[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H3970-H3974]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
PRODUCING RETURNS AND OPPORTUNITY FOR INVESTMENT AND TRADE ACT OF 2026
Mr. MAST. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill
(H.R. 5248) to ensure the alignment of economic and foreign policies,
to position the Department of State to reflect that economic security
is national security, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 5248
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Producing
Returns and Opportunity for Investment and Trade Act of
2026'' or the ``PROFIT Act of 2026''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act
is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
Sec. 3. Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the
Environment.
Sec. 4. Administration of the International Technology Security and
Innovation Fund.
Sec. 5. Assistant Secretary for Sanctions Policy.
Sec. 6. Chief Economist.
Sec. 7. Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs.
Sec. 8. Enhancing subnational diplomacy.
Sec. 9. Energy security and diplomacy.
Sec. 10. Assistant Secretary for Water, Environment, and Space Affairs.
Sec. 11. Strengthening economic expertise at the Department of State.
Sec. 12. References.
Sec. 13. Energy diplomacy.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term
``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
(A) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on
Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and
(B) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on
Appropriations of the Senate.
(2) Department; secretary.--The terms ``Department'' and
``Secretary'' mean the Department of State and the Secretary
of State, respectively.
SEC. 3. UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH, ENERGY,
AND THE ENVIRONMENT.
Section 1(b) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act
of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2651a(b)) is amended by--
(1) redesignating paragraphs (2) through (6) as paragraphs
(3) through (7) respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) Under secretary of state for economic growth, energy,
and the environment.--
``(A) Establishment.--There shall be in the Department an
Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the
Environment who shall be responsible to the Secretary.
``(B) Responsibilities.--The Under Secretary of State for
Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment shall maintain
continuous observation and coordination of all matters
pertaining to economic and business affairs in the conduct of
foreign policy, including, as appropriate, the following:
``(i) Preparing an annual strategic plan for expanding
opportunities for United States private sector companies in
international markets, coordinating the use of sanctions to
achieve national security objectives, promoting international
trade and investment, developing international policies
around new and emerging technologies, ensuring United States
leadership in science and technology, protecting natural
resources, and promoting United States energy interests.
``(ii) Developing policies for consideration by the
Secretary to promote economic growth, facilitate market
access, create business enabling environments abroad, expand
trade and investment opportunities for United States
companies, promote United States energy exports and energy
security, conserve and manage economically important
ecosystems and resources, expand access to critical minerals
abroad, support United States civil and commercial space
governance, promote international standards, policies, and
best practices for emerging technology that facilitate United
States economic growth, and safeguard the preeminence of the
United States dollar in international markets.
``(iii) Promoting United States international economic
interests to be addressed in the Biannual National Economic
Security Strategy Report, coordinated by the Office of the
Chief Economist.
``(iv) Attending and participating in meetings of the
National Security Council, and National Space Council, when
applicable, at the direction of the Secretary, for matters
related to economic growth, energy, and commercial expansion,
commercial outer space affairs, oceans, science and
technology developments, natural resource protection, and
fulfill the role of Foreign Affairs Sous Sherpa relating to
the activities of the Group of Seven Industrial Nations (G-
7).
``(v) Providing guidance to Department personnel in the
United States and overseas who conduct or implement policies,
programs, and activities related to economic growth, energy,
and commercial expansion, science and technology affairs,
natural resource conservation, and civil and commercial
activities in outer space.
``(vi) Coordinating activities related to promoting
economic growth, facilitating market access, creating
business enabling environments abroad, expanding trade and
investment opportunities, promoting of energy exports,
conserving and managing economically important ecosystems and
resources, expanding access to critical minerals, maintaining
United States leadership in science, technology, and outer
space, and
[[Page H3971]]
safeguarding the preeminence of the United States dollar in
international markets.
``(vii) As directed by the Secretary, representing the
Department at interdepartmental meetings including the
National Economic Council, Homeland Security Council, Council
on Environmental Quality, and in providing policy advice to
the Secretary on matters under consideration by these
groups.''.
