The bill was a considered response to recent events , such as the 2012 Benghazi attack and the closing of 21 U.S. Embassies in August . In addition to authorizing improvements to embassy security , the bill also authorizes the entire United States Department of State . According to Rep. Edward R. Royce ( R , CA-39 ) , who introduced the bill , the bill would ensure " that our embassies and personnel stationed abroad are protected at a time of their greatest need . " If the bill were enacted , it would be the first time in ten years that a State Department authorizations bill was passed by Congress
2012 Benghazi attack
2012 Benghazi attack
Department of State Operations and Embassy Security Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2014