22 U.S.C. § 5701 (2024) — Title 22: FOREIGN RELATIONS AND INTERCOURSE / Chapter 66: UNITED STATES-HONG KONG POLICY / Section 5701: Findings and declarations
Findings and declarations
Status: in_force

The Congress makes the following findings and declarations:

(1) The Congress recognizes that under the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration:

(A) The People's Republic of China and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland have agreed that the People's Republic of China will resume the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong on July 1, 1997. Until that time, the United Kingdom will be responsible for the administration of Hong Kong.

(B) The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, beginning on July 1, 1997, will continue to enjoy a high degree of autonomy on all matters other than defense and foreign affairs.

(C) There is provision for implementation of a "one country, two systems" policy, under which Hong Kong will retain its current lifestyle and legal, social, and economic systems until at least the year 2047.

(D) The legislature of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will be constituted by elections, and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, as applied to Hong Kong, shall remain in force.

(E) Provision is made for the continuation in force of agreements implemented as of June 30, 1997, and for the ability of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to conclude new agreements either on its own or with the assistance of the Government of the People's Republic of China.

(2) The Congress declares its wish to see full implementation of the provisions of the Joint Declaration.

(3) The President has announced his support for the policies and decisions reflected in the Joint Declaration.

(4) Hong Kong plays an important role in today's regional and world economy. This role is reflected in strong economic, cultural, and other ties with the United States that give the United States a strong interest in the continued vitality, prosperity, and stability of Hong Kong.

(5) Support for democratization is a fundamental principle of United States foreign policy. As such, it naturally applies to United States policy toward Hong Kong. This will remain equally true after June 30, 1997.

(6) The human rights of the people of Hong Kong are of great importance to the United States and are directly relevant to United States interests in Hong Kong. A fully successful transition in the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong must safeguard human rights in and of themselves. Human rights also serve as a basis for Hong Kong's continued economic prosperity.

(Pub. L. 102–383, §2, Oct. 5, 1992, 106 Stat. 1448.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title of 2019 Amendment

Pub. L. 116–76, §1(a), Nov. 27, 2019, 133 Stat. 1161, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 5725 and 5726 of this title, amending section 5721 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as a note under this section] may be cited as the 'Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019'."

Short Title

Pub. L. 102–383, §1, Oct. 5, 1992, 106 Stat. 1448, provided that: "This Act [enacting this chapter] may be cited as the 'United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992'."

Hong Kong Autonomy

Pub. L. 116–149, July 14, 2020, 134 Stat. 663, as amended by Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title XII, §1252(b), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3954, provided that:

"SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

"(a) Short Title.—This Act may be cited as the 'Hong Kong Autonomy Act'.

"(b) Table of Contents.—[Omitted.]

"SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

"In this Act:

"(1) Alien; national; national of the united states.—The terms 'alien', 'national', and 'national of the United States' have the meanings given those terms in section 101 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101).

"(2) Appropriate congressional committees and leadership.—The term 'appropriate congressional committees and leadership' means—

"(A) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, the Committee on the Judiciary, the Select Committee on Intelligence, and the majority leader and the minority leader of the Senate; and

"(B) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Financial Services, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Homeland Security, the Committee on the Judiciary, the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Speaker and the minority leader of the House of Representatives.

"(3) Basic law.—The term 'Basic Law' means the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.

"(4) China.—The term 'China' means the People's Republic of China.

"(5) Entity.—The term 'entity' means a partnership, joint venture, association, corporation, organization, network, group, or subgroup, or any other form of business collaboration.

"(6) Financial institution.—The term 'financial institution' means a financial institution specified in section 5312(a)(2) of title 31, United States Code.

"(7) Hong kong.—The term 'Hong Kong' means the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.

"(8) Joint declaration.—The term 'Joint Declaration' means the Joint Declaration of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the People's Republic of China on the Question of Hong Kong, done at Beijing on December 19, 1984.

"(9) Knowingly.—The term 'knowingly', with respect to conduct, a circumstance, or a result, means that a person has actual knowledge of the conduct, the circumstance, or the result.

"(10) Person.—Except as otherwise specifically provided, the term 'person' means an individual or entity.

"(11) United states person.—The term 'United States person' means—

"(A) any citizen or national of the United States;

"(B) any alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States;

"(C) any entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States (including a foreign branch of such an entity); or

"(D) any person located in the United States.

"SEC. 3. FINDINGS.

"Congress makes the following findings:

"(1) The Joint Declaration and the Basic Law clarify certain obligations and promises that the Government of China has made with respect to the future of Hong Kong.

"(2) The obligations of the Government of China under the Joint Declaration were codified in a legally-binding treaty, signed by the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and registered with the United Nations.

"(3) The obligations of the Government of China under the Basic Law originate from the Joint Declaration, were passed into the domestic law of China by the National People's Congress, and are widely considered by citizens of Hong Kong as part of the de facto legal constitution of Hong Kong.

"(4) Foremost among the obligations of the Government of China to Hong Kong is the promise that, pursuant to Paragraph 3b of the Joint Declaration, 'the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will enjoy a high degree of autonomy, except in foreign and defence affairs which are the responsibilities of the Central People's Government'.

"(5) The obligation specified in Paragraph 3b of the Joint Declaration is referenced, reinforced, and extrapolated on in several portions of the Basic Law, including Articles 2, 12, 13, 14, and 22.

"(6) Article 22 of the Basic Law establishes that 'No department of the Central People's Government and no province, autonomous region, or municipality directly under the Central Government may interfere in the affairs which the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region administers on its own in accordance with this Law.'.

"(7) The Joint Declaration and the Basic Law make clear that additional obligations shall be undertaken by China to ensure the 'high degree of autonomy' of Hong Kong.

"(8) Paragraph 3c of the Joint Declaration states, as reinforced by Articles 2, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 22 of the Basic Law, that Hong Kong 'will be vested with executive, legislative and independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication'.

"(9) On multiple occasions, the Government of China has undertaken actions that have contravened the letter or intent of the obligation described in paragraph (8) of this section, including the following:

"(A) In 1999, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress overruled a decision by the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal on the right of abode.

"(B) On multiple occasions, the Government of Hong Kong, at the advice of the Government of China, is suspected to have not allowed persons entry into Hong Kong allegedly because of their support for democracy and human rights in Hong Kong and China.

"(C) The Liaison Office of China in Hong Kong has, despite restrictions on interference in the affairs of Hong Kong as detailed in Article 22 of the Basic Law—

"(i) openly expressed support for candidates in Hong Kong for Chief Executive and Legislative Council;

"(ii) expressed views on various policies for the Government of Hong Kong and other internal matters relating to Hong Kong; and

"(iii) on April 17, 2020, asserted that both the Liaison Office of China in Hong Kong and the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the State Council 'have the right to exercise supervision * * * on affairs regarding Hong Kong and the mainland, in order to ensure correct implementation of the Basic Law'.

"(D) The National People's Congress has passed laws requiring Hong Kong to pass laws banning disrespectful treatment of the national flag and national anthem of China.

"(E) The State Council of China released a white paper on June 10, 2014, that stressed the 'comprehensive jurisdiction' of the Government of China over Hong Kong and indicated that Hong Kong must be governed by 'patriots'.

"(F) The Government of China has directed operatives to kidnap and bring to the mainland, or is otherwise responsible for the kidnapping of, residents of Hong Kong, including businessman Xiao Jianhua and bookseller Gui Minhai.

"(G) The Government of Hong Kong, acting with the support of the Government of China, introduced an extradition bill that would have permitted the Government of China to request and enforce extradition requests for any individual present in Hong Kong, regardless of the legality of the request or the degree to which it compromised the judicial independence of Hong Kong.

"(H) The spokesman for the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress said, 'Whether Hong Kong's laws are consistent with the Basic Law can only be judged and decided by the National People's Congress Standing Committee. No other authority has the right to make judgments and decisions.'.

"(10) Paragraph 3e of the Joint Declaration states, as reinforced by Article 5 of the Basic Law, that the 'current social and economic systems in Hong Kong will remain unchanged, as so will the life-style.'.

"(11) On multiple occasions, the Government of China has undertaken actions that have contravened the letter or intent of the obligation described in paragraph (10) of this section, including the following:

"(A) In 2002, the Government of China pressured the Government of Hong Kong to introduce 'patriotic' curriculum in primary and secondary schools.

"(B) The governments of China and Hong Kong proposed the prohibition of discussion of Hong Kong independence and self-determination in primary and secondary schools, which infringes on freedom of speech.

"(C) The Government of Hong Kong mandated that Mandarin, and not the native language of Cantonese, be the language of instruction in Hong Kong schools.

"(D) The governments of China and Hong Kong agreed to a daily quota of mainland immigrants to Hong Kong, which is widely believed by citizens of Hong Kong to be part of an effort to 'mainlandize' Hong Kong.

"(12) Paragraph 3e of the Joint Declaration states, as reinforced by Articles 4, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32[,] 33, 34, and 39 of the Basic Law, that the 'rights and freedoms, including those of person, of speech, of the press, of assembly, of association, of travel, of movement, of correspondence, of strike, of choice of occupation, of academic research and of religious belief will be ensured by law' in Hong Kong.

"(13) On multiple occasions, the Government of China has undertaken actions that have contravened the letter or intent of the obligation described in paragraph (12) of this section, including the following:

"(A) On February 26, 2003, the Government of Hong Kong introduced a national security bill that would have placed restrictions on freedom of speech and other protected rights.

"(B) The Liaison Office of China in Hong Kong has pressured businesses in Hong Kong not to advertise in newspapers and magazines critical of the governments of China and Hong Kong.

"(C) The Hong Kong Police Force selectively blocked demonstrations and protests expressing opposition to the governments of China and Hong Kong or the policies of those governments.

"(D) The Government of Hong Kong refused to renew [a] work visa for a foreign journalist, allegedly for hosting a speaker from the banned Hong Kong National Party.

"(E) The Justice Department of Hong Kong selectively prosecuted cases against leaders of the Umbrella Movement, while failing to prosecute police officers accused of using excessive force during the protests in 2014.

"(F) On April 18, 2020, the Hong Kong Police Force arrested 14 high-profile democracy activists and campaigners for their role in organizing a protest march that took place on August 18, 2019, in which almost 2,000,000 people rallied against a proposed extradition bill.

"(14) Articles 45 and 68 of the Basic Law assert that the selection of Chief Executive and all members of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong should be by 'universal suffrage.'.

"(15) On multiple occasions, the Government of China has undertaken actions that have contravened the letter or intent of the obligation described in paragraph (14) of this section, including the following:

"(A) In 2004, the National People's Congress created new, antidemocratic procedures restricting the adoption of universal suffrage for the election of the Chief Executive of Hong Kong.

"(B) The decision by the National People's Congress on December 29, 2007, which ruled out universal suffrage in 2012 elections and set restrictions on when and if universal suffrage will be implemented.

"(C) The decision by the National People's Congress on August 31, 2014, which placed limits on the nomination process for the Chief Executive of Hong Kong as a condition for adoption of universal suffrage.

"(D) On November 7, 2016, the National People's Congress interpreted Article 104 of the Basic Law in such a way to disqualify 6 elected members of the Legislative Council.

"(E) In 2018, the Government of Hong Kong banned the Hong Kong National Party and blocked the candidacy of pro-democracy candidates.

"(16) The ways in which the Government of China, at times with the support of a subservient Government of Hong Kong, has acted in contravention of its obligations under the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law, as set forth in this section, are deeply concerning to the people of Hong Kong, the United States, and members of the international community who support the autonomy of Hong Kong.

"SEC. 4. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING HONG KONG.

"It is the sense of Congress that—

"(1) the United States continues to uphold the principles and policy established in the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 [Pub. L. 102–383] (22 U.S.C. 5701 et seq.) and the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019 (Public Law 116–76; 22 U.S.C. 5701 note), which remain consistent with China's obligations under the Joint Declaration and certain promulgated objectives under the Basic Law, including that—

"(A) as set forth in section 101(1) of the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (22 U.S.C. 5711(1)), 'The United States should play an active role, before, on, and after July 1, 1997, in maintaining Hong Kong's confidence and prosperity, Hong Kong's role as an international financial center, and the mutually beneficial ties between the people of the United States and the people of Hong Kong.'; and

"(B) as set forth in section 2(5) of the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (22 U.S.C. 5701(5)), 'Support for democratization is a fundamental principle of United States foreign policy. As such, it naturally applies to United States policy toward Hong Kong. This will remain equally true after June 30, 1997.';

"(2) although the United States recognizes that, under the Joint Declaration, the Government of China 'resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong with effect on 1 July 1997', the United States supports the autonomy of Hong Kong in furtherance of the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 and the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019 and advances the desire of the people of Hong Kong to continue the 'one country, two systems' regime, in addition to other obligations promulgated by China under the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law;

"(3) in order to support the benefits and protections that Hong Kong has been afforded by the Government of China under the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law, the United States should establish a clear and unambiguous set of penalties with respect to foreign persons determined by the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, to be involved in the contravention of the obligations of China under the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law and the financial institutions transacting with those foreign persons;

"(4) the Secretary of State should provide an unclassified assessment of the reason for imposition of certain economic penalties on entities, so as to permit a clear path for the removal of economic penalties if the sanctioned behavior is reversed and verified by the Secretary of State;

"(5) relevant Federal agencies should establish a multilateral sanctions regime with respect to foreign persons involved in the contravention of the obligations of China under the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law; and

"(6) in addition to the penalties on foreign persons, and financial institutions transacting with those foreign persons, for the contravention of the obligations of China under the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law, the United States should take steps, in a time of crisis, to assist permanent residents of Hong Kong who are persecuted or fear persecution as a result of the contravention by China of its obligations under the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law to become eligible to obtain lawful entry into the United States.

"SEC. 5. IDENTIFICATION OF FOREIGN PERSONS INVOLVED IN THE EROSION OF THE OBLIGATIONS OF CHINA UNDER THE JOINT DECLARATION OR THE BASIC LAW AND FOREIGN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS THAT CONDUCT SIGNIFICANT TRANSACTIONS WITH THOSE PERSONS.

"(a) In General.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [July 14, 2020], if the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, determines that a foreign person is materially contributing to, has materially contributed to, or attempts to materially contribute to the failure of the Government of China to meet its obligations under the Joint Declaration or the Basic Law, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees and leadership a report that includes—

"(1) an identification of the foreign person; and

"(2) a clear explanation for why the foreign person was identified and a description of the activity that resulted in the identification.

"(b) Identifying Foreign Financial Institutions.—Not earlier than 30 days and not later than 60 days after the Secretary of State submits to the appropriate congressional committees and leadership the report under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees and leadership a report that identifies any foreign financial institution that knowingly conducts a significant transaction with a foreign person identified in the report under subsection (a).

"(c) Exclusion of Certain Information.—

"(1) Intelligence.—The Secretary of State shall not disclose the identity of a person in a report submitted under subsection (a) or (b), or an update under subsection (e), if the Director of National Intelligence determines that such disclosure could compromise an intelligence operation, activity, source, or method of the United States.

"(2) Law enforcement.—The Secretary of State shall not disclose the identity of a person in a report submitted under subsection (a) or (b), or an update under subsection (e), if the Attorney General, in coordination, as appropriate, with the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the head of any other appropriate Federal law enforcement agency, and the Secretary of the Treasury, determines that such disclosure could reasonably be expected—

"(A) to compromise the identity of a confidential source, including a State, local, or foreign agency or authority or any private institution that furnished information on a confidential basis;

"(B) to jeopardize the integrity or success of an ongoing criminal investigation or prosecution;

"(C) to endanger the life or physical safety of any person; or

"(D) to cause substantial harm to physical property.

"(3) Notification required.—If the Director of National Intelligence makes a determination under paragraph (1) or the Attorney General makes a determination under paragraph (2), the Director or the Attorney General, as the case may be, shall notify the appropriate congressional committees and leadership of the determination and the reasons for the determination.

"(d) Exclusion or Removal of Foreign Persons and Foreign Financial Institutions.—

"(1) Foreign persons.—The President may exclude a foreign person from the report under subsection (a), or an update under subsection (e), or remove a foreign person from the report or update prior to the imposition of sanctions under section 6(a) if the material contribution (as described in subsection (g)) that merited inclusion in that report or update—

"(A) does not have a significant and lasting negative effect that contravenes the obligations of China under the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law;

"(B) is not likely to be repeated in the future; and

"(C) has been reversed or otherwise mitigated through positive countermeasures taken by that foreign person.

"(2) Foreign financial institutions.—The President may exclude a foreign financial institution from the report under subsection (b), or an update under subsection (e), or remove a foreign financial institution from the report or update prior to the imposition of sanctions under section 7(a) if the significant transaction or significant transactions of the foreign financial institution that merited inclusion in that report or update—

"(A) does not have a significant and lasting negative effect that contravenes the obligations of China under the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law;

"(B) is not likely to be repeated in the future; and

"(C) has been reversed or otherwise mitigated through positive countermeasures taken by that foreign financial institution.

"(3) Notification required.—If the President makes a determination under paragraph (1) or (2) to exclude or remove a foreign person or foreign financial institution from a report under subsection (a) or (b), as the case may be, the President shall notify the appropriate congressional committees and leadership of the determination and the reasons for the determination.

"(e) Update of Reports.—

"(1) In general.—Each report submitted under subsections (a) and (b) shall be updated in an ongoing manner and, to the extent practicable, updated reports shall be resubmitted with the annual report under section 301 of the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (22 U.S.C. 5731).

"(2) Rule of construction.—Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to terminate the requirement to update the reports under subsections (a) and (b) upon the termination of the requirement to submit the annual report under section 301 of the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (22 U.S.C. 5731).

"(f) Form of Reports.—

"(1) In general.—Each report under subsection (a) or (b) (including updates under subsection (e)) shall be submitted in unclassified form and made available to the public.

"(2) Classified annex.—The explanations and descriptions included in the report under subsection (a)(2) (including updates under subsection (e)) may be expanded on in a classified annex.

"(g) Material Contributions Related to Obligations of China Described.—For purposes of this section, a foreign person materially contributes to the failure of the Government of China to meet its obligations under the Joint Declaration or the Basic Law if the person—

"(1) took action that resulted in the inability of the people of Hong Kong—

"(A) to enjoy freedom of assembly, speech, press, or independent rule of law; or

"(B) to participate in democratic outcomes; or

"(2) otherwise took action that reduces the high degree of autonomy of Hong Kong.

