119 HR 7028 IH: To require the Secretary of State to submit a notification to Congress prior to obligating funds for certain art-related purchases, and for other purposes. U.S. House of Representatives 2026-01-13 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I119th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 7028IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJanuary 13, 2026Mr. Burchett introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign AffairsA BILLTo require the Secretary of State to submit a notification to Congress prior to obligating funds for certain art-related purchases, and for other purposes.

1.

Congressional notification for certain art-related purchases

(a)

Congressional notification for certain purchases under the Art in Embassies Program

Not later than 15 days before the obligation of funds under the Art in Embassies Program for any purchase of a piece of art or related curatorial service exceeding $37,500, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a notification that includes— (1)a description of the piece of art or curatorial service to be purchased; (2)the purpose of the purchase and the intended diplomatic facility or location of the piece of art or curatorial service; (3)the estimated cost of the purchase; and (4)the source of funds to be used for the purchase. (b)

Congressional notification for certain purchases under a residential design program

Not later than 15 days before the obligation of funds under any residential design program for any purchase of a piece of art, furnishings, or design elements exceeding $37,500, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a notification that includes— (1)a description of the item or items to be purchased; (2)the purpose and intended location of the item or items to be purchased; (3)the estimated cost of the purchase; and (4)the source of funds to be used for the purchase. (c)

Congressional notification for certain purchases under the Cultural Heritage Program

Not later than 15 days before the obligation of funds under the Cultural Heritage Program for any single project, acquisition, or commissioning of art, design, or restoration service exceeding $37,500, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a notification that includes— (1)a description of the project, item, or activity for which the obligation of funds will be made; (2)the purpose and intended location of the project, item, or activity; (3)the estimated cost of the project, item, or activity; and (4)the source of funds to be used for the project, item, or activity. (d)

Definitions

In this section: (1)

Appropriate congressional committees

The term appropriate congressional committees means— (A)the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives; and (B)the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate. (2)

Art

The term art includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, industrial design, and craft art. (3)

Art in Embassies Program

The term Art in Embassies Program means the program administered by the Department of State to acquire, commission, loan, or exhibit works of art for display at United States diplomatic facilities. (4)

Cultural Heritage Program

The term Cultural Heritage Program means the program administered by the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations that supports the preservation, restoration, or enhancement of culturally significant elements, artwork, or architecture at United States diplomatic facilities. (5)

Residential design program

The term residential design program means any program administered by the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations for the design, furnishing, or decoration of representational residences or chief-of-mission residences.