(3) redesignating paragraphs (2) through (6) as paragraphs
(3) through (7);
SEC. 4. ADMINISTRATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY
SECURITY AND INNOVATION FUND.
Section 102(c) of the CHIPS Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-
167; 136 Stat. 1375) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by inserting ``, acting through the Under Secretary of
State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment''
after ``Secretary of State''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following: ``Within the
Department of State, the Fund shall be overseen and
administered by the Under Secretary of State for Economic
Growth, Energy, and the Environment.''.
(2) in paragraph (2)(B), by inserting ``, acting through
the Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and
the Environment'' after ``Secretary of State''.
SEC. 5. ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SANCTIONS POLICY.
Section 1 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of
1956 (22 U.S.C. 2651a) is amended by striking subsection (l)
and inserting the following new subsection:
``(l) Assistant Secretary and Bureau for Sanctions
Policy.--
``(1) Establishment.--There is authorized to be in the
Department an Assistant Secretary for Sanctions Policy, who
shall be responsible to the Under Secretary of State for
Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment for matters
pertaining to the development of policies governing the
imposition of sanctions, in consultation with the Under
Secretary of State for International Security Affairs and the
Assistant Secretary for Arms Control and Nonproliferation as
appropriate, and such other related duties as the Secretary
may from time to time designate.
``(2) Responsibilities.--In addition to the
responsibilities described under paragraph (1), the Assistant
Secretary for Sanctions Policy shall maintain continuous
observation and coordination of all matters pertaining to the
development and implementation of sanctions policies as part
of United States diplomatic strategies in the conduct of
foreign policy, including, as appropriate, the following:
``(A) Developing the foreign policy strategy of United
States sanctions programs, including consideration of the use
of sanctions in combination with other United States foreign
policy tools and the political and economic implications of
sanction policies.
``(B) Coordinating the effective implementation and
enforcement of sanctions, including all activities, policies,
and programs pertaining to sanctions within the Department.
``(C) Coordinating sanctions policy with foreign partners
and allies to ensure the maximum effectiveness of sanctions
imposed by the United States and such allies and partners.
``(D) Consulting regularly with a broad range of
stakeholders on the implications of United States sanctions
policy for United States economic interests.
``(E) Contributing to the reports to Congress produced by
the Chief Economist.
``(F) Leading the Department's efforts to identify and
designate individuals for visa sanctions related to human
rights violations.
``(G) Developing policies and programs, in coordination
with the Department of the Treasury and other Federal
departments and agencies as necessary and with foreign
partners, to combat money laundering, terrorist financing,
cybercrimes, and other illicit financial activities.
``(H) Representing the Department in all interagency groups
or organizations within the executive branch that plan,
assess, analyze, or review United States sanctions policies,
such as interagency groups organized under the auspices of
the Department of Treasury, the Department of Commerce, and
the Department of Homeland Security.
``(I) Performing such other duties as the Under Secretary
of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment may
from time to time designate.
``(3) Redelegation of authority.--The Secretary may
delegate, or authorize successive redelegation of, authority
to the Assistant Secretary for Sanctions Policy to act and to
render decisions, with respect to all sanctions policies
administered by the Department. Within the limitations of
such delegations, redelegations, or assignments, all official
acts and decisions by the Assistant Secretary for Sanctions
Policy shall have the same force and effect as though
performed or rendered by the Secretary.
``(4) First appointment.--On the date of the enactment of
this Act, the individual serving before such date of
enactment as the Coordinator for Sanctions shall be the
Assistant Secretary for Sanctions Policy. Any subsequent
appointment of an individual to the position of Assistant
Secretary for Sanctions Policy shall be subject to the advice
and consent of the Senate.
``(5) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a
Bureau of Sanctions Policy, which shall perform such
functions related to the development of policies governing
the imposition of sanctions and sanctions strategies, as the
Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the
Environment may prescribe.
``(6) Assistant secretary.--The Assistant Secretary for
Sanctions Policy shall be the head of the Bureau of Sanctions
Policy.''.
