State Department formalizes intelligence-backed public diplomacy strategy
H.R. 7036 — Data Driven Diplomacy Act · Filed by Bill Huizenga (R-MI) · 1 cosponsor · Introduced Jan 13, 2026 · Reported out
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What it does
This bill directs the State Department's public affairs bureau to request opinion research from the intelligence bureau to better understand public attitudes in regions where U.S.-funded media operates. It creates a formal coordination mechanism between two State Department offices to use polling data to inform U.S. public diplomacy strategy.
Why we flagged it
The bill is a straightforward procedural measure that mandates internal State Department coordination between two existing offices. It does not create new authorities, spending, or programs—only formalizes a request mechanism.
What the text implies
- Formalizes the integration of intelligence analysis with public messaging operations, potentially blurring lines between understanding foreign publics and targeting them for influence.
- Creates a standing mechanism for intelligence-informed public diplomacy that could expand over time without additional legislative authorization.
The full analysis lists 3 implications of this text.
Who it affects
The bill improves coordination within government to make public diplomacy more evidence-based, which could enhance U.S. soft power effectiveness.