HR 1251 United States House · 117th Congress

Cyber Diplomacy Act of 2021

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.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2021
Committee Review
Apr 2021
House Passage
Apr 2021
Senate Passage
President
Introduced Feb 23, 2021 Last action Apr 22, 2021
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
12
Key actions
3
Committee
3
Amendments
2
Apr 22, 2021
Committee
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
upper
Apr 20, 2021
Lower · Passed
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)
lower
Apr 20, 2021
Lower · Passed
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)
lower
Apr 19, 2021
Introduced
Mr. Meeks moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
lower
Feb 25, 2021
Introduced
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.
lower
Feb 25, 2021
Lower · Passed
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
lower
Feb 23, 2021
Committee
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
lower
Feb 23, 2021
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
1 primary · 10 co-sponsors

Sponsors