"SEC. 6. SANCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO FOREIGN PERSONS THAT CONTRAVENE THE OBLIGATIONS OF CHINA UNDER THE JOINT DECLARATION OR THE BASIC LAW.

"(a) Imposition of Sanctions.—

"(1) In general.—On and after the date on which a foreign person is included in the report under section 5(a) or an update to that report under section 5(e), the President may impose sanctions described in subsection (b) with respect to that foreign person.

"(2) Mandatory sanctions.—Not later than one year after the date on which a foreign person is included in the report under section 5(a) or an update to that report under section 5(e), the President shall impose sanctions described in subsection (b) with respect to that foreign person.

"(b) Sanctions Described.—The sanctions described in this subsection with respect to a foreign person are the following:

"(1) Property transactions.—The President may, pursuant to such regulations as the President may prescribe, prohibit any person from—

"(A) acquiring, holding, withholding, using, transferring, withdrawing, transporting, or exporting any property that is subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and with respect to which the foreign person has any interest;

"(B) dealing in or exercising any right, power, or privilege with respect to such property; or

"(C) conducting any transaction involving such property.

"(2) Exclusion from the united states and revocation of visa or other documentation.—In the case of a foreign person who is an individual, the President may direct the Secretary of State to deny a visa to, and the Secretary of Homeland Security to exclude from the United States, the foreign person, subject to regulatory exceptions to permit the United States to comply with the Agreement regarding the Headquarters of the United Nations, signed at Lake Success June 26, 1947, and entered into force November 21, 1947, between the United Nations and the United States, or other applicable international obligations.

"SEC. 7. SANCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO FOREIGN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS THAT CONDUCT SIGNIFICANT TRANSACTIONS WITH FOREIGN PERSONS THAT CONTRAVENE THE OBLIGATIONS OF CHINA UNDER THE JOINT DECLARATION OR THE BASIC LAW.

"(a) Imposition of Sanctions.—

"(1) Initial sanctions.—Not later than one year after the date on which a foreign financial institution is included in the report under section 5(b) or an update to that report under section 5(e), the President shall impose not fewer than 5 of the sanctions described in subsection (b) with respect to that foreign financial institution.

"(2) Expanded sanctions.—Not later than two years after the date on which a foreign financial institution is included in the report under section 5(b) or an update to that report under section 5(e), the President shall impose each of the sanctions described in subsection (b).

"(b) Sanctions Described.—The sanctions described in this subsection with respect to a foreign financial institution are the following:

"(1) Loans from united states financial institutions.—The United States Government may prohibit any United States financial institution from making loans or providing credits to the foreign financial institution.

"(2) Prohibition on designation as primary dealer.—Neither the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System nor the Federal Reserve Bank of New York may designate, or permit the continuation of any prior designation of, the foreign financial institution as a primary dealer in United States Government debt instruments.

"(3) Prohibition on service as a repository of government funds.—The foreign financial institution may not serve as agent of the United States Government or serve as repository for United States Government funds.

"(4) Foreign exchange.—The President may, pursuant to such regulations as the President may prescribe, prohibit any transactions in foreign exchange that are subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and involve the foreign financial institution.

"(5) Banking transactions.—The President may, pursuant to such regulations as the President may prescribe, prohibit any transfers of credit or payments between financial institutions or by, through, or to any financial institution, to the extent that such transfers or payments are subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and involve the foreign financial institution.

"(6) Property transactions.—The President may, pursuant to such regulations as the President may prescribe, prohibit any person from—

"(A) acquiring, holding, withholding, using, transferring, withdrawing, transporting, importing, or exporting any property that is subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and with respect to which the foreign financial institution has any interest;

"(B) dealing in or exercising any right, power, or privilege with respect to such property; or

"(C) conducting any transaction involving such property.

"(7) Restriction on exports, reexports, and transfers.—The President, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, may restrict or prohibit exports, reexports, and transfers (in-country) by any person (as defined in section 4801(8) of title 50, United States Code) of commodities, software, and technology subject to the jurisdiction of the United States directly or indirectly to the foreign financial institution.

"(8) Ban on investment in equity or debt.—The President may, pursuant to such regulations or guidelines as the President may prescribe, prohibit any United States person from investing in or purchasing significant amounts of equity or debt instruments of the foreign financial institution.

"(9) Exclusion of corporate officers.—The President may direct the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Homeland Security, to exclude from the United States any alien that is determined to be a corporate officer or principal of, or a shareholder with a controlling interest in, the foreign financial institution, subject to regulatory exceptions to permit the United States to comply with the Agreement regarding the Headquarters of the United Nations, signed at Lake Success June 26, 1947, and entered into force November 21, 1947, between the United Nations and the United States, or other applicable international obligations.

"(10) Sanctions on principal executive officers.—The President may impose on the principal executive officer or officers of the foreign financial institution, or on individuals performing similar functions and with similar authorities as such officer or officers, any of the sanctions described in paragraphs (1) through (8) that are applicable.

"(c) Timing of Sanctions.—The President may impose sanctions required under subsection (a) with respect to a financial institution included in the report under section 5(b) or an update to that report under section 5(e) beginning on the day on which the financial institution is included in that report or update.

"SEC. 8. WAIVER, TERMINATION, EXCEPTIONS, AND CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW PROCESS.

"(a) National Security Waiver.—Unless a disapproval resolution is enacted under subsection (e), the President may waive the application of sanctions under section 6 or 7 with respect to a foreign person or foreign financial institution if the President—

"(1) determines that the waiver is in the national security interest of the United States; and

"(2) submits to the appropriate congressional committees and leadership a report on the determination and the reasons for the determination.

"(b) Termination of Sanctions and Removal From Report.—Unless a disapproval resolution is enacted under subsection (e), the President may terminate the application of sanctions under section 6 or 7 with respect to a foreign person or foreign financial institution and remove the foreign person from the report required under section 5(a) or the foreign financial institution from the report required under section 5(b), as the case may be, if the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, determines that the actions taken by the foreign person or foreign financial institution that led to the imposition of sanctions—

"(1) do not have a significant and lasting negative effect that contravenes the obligations of China under the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law;

"(2) are not likely to be repeated in the future; and

"(3) have been reversed or otherwise mitigated through positive countermeasures taken by that foreign person or foreign financial institution.

"(c) Termination of Act.—

"(1) Report.—

"(A) In general.—Not later than July 1, 2046, the President, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the heads of such other Federal agencies as the President considers appropriate, shall submit to Congress a report evaluating the implementation of this Act and sanctions imposed pursuant to this Act.

"(B) Elements.—The President shall include in the report submitted under subparagraph (A) an assessment of whether this Act and the sanctions imposed pursuant to this Act should be terminated.

"(2) Termination.—This Act and the sanctions imposed pursuant to this Act shall remain in effect unless a termination resolution is enacted under subsection (e) after July 1, 2047.

"(d) Exception Relating to Importation of Goods.—

"(1) In general.—The authorities and requirements to impose sanctions under sections 6 and 7 shall not include the authority or requirement to impose sanctions on the importation of goods.

"(2) Good defined.—In this subsection, the term 'good' means any article, natural or manmade substance, material, supply, or manufactured product, including inspection and test equipment, and excluding technical data.

"(e) Congressional Review.—

"(1) Resolutions.—

"(A) Disapproval resolution.—In this section, the term 'disapproval resolution' means only a joint resolution of either House of Congress—

"(i) the title of which is as follows: 'A joint resolution disapproving the waiver or termination of sanctions with respect to a foreign person that contravenes the obligations of China with respect to Hong Kong or a foreign financial institution that conducts a significant transaction with that person.'; and

"(ii) the sole matter after the resolving clause of which is the following: 'Congress disapproves of the action under section 8 of the Hong Kong Autonomy Act relating to the application of sanctions imposed with respect to a foreign person that contravenes the obligations of China with respect to Hong Kong, or a foreign financial institution that conducts a significant transaction with that person, on ______ relating to ______.', with the first blank space being filled with the appropriate date and the second blank space being filled with a short description of the proposed action.

"(B) Termination resolution.—In this section, the term 'termination resolution' means only a joint resolution of either House of Congress—

"(i) the title of which is as follows: 'A joint resolution terminating sanctions with respect to foreign persons that contravene the obligations of China with respect to Hong Kong and foreign financial institutions that conduct significant transactions with those persons.'; and

"(ii) the sole matter after the resolving clause of which is the following: 'The Hong Kong Autonomy Act and any sanctions imposed pursuant to that Act shall terminate on ______.', with the blank space being filled with the termination date.

"(C) Covered resolution.—In this subsection, the term 'covered resolution' means a disapproval resolution or a termination resolution.

"(2) Introduction.—A covered resolution may be introduced—

"(A) in the House of Representatives, by the majority leader or the minority leader; and

"(B) in the Senate, by the majority leader (or the majority leader's designee) or the minority leader (or the minority leader's designee).

"(3) Floor consideration in house of representatives.—If a committee of the House of Representatives to which a covered resolution has been referred has not reported the resolution within 10 legislative days after the date of referral, that committee shall be discharged from further consideration of the resolution.

"(4) Consideration in the senate.—

"(A) Committee referral.—

"(i) Disapproval resolution.—A disapproval resolution introduced in the Senate shall be—

     "(I) referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs if the resolution relates to an action that is not intended to significantly alter United States foreign policy with regard to China; and

     "(II) referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations if the resolution relates to an action that is intended to significantly alter United States foreign policy with regard to China.

"(ii) Termination resolution.—A termination resolution introduced in the Senate shall be referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the Committee on Foreign Relations.

"(B) Reporting and discharge.—If a committee to which a covered resolution was referred has not reported the resolution within 10 legislative days after the date of referral of the resolution, that committee shall be discharged from further consideration of the resolution and the resolution shall be placed on the appropriate calendar.

"(C) Proceeding to consideration.—Notwithstanding Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, it is in order at any time after the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs or the Committee on Foreign Relations, as the case may be, reports a covered resolution to the Senate or has been discharged from consideration of such a resolution (even though a previous motion to the same effect has been disagreed to) to move to proceed to the consideration of the resolution, and all points of order against the resolution (and against consideration of the resolution) are waived. The motion to proceed is not debatable. The motion is not subject to a motion to postpone. A motion to reconsider the vote by which the motion is agreed to or disagreed to shall not be in order.

"(D) Rulings of the chair on procedure.—Appeals from the decisions of the Chair relating to the application of the rules of the Senate, as the case may be, to the procedure relating to a covered resolution shall be decided without debate.

"(E) Consideration of veto messages.—Debate in the Senate of any veto message with respect to a covered resolution, including all debatable motions and appeals in connection with the resolution, shall be limited to 10 hours, to be equally divided between, and controlled by, the majority leader and the minority leader or their designees.

"(5) Rules relating to senate and house of representatives.—

"(A) Treatment of senate resolution in house.—In the House of Representatives, the following procedures shall apply to a covered resolution received from the Senate (unless the House has already passed a resolution relating to the same proposed action):

"(i) The resolution shall be referred to the appropriate committees.

"(ii) If a committee to which a resolution has been referred has not reported the resolution within 10 legislative days after the date of referral, that committee shall be discharged from further consideration of the resolution.

"(iii) Beginning on the third legislative day after each committee to which a resolution has been referred reports the resolution to the House or has been discharged from further consideration thereof, it shall be in order to move to proceed to consider the resolution in the House. All points of order against the motion are waived. Such a motion shall not be in order after the House has disposed of a motion to proceed on the resolution. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the motion to its adoption without intervening motion. The motion shall not be debatable. A motion to reconsider the vote by which the motion is disposed of shall not be in order.

"(iv) The resolution shall be considered as read. All points of order against the resolution and against its consideration are waived. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the resolution to final passage without intervening motion except 2 hours of debate equally divided and controlled by the offeror of the motion to proceed (or a designee) and an opponent. A motion to reconsider the vote on passage of the resolution shall not be in order.

"(B) Treatment of house resolution in senate.—

"(i) Received before passage of senate resolution.—If, before the passage by the Senate of a covered resolution, the Senate receives an identical resolution from the House of Representatives, the following procedures shall apply:

     "(I) That resolution shall not be referred to a committee.

     "(II) With respect to that resolution—

"(aa) the procedure in the Senate shall be the same as if no resolution had been received from the House of Representatives; but

"(bb) the vote on passage shall be on the resolution from the House of Representatives.

"(ii) Received after passage of senate resolution.—If, following passage of a covered resolution in the Senate, the Senate receives an identical resolution from the House of Representatives, that resolution shall be placed on the appropriate Senate calendar.

"(iii) No senate companion.—If a covered resolution is received from the House of Representatives, and no companion resolution has been introduced in the Senate, the Senate procedures under this subsection shall apply to the resolution from the House of Representatives.

"(C) Application to revenue measures.—The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply in the House of Representatives to a covered resolution that is a revenue measure.

"(6) Rules of house of representatives and senate.—This subsection is enacted by Congress—

"(A) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the Senate and the House of Representatives, respectively, and as such is deemed a part of the rules of each House, respectively, and supersedes other rules only to the extent that it is inconsistent with such rules; and

"(B) with full recognition of the constitutional right of either House to change the rules (so far as relating to the procedure of that House) at any time, in the same manner, and to the same extent as in the case of any other rule of that House.

"SEC. 9. IMPLEMENTATION; PENALTIES.

"(a) Implementation.—The President may exercise all authorities provided under sections 203 and 205 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702 and 1704) to the extent necessary to carry out this Act.

"(b) Penalties.—A person that violates, attempts to violate, conspires to violate, or causes a violation of section 6 or 7 or any regulation, license, or order issued to carry out that section shall be subject to the penalties set forth in subsections (b) and (c) of section 206 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1705) to the same extent as a person that commits an unlawful act described in subsection (a) of that section.

"SEC. 10. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.

"Nothing in this Act shall be construed as an authorization of military force against China."

[Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title XII, §1252(b)(2), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3954, which directed amendment of section 7(b)(7) of Pub. L. 116–149, set out above, by inserting "by any person (as defined in section 4801(8) of title 50, United States Code)" after "(in country)", was executed by making the insertion after "(in-country)", to reflect the probable intent of Congress.]

Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy

Pub. L. 116–76, §§2, 3, 5–8, Nov. 27, 2019, 133 Stat. 1161, 1162, 1166–1170, as amended by Pub. L. 118–83, div. B, title I, §113, Sept. 26, 2024, 138 Stat. 1537; Pub. L. 118–159, div. G, title LXXVIII, §7812(g), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2566, provided that:

"SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

"In this Act [see Short Title of 2019 Amendment note above]:

"(1) Appropriate congressional committees.—The term 'appropriate congressional committees' means—

"(A) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate;

"(B) the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate;

"(C) the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate;

"(D) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate;

"(E) the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate;

"(F) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives;

"(G) the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives;

"(H) the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives;

"(I) the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives; and

"(J) the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives.

"(2) Social credit system.—The term 'social credit system' means a system proposed by the Government of the People's Republic of China and scheduled for implementation by 2020, which would—

"(A) use existing financial credit systems, public records, online activity, and other tools of surveillance to aggregate data on every Chinese citizen and business; and

"(B) use such data to monitor, shape, and rate certain financial, social, religious, or political behaviors.

"(3) United states person.—The term 'United States person' means—

"(A) a United States citizen;

"(B) a lawfully admitted permanent resident of the United States; or

"(C) an entity organized under the laws of—

"(i) the United States; or

"(ii) any jurisdiction within the United States, including a foreign branch of such an entity.

"SEC. 3. STATEMENT OF POLICY.

"It is the policy of the United States—

"(1) to reaffirm the principles and objectives set forth in the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (Public Law 102–383) [22 U.S.C. 5701 et seq.], namely that—

"(A) the United States has 'a strong interest in the continued vitality, prosperity, and stability of Hong Kong';

"(B) '[s]upport for democratization is a fundamental principle of United States foreign policy' and therefore 'naturally applies to United States policy toward Hong Kong';

"(C) 'the human rights of the people of Hong Kong are of great importance to the United States and are directly relevant to United States interests in Hong Kong [and] serve as a basis for Hong Kong's continued economic prosperity'; and

"(D) Hong Kong must remain sufficiently autonomous from the People's Republic of China to 'justify treatment under a particular law of the United States, or any provision thereof, different from that accorded the People's Republic of China';

"(2) to support the high degree of autonomy and fundamental rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong, as enumerated by—

"(A) the Joint Declaration of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the People's Republic of China on the Question of Hong Kong, done at Beijing December 19, 1984 (referred to in this Act as the 'Joint Declaration');

"(B) the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, done at New York December 19, 1966; and

"(C) the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, done at Paris December 10, 1948;

"(3) to support the democratic aspirations of the people of Hong Kong, including the 'ultimate aim' of the selection of the Chief Executive and all members of the Legislative Council by universal suffrage, as articulated in the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (referred to in this Act as the 'Basic Law');

"(4) to urge the Government of the People's Republic of China to uphold its commitments to Hong Kong, including allowing the people of Hong Kong to govern Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy and without undue interference, and ensuring that Hong Kong voters freely enjoy the right to elect the Chief Executive and all members of the Hong Kong Legislative Council by universal suffrage;

"(5) to support the establishment of a genuine democratic option to freely and fairly nominate and elect the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, and the establishment by 2020 of open and direct democratic elections for all members of the Hong Kong Legislative Council;

"(6) to support the robust exercise by residents of Hong Kong of the rights to free speech, the press, and other fundamental freedoms, as provided by the Basic Law, the Joint Declaration, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;

"(7) to support freedom from arbitrary or unlawful arrest, detention, or imprisonment for all Hong Kong residents, as provided by the Basic Law, the Joint Declaration, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;

"(8) to draw international attention to any violations by the Government of the People's Republic of China of the fundamental rights of the people of Hong Kong, as provided by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and any encroachment upon the autonomy guaranteed to Hong Kong by the Basic Law and the Joint Declaration;

"(9) to protect United States citizens and long-term permanent residents living in Hong Kong, as well as people visiting and transiting through Hong Kong;

"(10) to maintain the economic and cultural ties that provide significant benefits to both the United States and Hong Kong; and

"(11) to coordinate with allies, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, to promote democracy and human rights in Hong Kong.

