Overview
Title
To establish a Department of Peacebuilding, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
The Department of Peacebuilding Act of 2025 wants to create a special new part of the government to help people be peaceful and solve problems without fighting, but some people worry it might cost a lot, and it's not clear exactly how they will spend the money or who will get it.
Summary AI
H.R. 1111, titled the "Department of Peacebuilding Act of 2025," proposes the creation of a new federal department dedicated to promoting peace and reducing violence in both domestic and international contexts. The bill outlines the establishment of the Department of Peacebuilding, headed by a secretary appointed by the President, and details its responsibilities, including developing peace education, supporting community initiatives to reduce violence, and advising on national security matters. It also proposes various offices within the department to address arms control, technology for peace, human and economic rights, and peacebuilding information and research. The legislation emphasizes collaboration with other federal agencies, states, and non-governmental organizations, and provides for the funding and creation of programs aimed at fostering a culture of peace and nonviolence across the United States and around the world.
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AnalysisAI
The proposed legislation, titled H. R. 1111 - Department of Peacebuilding Act of 2025, seeks to establish a new federal entity within the U.S. government dedicated to advancing peace domestically and internationally. The bill outlines a broad framework for the Department of Peacebuilding, detailing its roles, responsibilities, and various sub-offices aimed at addressing issues such as domestic violence, international conflict resolution, arms control, and peace education.
General Summary
The Department of Peacebuilding Act of 2025 proposes the creation of a new federal department focused on fostering conditions conducive to peace both within the United States and worldwide. The bill envisions a wide-ranging mandate that includes reducing violence through peace education, supporting local and international peace initiatives, and collaborating with other federal agencies. Significant components of the Act include the establishment of specific offices targeting domestic and international peacebuilding, technology's role in peace, arms control, and human rights.
Significant Issues
Financial Implications: The bill authorizes funding as "necessary," without establishing a specific budget or upper limit, raising concerns about potential unchecked spending. The creation of a new department may result in substantial federal spending, especially given the overlap with existing agencies like the Department of State.
Redundancy with Existing Agencies: The new department’s roles could overlap with responsibilities handled by current government agencies, such as USAID, risking redundant functions and inefficiencies in resource allocation.
Broad and Vague Language: The responsibilities and goals outlined for the Secretary and various offices use broad and often ambiguous language. This could lead to overlapping duties, accountability issues, and ineffective execution of initiatives without specific performance metrics or oversight mechanisms.
Potential Favoritism and Inequity: The proposed grant programs may inadvertently favor organizations with better resources to manage their applications. Similarly, the broad discretion given to the Secretary in selecting local communities for funding may lead to issues of favoritism or inequitable distribution of resources.
Public Impact
The establishment of the Department of Peacebuilding could have varied impacts on the public. Positively, the focus on reducing violence and fostering peace could result in safer communities and enhanced well-being. Educational initiatives could encourage a culture of peace among younger generations, potentially reducing future conflict.
However, the financial implications concern taxpayers due to the possibility of substantial government spending without clear cost controls or budget limitations. The overlap with existing departments could also mean that funds are not utilized as efficiently as possible.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For local communities and nongovernmental organizations involved in peacebuilding, this new department could offer significant support and resources. However, those lacking the means to navigate bureaucratic processes may find it challenging to access these resources. Educational institutions may benefit from grants and new curricula, though implementation could face hurdles if expectations remain unspecified.
Conversely, existing federal departments might experience jurisdictional conflicts or reduced funding, as resources might be shifted to this new department. This could detract from ongoing peace-related projects already in progress under other agencies.
Overall, the proposed Department of Peacebuilding presents an ambitious vision of redirecting national efforts toward nonviolent solutions and peace education. Nevertheless, careful consideration of budgetary implications, redundancy, and clear guidelines are crucial to its success and acceptance.
Financial Assessment
The proposed H.R. 1111, titled the "Department of Peacebuilding Act of 2025," introduces several financial aspects that merit examination, particularly regarding potential impacts, efficiency, and effectiveness.
Financial Allocations and Appropriations
The bill authorizes appropriations for the new Department of Peacebuilding with provisions that call for "such sums as may be necessary", indicating a potentially open-ended financial commitment. This lack of a specific upper limit on funding might raise concerns, as it offers minimal constraints on spending. Furthermore, at least 85% of these appropriated funds are designated for domestic peace programs, including their administrative costs.
Issues Relating to Financial References
The primary financial issue arises from the unspecified total funding allocation, potentially leading to unchecked or excessive spending. Such open-ended authorization could result in fiscal unpredictability and accountability concerns, especially when funds are meant to cover broad and overlapping responsibilities like education, community programs, and arms control.
In conjunction with this, the establishment of diverse offices within the Department, each with its dedicated roles, presents potential financial redundancies. Responsibilities that might overlap with those of existing agencies, such as the Department of State or USAID, could lead to inefficient allocation of resources, and increase the financial burden on taxpayers without necessarily increasing program effectiveness.
