Rep. Bera Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Align U.S. Diplomatic Presence with Strategic National Interests

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA-06), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, introduced the U.S. Diplomatic Posture Review Act of 2025 alongside Representative James Moylan (R-GU).

This bipartisan legislation strengthens the State Department’s ability to respond to evolving global challenges by requiring an assessment of how the Department’s personnel, resources, and foreign assistance align with U.S. foreign policy goals and national security priorities.

The bill directs the Secretary of State to conduct an annual review of the United States’ global diplomatic posture and report to Congress on current resource and staffing allocations, planned changes, and areas where additional support is needed. The legislation aims to ensure that America’s diplomatic presence remains strategic, effective, and capable of advancing U.S. interests—especially in rapidly evolving regions like the Indo-Pacific.

“I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is that our diplomatic posture reflects the realities of today’s complex world,” said Representative Bera. “During my visit last year to our new embassies in Tonga and the Solomon Islands, I was struck by the remarkable work our diplomats are doing under significant constraints. It’s clear that in order for the United States to lead globally, we must ensure our missions have the support they need to be effective. This bipartisan bill will help ensure our diplomatic presence is modern, agile, and strategically aligned—while providing Congress the transparency needed to make smart, forward-looking decisions that advance our national interests and support Americans abroad.”

“This legislation provides accurate information needed to bridge gaps in resources to implement strategic policies cognizant to the needs of the American people through improved consular services and emergency assistance,” said Representative Moylan. "Our fellow Americans deserve the care and attention no matter how far from the mainland and by enforcing international data reporting and collection, we cautiously monitor situations more efficiently with updated and real-time information. I would like to thank Rep. Bera for his partnership in co-leading this legislation and invite our colleges to join this measure to better support and prioritize the needs of our citizens overseas to align closer to our national priorities.” 

The legislation mandates that each annual report include:

• A complete inventory of U.S. diplomatic and consular posts worldwide;
• A review of how well these posts serve American citizens, including consular services and emergency assistance;
• An analysis of how State Department strategic priorities influence its operations and decision-making;
• A breakdown of foreign assistance by country and account;
• Reporting of costs by post and country, including any planned shifts in staffing or resource allocation;
• Identification of any additional resources required to better support U.S. citizens overseas and implement strategic priorities.

The bill also establishes a Coordinator within the State Department to oversee the review and report development, and requires annual classified briefings to Congress to ensure transparency and accountability.

Read the full text of the legislation here.