To require the Secretary of State to submit a notification to Congress prior to obligating funds for certain art-related purchases, and for other purposes.
This bill establishes a requirement for the Secretary of State to provide congressional notification prior to obligating funds for specific art-related acquisitions and services. The mandate applies to purchases exceeding $37,500 under three distinct programs: the Art in Embassies Program , any residential design program , and the Cultural Heritage Program . This measure aims to enhance transparency and oversight regarding significant expenditures on art, furnishings, and related services at U.S. diplomatic facilities. For each qualifying purchase, the Secretary must submit a notification to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations at least 15 days beforehand. This notification must include a detailed description of the item or service, its intended purpose and location, the estimated cost, and the source of funds to be used. The bill defines "art" broadly to encompass paintings, sculptures, photographs, industrial design, and craft art, ensuring comprehensive coverage of relevant acquisitions.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
International Affairs
To require the Secretary of State to submit a notification to Congress prior to obligating funds for certain art-related purchases, and for other purposes.
USA119th CongressHR-7028| House
| Updated: 1/13/2026
This bill establishes a requirement for the Secretary of State to provide congressional notification prior to obligating funds for specific art-related acquisitions and services. The mandate applies to purchases exceeding $37,500 under three distinct programs: the Art in Embassies Program , any residential design program , and the Cultural Heritage Program . This measure aims to enhance transparency and oversight regarding significant expenditures on art, furnishings, and related services at U.S. diplomatic facilities. For each qualifying purchase, the Secretary must submit a notification to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations at least 15 days beforehand. This notification must include a detailed description of the item or service, its intended purpose and location, the estimated cost, and the source of funds to be used. The bill defines "art" broadly to encompass paintings, sculptures, photographs, industrial design, and craft art, ensuring comprehensive coverage of relevant acquisitions.