Concerns About Equity and Fairness
The bill outlines several grant programs aimed at supporting peace education and exchange initiatives, both domestically and internationally. However, the absence of specific criteria for selecting grant recipients may lead to favoritism or inequitable distribution of funds. Larger, more established organizations with greater resources might be more equipped to apply for and manage these grants, potentially leaving smaller or less-resourced community groups at a disadvantage.
Oversight and Evaluation
The bill does not include detailed mechanisms for oversight or evaluation of the financial use and effectiveness of its programs, thus raising concerns about accountability and transparency. Without clear guidelines or oversight structures, it becomes challenging to assess whether funds are utilized efficiently and align with the department’s primary objectives, such as reducing violence and promoting peace.
In conclusion, while the intentions of H.R. 1111 to foster peace are clear, the financial framework raises several critical concerns. These include the potential for substantial spending without strict upper limits, possible redundancies with existing agencies, inequities in fund distribution, and a lack of detailed oversight mechanisms. Addressing these issues could enhance the fiscal responsibility and overall efficacy of the proposed Department of Peacebuilding.
Issues
The establishment of a new Department of Peacebuilding may involve significant federal spending without a clear budget or financial impact assessment, raising concerns about potential wasteful spending and the necessity of the Department given existing agencies' similar responsibilities. (Sections 101, 102, 204)
There are concerns about redundancy and inefficiency as the Department of Peacebuilding's responsibilities overlap with existing agencies, such as the Department of State and USAID, which might lead to an inefficient allocation of resources. (Sections 101, 102)
The bill authorizes 'such sums as may be necessary' for appropriations without specifying an upper limit, which could lead to unchecked or potentially excessive spending without clear allocation guidelines. (Sections 204)
The broad and vague language in the responsibilities of the Secretary and the lack of specific oversight or evaluation mechanisms for the various offices within the Department may result in overlaps or gaps in responsibilities, leading to concerns about accountability and effectiveness. (Sections 102, 103, 108, 105, 104)
The creation of various grant programs and educational initiatives might inadvertently favor specific organizations, particularly those better equipped to apply for and manage such grants, potentially disadvantaging smaller or less well-funded organizations, raising concerns of equity and fairness. (Sections 104, 105, 106)
The responsibilities outlined for the new principal officers and their roles are not clearly defined, leading to potential ambiguity in departmental functions and concerns about coordination and efficiency. (Section 103)
The lack of specific criteria for selecting local communities and organizations for funding, alongside broad discretion given to the Secretary, raises concerns of favoritism and inequity in fund allocation and program implementation. (Sections 101, 102, 104, 115)
The bill's language, particularly around general goals like 'peacebuilding awareness', is complex and could obfuscate primary objectives, leading to potential misunderstandings about the Department's goals and effectiveness. (Sections 101, 102, 105)
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title; table of contents Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The first section of the “Department of Peacebuilding Act of 2025” introduces the act with its short title and provides a detailed table of contents outlining the establishment, responsibilities, and operational structure of the Department of Peacebuilding, including its various offices and associated activities.
2. Findings Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Congress highlights various issues affecting peace, such as historical conflicts, systemic violence, economic insecurity, gun violence, climate change, and systemic racism, emphasizing the importance of peacebuilding, violence prevention, and addressing these root causes to promote a sustainable and equitable society.
Money References
- In the 21st century, the United States has spent almost $8 trillion on foreign wars, with nearly 5 million lives lost.
- Additionally, the lifetime economic cost associated with medical services for Intimate Partner Violence-related injuries, lost productivity from paid work, criminal justice and other costs, is $3.6 trillion according to the CDC. (8) There are 3.3 million reports of violence against children that result in foster care placements every year; 25 percent of kids in foster care experience PTSD, fewer than 3 percent earn a college degree; 20 percent become homeless after the age of 18; and only 50 percent will be employed by the age of 24.
- According to reports by the Institute of Economics and Peace, which measures the economic impact of violence and conflict to the global economy, the economic impact of violence to the global economy was $16.5 trillion in 2021.
- One IEP report found that the regional impact of violence in North America, 99 percent of which can be attributed to the United States, amounted to $2.73 trillion in 2017.
- For every dollar spent on violence prevention and peacebuilding, thousands of lives and dollars are saved.
- Yet, the United States continues expanding and modernizing its nuclear arsenal, spending trillions of dollars that could instead be redirected to the needs of American communities. (20) Systemic racism is a significant driver of violence and key obstacle to peace in the United States.
101. Establishment of Department of Peacebuilding Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The proposed bill establishes a Department of Peacebuilding within the U.S. government, tasked with promoting peace both domestically and internationally. It sets out responsibilities such as reducing violence, supporting peace-promoting programs, and collaborating with other federal agencies to integrate peacebuilding practices.
102. Responsibilities and powers Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The bill describes the responsibilities and powers of the Secretary, which include developing policies to maintain peace, collaborating on violence prevention, and promoting education on peacebuilding. The Secretary is also tasked with advising other government officials on matters relating to national and international security, addressing issues of human security, studying media influence on conflict, and supporting peace education in schools.
