Bills · HR 7028
REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 7028Government buildings, facilities, and propertyArt, artists, authorship
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.
INTRO JAN 13· LAST ACTION JAN 21
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 3 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it introduces a new layer of transparency and oversight over how taxpayer dollars are spent on art, furnishings, and design for U.S. diplomatic properties. Currently, the State Department can make these purchases without specific advance notification to these congressional committees. If this bill becomes law, Congress will have a 15-day window to review and potentially question expenditures over $37,500 before the funds are committed.
This could help ensure that spending on such items is scrutinized, potentially preventing controversial or seemingly wasteful purchases and holding the State Department more accountable for its decor and design choices in overseas facilities. If the bill doesn't become law, the current process would continue, where such purchases might only come to congressional attention after the fact.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires the Secretary of State to notify Congress 15 days before obligating funds for Art in Embassies Program purchases over $37,500.
This provides Congress with advance notice and oversight for significant art acquisitions for diplomatic facilities.
PROVISION 02
Requires notification for purchases of art, furnishings, or design elements exceeding $37,500 under any residential design program for diplomatic residences.
This extends congressional oversight to the design and furnishing expenses of official residences abroad.
PROVISION 03
Mandates notification for projects, acquisitions, or services under the Cultural Heritage Program exceeding $37,500.
This ensures transparency for significant expenditures related to preserving or enhancing cultural elements at diplomatic sites.
PROVISION 04
Specifies that each notification must include a description of the item, its purpose and location, estimated cost, and source of funds.
This ensures Congress receives comprehensive details necessary for effective oversight.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
R· Tennessee
YRS IN OFFICE
7
BILLS LED
65
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
6 EVENTSJAN 21
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
JAN 21
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 46 - 1.
JAN 13
Introduced in House
JAN 13
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 7028
Congress119th
StatusReported
IntroducedJan 13, 2026
Last actionJan 21, 2026
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REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS · FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 13, 2026
House BillHR 7028Government buildings, facilities, and propertyArt, artists, authorship
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.
INTRODUCED JAN 13, 2026· LAST ACTION JAN 21, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
