H.R. 2159

Public Diplomacy Modernization Act of 2019

This bill directs the Department of State to appoint a Director of Research and Evaluation in the State Department's Office of Policy, Planning, and Resources for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. The director's responsibilities shall include (1) overseeing research to improve State Department public diplomacy strategy and tactics, and (2) developing guidance and training for public diplomacy officers on interpreting and implementing public diplomacy-related research.

The bill permanently reauthorizes the U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy and directs the commission to establish the Subcommittee for Research and Evaluation. The subcommittee shall provide advice regarding audience research, digital analytics, and impact evaluation for State Department activities.

The bill directs the State Department's Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy to consolidate various executive support functions for all the bureaus reporting to the under secretary. The under secretary shall also identify opportunities to improve operations efficiency and to maximize the shared use of resources.

The State Department shall adopt certain guidelines related to collecting and utilizing information in the event of a closure or consolidation of a public diplomacy facility.