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H.R. 4589: Diversity and Inclusion at the Department of State Act

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H.R. 4589: Diversity and Inclusion at the Department of State Act

117th Congress · introduced 2021-07-21 · International Affairs · Latest: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.

federal

Follow this bill, step by step

  1. Where it came from: introduced 2021-07-21 · official record
  2. Who proposed it: Rep. Castro, Joaquin [D-TX-20] · what a sponsor is
  3. What happened next: no floor votes in our records yet. Why?
  4. Where it stands now: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote. 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

Diversity and Inclusion at the Department of State Act

Plain summary

Diversity and Inclusion at the Department of State Act This bill establishes a new position and requires other activities to promote diversity and inclusion in the Department of State. The bill creates the presidentially-appointed position of Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer in the Office of the Deputy Secretary of State to, among other activities, develop a strategic plan to guide implementation of diversity and inclusion efforts and support State Department personnel from traditionally underrepresented groups. The officer reports directly to the Secretary of State. Additionally, the State Department must establish a Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council to coordinate applicable strategic plans, initiatives, and policies. The bill also modifies merit selection processes for promotions, performance pay, and related matters to promote diversity and inclusion in the Foreign Service. Specifically, it adds factors (e.g., testimony from peers and subordinates or demonstrated support for diversity and inclusion) that may be considered in recommendations and rankings related to a Foreign Service officer's performance. The State Department must also establish a mentorship program for entry- and mid-level members of the Foreign Service and periodically offer a Senior Executive Service development program to members of the civil service in the top two pay grades. Senior Executive Service members serve as high-level managers within federal agencies. The bill requires the State Department to report on its diversity and inclusion efforts, as well as demographic information about members of boards that make personnel decisions and candidates for the Senior Executive Service.

Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in 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

Diversity and Inclusion at the Department of State Act

Source: Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in House)

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The strongest published arguments

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Alternatives

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

Officials and money

Sponsor: Rep. Castro, Joaquin [D-TX-20] · 53 cosponsors

Cost estimate: CBO cost estimate: H.R. 4589, Diversity and Inclusion at the Department of State Act (2021-09-24)

Cosponsors on this site

Norma J. Torres (D-CA), Judy Chu (D-CA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Veronica Escobar (D-TX), André Carson (D-IN), Jesús G. "Chuy" García (D-IL), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (D-GA), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Ed Case (D-HI), Ro Khanna (D-CA), James P. McGovern (D-MA), Ritchie Torres (D-NY), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (D-VA), William R. Keating (D-MA), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Bradley Scott Schneider (D-IL), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Pete Aguilar (D-CA), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD), Salud O. Carbajal (D-CA), Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM), Al Green (D-TX), Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Adam B. Schiff (D-CA), Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Juan Vargas (D-CA), Janice D. Schakowsky (D-IL)

Sponsor's campaign money: Rep. Castro, Joaquin [D-TX-20] reported raising $592,416 (2025–2026). Details. Shown for context only; it does not mean any donor supported this bill.

Agencies named in this bill

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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)
Ballot initiative
A proposed law or constitutional amendment that citizens place on the ballot by gathering enough voter signatures, so voters decide it directly. About half the states allow some form of it.
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).

Plain meanings written from linked sources. All words.

Sources

Record fed-us-cong117-hr4589 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong117 · updated 2026-11-15 by psicol fed-bills-cong117