SEC. 6. CHIEF ECONOMIST.
Section 1 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of
1956 (22 U.S.C. 2651a), as amended by section 7, is further
amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (j) through (q) as
subsections (l) through (r), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subsection (i) the following new
subsection:
``(j) Office of the Chief Economist Within the Department
of State; Chief Economist as Head of the Office; Personnel
Within the Office.--
``(1) Establishment.--There is authorized to be in the
Department a Chief Economist who shall be responsible to the
Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the
Environment for matters pertaining to analyzing and
forecasting the impact of economic trends on diplomatic
functions and national security priorities, and such other
related duties as the Secretary may from time to time
designate.
``(2) Responsibilities.--In addition to the
responsibilities described under paragraph (1), the Chief
Economist shall provide research and analysis to inform the
Department's strategy for deploying international economic
policy to strengthen alliances, deter malign foreign actors,
and reduce dependencies on strategic rivals in the conduct of
foreign policy, including, as appropriate, the following:
``(A) Providing research and analysis to inform the
development of the Department's strategy for deploying
foreign policy to ensure supply chain resilience, secure
access to raw materials and critical minerals, and maximize
international market access.
``(B) Providing analysis of complex, emerging geoeconomic
issues and offer advice to Department leadership on economic
diplomacy challenges.
``(C) Conducting research and rigorous, data-driven
analysis of high priority issues at the intersection of
economics and foreign policy to inform decision-making and
diplomatic engagements by senior Department officials.
``(D) Maintaining analytical products for the Department on
international economic issues, including on sanctions evasion
and the vulnerabilities of the United States and its partners
to economic coercion, as well as the economic opportunities
for United States businesses.
``(E) Contributing to the expansion of the economic
expertise of the Department through collaboration with the
Foreign Service Institute, the academic community,
international organizations, and other Federal departments
and agencies the Chief Economist determines necessary.
``(F) Serving as a liaison to technical experts in
economics and related fields in partner governments,
international institutions, and elsewhere in the United
States government and academic community.
``(G) Performing such other duties as the Under Secretary
of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment may
from time to time designate.
``(3) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this subsection, and every 2 years for the
subsequent four years, the Chief Economist shall transmit to
Congress a report on the international economic strategy of
the United States and its analytical basis. In preparing the
report, the Chief Economist shall coordinate input and
analysis from other bureaus within the Under Secretary of
State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment .
``(4) Office.--The Secretary shall establish an Office of
the Chief Economist, which shall perform such functions
related to the provision of expert economic advice and
analysis, as the Under Secretary of State for Economic
Growth, Energy, and the Environment may prescribe.
``(5) Chief economist.--The Chief Economist shall be the
head of the Office of the Chief Economist.
``(6) Personnel of the office of the chief economist.--
``(A) In general.--The Office of the Chief Economist shall
include--
``(i) the Chief Economist, shall be a member of the Senior
Executive Service or its equivalent, should have a doctorate
in Economics, and at least 5 years of experience working at
the intersection of policy and international economics in the
private or public sectors;
``(ii) not fewer than 6 and not more than 12 full-time
Civil Service officers, notwithstanding the limitations
provided under section 501 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980
(22 U.S.C. 3981), at the GS-15 level or below;
``(iii) one full-time Foreign Service Officer,
notwithstanding such limitations, at the FS-01 level or
below; and
``(iv) time-limited detailees from other offices of the
Department or of other Federal departments or agencies, on a
mutually agreeable, non-reimbursable basis.
``(B) Contractors.--The Office of the Chief Economist shall
have maximum contracting flexibility, including--
``(i) personal services contracting authority authorized
under section 2 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act
of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2669), for domestic positions; and
[[Page H3972]]
``(ii) other transaction authority authorized under section
701 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4021), to
adopt innovative technology and data analytics in its
research.''.
SEC. 7. ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS
AFFAIRS.
