Authorized embassies and consulates

(a) Notification requirement Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may not open, close, permanently relocate, or initiate the construction of any diplomatic post unless the Secretary submits a written notification to the appropriate congressional committees not less than 30 days prior to the proposed action. (b) Elements of notification Each notification submitted pursuant to subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) A justification for the opening, closure, relocation, or new construction, including any changes to the strategic value, threat environment, or foreign policy posture associated with the action. (2) A detailed cost estimate, including projected construction, maintenance, and operational costs. (3) An assessment of the impact on American citizen services, consular functions, diplomatic engagement, and interagency operations. (4) A summary of consultation with Chiefs of Mission, Regional Security Officers, and affected agencies. (5) An explanation of how the proposed action aligns with the Department’s global presence framework. (c) Exceptions The requirement in subsection (a) shall not apply in cases where the Secretary determines that exigent circumstances require the immediate closure or evacuation of a post for security reasons, in which case the Secretary shall notify the appropriate congressional committees as soon as practicable and not later than 7 business days after such action is taken. (d) Definitions For purposes of this section: (1) The term diplomatic post means any embassy, consulate, or other permanent facility that serves a diplomatic, consular, or official United States Government function abroad. (2) The term appropriate congressional committees means the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.