119-HR-1111 Journalist Public Summary

Headline Summary

A proposal to create a Cabinet-level Department of Peacebuilding to reduce violence in the U.S. and overseas through education, community programs, diplomacy, and nonviolent conflict resolution.

What It Does

The bill would establish a Department of Peacebuilding led by a Senate-confirmed Secretary. It directs the new department to prevent and reduce violence domestically and internationally; set best practices for mediation and conflict resolution; and advise on national security. It creates specialized offices (e.g., Peace Education and Training; Domestic and International Peacebuilding; Technology for Peace; Arms Control and Disarmament) and a four-year Peace Academy whose graduates serve five years in public service. It authorizes grants for school-based restorative practices and community violence prevention, and requires that at least 85% of appropriated funds be used for domestic peace programs.

Who’s For It

• Sponsor: Rep. Ilhan Omar (D‑MN) and 39 House cosponsors; the bill is in the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. (congress.gov)
• Advocacy: The Peace Alliance publicly backs the measure and organizes grassroots outreach around H.R. 1111. (peacealliance.org)
• Supporters’ case in plain terms: Investing in proven, nonviolent approaches (like school restorative practices, community violence interruption, and trauma‑informed services) can save lives and money while reducing reliance on force. A dedicated department would coordinate scattered efforts and put prevention on equal footing with response.

Who’s Against It

• No official committee report or CBO cost estimate is posted yet, so there’s no formal opposition write‑up on Congress.gov. (congress.gov)
• Skeptics’ common concerns (from prior debates on similar proposals): that a new department could duplicate existing roles at State, Defense, and the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), adding bureaucracy rather than capacity. (foreignpolicy.com)
• Cost/size of government: Critics often question creating a new Cabinet department without a fiscal estimate; as of now, CBO lists no score for this bill. (congress.gov)

What’s Next

As of February 5, 2026, Congress.gov lists H.R. 1111 as referred to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee (last recorded action: February 7, 2025). Next steps would be a committee markup and vote, followed by consideration on the House floor, then the Senate. (congress.gov)