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H.R. 1251: Cyber Diplomacy Act of 2021

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H.R. 1251: Cyber Diplomacy Act of 2021

117th Congress · introduced 2021-02-23 · International Affairs · Latest: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

federal

Follow this bill, step by step

  1. Where it came from: introduced 2021-02-23 · official record
  2. Who proposed it: Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10] · what a sponsor is
  3. What happened next: no floor votes in our records yet. Why?
  4. Where it stands now: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Not final yet: this can still change. We check for updates every day.
  5. If it becomes law and spends money: follow the money to money laws, then agencies and contracts and grants.

What does this mean?

Official title

Cyber Diplomacy Act of 2021

Plain summary

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.

Congressional Research Service summary (Passed House), quoted unchanged (nonpartisan). Read the source.

What a vote does

A “Yea” vote

If it passes both chambers and is signed, it becomes law.

A “Nay” vote

If it is not passed, current law stays as it is.

PSI Sci description of the legislative step (not an opinion).

What does this mean? (plain words)

Official text

Cyber Diplomacy Act of 2021

Source: Congressional Research Service summary (Passed House)

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The strongest published arguments

Arguments for (supporters)

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Alternatives

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How did my representative vote? · This bill's floor votes

Officials and money

Sponsor: Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10] · 10 cosponsors

Cost estimate: CBO cost estimate: H.R. 1251, Cyber Diplomacy Act of 2021 (2021-03-26)

Cosponsors on this site

Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), William R. Keating (D-MA), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Darrell Issa (R-CA), Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Brian K. Fitzpatrick (R-PA)

Sponsor's campaign money: Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10] reported raising $276,976 (2025–2026). Details. Shown for context only; it does not mean any donor supported this bill.

No linked floor roll calls in our collected records yet. This does not mean the bill has never had a vote. Check the official bill history.

Words on this page, explained (2)
Bill
A proposed law. It becomes law only if it passes the legislature and is signed by the president or governor (or a veto is overridden).
Rulemaking
The process agencies use to write regulations that carry out laws passed by Congress or a legislature. Usually an agency publishes a proposed rule, takes public comments, then publishes a final rule.

Plain meanings written from linked sources. All words.

Sources

Record fed-us-cong117-hr1251 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong117 · updated 2026-11-15 by psicol fed-bills-cong117