"SEC. 5. ANNUAL REPORT ON VIOLATIONS OF UNITED STATES EXPORT CONTROL LAWS AND UNITED NATIONS SANCTIONS OCCURRING IN HONG KONG.

"(a) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 27, 2019], and annually thereafter until the date that is 7 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of State, shall submit a report to the committees specified in subsection (b) that includes—

"(1) an assessment of the nature and extent of violations of United States export control and sanctions laws occurring in Hong Kong;

"(2) to the extent possible, the identification of—

"(A) any items that were reexported from Hong Kong in violation of the laws referred to in paragraph (1);

"(B) the countries and persons to which the items referred to in subparagraph (A) were reexported; and

"(C) how such items were used;

"(3) an assessment of whether sensitive dual-use items subject to the export control laws of the United States are being—

"(A) transshipped through Hong Kong; and

"(B) used to develop—

"(i) the Sharp Eyes, Skynet, Integrated Joint Operations Platform, or other systems of mass surveillance and predictive policing; or

"(ii) the 'social credit system' of the People's Republic of China;

"(4) an assessment of the efforts by the Government of the People's Republic of China to use the status of Hong Kong as a separate customs territory to import items into the People's Republic of China from Hong Kong in violation of the export control laws of the United States, whether as part of the Greater Bay Area plan, through the assignment by Beijing of Hong Kong as a national technology and innovation center, or through other programs that may exploit Hong Kong as a conduit for controlled sensitive technology;

"(5) an assessment of whether the Government of Hong Kong has adequately enforced sanctions imposed by the United Nations;

"(6) a description of the types of goods and services transshipped or reexported through Hong Kong in violation of such sanctions to—

"(A) North Korea or Iran; or

"(B) other countries, regimes, or persons subject to such sanctions for engaging in activities—

"(i) relating to international terrorism, international narcotics trafficking, or the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; or

"(ii) that otherwise present a threat to the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States; and

"(7) an assessment of whether shortcomings in the enforcement of export controls or sanctions by the Government of Hong Kong necessitates the assignment of additional Department of the Treasury, Department of Commerce, or Department of State personnel to the United States Consulate in Hong Kong.

"(b) Committees Specified.—The committees specified in this subsection are—

"(1) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate;

"(2) the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate;

"(3) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate;

"(4) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives; and

"(5) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives.

"(c) Form of Report.—The report required under subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

"SEC. 6. PROTECTING UNITED STATES CITIZENS AND OTHERS FROM RENDITION TO THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.

"(a) Policy Statements.—It is the policy of the United States—

"(1) to safeguard United States citizens from extradition, rendition, or abduction to the People's Republic of China from Hong Kong for trial, detention, or any other purpose;

"(2) to safeguard United States businesses in Hong Kong from economic coercion and intellectual property theft;

"(3) pursuant to section 103(7) of the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (22 U.S.C. 5713(7)), to encourage United States businesses 'to continue to operate in Hong Kong, in accordance with applicable United States and Hong Kong law'; and

"(4) pursuant to section 201(b) of such Act (22 U.S.C. 5721(b)), to evaluate, not less frequently than annually and as circumstances, dictate whether the Government of Hong Kong is 'legally competent to carry out its obligations' under treaties and international agreements established between the United States and Hong Kong.

"(b) Response to Threat of Rendition.—Not later than 30 days after the President determines that legislation proposed or enacted by the Government of Hong Kong would put United States citizens at risk of extradition or rendition to the People's Republic of China or to other countries that lack protections for the rights of defendants, the President shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that—

"(1) contains a strategy for protecting United States citizens and businesses in Hong Kong;

"(2) assesses the potential risks of the legislation to United States citizens residing in, traveling to, or transiting through Hong Kong; and

"(3) determines whether—

"(A) additional resources are needed for American Citizen Services at the United States Consulate in Hong Kong; and

"(B) the Government of Hong Kong is 'legally competent' to administer the United States-Hong Kong Agreement for the Surrender of Fugitive Offenders, done at Hong Kong December 20, 1996, or other relevant law enforcement agreements between the United States and Hong Kong.

"SEC. 7. SANCTIONS RELATING TO UNDERMINING FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS AND AUTONOMY IN HONG KONG.

"(a) Identification of Persons Responsible for Undermining Fundamental Freedoms and Autonomy in Hong Kong.—

"(1) In general.—The President shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees, in accordance with paragraph (2), that identifies each foreign person that the President determines is responsible for—

"(A) the extrajudicial rendition, arbitrary detention, or torture of any person in Hong Kong; or

"(B) other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights in Hong Kong.

"(2) Timing of reports.—The President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees—

"(A) the report required under paragraph (1)—

"(i) not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 27, 2019]; and

"(ii) not less frequently than annually thereafter in conjunction with the publication of the report required under section 301 of the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (22 U.S.C. 5731); and

"(B) an update to the report not later than 15 days after any new action is taken under subsection (b) based on the discovery of new information described in paragraph (1).

"(3) Consideration of certain information.—In preparing the report required under paragraph (1), the President shall consider—

"(A) information provided jointly by the chairperson and ranking member of each of the appropriate congressional committees; and

"(B) information obtained by other countries or reputable nongovernmental organizations that monitor violations of human rights abuses.

"(4) Form.—The report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

"(b) Imposition of Sanctions.—The President shall impose the sanctions described in subsection (c) with respect to each foreign person identified in the report required under subsection (a)(1).

"(c) Sanctions Described.—The sanctions described in this subsection are the following:

"(1) Asset blocking.—The President shall exercise all of the powers granted to the President under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) to the extent necessary to block and prohibit all transactions in property and interests in property of a foreign person identified in the report required under subsection (a)(1) if such property and interests in property are in the United States, come within the United States, or come within the possession or control of a United States person.

"(2) Ineligibility for visas, admission, or parole.—

"(A) Visas, admission, or parole.—An alien described in subsection (a)(1) is—

"(i) inadmissible to the United States;

"(ii) ineligible to receive a visa or other documentation to enter the United States; and

"(iii) otherwise ineligible to be admitted or paroled into the United States or to receive any other benefit under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.).

"(B) Current visas revoked.—

"(i) In general.—An alien described in subsection (a)(1) is subject to revocation of any visa or other entry documentation regardless of when the visa or other entry documentation is or was issued.

"(ii) Immediate effect.—A revocation under clause (i) shall—

     "(I) take effect immediately; and

     "(II) automatically cancel any other valid visa or entry documentation that is in the alien's possession.

"(3) Penalties.—The penalties provided for in subsections (b) and (c) of section 206 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1705) shall apply to a foreign person that violates, attempts to violate, conspires to violate, or causes a violation of paragraph (1) to the same extent that such penalties apply to a person that commits an unlawful act described in subsection (a) of such section 206.

"(d) Implementation.—The President may exercise all authorities provided under sections 203 and 205 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702 and 1704) to carry out this section.

"(e) Waiver.—The President may waive the application of sanctions under this section with respect to a person identified in the report required under subsection (a)(1) if the President determines and certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that such a waiver is in the national interest of the United States.

"(f) Exceptions.—

"(1) Exception for intelligence activities.—Sanctions under this section shall not apply to any activity subject to the reporting requirements under title V of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3091 et seq.) or any authorized intelligence activities of the United States.

"(2) Exception to comply with international obligations and for law enforcement activities.—Sanctions under subsection (c)(2) shall not apply with respect to an alien if admitting or paroling the alien into the United States is necessary—

"(A) to permit the United States to comply with the Agreement regarding the Headquarters of the United Nations, signed at Lake Success June 26, 1947, and entered into force November 21, 1947, between the United Nations and the United States, or other applicable international obligations; or

"(B) to carry out or assist law enforcement activity in the United States.

"(3) Exception relating to importation of goods.—

"(A) In general.—The authorities and requirements to impose sanctions authorized under this section shall not include the authority or a requirement to impose sanctions on the importation of goods.

"(B) Good defined.—In this paragraph, the term 'good' means any article, natural or manmade substance, material, supply, or manufactured product, including inspection and test equipment, and excluding technical data.

"(g) Termination of Sanctions.—The President may terminate the application of sanctions under this section with respect to a person if the President determines and reports to the appropriate congressional committees not less than 15 days before the termination takes effect that—

"(1) information exists that the person did not engage in the activity for which sanctions were imposed;

"(2) the person has been prosecuted appropriately for the activity for which sanctions were imposed;

"(3) the person has credibly demonstrated a significant change in behavior, has paid an appropriate consequence for the activity for which sanctions were imposed, and has credibly committed to not engage in an activity described in subsection (a)(1) in the future; or

"(4) the termination of the sanctions is in the national security interests of the United States.

"(h) Sunset.—This section, and any sanctions imposed under this section, shall terminate on the date that is 10 years after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 27, 2019].

"(i) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) Admission; admitted; alien.—The terms 'admission', 'admitted', and 'alien' have the meanings given those terms in section 101 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101).

"(2) Foreign person.—The term 'foreign person' means a person that is not a United States person.

"SEC. 8. SANCTIONS REPORTS.

"(a) In General.—In accordance with section 7, the President shall submit, to the appropriate congressional committees, a report that includes—

"(1) a list of each foreign person with respect to which the President imposed sanctions during the year preceding the submission of the report;

"(2) a description of the type of sanctions imposed with respect to each such person;

"(3) the number of foreign persons with respect to which the President terminated sanctions under section 7 during that year;

"(4) the dates on which such sanctions were imposed or terminated, as applicable;

"(5) the reasons for imposing or terminating such sanctions; and

"(6) a description of the efforts of the President to encourage the governments of other countries to impose sanctions that are similar to the sanctions authorized under section 7.

"(b) Nonapplicability of Confidentiality Requirement With Respect to Visa Records.—The President shall publish the report required under subsection (a) without regard to the requirements of section 222(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1202(f)) with respect to confidentiality of records pertaining to the issuance or refusal of visas or permits to enter the United States."

Executive Documents

Ex. Ord. No. 13936. The President's Executive Order on Hong Kong Normalization

Ex. Ord. No. 13936, July 14, 2020, 85 F.R. 43413, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (Public Law 102–393 [102–383]) [22 U.S.C. 5701 et seq.], the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019 (Public Law 116–76) [see Short Title of 2019 Amendment note set out above], the Hong Kong Autonomy Act of 2020, signed into law July 14, 2020 [set out as a note above], the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) (NEA), section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 (8 U.S.C. 1182(f)), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code,

I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, determine, pursuant to section 202 of the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 [22 U.S.C. 5722], that the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong (Hong Kong) is no longer sufficiently autonomous to justify differential treatment in relation to the People's Republic of China (PRC or China) under the particular United States laws and provisions thereof set out in this order. In late May 2020, the National People's Congress of China announced its intention to unilaterally and arbitrarily impose national security legislation on Hong Kong. This announcement was merely China's latest salvo in a series of actions that have increasingly denied autonomy and freedoms that China promised to the people of Hong Kong under the 1984 Joint Declaration of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the People's Republic of China on the Question of Hong Kong (Joint Declaration). As a result, on May 27, 2020, the Secretary of State announced that the PRC had fundamentally undermined Hong Kong's autonomy and certified and reported to the Congress, pursuant to sections 205 and 301 of the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 [22 U.S.C. 5725 and 5731], as amended, respectively, that Hong Kong no longer warrants treatment under United States law in the same manner as United States laws were applied to Hong Kong before July 1, 1997. On May 29, 2020, I directed the heads of executive departments and agencies (agencies) to begin the process of eliminating policy exemptions under United States law that give Hong Kong differential treatment in relation to China.

China has since followed through on its threat to impose national security legislation on Hong Kong. Under this law, the people of Hong Kong may face life in prison for what China considers to be acts of secession or subversion of state power—which may include acts like last year's widespread anti-government protests. The right to trial by jury may be suspended. Proceedings may be conducted in secret. China has given itself broad power to initiate and control the prosecutions of the people of Hong Kong through the new Office for Safeguarding National Security. At the same time, the law allows foreigners to be expelled if China merely suspects them of violating the law, potentially making it harder for journalists, human rights organizations, and other outside groups to hold the PRC accountable for its treatment of the people of Hong Kong.

I therefore determine that the situation with respect to Hong Kong, including recent actions taken by the PRC to fundamentally undermine Hong Kong's autonomy, constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat, which has its source in substantial part outside the United States, to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. I hereby declare a national emergency with respect to that threat.

In light of the foregoing, I hereby determine and order:

Section 1. It shall be the policy of the United States to suspend or eliminate different and preferential treatment for Hong Kong to the extent permitted by law and in the national security, foreign policy, and economic interest of the United States.

Sec. 2. Pursuant to section 202 of the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (22 U.S.C. 5722), I hereby suspend the application of section 201(a) of the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992, as amended (22 U.S.C. 5721(a)), to the following statutes:

(a) section 103 of the Immigration Act of 1990 [Pub. L. 101–649] (8 U.S.C. 1152 note);

(b) sections 203(c), 212(l), and 221(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, as amended (8 U.S.C. 1153(c), 1182(l), and 1201(c), respectively);

(c) the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2751 et seq.);

(d) section 721(m) of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended (50 U.S.C. 4565(m));

(e) the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4801 et seq.); and

(f) section 1304 of title 19, United States Code.

Sec. 3. Within 15 days of the date of this order [July 14, 2020], the heads of agencies shall commence all appropriate actions to further the purposes of this order, consistent with applicable law, including, to:

(a) amend any regulations implementing those provisions specified in section 2 of this order, and, consistent with applicable law and executive orders, under IEEPA, which provide different treatment for Hong Kong as compared to China;

(b) amend the regulation at 8 CFR 212.4(i) to eliminate the preference for Hong Kong passport holders as compared to PRC passport holders;

(c) revoke license exceptions for exports to Hong Kong, reexports to Hong Kong, and transfers (in-country) within Hong Kong of items subject to the Export Administration Regulations, 15 CFR Parts 730–774, that provide differential treatment compared to those license exceptions applicable to exports to China, reexports to China, and transfers (in-country) within China;

(d) consistent with section 902(b)(2) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 (Public Law 101–246) [22 U.S.C. 2151 note], terminate the export licensing suspensions under section 902(a)(3) of such Act insofar as such suspensions apply to exports of defense articles to Hong Kong persons who are physically located outside of Hong Kong and the PRC and who were authorized to receive defense articles prior to the date of this order;

(e) give notice of intent to suspend the Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Hong Kong for the Surrender of Fugitive Offenders (TIAS 98–121);

(f) give notice of intent to terminate the Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Hong Kong for the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (TIAS 99–418);

(g) take steps to end the provision of training to members of the Hong Kong Police Force or other Hong Kong security services at the Department of State's International Law Enforcement Academies;

(h) suspend continued cooperation undertaken consistent with the now-expired Protocol Between the U.S. Geological Survey of the Department of the Interior of the United States of America and Institute of Space and Earth Information Science of the Chinese University of Hong Kong Concerning Scientific and Technical Cooperation in Earth Sciences (TIAS 09–1109);

(i) take steps to terminate the Fulbright exchange program with regard to China and Hong Kong with respect to future exchanges for participants traveling both from and to China or Hong Kong;

(j) give notice of intent to terminate the agreement for the reciprocal exemption with respect to taxes on income from the international operation of ships effected by the Exchange of Notes Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Hong Kong (TIAS 11892);

(k) reallocate admissions within the refugee ceiling set by the annual Presidential Determination to residents of Hong Kong based on humanitarian concerns, to the extent feasible and consistent with applicable law; and

(l) propose for my consideration any further actions deemed necessary and prudent to end special conditions and preferential treatment for Hong Kong.

Sec. 4. All property and interests in property that are in the United States, that hereafter come within the United States, or that are or hereafter come within the possession or control of any United States person, of the following persons are blocked and may not be transferred, paid, exported, withdrawn, or otherwise dealt in:

(a) Any foreign person determined by the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, or the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State:

(i) to be or have been involved, directly or indirectly, in the coercing, arresting, detaining, or imprisoning of individuals under the authority of, or to be or have been responsible for or involved in developing, adopting, or implementing, the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Administrative Region;

(ii) to be responsible for or complicit in, or to have engaged in, directly or indirectly, any of the following:

(A) actions or policies that undermine democratic processes or institutions in Hong Kong;

(B) actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, stability, or autonomy of Hong Kong;

(C) censorship or other activities with respect to Hong Kong that prohibit, limit, or penalize the exercise of freedom of expression or assembly by citizens of Hong Kong, or that limit access to free and independent print, online or broadcast media; or

(D) the extrajudicial rendition, arbitrary detention, or torture of any person in Hong Kong or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights or serious human rights abuse in Hong Kong;

(iii) to be or have been a leader or official of:

(A) an entity, including any government entity, that has engaged in, or whose members have engaged in, any of the activities described in subsections (a)(i), (a)(ii)(A), (a)(ii)(B), or (a)(ii)(C) of this section; or

(B) an entity whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order.

(iv) to have materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this section;

(v) to be owned or controlled by, or to have acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this section; or

(vi) to be a member of the board of directors or a senior executive officer of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this section.

(b) The prohibitions in subsection (a) of this section apply except to the extent provided by statutes, or in regulations, orders, directives, or licenses that may be issued pursuant to this order, and notwithstanding any contract entered into or any license or permit granted before the date of this order.

Sec. 5. I hereby determine that the making of donations of the types of articles specified in section 203(b)(2) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(2)) by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to section 4 of this order would seriously impair my ability to deal with the national emergency declared in this order, and I hereby prohibit such donations as provided by section 4 of this order.

Sec. 6. The prohibitions in section 4(a) of this order include:

(a) the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to section 4(a) of this order; and

(b) the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

Sec. 7. The unrestricted immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the United States of aliens determined to meet one or more of the criteria in section 4(a) of this order, as well as immediate family members of such aliens, or aliens determined by the Secretary of State to be employed by, or acting as an agent of, such aliens, would be detrimental to the interest of the United States, and the entry of such persons into the United States, as immigrants and nonimmigrants, is hereby suspended. Such persons shall be treated as persons covered by section 1 of Proclamation 8693 of July 24, 2011 (Suspension of Entry of Aliens Subject to United Nations Security Council Travel Bans and International Emergency Economic Powers Act Sanctions) [8 U.S.C. 1182 note]. The Secretary of State shall have the responsibility of implementing this section pursuant to such conditions and procedures as the Secretary has established or may establish pursuant to Proclamation 8693.

