US Congress House Bill 1251

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Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: Engrossed on April 22 2021 - 50% progression
Action: 2021-04-22 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Pending: Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Text: Latest bill text (Engrossed) [PDF]

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.

Cyber Diplomacy Act of 2021

Rep. Michael McCaul [R-TX]	Rep. Gregory Meeks [D-NY]	Rep. Adam Kinzinger [R-IL]	Rep. James Langevin [D-RI]
Rep. Mike Gallagher [R-WI]	Rep. William Keating [D-MA]	Rep. Abigail Spanberger [D-VA]	Rep. Brad Sherman [D-CA]
Rep. Darrell Issa [R-CA]	Rep. Joaquin Castro [D-TX]	Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick [R-PA]

Date	Chamber	Action
2021-04-22	Senate	Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
2021-04-20	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)
2021-04-20	House	Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 330, proceedings on H.R. 1251 are considered vacated.
2021-04-19	House	At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
2021-04-19	House	DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1251.
2021-04-19	House	Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1930-1934; text: CR H1930-1933)
2021-04-19	House	Mr. Meeks moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
2021-02-25	House	Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.
2021-02-25	House	Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
2021-02-23	House	Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
2021-02-23	House	Introduced in House

HR330 (Related) 2021-04-20 - Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Type	Source
Summary	https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1251/all-info
Text	https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr1251/BILLS-117hr1251ih.pdf
Text	https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr1251/BILLS-117hr1251eh.pdf