January 13, 2026
Mr. Burchett introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs
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.
Section 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.