Sec. 8. (a) Any transaction that evades or avoids, has the purpose of evading or avoiding, causes a violation of, or attempts to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in this order is prohibited.

(b) Any conspiracy formed to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in this order is prohibited.

Sec. 9. Nothing in this order shall prohibit transactions for the conduct of the official business of the Federal Government by employees, grantees, or contractors thereof.

Sec. 10. For the purposes of this order:

(a) the term "person" means an individual or entity;

(b) the term "entity" means a government or instrumentality of such government, partnership, association, trust, joint venture, corporation, group, subgroup, or other organization, including an international organization;

(c) the term "United States person" means any United States citizen, permanent resident alien, entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States (including foreign branches), or any person in the United States; and

(d) The term "immediate family member" means spouses and children of any age.

Sec. 11. For those persons whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order who might have a constitutional presence in the United States, I find that because of the ability to transfer funds or other assets instantaneously, prior notice to such persons of measures to be taken pursuant to section 4 of this order would render those measures ineffectual. I therefore determine that for these measures to be effective in addressing the national emergency declared in this order, there need be no prior notice of a listing or determination made pursuant to section 4 of this order.

Sec. 12. The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, is hereby authorized to take such actions, including adopting rules and regulations, and to employ all powers granted to me by IEEPA as may be necessary to implement this order. The Secretary of the Treasury may, consistent with applicable law, redelegate any of these functions within the Department of the Treasury. All departments and agencies of the United States shall take all appropriate measures within their authority to implement this order.

Sec. 13. The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, is hereby authorized to submit recurring and final reports to the Congress on the national emergency declared in this order, consistent with section 401(c) of the NEA (50 U.S.C. 1641(c)) and section 204(c) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1703(c)).

Sec. 14. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

Sec. 15. If, based on consideration of the terms, obligations, and expectations expressed in the Joint Declaration, I determine that changes in China's actions ensure that Hong Kong is sufficiently autonomous to justify differential treatment in relation to the PRC under United States law, I will reconsider the determinations made and actions taken and directed under this order.

Donald J. Trump.      

Continuations of the national emergency with respect to Hong Kong declared by Ex. Ord. No. 13936 were contained in the following:

Notice of President of the United States, dated July 10, 2024, 89 F.R. 57047.

Notice of President of the United States, dated July 11, 2023, 88 F.R. 44669.

Notice of President of the United States, dated July 11, 2022, 87 F.R. 42057.

Notice of President of the United States, dated July 7, 2021, 86 F.R. 36479.
22 U.S.C. § 2672a (2024) — Title 22: FOREIGN RELATIONS AND INTERCOURSE / Chapter 38: DEPARTMENT OF STATE / Section 2672a: Alternate United States Commissioners for international fisheries commissions
Alternate United States Commissioners for international fisheries commissions
Status: in_force

In order to insure appropriate representation at meetings of international fisheries commissions, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce or of the Interior as appropriate may designate from time to time Alternate United States Commissioners to the North Pacific Fur Seal Commission, the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, the International Pacific Halibut Commission, the International Whaling Commission, the Commission for the Conservation of Shrimp in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, and any similar commission (other than the International Commission for the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries and the International North Pacific Fisheries Commission) established pursuant to a convention between the United States and other governments. Alternate United States Commissioners may exercise, at any meeting of the respective Commission or of the United States Section thereof, all powers and duties of a United States Commissioner in the absence of a duly designated Commissioner for whatever reason. The number of such Alternate United States Commissioners that may be designated for any such meeting shall be limited to the number of authorized United States Commissioners that will not be present. In the event that there are Deputy United States Commissioners pursuant to the convention or statute, such Deputy United States Commissioners shall have precedence over any Alternate Commissioners so designated pursuant to this section.

(Pub. L. 92–471, title II, §201, Oct. 9, 1972, 86 Stat. 787; Pub. L. 99–659, title IV, §405(c), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3738.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1986—Pub. L. 99–659 struck out "the Great Lakes Fishery Commission," after "the International Pacific Halibut Commission,".
22 U.S.C. § 3664 (2024) — Title 22: FOREIGN RELATIONS AND INTERCOURSE / Chapter 51: PANAMA CANAL / Subchapter I: ADMINISTRATION AND REGULATIONS / Section 3664: Applicability of title 5
Applicability of title 5
Status: in_force

The following provisions of title 5 apply to the Panama Canal Commission:

(1) Part I of title 5 (relating to agencies generally).

(2) Chapter 21 (relating to employee definitions).

(3) Section 2302(b)(8) (relating to whistleblower protection) and all provisions of title 5 relating to the administration or enforcement or any other aspect thereof, as identified in regulations prescribed by the Commission in consultation with the Office of Personnel Management.

(4) All provisions relating to preference eligibles.

(5) Section 5514 (relating to offset from salary).

(6) Section 5520a (relating to garnishments).

(7) Sections 5531–5535 (relating to dual pay and employment).

(8) Subchapter VI of chapter 55 (relating to accumulated and accrued leave).

(9) Subchapter IX of chapter 55 (relating to severance and back pay).

(10) Chapter 59 (relating to allowances).

(11) Repealed. Pub. L. 105–261, div. C, title XXXV, §3507(a), Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2269.

(12) Section 6323 (relating to military leave; Reserves and National Guardsmen).

(13) Chapter 71 (relating to labor relations).

(14) Subchapters II and III of chapter 73 (relating to employment limitations and political activities, respectively) and all provisions of title 5 relating to the administration or enforcement or any other aspect thereof, as identified in regulations prescribed by the Commission in consultation with the Office of Personnel Management.

(15) Chapter 81 (relating to compensation for work injuries).

(16) Chapters 83 and 84 (relating to retirement).

(17) Chapter 85 (relating to unemployment compensation).

(18) Chapter 87 (relating to life insurance).

(19) Chapter 89 (relating to health insurance).

(Pub. L. 96–70, title I, §1224, Sept. 27, 1979, 93 Stat. 467; Pub. L. 104–201, div. C, title XXXV, §3536, Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2864; Pub. L. 105–85, div. C, title XXXV, §3524(a)(2), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 2065; Pub. L. 105–261, div. C, title XXXV, §3507(a), Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2269.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1998—Par. (11). Pub. L. 105–261 struck out par. (11) which read as follows: "Chapter 63 (relating to leave for CONUS employees)."

1997—Pars. (10) to (20). Pub. L. 105–85 redesignated pars. (11) to (20) as (10) to (19), respectively, and struck out former par. (10) which read as follows: "Chapter 57 (relating to travel, transportation, and subsistence)."

1996—Pub. L. 104–201 substituted "title 5" for "certain laws" in section catchline and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "This part does not affect the applicability of—

"(1) the provisions of title 5 which relate to preference eligibles;

"(2) the provisions of title 5 which relate to removal or suspension from the competitive service; and

"(3) the provisions of section 5544(a) of title 5 which relate to wage-board overtime and Sunday rates, with respect to classes of employees who were covered by those provisions on September 27, 1979."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–261, div. C, title XXXV, §3507(a), Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2269, provided that the amendment made by section 3507(a) striking out par. (11) of this section is effective 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time), Dec. 30, 1999, and any right or condition of employment provided for in, or arising from, par. (11) of this section is terminated.

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–85 effective Jan. 1, 1999, see section 3524(c) of Pub. L. 105–85, set out as a note under section 3650 of this title.
22 U.S.C. § 211a (2024) — Title 22: FOREIGN RELATIONS AND INTERCOURSE / Chapter 4: PASSPORTS / Section 211a: Authority to grant, issue, and verify passports
Authority to grant, issue, and verify passports
Status: in_force

The Secretary of State may grant and issue passports, and cause passports to be granted, issued, and verified in foreign countries by diplomatic and consular officers of the United States, and by such other employees of the Department of State who are citizens of the United States as the Secretary of State may designate, and by the chief or other executive officer of the insular possessions of the United States, and through the use of Department of State electronic systems, under such rules as the President shall designate and prescribe for and on behalf of the United States, and no other entity shall grant, issue, or verify such passports. Unless authorized by law, a passport may not be designated as restricted for travel to or for use in any country other than a country with which the United States is at war, where armed hostilities are in progress, or where there is imminent danger to the public health or the physical safety of United States travellers.

(July 3, 1926, ch. 772, §1, 44 Stat. 887; Pub. L. 95–426, title I, §124, Oct. 7, 1978, 92 Stat. 971; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §127(a), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 394; Pub. L. 103–415, §1(b), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4299; Pub. L. 118–159, div. G, title LXXV, §7506, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2547.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Pub. L. 118–159 inserted "and through the use of Department of State electronic systems," after "the insular possessions of the United States," and substituted "entity" for "person".

1994—Pub. L. 103–415, §1(b)(1), substituted "such other employees" for "such employees".

Pub. L. 103–415, §1(b)(2), which directed the amendment of this section by substituting "United States" for "United States," was executed by making the substitution after "who are citizens of the", to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Pub. L. 103–236 substituted "by diplomatic and consular officers of the United States, and by other employees of the Department of State who are citizens of the United States," for "by diplomatic representatives of the United States, and by such consul generals, consuls, or vice consuls when in charge,".

1978—Pub. L. 95–426 inserted provision prohibiting passport restrictions except for countries with which the United States is at war, where armed hostilities are in progress or there is imminent danger to the public health or physical safety of United States travellers.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title of 2023 Amendment

Pub. L. 118–31, div. F, title LXI, §6114(a), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 968, provided that: "This section [amending section 214 of this title] may be cited as the 'First Responders Passport Act'."

Short Title of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–167, §1, Jan. 10, 2006, 119 Stat. 3578, provided that: "This Act [amending section 214 of this title] may be cited as the 'Passport Services Enhancement Act of 2005'."

Passport System Reform and Backlog Prevention

Pub. L. 118–159, div. G, title LXXV, §7508, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2548, provided that:

"(a) Standards for Passport Issuance Process.—In administering and modernizing the passport issuance process, the Secretary [of State] shall evaluate the performance of such process against the following criteria:

"(1) To maintain a service standard of processing a routine new or renewal adult passport application from document submission until mailing of final documents in an expeditious and reliable timeframe.

"(2) To maintain low passport fees and surcharges.

"(3) To ensure world-class technical, security, and cybersecurity standards for United States passports and the passport issuance process.

"(4) To minimize typographical, clerical, or picture-based errors.

"(5) To provide a streamlined customer experience for passport applicants.

"(6) To provide reasonably convenient passport services to United States citizens and nationals living a significant distance from a passport agency, particularly residents in a significant population center more than a 5-hour drive from a passport agency.

"(b) Enhanced Information Technology Solutions to Improve the Passport Issuance Process.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary shall seek to implement the information technology solutions described in paragraph (2) in accordance with the timelines described in such paragraph.

"(2) Enhanced information technology solutions and timelines described.—The enhanced information technology solutions and timelines described in this paragraph are the following:

"(A) Consistent with the Bureau's modernization plans and timelines, and subject to the availability of funds, the Secretary shall seek to enter into contracts or agreements as appropriate, for the establishment and maintenance of a mobile application to allow for applicant communication with the Department [of State], including document submission, application status tracking, virtual appointments, access to the notification of application errors, and allowing for passport holders to receive messages from the Department and communicate emergencies to the Department.

"(B) The Secretary may provide each passport applicant with the option of whether to use the mobile application described in subparagraph (A) or another service of the Department.

"(C) As a condition for awarding any contracts described in subparagraph (A), any awardees shall demonstrate they can begin tests on the solution within one year of the award of the contract and complete implementation, including bug fixes, cybersecurity audits, and customer service testing, not later than 2 years after the award of the contract.

"(D) Consistent with existing law, the Secretary shall seek to expand the online passport renewal system, including to accept electronic document submission for first-time adult applications as applicable, in addition to adult renewal applications, in sufficient volume to be able to accommodate most applications by the date that is 4 years after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2024].

"(E) First-time applicants shall continue to verify their applications in-person subject to the requirements of section 1 of title IX of the Act of June 15, 1917 (22 U.S.C. 213).

"(F) To meet the objectives described in subparagraphs (D) and (E), the Secretary may, to the maximum extent practicable, make use of commercially available technology solutions, including entering into contracts or agreements as appropriate for the expansion and maintenance of the online passport renewal system to accommodate the functionality described in such subparagraphs.

"(G) In expanding the online passport renewal system pursuant to subparagraph (D), the following services should be included or otherwise accounted for:

"(i) A user-friendly internet website or portal to facilitate internet-based submission of passport applications by adults.

"(ii) To the extent possible, remote document verification tools and infrastructure to allow for a passport transaction to be completed entirely remotely.

"(iii) To the extent possible, information technology infrastructure not already maintained by the Department.

"(H)(i) The Secretary shall take all reasonable steps to implement additional rules-based tools to adjudicate passport renewals while maintaining human passport authorizing officers involved in the adjudication and issuance processes and should strongly consider commercially available technology solutions,

"(ii) The tools described in clause (i) shall be fully operational within 4 years of the date of the enactment of this Act.

"(iii) The Chief Information Officer shall ensure that the use of the tools do not make passport adjudication more vulnerable to cyberattack.

"(iv) The Secretary shall ensure that the tools described in clause (i) are implemented consistent with the maintenance of standards appropriate to ensuring the integrity of the United States passport.

"(I) In carrying out the requirements of this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with the Chief Information Officer of the Bureau of Consular Affairs, or other technical officer of the Department as appropriate, to ensure technical feasibility and specifications, cybersecurity requirements, compatibility with existing Department information technology infrastructure, and the feasibility of timelines from a technical standpoint.

"(J) The Secretary shall ensure the scalability and long-term viability and upgradability of any information technology systems developed or procured pursuant to this subsection.

"(3) Interim action plan.—

"(A) In general.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2024], the Assistant Secretary, in consultation with the Chief Information Officer, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees [Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives] an action plan on how the Bureau plans to complete the modernization described in this subsection in conjunction with other related, ongoing steps to modernize the passport issuance process.

"(B) Elements.—The action plan required by subparagraph (A) shall include the following elements:

"(i) Progress made on implementing the information technology solutions described in paragraph (2) within specified timelines, and additional steps planned.

"(ii) The expected cost and timeline for implementation of the information technology solutions described in paragraph (2).

"(iii) An evaluation of the information technology solutions described in paragraph (2) to determine whether the full implementation of such solutions will require additional funding or authorities, including budget estimates and a description of such authorities, as appropriate.

"(iv) Efforts to ensure world-class cybersecurity standards for protection of passport applicant data and the passport issuance process infrastructure, particularly such infrastructure involved in adjudication of passport applications.

"(v) Other specific planned steps that the Bureau will take to achieve the criteria described in subsection (a).

"(4) Final report.—Not later than 4 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary, in consultation with the Chief Information Officer, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the following:

"(A) Progress on each information technology solution described in paragraph (2).

"(B) Additional information technology solutions the Bureau intends to adopt.

"(C) Changes in the cost for implementation of the steps described in the action plan, if applicable.

"(5) Form.—The plans and report required by this subsection shall be submitted in an unclassified form and may include a classified annex, if necessary.

"(c) Rule of Construction for Passport Issuance.—Nothing in this section may be construed as an offer to procure a service or services or as a guarantee of a contract for such services."

Special Hiring Authority for Passport Services

Pub. L. 118–31, div. F, title LXI, §6101, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 965, provided that: "During the 3-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this division [Dec. 22, 2023], the Secretary [of State], without regard to the provisions under sections 3309 through 3318 of title 5, United States Code, may directly appoint up to 80 candidates to positions in the competitive service (as defined in section 2102 of such title) at the Department [of State] in the Passport and Visa Examining Series 0967."

Passport Travel Advisories

Pub. L. 118–31, div. F, title LXI, §6103, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 965, as amended by Pub. L. 118–159, div. G, title LXXVII, §7706(a), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2555, provided that: "Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this division [Dec. 22, 2023], the Department [of State] shall make prominent in United States regular passports, on the first three pages of the passport, the following information:

"(1) A prominent, clear advisory for all travelers to check travel.state.gov for updated travel warnings and advisories.

"(2) A prominent, clear notice urging all travelers to register with the Department prior to overseas travel.

"(3) A prominent, clear advisory—

"(A) noting that many countries deny entry to travelers during the last 6 months of their passport validity period; and

"(B) urging all travelers to renew their passport not later than 1 year prior to its expiration."

Limitations on Use of Funds for Procurement of Paper for Passports

Pub. L. 100–440, title VI, §617(b), Sept. 22, 1988, 102 Stat. 1755, provided that: "None of the funds made available by this or any other Act with respect to any fiscal year may be used to procure paper for passports granted or issued pursuant to the first section of the Act entitled 'An Act to regulate the issue and validity of passports, and for other purposes', approved July 3, 1926 (22 U.S.C. 211a), if such paper is manufactured outside of the United States or its possessions or is procured from any corporation or other entity owned or controlled by persons not citizens of the United States. This subsection shall not apply if no domestic manufacturer for passport paper exists."

Similar provisions were contained in the following prior appropriation act:

Pub. L. 100–202, §101(m) [title VI, §622(b)], Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1329–390, 1329–428.

Persons Entitled to Diplomatic or Official United States Passport

Pub. L. 95–426, title I, §125, Oct. 7, 1978, 92 Stat. 971, provided that: "It is the sense of the Congress that a diplomatic or official United States passport should be issued only to, and used only by, a person who holds a diplomatic or other official position in the United States Government or who is otherwise eligible for such a passport under conditions specifically authorized by law."

Executive Documents

Ex. Ord. No. 11295. Rules Governing Granting, Issuing, and Verifying of Passports

Ex. Ord. No. 11295, Aug. 5, 1966, 31 F.R. 10603, provided:

By virtue of the authority vested in me by Section 301 of Title 3 of the United States Code, and as President of the United States, it is ordered as follows:

Section 1. Delegation of authority. The Secretary of State is hereby designated and empowered to exercise, without the approval, ratification, or other action of the President, the authority conferred upon the President by the first section of the Act of July 3, 1926 (22 U.S.C. 211a), to designate and prescribe for and on behalf of the United States rules governing the granting, issuing, and verifying of passports.

