# 119-hr-4808: Parity in Diplomatic Security Investigations Act

119-hr-4808, Parity in Diplomatic Security Investigations Act, is a 119th Congress bill sponsored by Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17] (R-NY); status introduced (as of 2026-04-21).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-4808
- As of: 2026-04-21
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Bill: 119-hr-4808
- Congress: 119
- Title: Parity in Diplomatic Security Investigations Act
- Status: introduced
- Introduced: 2025-07-29
- Sponsor: Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17] (R-NY)
- Cosponsors: 0
- Policy area: International Affairs
- Touches household money: no
- Last recorded action: 2026-04-21

## Summary

**Delegation of pre-approval authority** for Diplomatic Security special agents to request wire, oral, and electronic intercepts under 18 U.S.C. 2516 would move pre-approval power from the Secretary of State to the Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security or the Principal Deputy. It also includes a Sense of Congress that DS agents should have recording powers comparable to other federal law enforcement to improve timeliness and public confidence. - Diplomatic Security special agents: Would face fewer approval bottlenecks and could secure intercept authorizations more quickly because the Assistant Secretary or Principal Deputy could grant pre-approval instead of the Secretary of State. - State Department operations: Requires the Secretary to revise section 221.5 of Volume 12 of the Foreign Affairs Manual within 90 days after enactment to reflect the delegation and align practice with 22 U.S.C. 2709(a) and Chapter 119 of title 18. - Public oversight and parity: Expresses Congress's view that allowing DS agents similar recording authorities as other federal agencies will boost accountability and public confidence.

## Provisions PRIA read

- Faster approvals for Diplomatic Security wiretaps: benefit, low. This bill would let the Secretary of State delegate pre-approval for Diplomatic Security wiretap and recording requests. The Assistant Secretary or the Principal Deputy could give this pre-approval. Requests would still need to follow federal wiretap law and be for official Diplomatic Security duti…

## Related bills

- 119-hr-9237: Take Care of America’s Veterans Act
- 119-hr-6644: 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act
- 119-hr-3151: SHIPS for America Act of 2025
- 119-hr-4393: DIGNIDAD (Dignity) Act of 2025
- 119-hr-9086: Foreign Service Modernization Act
- 119-hr-3633: Digital Asset Market Clarity Act

## Sources
- [119-hr-4808 on Congress.gov](https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4808)

## Related
- [119-hr-9237: Take Care of America’s Veterans Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-9237)
- [119-hr-6644: 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-6644)
- [119-hr-3151: SHIPS for America Act of 2025](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-3151)
- [119-hr-4393: DIGNIDAD (Dignity) Act of 2025](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-4393)
- [119-hr-9086: Foreign Service Modernization Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-9086)
- [119-hr-3633: Digital Asset Market Clarity Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-3633)
- [All bills in Congress](https://policyrisk.com/legislation)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-4808 (as of 2026-04-21).