H.R. 5535, Energy Diplomacy Act

Floor Situation

On Wednesday, July 25, 2018, the House will consider H.R. 5535, the Energy Diplomacy Act, under suspension of the rules. This bill was introduced on April 17, 2018 by Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) and was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, which ordered the bill reported, as amended, by voice vote on May 9, 2018.

Summary              

H.R. 5535 repeals the Coordinator for International Energy Affairs and replaces it with an authorization for an Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources, including various roles and responsibilities.

Background

In August 2017, the State Department requested that Congress repeal the decade-old statute establishing the Coordinator for International Affairs since the Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources already fulfills the responsibilities of the Coordinator. This duplication is unnecessary and has created confusion about the role of the Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR), which leads the Department of State's efforts to forge international energy policy, strengthen U.S. and global energy security, and respond to energy challenges from around the world that affect U.S. economic policy and national security.[1]

ENR promotes U.S. interests globally on critical issues such as: ensuring economic and energy security for the U.S. and our allies and partners; removing barriers to energy development and trade; and promoting U.S. best practices regarding transparency and good governance. In addition, the Bureau reviews applications for the construction, connection, operation, or maintenance of facilities for the exportation or importation of petroleum, petroleum products, coal, and other fuels (except for natural gas) at the borders of the United States.[2]

The Bureau serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary of State on energy security, policy, operations, and programs. Through diplomacy and a wide range of programs, ENR works to ensure worldwide energy security by fostering diverse global energy supplies from all sources of energy.

ENR operates at the critical intersection between energy and U.S. national security, and ensures U.S. leadership on global energy issues. U.S. national security is threatened when:[3]

• Our allies lack reliable access to affordable energy or a diversity of choices;
• Foreign energy markets shut out U.S. companies;
• Poor governance prevents market-based energy solutions;
• Competition for energy leads to conflict; or
• Terrorists and rogue regimes seek to exploit energy resources to fund violence and destabilizing activities.

To address these challenges, ENR works with leaders at the highest levels of government, business, and civil society, playing a crucial role in achieving U.S. foreign policy objectives in the energy arena. ENR foreign assistance programs are integral to the Bureau’s diplomatic engagement overseas and provide critical support for the Department’s objectives and the Administration’s global diplomacy priorities.[4]

Cost

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that implementing the bill would codify current policies and practices and would have no effect on the federal budget.

Staff Contact

For questions or further information please contact Ryan Hofmann with the House Republican Policy Committee by email or at 2-6674.