Department of State Policy Provisions Act
House Bill Would Speed Visa Interviews, Ban COVID Vax Rules for Travelers Abroad
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- Creates new State Department powers and rules, including a way to label countries that wrongfully detain Americans abroad.
- Pushes the State Department to buy from U.S.-based companies first, and requires quick notice to Congress when foreign vendors win contracts.
- Aims to speed up visitor visa interviews by setting a goal that 80% of applicants are interviewed within three weeks, when resources allow.
- Blocks use of funds to enforce COVID-19 vaccination requirements for Americans traveling outside the United States.
- Requires extra reporting and advance notice for certain foreign governments’ meetings with U.S. state/local officials, and adds oversight on opening or closing embassies.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
How this policy affects specific groups of people
Milestones
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 27 - 24.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
2 articles
House panel backs sweeping State Department overhaul package
The House Foreign Affairs Committee advanced H.R. 5300, a major reauthorization bill that modernizes U.S. diplomatic operations. Key provisions include 'Buy American' procurement mandates, a goal to reduce visitor visa interview wait times to three weeks, and new tools to counter wrongful detentions.
EXPLAINER | Paying the Bill: The USA could finally repeal ZDERA sanctions on Zimbabwe. But new bill comes with a heavy price
The Department of State Policy Provisions Act proposes repealing the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (ZDERA). However, the bill conditions future financial support on Zimbabwe compensating white former farmers, maintaining strict pressure despite the repeal of the older sanctions law.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Department of State Policy Provisions Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.