levels to highlight trends and 
opportunities;
(C) attracting foreign direct investment and other 
forms of economic cooperation;
(D) building the capacity and knowledge of 
subnational government staff who have responsibility 
for engaging with foreign countries;
(E) advancing sports diplomacy with foreign 
countries and entities;
(F) implementing programs to cooperate with foreign 
governments and entities on policy priorities or 
managing shared resources; and
(G) understanding the local implications of foreign 
policy developments or policy changes;
(6) supporting the economic interests of the United States 
through subnational engagements, in consultation and 
coordination with other relevant agencies;
(7) advising and informing local officials during the 
negotiation of agreements or memoranda of understanding with 
foreign governments related to subnational engagements and 
priorities; and
(8) coordinating subnational engagements with associations 
of subnational elected leaders, such as the United States 
Conference of Mayors, National Governors Association, National 
League of Cities, and similar associations.
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