I 
119TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION H. R. 5323 
To enhance subnational diplomacy efforts within the Department of State, 
and for other purposes. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
SEPTEMBER 11, 2025 
Mr. LIEU (for himself and Mr. MEEKS) introduced the following bill; which 
was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs 
A BILL 
To enhance subnational diplomacy efforts within the 
Department of State, and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. OFFICE OF SUBNATIONAL DIPLOMACY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—There shall be established in the 
Department of State an Office of Subnational Diplomacy 
(referred to in this subsection as the ‘‘Office’’). The Office 
shall enable the work of the Department with sub-national 
units of governments (such as State, county, city, and mu-
nicipal governments) within the United States to improve 
the ability of such units of government to attract foreign 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
20:14 Sep 18, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5323.IH
H5323
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
investment, counter foreign malign influence within the 
United States, and contribute to the foreign policy prior-
ities of the United States. 
(b) HEAD OF OFFICE.—The head of the Office shall 
be the Special Representative for Subnational Diplomacy, 
who shall report to the Under Secretary of Economic Af-
fairs. 
(c) RESPONSIBILITIES.—The Special Representative 
for Subnational Diplomacy shall additionally be respon-
sible for— 
(1) advising the Under Secretary of Economic 
Affairs on sub-national engagements within the 
United States; 
(2) serving as the principal official on such 
matters within the Department; 
(3) coordinating the Department’s support for 
local and municipal governmental engagements with 
foreign governments; 
(4) advising subnational government officials on 
the potential risks of engagements with countries of 
concern and sharing best practices to build resilience 
against foreign political interference and malign in-
fluence; 
(5) assisting subnational governments in— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
20:14 Sep 18, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5323.IH
H5323
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
(A) attracting or bidding to host major 
international events; 
(B) tracking foreign direct investment at 
the county and municipal levels to highlight 
trends and opportunities; 
(C) attracting foreign direct investment 
and other forms of economic cooperation; 
(D) building the capacity and knowledge of 
subnational government staff who have respon-
sibility for engaging with foreign countries; 
(E) advancing sports diplomacy with for-
eign countries and entities; 
(F) implementing programs to cooperate 
with foreign governments and entities on policy 
priorities or managing shared resources; and 
(G) understanding the local implications of 
foreign policy developments or policy changes; 
(6) supporting the economic interests of the 
United States through subnational engagements, in 
consultation and coordination with other relevant 
agencies; 
(7) advising and informing local officials during 
the negotiation of agreements or memoranda of un-
derstanding with foreign governments related to sub-
national engagements and priorities; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
20:14 Sep 18, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H5323.IH
H5323
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB
(8) coordinating subnational engagements with 
associations of subnational elected leaders, such as 
the United States Conference of Mayors, National 
Governors Association, National League of Cities, 
and similar associations. 
Æ 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
20:14 Sep 18, 2025
Jkt 059200
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6301
E:\BILLS\H5323.IH
H5323
kjohnson on DSK7ZCZBW3PROD with $$_JOB