Section 1(c) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act
of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2651a(c)) is amended by striking paragraph
(4) and inserting the following new paragraph:
``(4) Assistant secretary and bureau for economic and
business affairs.--
``(A) Establishment.--There is authorized to be in the
Department an Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business
Affairs who shall be responsible to the Under Secretary of
State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment for
matters pertaining to the trade and investment promotion and
policy, international finance and development, transportation
affairs, and such other related duties as the Secretary may
from time to time designate.
``(B) Responsibilities.--In addition to the
responsibilities described under subparagraph (A), the
Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs shall
be responsible for leading Department policies and programs,
and coordinating with other United States agencies as
appropriate, for all matters pertaining to the following:
``(i) Trade and investment promotion, such as--
``(I) assisting and advocating for United States businesses
and commercial interests overseas;
``(II) identifying foreign market opportunities for United
States businesses and helping United States firms overcome
challenges in foreign business climates;
``(III) helping United States companies compete for and win
contracts in foreign markets;
``(IV) attracting foreign investment into the United States
by identifying high potential businesses in foreign
countries;
``(V) ensuring United States private sector concerns are
integrated into United States foreign policy and economic
policy; and
``(VI) promoting international commercial projects that
advance the national security interests of the United States,
regardless of domestic content thresholds.
``(ii) International trade policy, including negotiating
and implementing trade agreements, resolving trade disputes,
bolstering supply chain resilience, and protecting
intellectual property rights.
``(iii) International investment policy, including
monitoring international investment climates, negotiating and
implementing investment agreements, representing the
Department in the Committee on Foreign Investment in the
United States, and assisting United States companies involved
in investment disputes with foreign governments.
``(iv) Development finance, including the mobilization of
private, bilateral, and multilateral development finance for
developing countries, particularly investments focused on
infrastructure projects.
``(v) The negotiation and extension of debt relief and
sovereign loan guarantees for United States allies and
partners.
``(vi) The promotion of sound, transparent, and stable
economic policies overseas.
``(vii) Perform such other duties as the Under Secretary of
State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment may
from time to time designate.''.
SEC. 8. ENHANCING SUBNATIONAL DIPLOMACY.
Section 1 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of
1956 (22 U.S.C. 2651a), as amended by section 8, is further
amended by inserting the after subsection (j) following new
subsection:
``(k) Office of Subnational Diplomacy Within the Department
of State; Coordinator as Head of the Office; Location of the
Office.--
``(1) Establishment.--There shall be established in the
Department an Office of Subnational Diplomacy. The Office
shall enable the Department's work with subnational
governments (State, county, city, and municipal) within the
United States to improve the ability of subnational
governments to attract foreign investment, counter foreign
malign influence within the United States, and contribute to
the foreign policy priorities of the United States.
``(2) Coordinator.--The head of the Office shall be the
Coordinator for Subnational Diplomacy. The head of the office
shall report through the Assistant Secretary for Economic and
Business Affairs to the Under Secretary of State for Economic
Growth, Energy, and the Environment.
``(3) Responsibilities.--In addition to the
responsibilities described under paragraph (1), the
Coordinator for Subnational Diplomacy shall maintain
continuous observation and coordination of all matters
pertaining to subnational diplomacy and Department
engagements with subnational governments in the conduct of
foreign policy, including the following:
``(A) Advising the Under Secretary of State for Economic
Growth, Energy, and the Environment on subnational
engagements within the United States and serve as the
principal official on such matters within the Department.
``(B) Coordinating the Department's support for local and
municipal governments' engagements with foreign governments.
``(C) Advising subnational government officials on the
potential risks of engagements with countries of concern and
share best practices to build resilience against foreign
political interference and malign influence.
``(D) Assisting subnational governments in the following
areas:
``(i) Attracting or bidding to host major international
events.
``(ii) Tracking foreign direct investment at the county and
municipal levels to highlight trends and opportunities.
``(iii) Attracting foreign direct investment and other
forms of economic cooperation.
``(iv) Building the capacity and knowledge of subnational
government staff who have responsibility for engaging with
foreign countries.
``(v) Advancing sports diplomacy with foreign countries and
entities.
