PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Congressional Research Service
Version 53 · Passed House · Apr 20, 2021
Cyber Diplomacy Act of 2021
This bill 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.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
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.
People & committees
Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10] · R–TX
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
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)
Passed/agreed to in 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)
Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 330, proceedings on H.R. 1251 are considered vacated.
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.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1251.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1930-1934; text: CR H1930-1933)
Mr. Meeks moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: May 28, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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