103. Principal officers Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section outlines the roles and appointments in the Department of Peacebuilding. It states that the President, with Senate approval, will appoint various officers, including an Under Secretary of Peacebuilding and several Assistant Secretaries with responsibilities related to peace education, domestic and international peacebuilding, technology, arms control, and more, all reporting directly to the Secretary of Peacebuilding.
104. Office of Peace Education and Training Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section establishes an Office of Peace Education and Training in the Department, led by an Assistant Secretary, to promote peace education across all educational levels through collaboration and the development of peace curricula. It also sets up grants to support peace studies in educational institutions and community programs focused on nonviolent conflict resolution and peacebuilding initiatives.
105. Office of Domestic Peacebuilding Activities Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Office of Domestic Peacebuilding Activities, led by the Assistant Secretary, is established to create policies that prevent domestic violence and promote peace. It will develop strategies for drug and alcohol treatment, cultural acceptance, violence prevention, and restorative practices, while also supporting community programs and training in peacebuilding, and provide grants for cultural exchange programs to foster understanding between communities.
106. Office of International Peacebuilding Activities Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section establishes an Office of International Peacebuilding Activities in the Department, led by the Assistant Secretary, who is responsible for developing programs to prevent conflict, promote peace, support global initiatives, and create educational exchanges. It also introduces a grant program to foster international cultural exchanges that encourage peace and understanding between countries.
107. Office of Technology for Peace Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Office of Technology for Peace will be established within the Department, led by the Assistant Secretary for Technology for Peace, to explore and share information about how new technologies, like artificial intelligence, impact peace and society. Additionally, this office will provide grants to develop nonviolent technologies in fields like transportation and agriculture to conserve resources and support a peaceful, sustainable economy.
108. Office of Arms Control and Disarmament Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Office of Arms Control and Disarmament, led by the Assistant Secretary, is responsible for overseeing arms control programs and agreements within the Department. Their duties include advising on international negotiations to reduce weapons of mass destruction, assisting with assessments of nuclear arms locations, developing strategies to prevent their use, storing contracts and treaties related to disarmament, providing support for these agreements, sharing related policies, and addressing nuclear waste cleanup.
109. Office of Peacebuilding Information and Research Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Office of Peacebuilding Information and Research in the Department will be led by the Assistant Secretary for Peacebuilding Information and Research, who will focus on studying the effects of violence, such as war and police violence, on various aspects of society including children, the environment, and public health. This office will also compile and distribute information about peaceful conflict resolution and peacebuilding initiatives to the public, Congress, educational institutions, and local governments, often collaborating with other governmental and nongovernmental organizations.
110. Office of Human Rights and Economic Rights Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section establishes an Office of Human Rights and Economic Rights within the Department, led by an Assistant Secretary. This office is responsible for integrating human rights principles into international agreements, monitoring human rights abuses, conducting economic analyses on resource scarcity and violence, recommending nonviolent solutions, and ensuring compliance with labor rights laws.
111. Intergovernmental Advisory Council on Peace Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Intergovernmental Advisory Council on Peace is a committee within the Department that advises the President and Secretary on peace-related policies. It brings together different government representatives to discuss peace issues, provides mediation services to resolve conflicts, and reports on the impact of federal peace activities.
112. Federal Interagency Committee on Peace Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section establishes a Federal Interagency Committee on Peace to help the Secretary coordinate actions and procedures of the Department and other federal agencies. The Committee is also tasked with studying and recommending ways to improve coordination of federal programs and policies related to peace, peacebuilding, and violence prevention, and its members are appointed by the Secretary.
113. Staff Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Secretary is allowed to hire employees and decide their pay to help run the Department's operations. These appointments and salaries must follow existing laws unless a different rule is specified.
114. Consultation required Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section requires that when there is a possible or ongoing conflict involving the United States, the Secretaries of Defense and State must consult with the Secretary of Peacebuilding on preventing violence and finding peaceful solutions. It also mandates studies and assessments of diplomatic efforts, and establishes a formal process for consultation on policies related to defense and law enforcement. Additionally, federal agencies must consult with the Secretary when drafting treaties and peace agreements.
115. Collaboration Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Secretary must work together with other Federal agencies, experts, and various organizations and leaders to promote peace and peacebuilding. This collaboration should give priority to those most affected by the programs, focusing on implementing, updating, and evaluating these programs' effectiveness and impacts.
201. Legislative recommendations of the Secretary Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Secretary is required to propose new laws or changes to existing ones and submit them to Congress within one year after the first Secretary is appointed. These proposed changes should help achieve the goals of the Act.
202. Peace Days Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section mandates that the Secretary should promote the observance of "Peace Days," where citizens are encouraged to celebrate peace and engage in discussions about the contributions and achievements of peacemakers.
203. Definitions Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The text provides definitions for terms used in the Act, including Department, which refers to the Department of Peacebuilding, and Secretary, meaning the Secretary of Peacebuilding. It also specifies meanings for terms like Federal agency, institution of higher education, and nonprofit organization as per existing laws and codes.
204. Authorization of appropriations Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
In this section, Congress allows for an unspecified amount of money to be allocated to support the act, with at least 85% of the funds designated specifically for programs that promote peace within the United States and cover related administrative expenses.