``(vi) Implementing programs to cooperate with foreign
governments and entities on policy priorities or managing
shared resources.
``(vii) Understanding the local implications of foreign
policy developments or policy changes.
``(E) Supporting the economic interests of the United
States through subnational engagements, in consultation and
coordination with other relevant agencies.
``(F) Advising and informing local officials as they
negotiate agreements and memoranda of understanding with
foreign governments related to subnational engagements and
priorities.
``(G) Coordinating subnational engagements with
associations of subnational elected leaders, including the
United States Conference of Mayors, National Governors
Association, National League of Cities and similar
associations.
``(H) Performing other such duties as the Assistant
Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs and the Under
Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the
Environment may from time to time designate.
``(4) Location.--The Office of Subnational Diplomacy shall
be co-located with the Office of Foreign Missions--Los
Angeles, authorized under section 203(4) of the State
Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C.
4303(4)).''.
SEC. 9. ENERGY SECURITY AND DIPLOMACY.
Section 1(c) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act
of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2651a(c)), as amended by section 9, is
further amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (8) through (17) as (9)
through (18), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following:
``(8) Assistant secretary and bureau for energy security
and diplomacy.--
``(A) Establishment.--There is authorized to be in the
Department an Assistant Secretary for Energy Security and
Diplomacy who shall be responsible to the Under Secretary of
State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment for
all matters pertaining to the formulation and implementation
of international energy, energy technology, critical
minerals, and relevant supply chain policies in the conduct
of foreign policy by the Department, including, as
appropriate, to protect United States energy security
interests, lead the coordination of energy programs carried
out by United States Government agencies abroad, and such
other related duties as the Secretary may from time to time
designate.
``(B) Responsibilities.--In addition to the
responsibilities described under subparagraph (A), the
Assistant Secretary for Energy Security and Diplomacy shall
maintain continuous observation and coordination of all
matters pertaining to the development of policies to secure
access to international energy markets and diversify critical
mineral supply chains in the conduct of foreign policy,
including, as appropriate, the following:
``(i) Representing the Secretary in interagency efforts to
develop the international energy policy of the United States.
``(ii) Leading the analysis, formulation, and
implementation of international policies aimed at protecting
and advancing United States energy interests.
``(iii) Effectively managing United States bilateral and
multilateral relations and, as directed by the Secretary,
representing the Secretary in relevant international fora and
organizations, including the International Energy Agency, to
bolster global energy security and advance the interests of
the United States.
``(iv) Ensuring that analyses of the national security and
economic security implications of global energy developments
are reflected in the decision-making processes within the
Department.
``(v) Incorporating energy and critical mineral security
priorities into the activities of the Department.
``(vi) Coordinating energy activities of the Department
with relevant Federal departments and agencies, including the
Departments of Energy, Commerce, Defense, and Interior, and
the Development Finance Corporation to promote United States
energy security and energy development to support United
States national security readiness.
``(vii) Coordinating with the Bureau of Sanctions Policy on
economic sanctions pertaining to the international energy
sector.
``(viii) Coordinating energy security and other relevant
functions within the Department currently undertaken by--
``(I) the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs;
``(II) the Bureau of Water, Environment, and Space Affairs;
``(III) the Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation;
and
``(IV) other bureaus and offices within the Department.
[[Page H3973]]
``(ix) Working internationally to--
``(I) support the development of energy technologies,
natural resources, critical minerals, and supply chains for
the benefit of the United States and United States allies and
trading partners for their energy security and economic
development needs;
``(II) promote secure and diversified energy and critical
minerals supply chains, and a well-functioning global market
for energy resources, energy technologies, critical minerals;
``(III) resolve international disputes regarding the
exploration, development, production, or distribution of
energy and critical minerals resources where the United
States strategic interests are present;
``(IV) support the economic and commercial interests of
United States persons operating in the energy markets of
foreign countries; and
``(V) support and coordinate international efforts to
alleviate energy poverty, enhance energy access and energy
efficiency to promote United States strategic interests and
offer alternatives to adversary initiatives for United States
allies and partners.
