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Read. Follow. Verify.Diplomatic Security Modernization Act (S. 3820)
Last action · February 28, 2024: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.Sponsor: Marco Rubio
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What This Bill Would Do
This bill proposes updates to the Bureau of Diplomatic Security's organizational structure, training requirements, and investigative authorities. It aims to streamline administrative processes, expand counter-intelligence security programs, and clarify the role of s at overseas missions.
The bill changes how the Department of State manages security personnel and investigations, potentially altering the speed and scope of federal law enforcement actions related to cyber crimes, human trafficking, and diplomatic protection.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Diplomatic Security special agents
Agents will be subject to new mandatory training requirements and updated administrative procedures for investigations.
Department of State
The department must implement new reporting structures, update the Foreign Affairs Manual, and manage expanded investigative authorities.
Key Facts
- Requires the Secretary of State to report to Congress on the impact of moving the Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security to report directly to the Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources.
- Expands the counter-intelligence personnel security program to include non-security staff in critical human intelligence threat countries.
- Mandates specific counter-intelligence training for Diplomatic Security special agents in high-risk diplomatic posts.
- Formally designates Regional Security Officers as the principal security and lead law enforcement representatives at overseas missions.
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- Proposes delegating wiretap and electronic communication interception pre-approval authority from the Secretary of State to the Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security.
- Grants new administrative subpoena authority to the Bureau of Diplomatic Security.
- Authorizes the Bureau to investigate cyber crimes and transnational human trafficking.
- Provides new authority for the Bureau to offer direct assistance to crime victims.
- Expands the Rewards for Justice Program.
- Exempts the Department of State from the Secure Federal LEASEs Act.
- Modernizes timekeeping processes and availability-for-work credit calculations for personnel.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
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Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
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Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Expansion of Investigative Scope
The bill marks a clear shift toward granting the Bureau of Diplomatic Security broader domestic and international investigative powers, specifically in cyber crime and human trafficking.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.congress.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance65How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy20Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz15Current news / social attention level
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