# What This Bill Does: Creating a Commission to Review the State Department

This bill creates a special commission made up of eight outside experts tasked with examining how the State Department operates and recommending ways to modernize it. Think of it as bringing in a team of consultants to study a large organization and suggest improvements. The commission will have 18 months to complete its work and submit recommendations to Congress and the President.

The commission will focus on several key areas of State Department operations. It will examine the department's organizational structure to see if it's set up efficiently for modern diplomacy. It will look at how the State Department recruits, trains, promotes, and keeps talented employees, with special attention to making sure the workforce reflects America's diversity. The commission will also review the department's physical infrastructure—both at home and at U.S. embassies around the world—including technology systems, transportation, and security. Additionally, it will study how diplomacy connects with defense, intelligence, development, business interests, and law enforcement to make sure all these areas work together effectively.

The eight commission members will be appointed by leaders from both parties in Congress, ensuring balanced representation. These members should be prominent citizens with deep experience in international relations and the State Department. They cannot be current members of Congress or foreign agents. The commission will have the power to hold hearings, request documents from federal agencies, and access information needed to do its job. The State Department will provide administrative support and funding. Once the commission completes its report, it will have 180 days to wrap up its work and present findings to Congress. The Secretary of State will have 90 days to respond to the commission's recommendations before the report becomes public.

Commission on Reform and Modernization of the Department of State Act

Meijer, Peter

Commission on Reform and Modernization of the Department of State Act This bill establishes in the legislative branch a commission to examine the changing nature of diplomacy in the 21st century and ways the Department of State and its personnel can modernize to advance U.S. interests. The commission must offer recommendations related to topics such as (1) the State Department's organizational structure and infrastructure, (2) the link between diplomacy and other core U.S. interests such as defense, and (3) the core legislation that authorizes U.S. diplomacy. The commission must also periodically brief Congress on its work. Within 18 months of this bill's enactment, the commission must provide to Congress and the President its final report of findings, conclusions, and recommendations. The report must also examine all substantive aspects of State Department personnel, management, and operations. The commission shall terminate 180 days after the submission of the final report.