Department of State Authorization Act of 2023

The Department of State Authorization Act of 2023 authorizes funding and establishes new policies to modernize the Department of State's operations, affecting Foreign Service officers, civil service employees, and diplomatic missions worldwide. Key provisions include creating a Chief AI Officer and Chief Data Officer, improving passport processing systems through new quarterly reporting requirements on wait times, strengthening cybersecurity through a new Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership fund, and enhancing support for locally employed staff during emergencies. The bill also establishes a Mid-Career Mentoring Program, expands mental health services for personnel, and modifies economic diplomacy metrics to better measure success. Additional provisions streamline reporting requirements for diplomatic assignments, establish a Deal Team of the Year award to recognize economic diplomacy achievements, and enhance public diplomacy efforts through expanded outreach programs.