``(x) Conducting public diplomacy with regard to United
States international energy policy to strengthen transparency
and governance.
``(xi) Performing such other duties as the Under Secretary
of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment may
from time to time designate.
``(C) Annual report.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of the enactment of this paragraph, and annually thereafter
for three years, the Assistant Secretary for Energy Security
and Diplomacy shall submit to Congress a report on the United
States international energy strategy.
``(D) Bureau.--The Secretary shall establish a Bureau of
Energy Security and Diplomacy, which shall perform such
functions related to the formulation and implementation of
international energy, energy technology, critical minerals,
and relevant supply chain policies, as the Under Secretary of
State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment may
prescribe.
``(E) Assistant secretary.--The Assistant Secretary for
Energy Security and Diplomacy shall be the head of the Bureau
of Energy Security and Diplomacy.''.
SEC. 10. ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR WATER, ENVIRONMENT, AND
SPACE AFFAIRS.
Section 1(c) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act
of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2651a(c)), as amended by section 11, is
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``(19) Bureau of water, environment, and space affairs
within department of state; assistant secretary of state as
head of bureau.--
``(A) Establishment.--There is authorized to be in the
Department an Assistant Secretary for Water, Environment, and
Space Affairs who shall be responsible to the Under Secretary
of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment for
matters pertaining to space, oceans, polar affairs,
environmental quality, freshwater, fisheries, wildlife and
wildlife trafficking, conservation, and such other related
duties as the Secretary may from time to time designate.
``(B) Responsibilities.--In addition to the
responsibilities described under subsection (a), the
Assistant Secretary for Water, Environment, and Space Affairs
shall maintain continuous observation and coordination of all
matters pertaining to oceans, fisheries, natural resource
conservation, and outer space in the conduct of foreign
policy, including, as appropriate, the following:
``(i) Developing United States policy on global
environmental security issues with respect to oceans,
fisheries, Antarctic region, waste and global pollution, and
natural resource management and conservation, including
water.
``(ii) Representing the Department in bilateral and
multilateral negotiations involving the law of the sea,
including freedom of navigation and overflight and other
lawful uses of the ocean; maritime security; United States
maritime zones, including the United States extended
continental shelf; marine science; sustainable management and
protection of marine habitats and resources; marine
pollution; and maritime claims and boundaries.
``(iii) Leading United States engagement on Antarctica and
in international oceans agreements and conventions with
foreign governments and international organizations to
promote solutions that advance United States national
security, economic, and environmental interests.
``(iv) Coordinating the development of policies and
programs to conserve and manage economically important
ecosystems, including, forests, wetlands, drylands, and coral
reefs.
``(v) Developing policies and programs to address
international threats to natural resources including but not
limited to illicit trade; illegal, unreported and unregulated
fishing; wildlife trafficking; and illegal logging and
associated trade.
``(vi) Developing and implementing United States foreign
policy related to air, water and soil pollution and risks to
human health and the environment caused by the transboundary
movement of hazardous chemicals and waste and other forms of
pollution to promote environmental security with trade
partners and in multilateral institutions.
``(vii) Representing the Department in bilateral and
multilateral engagements including organizations,
institutions, and negotiation of international agreements on
related issues.
``(viii) Developing policies and programs, in coordination
with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the
Department of Commerce, and other relevant Federal
departments and agencies, as appropriate, to support
partnerships between the United States and international and
private industry partners in the development of
infrastructure and policies that expand economic growth in
outer space, including--
``(I) countering malign efforts by foreign adversaries and
other actors that threaten United States interests in civil
and commercial space;
``(II) expanding access to foreign markets for United
States commercial industry, including by encouraging reforms
that reduce barriers to trade and cooperation with United
States civil and commercial space actors; and
``(III) providing assistance to foreign governments and
organizations, including national, regional, and
international institutions, on such terms and conditions as
the Secretary may determine.
``(ix) Leading bilateral and multilateral engagements
related to civil and commercial space activities, resilient
space services, burden sharing, and other matters related to
international space law and diplomacy and other United States
international obligations and commitments.
