H.R. 7028

119 HR 7028 IH: 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.
 U.S. House of Representatives
 2026-01-13
 text/xml
 EN
 Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
 I  119th CONGRESS  2d Session  H. R. 7028  IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES   January 13, 2026   Mr. Burchett  introduced the following bill; which was referred to the  Committee on Foreign Affairs    A BILL
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.
1.
Congressional notification for certain art-related purchases
(a)
Congressional notification for certain purchases under the Art in Embassies Program
Not later than 15 days before the obligation of funds under the Art in Embassies Program for any purchase of a piece of art or related curatorial service exceeding $37,500, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a notification that includes—
(1)
a description of the piece of art or curatorial service to be purchased;
(2)
the purpose of the purchase and the intended diplomatic facility or location of the piece of art or curatorial service;
(3)
the estimated cost of the purchase; and
(4)
the source of funds to be used for the purchase.
(b)
Congressional notification for certain purchases under a residential design program
Not later than 15 days before the obligation of funds under any residential design program for any purchase of a piece of art, furnishings, or design elements exceeding $37,500, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a notification that includes—
(1)
a description of the item or items to be purchased;
(2)
the purpose and intended location of the item or items to be purchased;
(3)
the estimated cost of the purchase; and
(4)
the source of funds to be used for the purchase.
(c)
Congressional notification for certain purchases under the Cultural Heritage Program
Not later than 15 days before the obligation of funds under the Cultural Heritage Program for any single project, acquisition, or commissioning of art, design, or restoration service exceeding $37,500, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a notification that includes—
(1)
a description of the project, item, or activity for which the obligation of funds will be made;
(2)
the purpose and intended location of the project, item, or activity;
(3)
the estimated cost of the project, item, or activity; and
(4)
the source of funds to be used for the project, item, or activity.
(d)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
Appropriate congressional committees
The term  appropriate congressional committees  means—
(A)
the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives; and
(B)
the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
(2)
Art
The term  art  includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, industrial design, and craft art.
(3)
Art in Embassies Program
The term  Art in Embassies Program  means the program administered by the Department of State to acquire, commission, loan, or exhibit works of art for display at United States diplomatic facilities.
(4)
Cultural Heritage Program
The term  Cultural Heritage Program  means the program administered by the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations that supports the preservation, restoration, or enhancement of culturally significant elements, artwork, or architecture at United States diplomatic facilities.
(5)
Residential design program
The term  residential design program  means any program administered by the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations for the design, furnishing, or decoration of representational residences or chief-of-mission residences.