H.R. 5251 reorganizes the State Department's public diplomacy operations by creating a new Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy position to oversee all foreign-facing communications, information operations, and educational exchange programs. The bill establishes two Assistant Secretary positions—one for Educational and Cultural Affairs and one for Strategic Communications—both reporting to the Under Secretary and responsible for managing international exchange programs, countering foreign censorship, promoting internet freedom, and coordinating U.S. messaging to foreign audiences. The legislation authorizes necessary appropriations for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support these operations, though specific dollar amounts are not designated in the bill. The measure also consolidates various public diplomacy functions currently scattered across multiple State Department bureaus into a unified structure with regional teams, and repeals a prior limitation on using funds for international expositions. This restructuring affects State Department employees and the numerous exchange programs, media outlets, and diplomatic initiatives the U.S. uses to communicate with audiences overseas.
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