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.

Sponsor: Tim Burchett (Republican-TN)January 13, 2026

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Introduced

In Committee

Passed One Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Signed into Law

Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Congress would get advance notice on State Department art and design purchases over $37,500.

This bill would require the State Department to notify specific House and Senate committees at least 15 days before spending over $37,500 on art, furnishings, or design for embassies and residences. This change aims to give Congress more oversight on how money is spent on these items.

What Would Change

Today, the Department of State can spend over $37,500 on certain art, furnishings, and design items for diplomatic facilities without specific prior notification to Congress. If this bill becomes law, the State Department would need to give specific congressional committees at least 15 days' notice for such purchases, detailing what they plan to buy, why, and how much it costs.

Key Provisions

Requires the State Department to notify Congress 15 days before buying art or curatorial services over $37,500 for the Art in Embassies Program.
Requires the State Department to notify Congress 15 days before buying art, furnishings, or design elements over $37,500 for any residential design program.
Requires the State Department to notify Congress 15 days before starting cultural heritage projects or buying art, design, or restoration services over $37,500.
Requires these notifications to include a description of the item, its purpose, location, estimated cost, and funding source.

View on Congress.gov

HR 7028 · 119th Congress · January 13, 2026 · AI Summary by gemini-2.5-flash · 9/10

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.

What Would Change

Key Provisions

Lobbying Activity