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H.R. 1251 117th Congress House

Cyber Diplomacy Act of 2021

Official title: To support United States international cyber diplomacy, and for other purposes.

Introduced: February 23, 2021 Introduced by: Michael T. McCaul Republican · Texas See on congress.gov
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This bill died when the 117th Congress ended
It never became law before the 117th Congress (2021–2022) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 12 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Apr 22, 2021
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Apr 20, 2021
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)
Apr 20, 2021
Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 330, proceedings on H.R. 1251 are considered vacated.
Apr 20, 2021
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)
Apr 19, 2021
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.
Apr 19, 2021
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1251.
Apr 19, 2021
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1930-1934; text: CR H1930-1933)
Apr 19, 2021
Mr. Meeks moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Feb 25, 2021
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Feb 25, 2021
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Feb 23, 2021
Introduced in House
Feb 23, 2021
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
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 Latest action April 22, 2021

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

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.

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.

 Related & companion bills 3
  • HR 739 Reintroduction of Cyber Diplomacy Act of 2019
  • HRES 330 Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 51) to provide for the admission of the State of Washington, D.C. into th…
  • HR 8788 Department of State Authorization Act of 2022
 Bill text 3 versions

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2
 Cosponsors 10
All 10 Democratic 4 Republican 2
R
Fitzpatrick, Brian K.
Pennsylvania · Apr 13, 2021
 D
Castro, Joaquin
Texas · Feb 25, 2021
 R
Issa, Darrell
California · Feb 25, 2021
 D
Sherman, Brad
California · Feb 25, 2021
Spanberger, Abigail
· Feb 25, 2021
Gallagher, Mike
· Feb 23, 2021
 D
Keating, William R.
Massachusetts · Feb 23, 2021
Kinzinger, Adam
· Feb 23, 2021
LANGEVIN, JAMES
· Feb 23, 2021
 D
Meeks, Gregory W.
New York · Feb 23, 2021
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 1251: Cyber Diplomacy Act of 2021. 117th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/117-HR-1251/
MLA
"H.R. 1251: Cyber Diplomacy Act of 2021." 117th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/117-HR-1251/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 1251, 117th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/117-HR-1251/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 1251: Cyber Diplomacy Act of 2021](https://openamerica.io/bill/117-HR-1251/)
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