Sec. 2. Superseded orders. Subject to Section 3 of this order, the following are hereby superseded:

(1) Executive Order No. 7856 of March 31, 1938, entitled "Rules Governing the Granting and Issuing of Passports in the United States."

(2) Executive Order No. 8820 of July 11, 1941, entitled "Amending the Foreign Service Regulations of the United States."

Sec. 3. Saving provisions. All rules and regulations contained in the Executive order provisions revoked by Section 2 of this order, and all rules and regulations issued under the authority of those provisions, which are in force at the time of the issuance of this order shall remain in full force and effect until revoked, or except as they may be hereafter amended or modified, in pursuance of the authority conferred by this order, unless sooner terminated by operation of law.

Lyndon B. Johnson.
22 U.S.C. § 8162 (2024) — Title 22: FOREIGN RELATIONS AND INTERCOURSE / Chapter 88: NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY-UNITED STATES ADDITIONAL PROTOCOL IMPLEMENTATION / Subchapter VI: PROTECTION OF NATIONAL SECURITY INFORMATION AND ACTIVITIES / Section 8162: IAEA inspections and visits
IAEA inspections and visits
Status: in_force

(a) Certain individuals prohibited from obtaining access

No national of a country designated by the Secretary of State under section 2371 of this title as a government supporting acts of international terrorism shall be permitted access to the United States to carry out an inspection activity under the Additional Protocol or a related safeguards agreement.

(b) Presence of United States Government personnel

IAEA inspectors shall be accompanied at all times by United States Government personnel when inspecting sites, locations, facilities, or activities in the United States under the Additional Protocol.

(c) Vulnerability and related assessments

The President shall conduct vulnerability, counterintelligence, and related assessments not less than every 5 years to ensure that information of direct national security significance remains protected at all sites, locations, facilities, and activities in the United States that are subject to IAEA inspection under the Additional Protocol.

(Pub. L. 109–401, title II, §262, Dec. 18, 2006, 120 Stat. 2751.)
22 U.S.C. § 6601 (2024) — Title 22: FOREIGN RELATIONS AND INTERCOURSE / Chapter 74: FOREIGN AFFAIRS AGENCIES CONSOLIDATION / Subchapter VI: TRANSITION / Section 6601: Reorganization plan and report
Reorganization plan and report
Status: in_force

(a) Submission of plan and report

Not later than 60 days after October 21, 1998, the President shall transmit to the appropriate congressional committees a reorganization plan and report regarding—

(1) the abolition of the United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, the United States Information Agency, and the United States International Development Cooperation Agency in accordance with this chapter;

(2) with respect to the Agency for International Development, the consolidation and streamlining of the Agency and the transfer of certain functions of the Agency to the Department in accordance with section 6581 of this title;

(3) the termination of functions of each covered agency as may be necessary to effectuate the reorganization under this chapter, and the termination of the affairs of each agency abolished under this chapter;

(4) the transfer to the Department of the functions and personnel of each covered agency consistent with the provisions of this chapter; and

(5) the consolidation, reorganization, and streamlining of the Department in connection with the transfer of such functions and personnel in order to carry out such functions.

(b) Covered agencies

The agencies covered by this section are the following:

(1) The United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency.

(2) The United States Information Agency.

(3) The United States International Development Cooperation Agency.

(4) The Agency for International Development.

(c) Plan elements

The plan transmitted under subsection (a) shall contain, consistent with this chapter, such elements as the President deems appropriate, including elements that—

(1) identify the functions of each covered agency that will be transferred to the Department under the plan;

(2) specify the steps to be taken by the Secretary of State to reorganize internally the functions of the Department, including the consolidation of offices and functions, that will be required under the plan in order to permit the Department to carry out the functions transferred to it under the plan;

(3) specify the funds available to each covered agency that will be transferred to the Department as a result of the transfer of functions of such agency to the Department;

(4) specify the proposed allocations within the Department of unexpended funds transferred in connection with the transfer of functions under the plan; and

(5) specify the proposed disposition of the property, facilities, contracts, records, and other assets and liabilities of each covered agency in connection with the transfer of the functions of such agency to the Department.

(d) Reorganization plan of Agency for International Development

In addition to applicable provisions of subsection (c), the reorganization plan transmitted under this section for the Agency for International Development—

(1) may provide for the abolition of the Agency for International Development and the transfer of all its functions to the Department of State; or

(2) in lieu of the abolition and transfer of functions under paragraph (1)—

(A) shall provide for the transfer to and consolidation within the Department of the functions set forth in section 6581 of this title; and

(B) may provide for additional consolidation, reorganization, and streamlining of AID, including—

(i) the termination of functions and reductions in personnel of AID;

(ii) the transfer of functions of AID, and the personnel associated with such functions, to the Department; and

(iii) the consolidation, reorganization, and streamlining of the Department upon the transfer of such functions and personnel in order to carry out the functions transferred.

(e) Modification of plan

The President may, on the basis of consultations with the appropriate congressional committees, modify or revise any part of the plan transmitted under subsection (a) until that part of the plan becomes effective in accordance with subsection (g).

(f) Report

The report accompanying the reorganization plan for the Department and the covered agencies submitted pursuant to this section shall describe the implementation of the plan and shall include—

(1) a detailed description of—

(A) the actions necessary or planned to complete the reorganization,

(B) the anticipated nature and substance of any orders, directives, and other administrative and operational actions which are expected to be required for completing or implementing the reorganization, and

(C) any preliminary actions which have been taken in the implementation process;

(2) the number of personnel and positions of each covered agency (including civil service personnel, Foreign Service personnel, and detailees) that are expected to be transferred to the Department, separated from service with such agency, or eliminated under the plan, and a projected schedule for such transfers, separations, and terminations;

(3) the number of personnel and positions of the Department (including civil service personnel, Foreign Service personnel, and detailees) that are expected to be transferred within the Department, separated from service with the Department, or eliminated under the plan, and a projected schedule for such transfers, separations, and terminations;

(4) a projected schedule for completion of the implementation process; and

(5) recommendations, if any, for legislation necessary to carry out changes made by this chapter relating to personnel and to incidental transfers.

(g) Effective date

(1) In general

The reorganization plan described in this section, including any modifications or revisions of the plan under subsection (e), shall become effective on the earlier of the date for the respective covered agency specified in paragraph (2) or the date announced by the President under paragraph (3).

(2) Statutory effective dates

The effective dates under this paragraph for the reorganization plan described in this section are the following:

(A) April 1, 1999, with respect to functions of the Agency for International Development described in section 6581 of this title.

(B) April 1, 1999, with respect to the abolition of the United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency and the United States International Development Cooperation Agency.

(C) October 1, 1999, with respect to the abolition of the United States Information Agency.

(3) Effective date by Presidential determination

An effective date under this paragraph for a reorganization plan described in this section is such date as the President shall determine to be appropriate and announce by notice published in the Federal Register, which date may be not earlier than 90 calendar days after the President has transmitted the reorganization plan to the appropriate congressional committees pursuant to subsection (a).

(4) Statutory construction

Nothing in this subsection may be construed to require the transfer of functions, personnel, records, balance of appropriations, or other assets of a covered agency on a single date.

(5) Supersedes existing law

Paragraph (1) shall apply notwithstanding section 905(b) of title 5.

(h) Publication

The reorganization plan described in this section shall be printed in the Federal Register after the date upon which it first becomes effective.

(Pub. L. 105–277, div. G, subdiv. A, title XVI, §1601, Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–795.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a)(1), (3), (4), (c), and (f)(5), was in the original "this subdivision", meaning subdiv. A of div. G of Pub. L. 105–277, Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–765, known as the Foreign Affairs Agencies Consolidation Act of 1998. For complete classification of this subdivision to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 6501 of this title and Tables.

Executive Documents

Delegation of the Functions Vested in the President by Sections 1601(e) and 1601(g) of the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998, as Enacted in Public Law 105–277

Memorandum of President of the United States, Mar. 31, 1999, 64 F.R. 17079, provided:

Memorandum for the Secretary of State

By the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, including section 301 of title 3 of the United States Code, I hereby delegate to you the functions vested in the President by sections 1601(e) and 1601(g) of the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998, as enacted in Public Law 105–277 [22 U.S.C. 6601(e), (g)].

The functions delegated by this memorandum may be redelegated as appropriate.

You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

William J. Clinton.
22 U.S.C. § 5321 (2024) — Title 22: FOREIGN RELATIONS AND INTERCOURSE / Chapter 62: INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL POLICY / Subchapter II: INTERNATIONAL DEBT / Section 5321: Short title
Short title
Status: in_force

This subchapter may be cited as the "International Debt Management Act of 1988".

(Pub. L. 100–418, title III, §3101, Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1375.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This subchapter, referred to in text, was in the original "this subtitle", meaning subtitle B (§§3101–3123) of title III of Pub. L. 100–418, Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1375, which is classified principally to this subchapter. For complete classification of subtitle B to the Code, see Tables.
22 U.S.C. § 7908 (2024) — Title 22: FOREIGN RELATIONS AND INTERCOURSE / Chapter 86: CLIMATE CHANGE TECHNOLOGY DEPLOYMENT IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES / Section 7908: Authorization of appropriations
Authorization of appropriations
Status: in_force

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this chapter.

(Pub. L. 101–240, title VII, §738, as added Pub. L. 109–58, title XVI, §1611, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 1117.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 2005, except as otherwise provided, see section 739 of Pub. L. 101–240, set out as a note under section 7901 of this title.
22 U.S.C. § 2347g (2024) — Title 22: FOREIGN RELATIONS AND INTERCOURSE / Chapter 32: FOREIGN ASSISTANCE / Subchapter II: MILITARY ASSISTANCE AND SALES / Section 2347g: Records regarding foreign participants
Records regarding foreign participants
Status: in_force

(a) Development and maintenance of database

In order to contribute most effectively to the development of military professionalism in foreign countries, the Secretary of Defense shall develop and maintain a database containing records on each foreign military or defense ministry civilian participant in education and training activities conducted under this part after December 31, 2000. This record shall include the type of instruction received, the dates of such instruction, whether such instruction was completed successfully, and, to the extent practicable, a record of the person's subsequent military or defense ministry career and current position and location.

(b) Annual list of foreign personnel

For the purposes of preparing the report required pursuant to section 2347h of this title, the Secretary of State may annually request the Secretary of Defense to provide information contained in the database, with respect to a list submitted to the Secretary of Defense by the Secretary of State, that contains the names of foreign personnel or military units. To the extent practicable, the Secretary of Defense shall provide, and the Secretary of State may take into account, the information contained in the database, if any, relating to the Secretary of State's submission.

(c) Updating of database

If the Secretary of State determines and reports to Congress under section 2347h of this title that a foreign person identified in the database maintained pursuant to this section was involved in a violation of internationally recognized human rights, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the database is updated to contain such fact and all relevant information.

(Pub. L. 87–195, pt. II, §548, as added Pub. L. 106–280, title II, §202, Oct. 6, 2000, 114 Stat. 851; amended Pub. L. 107–228, div. B, title XII, §1212(b), Sept. 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 1429.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2002—Pub. L. 107–228 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserted heading, and added subsecs. (b) and (c).
22 U.S.C. § 4102 (2024) — Title 22: FOREIGN RELATIONS AND INTERCOURSE / Chapter 52: FOREIGN SERVICE / Subchapter X: LABOR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS / Section 4102: Definitions
Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this subchapter, the term—

(1) "Authority" means the Federal Labor Relations Authority, described in section 7104(a) of title 5;

(2) "Board" means the Foreign Service Labor Relations Board, established by section 4106(a) of this title;

(3) "collective bargaining" means the performance of the mutual obligation of the management representative of the Department and of the exclusive representative of employees to meet at reasonable times and to consult and bargain in a good-faith effort to reach agreement with respect to the conditions of employment affecting employees, and to execute, if requested by either party, a written document incorporating any collective bargaining agreement reached, but this obligation does not compel either party to agree to a proposal or to make a concession;

(4) "collective bargaining agreement" means an agreement entered into as a result of collective bargaining under the provisions of this subchapter;

(5) "conditions of employment" means personnel policies, practices, and matters, whether established by regulation or otherwise, affecting working conditions, but does not include policies, practices, and matters—

(A) relating to political activities prohibited abroad or prohibited under subchapter III of chapter 73 of title 5;

(B) relating to the designation or classification of any position under section 3981 of this title;

(C) to the extent such matters are specifically provided for by Federal statute; or

(D) relating to Government-wide or multiagency responsibility of the Secretary affecting the rights, benefits, or obligations of individuals employed in agencies other than those which are authorized to utilize the Foreign Service personnel system;

(6) "confidential employee" means an employee who acts in a confidential capacity with respect to an individual who formulates or effectuates management policies in the field of labor-management relations;

(7) "dues" means dues, fees, and assessments;

(8) "employee" means—

(A) a member of the Service who is a citizen of the United States, wherever serving, other than a management official, a confidential employee, a consular agent, a member of the Service who is a United States citizen (other than a family member) employed under section 3951 of this title, or any individual who participates in a strike in violation of section 7311 of title 5; or

(B) a former member of the Service as described in subparagraph (A) whose employment has ceased because of an unfair labor practice under section 4115 of this title and who has not obtained any other regular and substantially equivalent employment, as determined under regulations prescribed by the Board;

(9) "exclusive representative" means any labor organization which is certified as the exclusive representative of employees under section 4111 of this title;

(10) "General Counsel" means the General Counsel of the Authority;

(11) "labor organization" means an organization composed in whole or in part of employees, in which employees participate and pay dues, and which has as a purpose dealing with the Department concerning grievances (as defined in section 4131 of this title) and conditions of employment, but does not include—

(A) an organization which, by its constitution, bylaws, tacit agreement among its members, or otherwise, denies membership because of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, preferential or nonpreferential civil service status, political affiliation, marital status, or disability;

(B) an organization which advocates the overthrow of the constitutional form of government of the United States;

(C) an organization sponsored by the Department; or

(D) an organization which participates in the conduct of a strike against the Government or any agency thereof or imposes a duty or obligation to conduct, assist, or participate in such a strike;

(12) "management official" means an individual who—

(A) is a chief of mission or principal officer;

(B) is serving in a position to which appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, or by the President alone;

(C) occupies a position which in the sole judgment of the Secretary is of comparable importance to the offices mentioned in subparagraph (A) or (B);

(D) is serving as a deputy to any individual described by subparagraph (A), (B), or (C);

(E) is assigned to carry out functions of the Inspector General of the Department of State and the Foreign Service under section 3929 of this title; or

(F) is engaged in the administration of this subchapter or in the formulation of the personnel policies and programs of the Department;

(13) "Panel" means the Foreign Service Impasse Disputes Panel, established by section 4110(a) of this title; and

(14) "person" means an individual, a labor organization, or an agency to which this subchapter applies.

(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §1002, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2129; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §180(a)(9), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 416; Pub. L. 117–263, div. I, title XCII, §9219(3), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3879.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Par. (11)(A). Pub. L. 117–263 substituted "disability" for "handicapping condition".

1994—Par. (8)(A). Pub. L. 103–236 inserted "a member of the Service who is a United States citizen (other than a family member) employed under section 3951 of this title,".
22 U.S.C. § 5714 (2024) — Title 22: FOREIGN RELATIONS AND INTERCOURSE / Chapter 66: UNITED STATES-HONG KONG POLICY / Subchapter I: POLICY / Section 5714: Transportation
Transportation
Status: in_force

It is the sense of the Congress that the following, which are based in part on the relevant provisions of the Joint Declaration, should be the policy of the United States after June 30, 1997, with respect to transportation from Hong Kong:

(1) Recognizing Hong Kong's position as an international transport center, the United States should continue to recognize ships and airplanes registered in Hong Kong and should negotiate air service agreements directly with Hong Kong.

(2) The United States should continue to recognize ships registered by Hong Kong.

(3) United States commercial ships, in accordance with applicable United States and Hong Kong law, should remain free to port in Hong Kong.

(4) The United States should continue to recognize airplanes registered by Hong Kong in accordance with applicable laws of the People's Republic of China.

(5) The United States should recognize licenses issued by the Hong Kong to Hong Kong airlines.

(6) The United States should recognize certificates issued by the Hong Kong to United States air carriers for air service involving travel to, from, or through Hong Kong which does not involve travel to, from, or through other parts of the People's Republic of China.

(7) The United States should negotiate at the appropriate time directly with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, acting under authorization from the Government of the People's Republic of China, to renew or amend all air service agreements existing on June 30, 1997, and to conclude new air service agreements affecting all flights to, from, or through the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region which do not involve travel to, from, or through other parts of the People's Republic of China.

(8) The United States should make every effort to ensure that the negotiations described in paragraph (7) lead to procompetitive air service agreements.

(Pub. L. 102–383, title I, §104, Oct. 5, 1992, 106 Stat. 1451.)
22 U.S.C. § 401 (2024) — Title 22: FOREIGN RELATIONS AND INTERCOURSE / Chapter 9: FOREIGN WARS, WAR MATERIALS, AND NEUTRALITY / Subchapter I: WAR MATERIALS / Section 401: Illegal exportation of war materials
Illegal exportation of war materials
Status: in_force

(a) Seizure and forfeiture of materials and carriers

Whenever an attempt is made to export or ship from or take out of the United States any arms or munitions of war or other articles in violation of law, or whenever it is known or there shall be probable cause to believe that any arms or munitions of war or other articles are intended to be or are being or have been exported or removed from the United States in violation of law, the Secretary of the Treasury, or any person duly authorized for the purpose by the President, may seize and detain such arms or munitions of war or other articles and may seize and detain any vessel, vehicle, or aircraft containing the same or which has been or is being used in exporting or attempting to export such arms or munitions of war or other articles. The Secretary of Commerce may seize and detain any commodity (other than arms or munitions of war) or technology which is intended to be or is being exported in violation of laws governing such exports and may seize and detain any vessel, vehicle, or aircraft containing the same or which has been used or is being used in exporting or attempting to export such articles. All arms or munitions of war and other articles, vessels, vehicles, and aircraft seized pursuant to this subsection shall be forfeited.

