HR 4891
Secure Our Embassies Act
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Bill overview
This bill aims to improve security at U.S. embassies and other diplomatic posts by strengthening coordination among various departments and personnel. It emphasizes the need for better communication and training related to counterintelligence and security risks. Specifically, the bill calls for enhanced collaboration between Regional Security Officers, Diplomatic Technology Officers, and other relevant staff. The bill also directs the Secretary of State to report on progress made in implementing these improvements.
Key provisions
- Requires the Department of State to improve coordination among security personnel at embassies.
- Supports enhanced counterintelligence (CI) and regional security training for relevant staff.
- Encourages the development of joint training modules and briefings.
- Directs the Secretary of State to report on coordination efforts and training improvements.
Who is affected
- Department of State personnel
- Regional Security Officers (RSOs)
- Diplomatic Technology Officers (DTOs)
- Regional Security Engineering Officers (RSEOs)
- Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO)
Notable changes
- Focuses on improving coordination between different security roles within the State Department.
- Mandates specific training requirements for security personnel.
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Primary sponsor
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119th CONGRESS — 1st Session
H. R. 4891
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
A BILL
To address the growing complexity of the threat environment at United States diplomatic posts.
This Act may be cited as the Secure Our Embassies Act
.
Congress—
recognizes the growing complexity of the threat environment at United States diplomatic posts and the critical need for seamless coordination among personnel responsible for information security, physical security, and facility operations;
supports the Department of State’s efforts to strengthen coordination among Regional Security Officers (RSOs), Diplomatic Technology Officers (DTOs), Regional Security Engineering Officers (RSEOs), and personnel from the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO), particularly during the design, construction, and operations of overseas facilities;
supports that Department of State personnel serving in these positions receive appropriate and role-specific counterintelligence (CI) and regional specific security training, which should address regional and functional threat vectors, as well as protocols for identifying and mitigating insider threats, foreign intelligence collection risks, and cyber vulnerabilities; and
supports the development of joint training modules or inter-bureau CI briefings to reinforce shared security responsibilities and to prevent siloed operational cultures.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to Congress a report on actions the Secretary has taken and will take to improve coordination across the positions described in section 2 and to implement CI training standards for such positions. The report should include a description of current CI training requirements, planned improvements, and any resource needs to support implementation.