Diplomatic Security Modernization Act (S. 3820)
February 10, 2026
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Where 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.
View official text →The Frame
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.
Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.
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.
Current stage: in_committee.
Floor Vote.
Summary
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.
- 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.
Why It Matters
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of this bill?
How does this affect Diplomatic Security special agents?
News Coverage
Sponsors
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
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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