(b) Applicability of laws relating to seizure, forfeiture, and condemnation

All provisions of law relating to seizure, summary and judicial forfeiture and condemnation for violation of the customs laws, the disposition of the property forfeited or condemned or the proceeds from the sale thereof; the remission or mitigation of such forfeitures; and the compromise of claims and the award of compensation to informers in respect of such forfeitures shall apply to seizures and forfeitures incurred, or alleged to have been incurred, under the provisions of this section, insofar as applicable and not inconsistent with the provisions hereof. However, with respect to seizures and forfeitures of property under this section by the Secretary of Commerce, such duties as are imposed upon the customs officer or any other person with respect to the seizure and forfeiture of property under the customs law may be performed by such officers as are designated by the Secretary of Commerce or, upon the request of the Secretary of Commerce, by any other agency that has authority to manage and dispose of seized property. Awards of compensation to informers under this section may be paid only out of funds specifically appropriated therefor.

(c) Disposition of forfeited materials

Arms and munitions of war forfeited under subsection (b) of this section shall be delivered to the Secretary of Defense for such use or disposition as he may deem in the public interest, or, in the event that the Secretary of Defense refuses to accept such arms and munitions of war, they shall be sold or otherwise disposed of as prescribed under existing law in the case of forfeitures for violation of the customs laws.

(June 15, 1917, ch. 30, title VI, §1, 40 Stat. 223; June 17, 1930, ch. 497, title IV, §523, 46 Stat. 740; Aug. 13, 1953, ch. 434, §1, 67 Stat. 577; Pub. L. 105–119, title II, §211(a), Nov. 26, 1997, 111 Stat. 2487.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1997—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–119, which directed the amendment of section 401 of title 22, United States Code, by inserting "The Secretary of Commerce may seize and detain any commodity (other than arms or munitions of war) or technology which is intended to be or is being exported in violation of laws governing such exports and may seize and detain any vessel, vehicle, or aircraft containing the same or which has been used or is being used in exporting or attempting to export such articles." after first sentence in subsec. (a), was executed by making the insertion in section 1(a) of act June 15, 1917, ch. 30, which is classified to this section, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–119, which directed the amendment of section 401 of title 22, United States Code, by inserting "However, with respect to seizures and forfeitures of property under this section by the Secretary of Commerce, such duties as are imposed upon the customs officer or any other person with respect to the seizure and forfeiture of property under the customs law may be performed by such officers as are designated by the Secretary of Commerce or, upon the request of the Secretary of Commerce, by any other agency that has authority to manage and dispose of seized property." after "and not inconsistent with the provisions hereof." in subsec. (b), was executed by making the insertion in section 1(b) of act June 15, 1917, ch. 30, which is classified to this section, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

1953—Act Aug. 13, 1953, provided not only seizure and forfeiture of articles or merchandise which are being, or are intended to be illegally exported, and the vehicle, vessel, or aircraft in which exportation is intended to accomplish, but also for the seizure and forfeiture of articles or merchandise actually illegally exported out, the carrier used to effectuate the exportation, provided for applicability of laws relating to seizure, summary and judicial forfeiture and condemnation, and provided for the disposition of seized materials.

1930—Act June 17, 1930, substituted "comptrollers of customs" for "Naval officers of customs".

Executive Documents

Ex. Ord. No. 10863. Authorization of Attorney General To Seize Arms and Munitions of War, and Other Articles

Ex. Ord. No. 10863, Feb. 18, 1960, 25 F.R. 1507, provided:

By virtue of the authority vested in me by section 1 of Title VI of the act of June 15, 1917, 40 Stat. 223, as amended by section 1 of the act of August 13, 1953, 67 Stat. 577 (22 U.S.C. 401), it is ordered as follows:

Section 1. The Attorney General is hereby designated under section 1 of Title VI of the act of June 15, 1917, as amended by section 1 of the act of August 13, 1953 [this section], as a person duly authorized to seize and detain arms or munitions of war or other articles, and to seize and detain any vessel, vehicle, or aircraft containing such items or which has been, or is being, used in exporting or attempting to export such arms or munitions of war or other articles, whenever an attempt is made to export or ship from or take out of the United States such arms or munitions of war or other articles in violation of law, or whenever it is known, or there is probable cause to believe, that such arms or munitions of war or other articles are intended to be, or are being or have been, exported or removed from the United States in violation of law.

Sec. 2. The authority conferred upon the Attorney General by section 1 of this order may be exercised by any officer of the Department of Justice designated for such purpose by the Attorney General.

Dwight D. Eisenhower.
22 U.S.C. § 267 (2024) — Title 22: FOREIGN RELATIONS AND INTERCOURSE / Chapter 7: INTERNATIONAL BUREAUS, CONGRESSES, ETC. / Section 267: Permanent Commission of International Geodetic Association; representative of United States
Permanent Commission of International Geodetic Association; representative of United States
Status: in_force

The duly appointed representative of the United States on the permanent commission of the International Geodetic Association is granted authority to vote with the representatives on the permanent commission from other nations on all matters coming before the association, including the extension of its existence, subject to the approval of Congress.

(Mar. 3, 1917, ch. 161, 39 Stat. 1055.)
22 U.S.C. § 3508 (2024) — Title 22: FOREIGN RELATIONS AND INTERCOURSE / Chapter 50: INSTITUTE FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL COOPERATION / Section 3508: Fellowships
Fellowships
Status: in_force

(a) Authorization; number; duration; renewal; criteria; foreign recipients; designation of recipients as Institute Fellows

The President is authorized to award up to twenty fellowships annually for periods up to two years, such awards to be renewable for an additional period not to exceed two years, to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional competence and ability in the fields of scientific, technological, economic, or social endeavor selected by the Institute for concentration. The awards shall be made so as to encompass a wide diversity of disciplines and backgrounds, and shall be made on the basis of criteria established by the President upon the advice of the Council. Up to ten of the awards in any year may be made to citizens of countries other than the United States. Individuals awarded fellowships shall be designated as Institute Fellows.

(b) Activities of Institute Fellows

The President may assign Institute Fellows to undertake such activities, in the United States or abroad, as will further the purposes of the Institute.

(c) Amount of awards; transportation, housing, etc., benefits

The amount of the awards made pursuant to this section shall be established by the President, but shall not in any case exceed the highest rate which may be paid to an employee under the General Schedule established by section 5332 of title 5. In addition, where appropriate, the President may make provisions for transportation, housing (when assigned outside country of residence), subsistence (or per diem in lieu thereof), and health care or health or accident insurance for Institute Fellows and their dependents while engaged in activities authorized by this chapter.

(d) Status of Institute Fellows

Except as provided otherwise in this section, Institute Fellows shall not be deemed employees or otherwise in the service or employment of the United States Government. Institute Fellows shall be considered employees for purposes of compensation of injuries under chapter 81 of title 5 and the tort claim provisions of chapter 171 of title 28. In addition, Institute Fellows who are United States citizens shall be considered Government employees for purposes of sections 202, 203, 205, 207, 208, and 209 of title 18.

(e) Admission into United States of alien participants in program

Alien participants in any program of the Institute, including Institute Fellows and their dependents, may be admitted to the United States, if otherwise qualified as non-immigrants under section 1101(a)(15) of title 8, for such time and under such conditions as may be prescribed by regulations promulgated by the Secretary of State and the Attorney General.

(Pub. L. 96–53, title IV, §408, Aug. 14, 1979, 93 Stat. 375.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (c), was in the original "this title", meaning title IV of Pub. L. 96–53, Aug. 14, 1979, 93 Stat. 371, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of title IV to the Code, see Tables.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 1979, see section 512(a) of Pub. L. 96–53, set out as an Effective Date of 1979 Amendment note under section 2151 of this title.

Abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service and Transfer of Functions

For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of Title 8, Aliens and Nationality.

References in Other Laws to GS–16, 17, or 18 Pay Rates

References in laws to the rates of pay for GS–16, 17, or 18, or to maximum rates of pay under the General Schedule, to be considered references to rates payable under specified sections of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, see section 529 [title I, §101(c)(1)] of Pub. L. 101–509, set out in a note under section 5376 of Title 5.
22 U.S.C. § 2696 (2024) — Title 22: FOREIGN RELATIONS AND INTERCOURSE / Chapter 38: DEPARTMENT OF STATE / Section 2696: Nondiscretionary personnel costs, currency fluctuations, and other contingencies
Nondiscretionary personnel costs, currency fluctuations, and other contingencies
Status: in_force

(a) Additional appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated for the Department of State, in addition to amounts otherwise authorized to be appropriated for the Department, such sums as may be necessary for any fiscal year for increases in salary, pay, retirement, and other employee benefits authorized by law.

(b) Appropriations authorization based on currency fluctuations

(1) In order to maintain the levels of program activity for the Department of State provided for each fiscal year by the annual authorizing legislation, there are authorized to be appropriated for the Department of State such sums as may be necessary to offset adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, or overseas wage and price changes, which occur after November 30 of the earlier of—

(A) the calendar year which ended during the fiscal year preceding such fiscal year, or

(B) the calendar year which preceded the calendar year during which the authorization of appropriations for such fiscal year was enacted.

(2) In carrying out this subsection, there may be established a Buying Power Maintenance account.

(3) In order to eliminate substantial gains to the approved levels of overseas operations for the Department of State, the Secretary of State shall transfer to the Buying Power Maintenance account such amounts in any appropriation account under the heading "Administration of Foreign Affairs" as the Secretary determines are excessive to the needs of the approved level of operations under that appropriation account because of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates or changes in overseas wages and prices.

(4) In order to offset adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates or overseas wage and price changes, the Secretary of State may transfer from the Buying Power Maintenance account to any appropriation account under the heading "Administration of Foreign Affairs" such amounts as the Secretary determines are necessary to maintain the approved level of operations under that appropriation account.

(5) Funds transferred by the Secretary of State from the Buying Power Maintenance account to another account shall be merged with and be available for the same purpose, and for the same time period, as the funds in that other account. Funds transferred by the Secretary from another account to the Buying Power Maintenance account shall be merged with the funds in the Buying Power Maintenance account and shall be available for the purposes of that account until expended.

(6) Any restriction contained in an appropriation Act or other provision of law limiting the amounts available for the Department of State that may be obligated or expended shall be deemed to be adjusted to the extent necessary to offset the net effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates or overseas wage and price changes in order to maintain approved levels.

(7)(A) Subject to the limitations contained in this paragraph, not later than the end of the fifth fiscal year after the fiscal year for which funds are appropriated or otherwise made available for an account under "Administration of Foreign Affairs", the Secretary of State may transfer any unobligated balance of such funds to the Buying Power Maintenance account.

(B) The balance of the Buying Power Maintenance account may not exceed $100,000,000 as a result of any transfer under this paragraph.

(C) Any transfer pursuant to this paragraph shall be treated as a reprogramming of funds under section 2706 of this title and shall be available for obligation or expenditure only in accordance with the procedures under such section.

(D) The authorities contained in this paragraph may be exercised only with respect to funds appropriated or otherwise made available after fiscal year 2008.

(c) Availability of appropriations until expended

Amounts authorized to be appropriated for a fiscal year for the Department of State or to the Secretary of State are authorized to be made available until expended.

(d) Accounts subject to percentage limitation

(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), funds authorized to be appropriated for any account of the Department of State in the Department of State Appropriations Act, for either fiscal year of any two-year authorization cycle may be appropriated for such fiscal year for any other account of the Department of State.

(2) Amounts appropriated for the "Diplomatic and Consular Programs" account may not exceed by more than 5 percent the amount specifically authorized to be appropriated for such account for a fiscal year. No other appropriations account may exceed by more than 10 percent the amount specifically authorized to be appropriated for such account for a fiscal year.

(3) The requirements and limitations of section 2680 of this title shall not apply to the appropriation of funds pursuant to this subsection.

(e) Availability of funds for twelve-month contracts to be performed in two fiscal years

Amounts authorized to be appropriated for a fiscal year for the Department of State or to the Secretary of State are authorized to be obligated for twelve-month contracts which are to be performed in two fiscal years, if the total amount for such contracts is obligated in the earlier fiscal year.

(Aug. 1, 1956, ch. 841, title I, §24, as added Pub. L. 96–60, title I, §105(a), Aug. 15, 1979, 93 Stat. 396; renumbered title I and amended Pub. L. 97–241, title I, §112(a), title II, §202(a), Aug. 24, 1982, 96 Stat. 277, 282; Pub. L. 101–246, title I, §107, Feb. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 21; Pub. L. 102–138, title I, §117(a), (c), Oct. 28, 1991, 105 Stat. 656, 657; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §122(a), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 392; Pub. L. 110–252, title I, §1408(b), June 30, 2008, 122 Stat. 2342.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2008—Subsec. (b)(7)(D). Pub. L. 110–252 amended subpar. (D) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (D) read as follows: "The authorities contained in this section may only be exercised to such an extent and in such amounts as specifically provided for in advance in appropriations Acts."

1994—Subsec. (b)(7)(E). Pub. L. 103–236, §122(a)(1), struck out subpar. (E) which read as follows: "This paragraph shall cease to have effect after September 30, 1993."

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 103–236, §122(a)(2), substituted "either fiscal year" for "the second fiscal year" and "such fiscal year" for "such second fiscal year".

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 103–236, §122(a)(3), amended first sentence generally. Prior to amendment, first sentence read as follows: "Amounts appropriated for the 'Salaries and Expenses' and 'Acquisition and Maintenance of Buildings Abroad' accounts may not exceed by more than 5 percent the amounts specifically authorized to be appropriated for each such account for a fiscal year."

Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 103–236, §122(a)(4), struck out par. (4) which read as follows: "This subsection shall cease to have effect after September 30, 1993."

1991—Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 102–138, §117(a), added par. (7).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–138, §117(c), amended subsec. (d) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (d) read as follows: "Amounts authorized to be appropriated for the Department of State for a fiscal year for the 'Administration of Foreign Affairs' account, the 'International Organizations and Conferences' account, the 'International Commissions' account, or the 'Migration and Refugee Assistance' account may be appropriated for that fiscal year for any other such account, except that the total amount appropriated for a fiscal year for any such account may not exceed by more than 10 percent the amount specifically authorized to be appropriated for that account for that fiscal year."

1990—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 101–246 added subsec. (e).

1982—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–241, §112(a), designated existing provision as par. (1), substituted provision authorizing appropriations to offset adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and overseas wage and price changes which occur after Nov. 30 of the earlier of the calendar year which ended during the fiscal year preceding such fiscal year or the calendar year which preceded the calendar year during which the authorization of appropriations for such fiscal year was enacted, for provision authorizing appropriations to offset adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates occurring after Nov. 30 of the preceding fiscal year, and added pars. (2) to (6).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

References to Diplomatic and Consular Programs Account

References to the Diplomatic and Consular Programs account to be construed to include the Diplomatic Programs account in fiscal year 2020 and each fiscal year thereafter. See par. (7) of title I of div. G of Pub. L. 116–94, set out as a note under section 2651 of this title.

Effective Date

Pub. L. 96–60, title I, §105(b), Aug. 15, 1979, 93 Stat. 396, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [enacting this section] shall take effect on October 1, 1979."
22 U.S.C. § 7106 (2024) — Title 22: FOREIGN RELATIONS AND INTERCOURSE / Chapter 78: TRAFFICKING VICTIMS PROTECTION / Section 7106: Minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking
Minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking
Status: in_force

(a) Minimum standards

For purposes of this chapter, the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking applicable to the government of a country of origin, transit, or destination for victims of severe forms of trafficking are the following:

(1) The government of the country should prohibit severe forms of trafficking in persons and punish acts of such trafficking.

(2) For the knowing commission of any act of sex trafficking involving force, fraud, coercion, or in which the victim of sex trafficking is a child incapable of giving meaningful consent, or of trafficking which includes rape or kidnapping or which causes a death, the government of the country should prescribe punishment commensurate with that for grave crimes, such as forcible sexual assault.

(3) For the knowing commission of any act of a severe form of trafficking in persons, the government of the country should prescribe punishment that is sufficiently stringent to deter and that adequately reflects the heinous nature of the offense.

(4) The government of the country should make serious and sustained efforts to eliminate severe forms of trafficking in persons.

(b) Criteria

In determinations under subsection (a)(4), the following factors should be considered as indicia of serious and sustained efforts to eliminate severe forms of trafficking in persons:

(1) Whether the government of the country vigorously investigates and prosecutes acts of severe forms of trafficking in persons, and convicts and sentences persons responsible for such acts, that take place wholly or partly within the territory of the country, including, as appropriate, requiring incarceration of individuals convicted of such acts. For purposes of the preceding sentence, suspended or significantly-reduced sentences for convictions of principal actors in cases of severe forms of trafficking in persons shall be considered, on a case-by-case basis, whether to be considered an indicator of serious and sustained efforts to eliminate severe forms of trafficking in persons. After reasonable requests from the Department of State for data regarding investigations, prosecutions, convictions, and sentences, a government which does not provide such data, consistent with a demonstrably increasing capacity of such government to obtain such data, shall be presumed not to have vigorously investigated, prosecuted, convicted or sentenced such acts.

(2) Whether the government of the country protects victims of severe forms of trafficking in persons and encourages their assistance in the investigation and prosecution of such trafficking, including provisions for legal alternatives to their removal to countries in which they would face retribution or hardship, and ensures that victims are not inappropriately incarcerated, fined, or otherwise penalized solely for unlawful acts as a direct result of being trafficked, including by providing training to law enforcement and immigration officials regarding the identification and treatment of trafficking victims using approaches that focus on the needs of the victims.

(3) Whether the government of the country has adopted measures to prevent severe forms of trafficking in persons, such as measures to inform and educate the public, including potential victims, about the causes and consequences of severe forms of trafficking in persons, measures to establish the identity of local populations, including birth registration, citizenship, and nationality, measures to ensure that its nationals who are deployed abroad as part of a diplomatic, peacekeeping, or other similar mission do not engage in or facilitate severe forms of trafficking in persons or exploit victims of such trafficking, a transparent system for remediating or punishing such public officials as a deterrent, measures to prevent the use of forced labor or child labor in violation of international standards, effective bilateral, multilateral, or regional information sharing and cooperation arrangements with other countries, and effective policies or laws regulating foreign labor recruiters and holding them civilly and criminally liable for fraudulent recruiting.

