H.R. 1251 would codify the Department of State’s plans to establish a bureau of cyberspace policy. It also would establish a committee to coordinate cyberspace policy within the department. Under the bill, the bureau would have broad responsibilities related to cyberspace, including cybersecurity, Internet access, Internet freedom, and the digital economy. H.R. 1251 also would require the Government Accountability Office to assess and report to the Congress on the department’s organizational structure (including the new bureau) and its efforts to promote U.S. cyberspace policy. Lastly, the bill would require the department to report to the Congress on various aspects of cyberspace policy.
