To ensure the alignment of economic and foreign policies, to position the Department of State to reflect that economic security is national security, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 5248 aims to realign economic and foreign policies by positioning the Department of State to prioritize economic security as a component of national security. The bill establishes several new positions and offices within the Department of State, including an Under Secretary for Economic Affairs, a Chief Economist, an Assistant Secretary for Commercial Diplomacy, an Assistant Secretary for Water, Environment, and Space Affairs, an Assistant Secretary for Energy Security and Diplomacy, and an Assistant Secretary for Sanctions Policy. It also establishes an Office of Subnational Diplomacy.
The bill outlines the responsibilities of these positions, focusing on promoting U.S. economic interests, managing international economic policy, and coordinating with other government agencies. It authorizes appropriations for these new roles and directs the Office of Law Revision Counsel to classify the sections of the title in the United States Code.
Overall, the bill seeks to strengthen the integration of economic considerations into U.S. foreign policy and enhance the Department of State's capacity to address economic challenges and opportunities.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely lead to a restructuring of the Department of State to give greater emphasis to economic considerations in foreign policy. This could result in more coordinated and effective strategies for promoting U.S. economic interests abroad.
New offices and positions will be created, potentially leading to increased bureaucracy and administrative costs. The bill could also shift resources within the Department of State, impacting existing programs and priorities.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced coordination between economic and foreign policies.
- Increased focus on promoting U.S. economic interests in international markets.
- Improved ability to address emerging geoeconomic issues and challenges.
- Strengthened U.S. leadership in science, technology, and outer space.
- Greater support for U.S. businesses operating in foreign countries.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased bureaucracy and administrative costs.
- Possible shift in resources away from other important areas within the Department of State.
- Risk of overemphasizing economic interests at the expense of other foreign policy goals.
- Potential for conflicts between the new positions and existing roles within the Department.
- The effectiveness of the new structure will depend on the individuals appointed to these positions.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the U.S. Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations. The establishment of new positions and offices within the Department of State falls under the implied powers necessary to carry out these enumerated powers.
The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or liberties. The appointments of certain positions are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate, aligning with the Constitution's provisions for executive appointments.
However, the broad delegation of authority to the Secretary of State and the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs could raise concerns about the separation of powers if not properly overseen by Congress.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).