(4) Whether the government of the country cooperates with other governments in the investigation and prosecution of severe forms of trafficking in persons and has entered into bilateral, multilateral, or regional law enforcement cooperation and coordination arrangements with other countries.

(5) Whether the government of the country extradites persons charged with acts of severe forms of trafficking in persons on substantially the same terms and to substantially the same extent as persons charged with other serious crimes (or, to the extent such extradition would be inconsistent with the laws of such country or with international agreements to which the country is a party, whether the government is taking all appropriate measures to modify or replace such laws and treaties so as to permit such extradition).

(6) Whether the government of the country monitors immigration and emigration patterns for evidence of severe forms of trafficking in persons and whether law enforcement agencies of the country respond to any such evidence in a manner that is consistent with the vigorous investigation and prosecution of acts of such trafficking, as well as with the protection of human rights of victims and the internationally recognized human right to leave any country, including one's own, and to return to one's own country.

(7) Whether the government of the country vigorously investigates, prosecutes, convicts, and sentences public officials, including diplomats and soldiers, who participate in or facilitate severe forms of trafficking in persons, including nationals of the country who are deployed abroad as part of a diplomatic, peacekeeping, or other similar mission who engage in or facilitate severe forms of trafficking in persons or exploit victims of such trafficking, and takes all appropriate measures against officials who condone or enable such trafficking. A government's failure to appropriately address public allegations against such public officials, especially once such officials have returned to their home countries, shall be considered inaction under these criteria. After reasonable requests from the Department of State for data regarding such investigations, prosecutions, convictions, and sentences, a government which does not provide such data, consistent with a demonstrably increasing capacity of such government to obtain such data, shall be presumed not to have vigorously investigated, prosecuted, convicted, or sentenced such acts.

(8) Whether the percentage of victims of severe forms of trafficking in the country that are non-citizens of such countries is insignificant.

(9) Whether the government has entered into effective, transparent partnerships, cooperative arrangements, or agreements that have resulted in concrete and measurable outcomes with—

(A) domestic civil society organizations, private sector entities, or international nongovernmental organizations, or into multilateral or regional arrangements or agreements, to assist the government's efforts to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and punish traffickers; or

(B) the United States toward agreed goals and objectives in the collective fight against trafficking.

(10) Whether the government of the country, consistent with the capacity of such government, systematically monitors its efforts to satisfy the criteria described in paragraphs (1) through (8) and makes available publicly a periodic assessment of such efforts.

(11) Whether the government of the country achieves appreciable progress in eliminating severe forms of trafficking when compared to the assessment in the previous year.

(12) Whether the government of the country has made serious and sustained efforts to reduce the demand for—

(A) commercial sex acts; and

(B) participation in international sex tourism by nationals of the country.

(Pub. L. 106–386, div. A, §108, Oct. 28, 2000, 114 Stat. 1480; Pub. L. 108–193, §6(d), Dec. 19, 2003, 117 Stat. 2881; Pub. L. 109–164, title I, §104(b)(1), Jan. 10, 2006, 119 Stat. 3564; Pub. L. 110–457, title I, §106, Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5048; Pub. L. 113–4, title XII, §1204, Mar. 7, 2013, 127 Stat. 139; Pub. L. 115–425, title II, §202, Jan. 8, 2019, 132 Stat. 5482; Pub. L. 115–427, §5, Jan. 9, 2019, 132 Stat. 5505.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original "this division", meaning division A of Pub. L. 106–386, Oct. 28, 2000, 114 Stat. 1466, known as the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of division A to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 7101 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

2019—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 115–425, §202(1), substituted "a demonstrably increasing capacity" for "the capacity" and struck out at end "During the periods prior to the annual report submitted on June 1, 2004, and on June 1, 2005, and the periods afterwards until September 30 of each such year, the Secretary of State may disregard the presumption contained in the preceding sentence if the government has provided some data to the Department of State regarding such acts and the Secretary has determined that the government is making a good faith effort to collect such data."

Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 115–427 inserted "or enable" after "condone".

Pub. L. 115–425, §202(2), substituted ", consistent with a demonstrably increasing capacity of such government to obtain such data," for "consistent with its resources" and struck out at end "During the periods prior to the annual report submitted on June 1, 2004, and on June 1, 2005, and the periods afterwards until September 30 of each such year, the Secretary of State may disregard the presumption contained in the preceding sentence if the government has provided some data to the Department of State regarding such acts and the Secretary has determined that the government is making a good faith effort to collect such data."

2013—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 113–4, §1204(1), substituted "diplomatic, peacekeeping," for "peacekeeping" and ", a transparent system for remediating or punishing such public officials as a deterrent, measures" for ", and measures", and inserted before period at end ", effective bilateral, multilateral, or regional information sharing and cooperation arrangements with other countries, and effective policies or laws regulating foreign labor recruiters and holding them civilly and criminally liable for fraudulent recruiting".

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 113–4, §1204(2), inserted "and has entered into bilateral, multilateral, or regional law enforcement cooperation and coordination arrangements with other countries" before period at end.

Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 113–4, §1204(3), inserted ", including diplomats and soldiers," after "public officials" and "A government's failure to appropriately address public allegations against such public officials, especially once such officials have returned to their home countries, shall be considered inaction under these criteria." after "condone such trafficking.", and substituted "diplomatic, peacekeeping," for "peacekeeping".

Subsec. (b)(9) to (12). Pub. L. 113–4, §1204(4), (5), added par. (9) and redesignated former pars. (9) to (11) as (10) to (12), respectively.

2008—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 110–457, §106(1), struck out "a significant number of" before "victims" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 110–457, §106(2)(A), substituted ", including, as appropriate, requiring incarceration of individuals convicted of such acts. For purposes of the preceding sentence, suspended or significantly-reduced sentences for convictions of principal actors in cases of severe forms of trafficking in persons shall be considered, on a case-by-case basis, whether to be considered an indicator of serious and sustained efforts to eliminate severe forms of trafficking in persons." for period at end of first sentence.

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 110–457, §106(2)(B), inserted ", including by providing training to law enforcement and immigration officials regarding the identification and treatment of trafficking victims using approaches that focus on the needs of the victims" before period at end.

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 110–457, §106(2)(C), substituted "measures to establish the identity of local populations, including birth registration, citizenship, and nationality" for "measures to reduce the demand for commercial sex acts and for participation in international sex tourism by nationals of the country".

Subsec. (b)(11). Pub. L. 110–457, §106(2)(D), added par. (11).

2006—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 109–164, §104(b)(1), inserted before period at end ", measures to reduce the demand for commercial sex acts and for participation in international sex tourism by nationals of the country, measures to ensure that its nationals who are deployed abroad as part of a peacekeeping or other similar mission do not engage in or facilitate severe forms of trafficking in persons or exploit victims of such trafficking, and measures to prevent the use of forced labor or child labor in violation of international standards".

Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 109–164, §104(b)(2), substituted "persons, including nationals of the country who are deployed abroad as part of a peacekeeping or other similar mission who engage in or facilitate severe forms of trafficking in persons or exploit victims of such trafficking," for "persons," in first sentence.

2003—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 108–193, §6(d)(1), substituted ", and convicts and sentences persons responsible for such acts, that take place wholly or partly within the territory of the country" for "that take place wholly or partly within the territory of the country" and inserted two sentences at end relating to presumption that foreign government has not vigorously investigated, prosecuted, convicted or sentenced acts of severe forms of trafficking in persons and disregard of presumption by Secretary of State under certain circumstances.

Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 108–193, §6(d)(2), substituted ", prosecutes, convicts, and sentences" for "and prosecutes" and inserted two sentences at end relating to presumption that foreign government has not vigorously investigated, prosecuted, convicted or sentenced acts of severe forms of trafficking in persons and disregard of presumption by Secretary of State under certain circumstances.

Subsec. (b)(8) to (10). Pub. L. 108–193, §6(d)(3), added pars. (8) to (10).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–164, title I, §104(b)(2), Jan. 10, 2006, 119 Stat. 3564, provided that: "The amendments made by subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) [amending this section] take effect beginning two years after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 10, 2006]."
22 U.S.C. § 3504 (2024) — Title 22: FOREIGN RELATIONS AND INTERCOURSE / Chapter 50: INSTITUTE FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL COOPERATION / Section 3504: General authorities; fiscal requirement for authorities
General authorities; fiscal requirement for authorities
Status: in_force

(a) To carry out the purposes and functions of the Institute, the President may—

(1) make and perform contracts and other agreements with any individual, institution, corporation, or other body of persons however designated, within or outside the United States, and with governments or government agencies, domestic or foreign;

(2) make advances, grants, and loans to any individual, institution, corporation, or other body of persons however designated, within or outside the United States, and to governments or government agencies, domestic or foreign;

(3) employ such personnel as necessary and fix their compensation;

(4) make provision for compensation, transportation, housing, subsistence (or per diem in lieu thereof), and health care or health and accident insurance for foreign nationals engaged in activities authorized by this chapter while they are away from their homes, without regard to the provisions of any other law;

(5) accept and use money, funds, property, and services of any kind by gift, devise, bequest, grant, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Institute;

(6) acquire by purchase, lease, loan, bequest, or gift and hold and dispose of by sale, lease, loan, or grant, real and personal property of all kinds;

(7) prescribe, amend, and repeal such rules and regulations as may be necessary to the conduct of the business of the Institute;

(8) utilize information, services, facilities, officers, and employees of any agency of the United States Government;

(9) establish a principal office in the United States and such other offices within or outside the United States, as may be necessary;

(10) make such expenditures as may be necessary for administering the provisions of this chapter;

(11) adopt, alter, and use an official seal for the Institute, which shall be judicially noticed; and

(12) take such other actions as may be necessary and incident to carrying out the functions of the Institute.

(b) Any authority provided by this section involving the expenditure of appropriated funds shall be effective for a fiscal year only to such extent or in such amounts as are provided in appropriation Acts.

(Pub. L. 96–53, title IV, §404, Aug. 14, 1979, 93 Stat. 373.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a)(4), (10), was in the original "this title", meaning title IV of Pub. L. 96–53, Aug. 14, 1979, 93 Stat. 371, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of title IV to the Code, see Tables.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 1979, see section 512(a) of Pub. L. 96–53, set out as an Effective Date of 1979 Amendment note under section 2151 of this title.
22 U.S.C. § 2261 (2024) — Title 22: FOREIGN RELATIONS AND INTERCOURSE / Chapter 32: FOREIGN ASSISTANCE / Subchapter I: INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT / Section 2261: Authorization of appropriations
Authorization of appropriations
Status: in_force

(a) Emergency assistance; reports to Speaker of House and committees of Senate

(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the President is authorized to use funds made available to carry out any provision of this chapter (other than the provisions of part I of this subchapter) in order to provide, for any unanticipated contingencies, assistance authorized by subchapter I of this chapter in accordance with the provisions applicable to the furnishing of such assistance, except that the authority of this subsection may not be used to authorize the use of more than $25,000,000 during any fiscal year.

(2) The President shall report promptly to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and to the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate each time he exercises the authority contained in this subsection.

(b) Repealed. Pub. L. 97–113, title VII, §734(a)(1), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1560

(c) Prohibition against payment of gifts to foreign officials

No part of this fund shall be used to pay for any gifts to any officials of any foreign government made heretofore or hereafter.

(Pub. L. 87–195, pt. I, §451, Sept. 4, 1961, 75 Stat. 434; Pub. L. 87–565, pt. I, §109, Aug. 1, 1962, 76 Stat. 259; Pub. L. 88–205, pt. I, §110, Dec. 16, 1963, 77 Stat. 384; Pub. L. 88–633, pt. I, §108, Oct. 7, 1964, 78 Stat. 1010; Pub. L. 89–171, pt. I, §108, Sept. 6, 1965, 79 Stat. 656; Pub. L. 89–371, §2, Mar. 18, 1966, 80 Stat. 74; Pub. L. 89–583, pt. I, §109, Sept. 19, 1966, 80 Stat. 801; Pub. L. 90–137, pt. I, §112, Nov. 14, 1967, 81 Stat. 455; Pub. L. 90–554, pt. I, §110, Oct. 8, 1968, 82 Stat. 962; Pub. L. 91–175, pt. I, §110, Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 819; Pub. L. 91–652, §6(a), Jan. 5, 1971, 84 Stat. 1942; Pub. L. 92–226, pt. I, §108, Feb. 7, 1972, 86 Stat. 24; Pub. L. 93–189, §10, Dec. 17, 1973, 87 Stat. 719; Pub. L. 93–559, §28(c), Dec. 30, 1974, 88 Stat. 1803; Pub. L. 94–329, title V, §503(2), June 30, 1976, 90 Stat. 763; Pub. L. 95–92, §2, Aug. 4, 1977, 91 Stat. 614; Pub. L. 95–384, §2, Sept. 26, 1978, 92 Stat. 730; Pub. L. 96–92, §2(b), Oct. 29, 1979, 93 Stat. 701; Pub. L. 97–113, title VII, §734(a)(1), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1560; Pub. L. 101–513, title V, §588, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 2056.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 87–195, Sept. 4, 1961, 75 Stat. 424, known as the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2151 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

1990—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 101–513 struck out "not to exceed $10,000,000 of" after "authorized to use" and "in any fiscal year" after "funds made available", substituted "unanticipated contingencies" for "emergency purposes", and directed the amendment of subsec. (a) by inserting before the period ", except that the authority of this subsection may not be used to authorize the use of more than $25,000,000 during any fiscal year", which was executed by making the insertion before the period in par. (1) to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

1981—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–113 struck out subsec. (b) which required quarterly Presidential reports to Committees of Senate and Speaker of House on the programming and obligation of funds under this section.

1979—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 96–92 designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted authorization of $10,000,000 when made available in any fiscal year for emergency purposes for appropriation authorization of $5,000,000 for emergency purposes in fiscal year 1979, and deleted provision making appropriated amounts available until expended.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 96–92 added par. (2).

1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–384 substituted "fiscal year 1979 not to exceed $5,000,000" for "fiscal year 1978 not to exceed $5,000,000".

1977—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–92 substituted provisions authorizing appropriations of not to exceed $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, for provisions authorizing appropriations of not to exceed $5,000,000 for fiscal years 1976 and 1977.

1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–329 substituted "fiscal year 1976 not to exceed $5,000,000 and for the fiscal year 1977 not to exceed $5,000,000" for "fiscal year 1975 not to exceed $5,000,000," and "authorized by subchapter I of this chapter for any emergency" for "authorized by this subchapter or by section 2399 of this title for any emergency" and inserted provision authorizing that funds appropriated remain available until expended.

1974—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 93–559 substituted appropriations authorization of $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 for prior authorization of $30,000,000 for fiscal years 1974, and 1975, and authorized assistance under section 2399 of this title and for any emergency purpose.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 93–559 substantially reenacted subsec. (b) provisions, substituting "submit" for "provide".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 93–559 added subsec. (c).

1973—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 93–189 substituted provisions authorizing the appropriation of not to exceed $30,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1974 and 1975, for provisions authorizing the appropriation of not to exceed $30,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1972 and 1973, substituted "to provide assistance authorized by this subchapter primarily for disaster relief purposes, in accordance with the provisions applicable to the furnishing of such assistance", for "for use by the President for assistance authorized by this subchapter in accordance with the provisions applicable to the furnishing of such assistance, when he determines such use to be important to the national interest", and struck out a proviso for the use of $15,000,000, in addition to any other available funds, out of the funds appropriated for fiscal year 1971 for the flood victims of the East Pakistan flood.

1972—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 92–226 authorized appropriations not to exceed $30,000,000 for fiscal years 1972 and 1973, and struck out provision for authorization of not to exceed $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1970, and not to exceed $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1971.

1971—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 91–652 substituted "1971 not to exceed $30,000,000" for "1971 not to exceed $15,000,000", and inserted proviso which required $15,000,000 of the amount authorized for the fiscal year 1971 to be used for the relief of cyclone, etc., victims in East Pakistan.

1969—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 91–175 substituted " fiscal year 1970 not to exceed $15,000,000, and for the fiscal year 1971 not to exceed $15,000,000" for "fiscal year 1968 not to exceed $50,000,000, and for the fiscal year 1969 not to exceed $10,000,000".

1968—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–554 authorized an appropriation of $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1969.

1967—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–137 substituted "1968" and "$50,000,000" for "1967" and "$110,000,000", respectively.

1966—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 89–583, §109(a), substituted "1967" and "$110,000,000" for "1966" and "$150,000,000", respectively, and struck out second and third sentences which authorized withholding of assistance, from fiscal year 1966 funds, to any country permitting transportation of equipment, materials, or commodities to or from North Vietnam unless contrary to national interest of United States and authorized the appropriation of such sums, not to exceed $89,000,000, as may be necessary in the fiscal year 1966 for programs authorized by subchapters I and II of this chapter, to the President for use in Southeast Asia.

Pub. L. 89–371 substituted "$150,000,000" for "$50,000,000" and authorized withholding of assistance, from fiscal 1966 funds, to any country permitting transportation of equipment, materials, or commodities to or from North Vietnam unless contrary to national interest of United States.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 89–583, §109(b), struck out "the first sentence of" before "subsection (a)".

1965—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 89–171, §108(a), substituted "1966" and "$50,000,000" for "1965" and "$150,000,000", respectively, and authorized the appropriation of such sums, not to exceed $89,000,000, as may be necessary in the fiscal year 1966 for programs authorized by subchapters I and II of this chapter, to the President for use in Southeast Asia.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 89–171, §108(b), substituted "the first sentence of subsection (a) of this section" for "this section".

1964—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 88–633 substituted "1965" and "$150,000,000" for "1964" and "$160,000,000", respectively.

1963—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 88–205 substituted "1964" and "$160,000,000" for "1963" and "$300,000,000", respectively.

1962—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 87–565, §109(a), substituted "1963" for "1962".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 87–565, §109(b), substituted "provide quarterly reports to" for "keep", and "on the programing and the obligation" for "currently informed of the use".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

References to Subchapter I Deemed To Include Certain Parts of Subchapter II

References to subchapter I of this chapter are deemed to include parts IV (§2346 et seq.), VI (§2348 et seq.), and VIII (§2349aa et seq.) of subchapter II of this chapter, and references to subchapter II are deemed to exclude such parts. See section 202(b) of Pub. L. 92–226, set out as a note under section 2346 of this title, and sections 2348c and 2349aa–5 of this title.

