US HB5244

H.R. 5244 - Department of State Organization and Authorities Act

• Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish key support positions within the Office of the Secretary, including Chief of Staff, Counselor, and Executive Secretariat

• Codifies the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations position with responsibilities to identify and counter "malign influence operations" by member states, oppose election of UN entity heads from countries engaged in such operations, and support Taiwan's membership or participation in relevant UN entities

• Establishes or authorizes six bureaus and offices reporting to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary: Legislative Affairs, Intelligence and Research, Policy Planning, Legal Adviser, Protocol, and Spokesperson

• Creates a "Red Team Capability" for crisis response and contingency planning, with findings reported to the Policy Planning Staff within 21 days of convening

• Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 and requires the Secretary to submit an annual report on unfunded priorities within 10 days of the President's budget submission to Congress