``(x) In accordance with the National Space Policy, leading
United States Government engagement with international Global
Navigation Satellite Systems providers to ensure
compatibility and encourage interoperability of civil global
navigation satellite services based on United States-based
global positioning systems, including through the
International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite
Systems.
``(xi) Leading Department efforts to implement
international arrangements and promote cooperation on Earth
observation satellite systems.
``(xii) Leading Department engagement in multilateral and
bilateral forums on international space policy, space law,
and commercial and civil treaties or agreements.
``(xiii) Leading Department efforts on transparency in
space by maintaining the official United States space object
registry and promoting best practices for safe operations in
space, preservation of the space environment, space traffic
coordination, and space situational awareness.
``(xiv) Leading Department efforts to align foreign space
law, regulatory, and policy frameworks with United States-
endorsed models, approaches, and best practices.
``(xv) Performing such other duties as the Under Secretary
of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment may
from time to time designate.
``(C) First appointment.--On the date of the enactment of
this Act, the individual serving as the Assistant Secretary
for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific
Affairs on the day before such date of enactment shall be the
Assistant Secretary for Water, Environment, and Space
Affairs. Any subsequent appointment of an individual to the
position of Assistant Secretary for Water, Environment, and
Space Affairs shall be subject to the advice and consent of
the Senate.
``(D) Bureau.--The Secretary shall establish a Bureau of
Water, Environment, and Space Affairs, which shall perform
such functions related to space, oceans, environmental
quality, fisheries, wildlife, and wildlife trafficking, and
conservation affairs, as the Under Secretary of State for
Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment may prescribe.
``(E) Assistant secretary.--The Assistant Secretary for
Water, Environment, and Space Affairs shall be the head of
the Bureau of Water, Environment, and Space Affairs.''.
SEC. 11. STRENGTHENING ECONOMIC EXPERTISE AT THE DEPARTMENT
OF STATE.
(a) Office Directors and Deputy Directors.--Notwithstanding
the requirements of section 501 of the Foreign Service Act of
1980 (22 U.S.C. 3981), the positions of Office Director and
Deputy Office Director, as well as special assistant
positions, under the purview of the Under Secretary of State
for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, shall
generally be filled by civil service officers.
(b) Implementation.--The Secretary is authorized to take
such steps as may be necessary to phase-in the requirement
under subsection (a) over the 5-year period beginning on the
date of the enactment of this Act.
(c) Exceptions.--The Under Secretary of State for Economic
Growth, Energy, and the Environment may approve the
appointment of a Foreign Service officer to an Office
Director or a Deputy Office Director position if--
(1) the individual has the requisite expertise, as
determined by the Under Secretary of State for Economic
Growth, Energy, and the Environment; and
(2) in the 5-year period following the date of the
enactment of this Act, not more than one-third of all Office
Director and Deputy Office Director positions under the
purview of the Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth,
Energy, and the Environment are filled by Foreign Service
officers.
(d) Direct Hire Authority.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary of State for Economic
Growth, Energy, and the Environment may appoint, without
regard to the provisions of sections 3309 through 3318 of
[[Page H3974]]
title 5, United States Code, candidates directly to positions
in the competitive service, as defined in section 2102 of
that title.
(2) Termination.--Except with respect to the Office of the
Chief Economist, the authority provided under paragraph (1)
shall terminate on the date that is 4 years after the date of
the enactment of this Act.
(e) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of State for
Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment shall submit to
the appropriate committees of Congress a report that contains
plans to attract and retain economic, policy, legal, and
technical expertise for civil service officers in the Under
Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the
Environment, including career promotion tracks to supervisory
and non-supervisory GS-15 positions.
SEC. 12. REFERENCES.
