What does Preamble of State Department Integrity and Transparency Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'To require additional disclosures with respect to nominees to serve as chiefs of mission, and for other purposes,' aims to require additional disclosures related to nominees for chiefs of mission. The bill was introduced in the Senate on June 9, 2026.

What does SHORT TITLE. of State Department Integrity and Transparency Act do?

This bill is formally titled the State Department Integrity and Transparency Act.

What does SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING A PROFESSIONAL AND NONPARTISAN of State Department Integrity and Transparency Act do?

This section expresses the sense of Congress regarding the Department of State. Congress believes detailed knowledge and experience are vital for senior Department of State officials, including Chiefs of Mission and Assistant Secretaries of State. These qualifications are deemed necessary to advance U.S. national security and manage the federal workforce effectively. The section notes that China and other competitor nations are expanding their global diplomatic presence. Congress emphasizes the importance of the Department of State being staffed by both nonpartisan foreign policy professionals and qualified political appointees.

What does ENHANCING THE PREPAREDNESS OF ASSISTANT SECRETARIES OF STATE of State Department Integrity and Transparency Act do?

This section modifies the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to require that at least 75% of Assistant Secretaries in the Department of State have previously served in the Senior Foreign Service or the Senior Executive Service. This section amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to expand disclosure requirements for nominees for Chief of Mission and Assistant Secretary positions. The expanded disclosure requirements mandate an explanation of a nominee's knowledge of the principal language and culture of the country or region they are nominated to serve in. The disclosure requirements also require detailing how a nominee meets criteria related to their knowledge of the history, culture, economics, politics, and interests of the relevant country or region, as well as any relevant business interests.

What does ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES REQUIRED WITH RESPECT TO NOMINEES. of State Department Integrity and Transparency Act do?

This section amends Section 304(b)(3) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980. It defines 'bundled contribution,' 'contribution,' and 'immediate family' for the purposes of this section. The report required by this section must disclose all bundled contributions facilitated by the nominee. The Secretary of State is required to publish each report and Certificate of Competency on a publicly available website.

What does CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE FOREIGN SERVICE ACT OF of State Department Integrity and Transparency Act do?

This section amends Section 304(a) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980. The President is required to certify to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate regarding nominations for chief of mission. The certification must confirm that nominees meet qualifications under paragraph (1). The certification must also confirm that any contributions made by the nominee or their family members did not influence the nomination.

What does LIMITATIONS ON OVERSEAS PLACEMENT OF SPECIAL APPOINTMENT of State Department Integrity and Transparency Act do?

This section expresses the sense of Congress that officials offered diplomatic accreditation should be vetted and reviewed for qualification before representing the U.S. overseas or receiving related benefits. Section 1(j)(2) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 is amended to include limitations on special appointments. Special appointments made under subparagraph (A) of Section 1(j)(2) and positions described in specific schedules (Schedule B and Schedule C of subpart C of part 213 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations) to U.S. diplomatic missions are limited to a 90-day duration. An individual may not be appointed to more than one position described in this paragraph during a single calendar year. These amendments will take effect on January 1, 2029.

Back to bills

State Department Integrity and Transparency Act

Last updated: 6/9/2026 · Introduced: 6/9/2026

Author: Timothy Kaine (D-VA)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill mandates that at least 75% of Assistant Secretaries of State have prior experience in the Senior Foreign Service or Senior Executive Service.
It requires nominees for Chief of Mission and Assistant Secretary positions to disclose their knowledge of the relevant country or region's language, culture, history, economics, politics, and any business interests.
The bill limits special appointments to U.S. diplomatic missions to a 90-day duration and restricts individuals from holding more than one such position per calendar year, effective January 1, 2029.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

Verified Votes

No verified votes yet.

Community Votes

No community votes yet. Be the first!

Voting as guest · Sign in for verified votes

Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 5 more.

7 sections

Click "Show details" to explore individual sections. Use the community vote above or visit All Sections to vote per section.

Read official text

Want the full experience?

Create a free account to cast verified votes on each section, get a personalized summary, and track your voting history.

Create Free Account