US HB5246

Establishes the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs position responsible for regional and bilateral diplomacy, with funding authorized for fiscal years 2026 and 2027

Creates two new Ambassador-at-Large positions: one for the Arctic (overseeing energy, environmental, trade, and infrastructure matters) and one for the Indian Ocean Region (requiring Presidential nomination by April 1, 2026)

Requires 15-day advance congressional notification before any changes to regional bureau geographic or functional jurisdiction, including adding or removing countries from a bureau's purview

Authorizes Assistant Secretaries for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, African Affairs, Near Eastern Affairs, and South and Central Asian Affairs, each reporting to the Under Secretary for Political Affairs

Establishes a Countering PRC Influence Fund Unit within the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs to coordinate programs countering Chinese malign influence, with the unit terminating 2 years after enactment