Any reference in any statute, reorganization plan,
Executive order, regulation, agreement, determination, or
other official document or proceeding to--
(1) the Assistant Secretary for Oceans and International
Environmental and Scientific Affairs shall be deemed to refer
to the Assistant Secretary for Water, Environment, and Space
Affairs;
(2) the Bureau for Oceans and International Environmental
and Scientific Affairs shall be deemed to refer to the Bureau
for Water, Environment, and Space Affairs;
(3) the Sanctions Coordinator shall be deemed to refer to
the Assistant Secretary for Sanctions Policy; and
(4) the Office of the Sanctions Coordinator shall be deemed
to refer to the Bureau of Sanctions Policy.
SEC. 13. ENERGY DIPLOMACY.
Section 931 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of
2007 (42 U.S.C. 17371) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 931. ENERGY DIPLOMACY AND SECURITY WITHIN THE
DEPARTMENT OF STATE.
``The Secretary of Energy may make appropriate arrangements
with the Secretary of State to assign personnel from the
Department of Energy or the National Laboratories of the
Department of Energy to serve as dedicated advisors on energy
matters in embassies of the United States or other United
States diplomatic missions.''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Florida (Mr. Mast) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Bera) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida.
General Leave
Mr. MAST. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include
extraneous material on H.R. 5248.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Florida?
There was no objection.
Mr. MAST. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the
gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Kim), the chairwoman of the East Asia
and Pacific Subcommittee.
Mrs. KIM. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my remarks on the
previous version of this bill be moved to this point in debate in the
Congressional Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from California?
There was no objection.
Mrs. KIM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5248,
the Producing Returns and Opportunity for Investment and Trade Act, or
PROFIT Act.
I thank Chairman Mast for his leadership on this bill and working
with us. This is a bipartisan bill, and it is the result of months of
collaborative work by the East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee and my
staff.
I thank Chairman Mast for his leadership and getting us this far. His
initiative to prioritize State Department reauthorization, as part of a
broader all-of-committee effort, is already delivering results.
Before last year's NDAA, nearly 85 percent of the Department was
unauthorized. With the passage of H.R. 5248, Chairman Mast will have
pushed through legislation to bring that authorization level well above
50 percent. That is truly an amazing achievement.
I also thank Ranking Member Meeks. During the September 2025
committee markup, he rightly called this bill ``a distinct bright
spot'' in the authorizing process due to its strong bipartisan
refinement.
I am delighted that we have been able to bring this bill to the House
floor under suspension today. Passing H.R. 5248 alongside other State
Department authorization legislation fulfills a core responsibility of
the Foreign Affairs Committee, producing an annual authorization bill.
Regrettably, the committee has neglected this fundamental duty for
over two decades, and the costs of that neglect have grown steadily.
Without regular authorizations, we cede policy direction to other
committees and must rely on their vehicles to advance our priorities.
Oversight suffers as the Department becomes less responsive, delaying
witnesses, ignoring document requests and briefings, and we fall short
of our Article I constitutional responsibilities.
Unchecked, the Department, like most government agencies, expands,
loses focus, and accumulates bloat. Bureaus and offices created to
serve one administration's priorities persist, layering new offices on
top of old ones and creating redundancy and inefficiency. The
Department of State that this administration inherited was rife with
bloat, government waste, and slowed decisionmaking.
The PROFIT Act is a critical step to restoring regular order to the
authorization process. It codifies what President Trump has said
repeatedly: economic security is national security; economic policy is
foreign policy.
This bill realigns bureaus and offices under the Under Secretary for
Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, placing commercial
diplomacy at the forefront of America First foreign policy. It signals
strong support to American companies in critical minerals, energy, and
related sectors. The Department will work to open markets, reduce
dangerous supply chain dependence on China and other adversaries, and
level the playing field so U.S. firms can compete and win abroad.
Mr. Speaker, this bill is a vital piece of the committee's broader
effort. At a time of unprecedented challenges to our economic
sovereignty, the Department's tools must be fit for purpose. H.R. 5248
equips it to prioritize economic statecraft and deliver results for
years to come.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
Mr. BERA. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. MAST. Mr. Speaker, I urge the support of H.R. 5248, and I yield
back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mast) that the House suspend the rules and
pass the bill, H.R. 5248, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
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