H.R. 7054 requires the Secretary of State to notify Congress at least 15 days before spending money on any new U.S. embassy or consulate construction project that doesn't use a standardized design. When requesting approval for a nonstandard design, the State Department must provide Congress with detailed comparisons showing how the custom design affects costs, construction timelines, and security compared to using a standard design, along with a justification for why the nonstandard approach is necessary. The bill reflects Congress's preference that the State Department's Bureau of Overseas Building Operations prioritize standardized designs for new diplomatic facilities to minimize customization and associated complications. This requirement applies to construction projects in any phase—whether in the planning stages or already underway—as of the bill's enactment date. No specific funding is allocated in the legislation; rather, it is a procedural requirement that gives Congress advance notice and detailed information before the State Department can proceed with nonstandard construction projects.
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