References to Part I Deemed To Include Section 2293

References to part I of this subchapter are deemed to include a reference to section 2293 of this title. See section 2293(d)(1) of this title.

Appropriation for Disaster Relief of Unallocated Excess Foreign Currencies Held in Pakistan

Pub. L. 91–652, §6(b), Jan. 5, 1971, 84 Stat. 1943, authorized the appropriation of excess foreign currencies held in Pakistan not allocated on Jan. 5, 1971, for a period of one year from such date to help Pakistan withstand the disaster which had occurred.

Executive Documents

Delegation of Functions

For delegation of functions of President under this section, see Ex. Ord. No. 12163, Sept. 29, 1979, 44 F.R. 56673, as amended, set out as a note under section 2381 of this title.
22 U.S.C. § 1623 (2024) — Title 22: FOREIGN RELATIONS AND INTERCOURSE / Chapter 21: SETTLEMENT OF INTERNATIONAL CLAIMS / Subchapter I: GENERAL PROVISIONS / Section 1623: Claims
Claims
Status: in_force

(a) Jurisdiction of Commission; bases for determination; fair market value

(1) The Commission shall have jurisdiction to receive, examine, adjudicate, and render a final decision with respect to any claim of the Government of the United States or of any national of the United States—

(A) included within the terms of the Yugoslav Claims Agreement of 1948;

(B) included within the terms of any claims agreement concluded on or after March 10, 1954, between the Government of the United States and a foreign government (exclusive of governments against which the United States declared the existence of a state of war during World War II) similarly providing for the settlement and discharge of claims of the Government of the United States and of nationals of the United States against a foreign government, arising out of the nationalization or other taking of property, by the agreement of the Government of the United States to accept from that government a sum in en bloc settlement thereof; or

(C) included in a category of claims against a foreign government which is referred to the Commission by the Secretary of State.

(2) In the decision of claims under this subchapter, the Commission shall apply the following in the following order:

(A) The provisions of the applicable claims agreement as provided in this subsection.

(B) The applicable principles of international law, justice, and equity. In determining the value of a claim under international law, the Commission shall award the fair market value of the property as of the time of the taking by the foreign government involved (without regard to any action or event that occurs after the taking), except that the value of the claim shall not reflect any diminution in value attributable to actions which are carried out, or threats of action which are made, by the foreign government with respect to the property before the taking. Fair market value shall be ascertained in accordance with the method most appropriate to the property taken and equitable to the claimant, including—

(i) market value of outstanding equity securities;

(ii) replacement value;

(iii) going-concern value (which includes consideration of an enterprise's profitability); and

(iv) book value.

In the case of any claim for losses in a service industry, the appropriate basis of valuation shall be presumed to be that referred to in clause (iii). For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term "service" means economic activity the output of which is other than tangible goods.

(b) Notice of filing time; publication; basis of decisions; finality of decision

The Commission shall give public notice of the time when, and the limit of time within which, claims may be filed, which notice shall be published in the Federal Register. In addition, the Commission is authorized and directed to mail a similar notice to the last known address of each person appearing in the records of the Department of State as having indicated an intention of filing a claim with respect to a matter concerning which the Commission has jurisdiction under this subchapter. All decisions shall be upon such evidence and written legal contentions as may be presented within such period as may be prescribed therefor by the Commission, and upon the results of any independent investigation of cases which the Commission may deem it advisable to make. Each decision by the Commission pursuant to this subchapter shall be by majority vote, and shall state the reason for such decision, and shall constitute a full and final disposition of the case in which the decision is rendered.

(c) Administration of oaths; examination of witnesses; subpenas; reporting of hearings; witness fees; contempt

Any member of the Commission, or any employee of the Commission, designated in writing by the Chairman of the Commission, may administer oaths and examine witnesses. Any member of the Commission may require by subpena the attendance and testimony of witnesses, and the production of all necessary books, papers, documents, records, correspondence, and other evidence, from any place in the United States at any designated place of inquiry or of hearing. The Commission is authorized to contract for the reporting of inquiries or of hearings. Witnesses summoned before the Commission shall be paid the same fees and mileage that are paid witnesses in the courts of the United States. In case of disobedience to a subpena, the aid of any district court of the United States, as constituted by chapter 5 of title 28, and the United States court of any Territory or other place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States may be invoked in requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of such books, papers, documents, records, correspondence, and other evidence. Any such court within the jurisdiction of which the inquiry or hearing is carried on may, in case of contumacy or refusal to obey a subpena issued to any person, issue an order requiring such person to appear or to give evidence touching the matter in question; and any failure to obey such order of the court may be punished by such court as a contempt thereof.

(d) Depositions

The Commission may order testimony to be taken by deposition in any inquiry or hearing pending before it at any stage of such proceeding or hearing. Such depositions may be taken, under such regulations as the Commission may prescribe, before any person designated by the Commission and having power to administer oaths. Any person may be compelled to appear and depose, and to produce books, papers, documents, records, correspondence, and other evidence in the same way as witnesses may be compelled to appear and testify and produce documentary evidence before the Commission, as hereinabove provided. If a witness whose testimony may be desired to be taken by deposition be in a foreign country, the deposition may be taken, provided the laws of the foreign country so permit, by a consular officer, or by an officer or employee of the Commission, or other person commissioned by the Commission, or under letters rogatory issued by the Commission. Witnesses whose depositions are taken as authorized in this subsection, and the persons taking the same, shall severally be entitled to the same fees as are paid for like services in the courts of the United States.

(e) Penalties

In addition to the penalties provided in section 1001 of title 18, any person guilty of any act, as provided therein, with respect to any matter under this subchapter, shall forfeit all rights under this subchapter, and, if payment shall have been made or granted, the Commission shall take such action as may be necessary to recover the same.

(f) Attorney's fees; limitation

No remuneration on account of services rendered on behalf of any claimant in connection with any claim filed with the Commission under this subchapter shall exceed 10 per centum of the total amount paid pursuant to any award certified under the provisions of this subchapter on account of such claim. Any agreement to the contrary shall be unlawful and void. Whoever, in the United States or elsewhere, demands or receives, on account of services so rendered, any remuneration in excess of the maximum permitted by this section, shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned not more than twelve months, or both.

(g) Representation by United States; payments

The Attorney General shall assign such officers and employees of the Department of Justice as may be necessary to represent the United States as to any claims of the Government of the United States with respect to which the Commission has jurisdiction under this subchapter. Any and all payments required to be made by the Secretary of the Treasury under this subchapter pursuant to any award made by the Commission to the Government of the United States shall be covered into the Treasury to the credit of miscellaneous receipts.

(h) Notification of disposition of claims; right to hearing; finality of Commission's decision

The Commission shall notify all claimants of the approval or denial of their claims, stating the reasons and grounds therefor, and, if approved, shall notify such claimants of the amount for which such claims are approved. Any claimant whose claim is denied, or is approved for less than the full amount of such claim, shall be entitled, under such regulations as the Commission may prescribe, to a hearing before the Commission, or its duly authorized representatives, with respect to such claim. Upon such hearing, the Commission may affirm, modify, or revise its former action with respect to such claim, including a denial or reduction in the amount theretofore allowed with respect to such claim. The action of the Commission in allowing or denying any claim under this subchapter shall be final and conclusive on all questions of law and fact and not subject to review by the Secretary of State or any other official, department, agency, or establishment of the United States or by any court by mandamus or otherwise.

(i) Separation of awards

The Commission may in its discretion enter an award with respect to one or more items deemed to have been clearly established in an individual claim while deferring consideration and action on other items of the same claim.

(j) Compliance with administrative procedure law

The Commission shall comply with the provisions of subchapter II of chapter 5, and chapter 7, of title 5 except as otherwise specifically provided by this subchapter.

(k) Compliance with principles of international law, justice and equity; fair market value

In exercising authority granted after October 8, 1986, under this chapter or any other Act, the Commission, in determining the value of claims of the Government of the United States or of nationals of the United States (as defined in this chapter or such other Act) against any foreign government for losses arising from the nationalization or other taking of property, shall comply with the principles set forth in subsection (a)(2) of this section.

(Mar. 10, 1950, ch. 54, title I, §4, 64 Stat. 13; Aug. 9, 1955, ch. 645, §§1, 2, 69 Stat. 562; Pub. L. 90–421, §1(1), July 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 420; Pub. L. 99–451, §1, Oct. 8, 1986, 100 Stat. 1138; Pub. L. 105–277, div. G, subdiv. B, title XXII, §2211, Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–812.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

In subsec. (j), "subchapter II of chapter 5, and chapter 7, of title 5" substituted for "the Administrative Procedure Act of 1946" on authority of Pub. L. 89–554, §7(b), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 631, the first section of which enacted Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Amendments

1998—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–277 added par. (1), redesignated second sentence as par. (2) and former pars. (1) and (2) as subpars. (A) and (B), respectively, and struck out former first sentence which read as follows: "The Commission shall have jurisdiction to receive, examine, adjudicate, and render final decisions with respect to claims of the Government of the United States and of nationals of the United States included within the terms of the Yugoslav Claims Agreement of 1948, or included within the terms of any claims agreement on and after March 10, 1954 concluded between the Government of the United States and a foreign government (exclusive of governments against which the United States declared the existence of a state of war during World War II) similarly providing for the settlement and discharge of claims of the Government of the United States and of nationals of the United States against a foreign government, arising out of the nationalization or other taking of property, by the agreement of the Government of the United States to accept from that government a sum in en bloc settlement thereof."

1986—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–451, §1(a), amended second sentence generally. Prior to amendment, second sentence read as follows: "In the decision of claims under this subchapter, the Commission shall apply the following in the following order: (1) The provisions of the applicable claims agreement as provided in this subsection; and (2) the applicable principles of international law, justice, and equity."

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 99–451, §1(b), added subsec. (k).

1968—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 90–421 struck out provisions which authorized the Commission to determine the amount of attorney's fees, such fees not to exceed 10% of the award and any written agreement between attorney and claimant as to fees to be conclusive upon the Commission, if the agreed upon fees do not exceed 10% of the award, provisions which authorized the Secretary of the Treasury to deduct the fees from the amount of the award and to pay it directly to the attorney, any agreement to the contrary to be unlawful and void, provisions which authorized the Commission to give notice by mail to each claimant of the provisions of this subsection, and provisions which authorized the Commission to recover any fees paid in contravention of this subsection, the recipient to forfeit all rights under this subchapter.

1955—Act Aug. 9, 1955, §1, amended credit to section by designating act Mar. 10, 1950, as "title I".

Subsecs. (a), (b), (e) to (h), (j). Act Aug. 9, 1955, §2, substituted "subchapter" for "chapter".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

References to This Subchapter Deemed To Include Section 119 of H.R. 2076

References to this subchapter deemed to include section 119 of H.R. 2076, see section 119(b) of H.R. 2076, as enacted into law by Pub. L. 104–91, set out as an Authority of Foreign Claims Settlement Commission note under section 1644 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–451, §2, Oct. 8, 1986, 100 Stat. 1139, provided that: "The amendments made by this Act [amending this section] shall apply to any claim pending on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 8, 1986] and to any other claim determined after such date."

Protests Relating to Awards by Commission; Notice by Publication in Federal Register

Act Mar. 10, 1950, ch. 54, title VI, §615, as added Pub. L. 94–542, Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2512, provided that: "Notwithstanding the provision of sections 210 and 211 of the War Claims Act of 1948 (Act of July 3, 1948), as amended by Public Law 87–846 [50 U.S.C. 4140, 4141], the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission established by Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1954 (68 Stat. 1279) [set out under section 1622 of this title] is authorized and directed to receive and consider protests relating to awards made by the Commission during the ten calendar days immediately preceding the expiration of the Commission's mandate to make such awards on May 17, 1967. Any such protests must be filed within ninety days after notice of the enactment of this provision is filed with and published in the Federal Register, which shall take place within thirty days of enactment [Oct. 18, 1976]. Such protests may include the submission of new evidence not previously before the Commission, and shall be acted upon within thirty days after receipt by the Commission. The Commission may modify awards made during the subject period in accordance with the procedures established by the War Claims Act of 1948 [50 U.S.C. 4101 et seq.], and any increases in awards determined to be appropriated by the Commission shall be certified to and paid by the Secretary of the Treasury out of funds which are now or may hereafter become available in the War Claims Fund in accordance with section 213 of the Act [50 U.S.C. 4143]."

Executive Documents

Abolition of International Claims Commission and Transfer of Functions

International Claims Commission of the United States, including offices of its members, abolished and functions of Commission and of members, officers, and employees thereof transferred to Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States by Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1954, §§1, 2, 4, eff. July 1, 1954, 19 F.R. 3985, 68 Stat. 1279, set out as a note under section 1622 of this title.

For provisions transferring the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States as a separate agency within the Department of Justice, see section 1622a et seq. of this title.
22 U.S.C. § 2151i (2024) — Title 22: FOREIGN RELATIONS AND INTERCOURSE / Chapter 32: FOREIGN ASSISTANCE / Subchapter I: INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT / Section 2151i: Development and use of cooperatives
Development and use of cooperatives
Status: in_force

In order to strengthen the participation of the rural and urban poor in their country's development, high priority shall be given to increasing the use of funds made available under this chapter for technical and capital assistance in the development and use of cooperatives in the less developed countries which will enable and encourage greater numbers of the poor to help themselves toward a better life. In meeting the requirement of the preceding sentence, specific priority shall be given to the following:

(1) Agriculture

Technical assistance to low income farmers who form and develop member-owned cooperatives for farm supplies, marketing and value-added processing.

(2) Financial systems

The promotion of national credit union systems through credit union-to-credit union technical assistance that strengthens the ability of low income people and micro-entrepreneurs to save and to have access to credit for their own economic advancement.

(3) Infrastructure

The support of rural electric and telecommunication cooperatives for access for rural people and villages that lack reliable electric and telecommunications services.

(4) Housing and community services

The promotion of community-based cooperatives which provide employment opportunities and important services such as health clinics, self-help shelter, environmental improvements, group-owned businesses, and other activities.

(Pub. L. 87–195, pt. I, §111, as added Pub. L. 93–189, §2(3), Dec. 17, 1973, 87 Stat. 716; amended Pub. L. 94–161, title III, §308, Dec. 20, 1975, 89 Stat. 859; Pub. L. 95–88, title I, §107(a), Aug. 3, 1977, 91 Stat. 535; Pub. L. 96–53, title I, §122, Aug. 14, 1979, 93 Stat. 366; Pub. L. 106–309, title IV, §401(c)(2), Oct. 17, 2000, 114 Stat. 1097.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 87–195, Sept. 4, 1961, 75 Stat. 424, known as the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2151 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

2000—Pub. L. 106–309 inserted at end "In meeting the requirement of the preceding sentence, specific priority shall be given to the following:" and pars. (1) to (4).

1979—Pub. L. 96–53 struck out provisions relating to availability of funds for fiscal year 1978 for technical assistance.

1977—Pub. L. 95–88 substituted "technical and capital assistance in the development and use of cooperatives" for "assistance in the development of cooperatives" and "$10,000,000 of the funds made available under this chapter for the fiscal year 1978 may be used only for technical assistance" for "$20,000,000 of such funds shall be used during the fiscal years 1976 and 1977, including the period from July 1, 1976, through September 30, 1976, only for technical assistance".

1975—Pub. L. 94–161 earmarked not less than $20,000,000 for technical assistance during fiscal years 1976 and 1977, including period from July 1, 1976, through Sept. 30, 1976, and deleted similar provision making such minimum sum available for use during fiscal years 1974 and 1975.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1979 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–53 effective Oct. 1, 1979, see section 512(a) of Pub. L. 96–53, set out as a note under section 2151 of this title.

Effective Date of 1977 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–88, title I, §107(b), Aug. 3, 1977, 91 Stat. 536, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on October 1, 1977."

Findings

Pub. L. 106–309, title IV, §401(b), Oct. 17, 2000, 114 Stat. 1096, provided that: "The Congress makes the following findings:

"(1) It is in the mutual economic interest of the United States and peoples in developing and transitional countries to promote cooperatives and credit unions.

"(2) Self-help institutions, including cooperatives and credit unions, provide enhanced opportunities for people to participate directly in democratic decision-making for their economic and social benefit through ownership and control of business enterprises and through the mobilization of local capital and savings and such organizations should be fully utilized in fostering free market principles and the adoption of self-help approaches to development.

"(3) The United States seeks to encourage broad-based economic and social development by creating and supporting—

"(A) agricultural cooperatives that provide a means to lift low income farmers and rural people out of poverty and to better integrate them into national economies;

"(B) credit union networks that serve people of limited means through safe savings and by extending credit to families and microenterprises;

"(C) electric and telephone cooperatives that provide rural customers with power and telecommunications services essential to economic development;

"(D) housing and community-based cooperatives that provide low income shelter and work opportunities for the urban poor; and

"(E) mutual and cooperative insurance companies that provide risk protection for life and property to under-served populations often through group policies."

Declarations of Policy

Pub. L. 106–309, title IV, §401(c)(1), Oct. 17, 2000, 114 Stat. 1096, provided that: "The Congress supports the development and expansion of economic assistance programs that fully utilize cooperatives and credit unions, particularly those programs committed to—

"(A) international cooperative principles, democratic governance and involvement of women and ethnic minorities for economic and social development;

"(B) self-help mobilization of member savings and equity and retention of profits in the community, except for those programs that are dependent on donor financing;

"(C) market-oriented and value-added activities with the potential to reach large numbers of low income people and help them enter into the mainstream economy;

"(D) strengthening the participation of rural and urban poor to contribute to their country's economic development; and

"(E) utilization of technical assistance and training to better serve the member-owners."

Report

Pub. L. 106–309, title IV, §401(d), Oct. 17, 2000, 114 Stat. 1097, provided that: "Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 17, 2000], the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, in consultation with the heads of other appropriate agencies, shall prepare and submit to Congress a report on the implementation of section 111 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151i), as amended by subsection (c)."