H. R. 2670—813 
of such a point of contact. The point of contact shall be the chief 
of mission or the chief of mission’s designee. 
(b) RESPONSIBILITIES.—Each anti-corruption point of contact 
designated under subsection (a) shall be responsible for enhancing 
coordination and promoting the implementation of a whole-of- 
government approach among the relevant Federal departments and 
agencies undertaking efforts to— 
(1) promote good governance in foreign countries; and 
(2) enhance the ability of such countries— 
(A) to combat public corruption; and 
(B) to develop and implement corruption risk assess-
ment tools and mitigation strategies. 
(c) TRAINING.—The Secretary of State shall implement appro-
priate training for anti-corruption points of contact designated 
under subsection (a). 
Subtitle B—Other Matters 
SEC. 5411. GLOBAL COOPERATIVE FRAMEWORK TO END HUMAN 
RIGHTS ABUSES IN SOURCING CRITICAL MINERALS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of State shall seek to convene 
a meeting of foreign leaders to establish a multilateral framework 
to end human rights abuses, including the exploitation of forced 
labor and child labor, related to the mining and sourcing of critical 
minerals. 
(b) IMPLEMENTATION REPORT.—The Secretary shall lead the 
development of an annual global report on the implementation 
of the framework under subsection (a), including progress and rec-
ommendations to fully end human rights abuses, including the 
exploitation of forced labor and child labor, related to the extraction 
of critical minerals around the world. 
(c) CONSULTATIONS.—The Secretary shall consult closely on a 
timely basis with the following with respect to developing and 
implementing the framework under subsection (a): 
(1) The Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force established 
under section 741 of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agree-
ment Implementation Act (19 U.S.C. 4681); and 
(2) Congress. 
(d) RELATIONSHIP
TO UNITED STATES LAW.—Nothing in the 
framework under subsection (a) shall be construed— 
(1) to amend or modify any law of the United States; 
or 
(2) to limit any authority conferred under any law of the 
United States. 
(e) EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE AND CER-
TAIN PROVISIONS OF THE DODD-FRANK WALL STREET REFORM AND 
CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT.—Nothing in this section shall— 
(1) affect the authority of the President to take any action 
to join and subsequently comply with the terms and obligations 
of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI); or 
(2) affect section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street 
Reform and Consumer Protection Act (15 U.S.C. 78m note), 
or subsection (q) of section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act 
of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m), as added by section 1504 of the 
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
H. R. 2670—814 
(Public Law 111–203; 124 Stat. 2220), or any rule prescribed 
under either such section. 
(f) CRITICAL MINERAL DEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘crit-
ical mineral’’ has the meaning given the term in section 7002(a) 
of the Energy Act of 2020 (30 U.S.C. 1606(a)). 
SEC. 5412. CONNECTING OCEANIA’S NATIONS WITH VANGUARD EXER-
CISES AND NATIONAL EMPOWERMENT. 
(a) SHORT TITLE.—This section may be cited as the ‘‘Connecting 
Oceania’s Nations with Vanguard Exercises and National Empower-
ment Act of 2023’’ or the ‘‘CONVENE Act of 2023’’. 
(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘appropriate committees of Congress’’ means— 
(A) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Select 
Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; 
(B) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Perma-
nent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of 
Representatives; and 
(C) the congressional defense committees. 
(2) NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL.—The term ‘‘national secu-
rity council’’ means, with respect to a specified country, an 
intergovernmental body under the jurisdiction of the freely 
elected government of the specified country that acts as the 
primary coordinating entity for security cooperation, disaster 
response, and the activities described in subsection (c)(5). 
(3) SPECIFIED
COUNTRY.—The term ‘‘specified country’’ 
means— 
(A) the Federated States of Micronesia; 
(B) the Republic of the Marshall Islands; and 
(C) the Republic of Palau. 
(c) NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCILS OF SPECIFIED COUNTRIES.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of State, in consultation 
with other relevant Federal departments and agencies, as 
appropriate, may consult and engage with each specified 
country to advise and provide assistance to a national security 
council (including by developing a national security council, 
if appropriate), or to identify a similar coordinating body for 
national security matters, comprised of citizens of the specified 
country— 
(A) that enables the specified country— 
(i) to better coordinate with the United States 
Government, including the Armed Forces, as appro-
priate; 
(ii) to increase cohesion on activities, including 
emergency humanitarian response, law enforcement, 
and maritime security activities; and 
(iii) to provide trained professionals to serve as 
members of the committees of the specified country 
established under the applicable Compact of Free 
Association; and 
(B) for the purpose of enhancing resilience capabilities 
and protecting the people, infrastructure, and territory of 
the specified country from malign actions. 
(2) COMPOSITION.—The Secretary of State, respecting the 
unique needs of each specified country, may seek to ensure 
that the national security council, or other identified coordi-
nating body, of the specified country is composed of sufficient
H. R. 2670—815 
staff and members to enable the activities described in para-
graph (5). 
(3) STANDARDS FOR EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES.—The Sec-
retary of State may work with the national security council, 
or other identified coordinating body, of each specified country 
to ensure that— 
(A) the equipment and services used by the national 
security council or other identified coordinating body are 
compliant with security standards so as to minimize the 
risk of cyberattacks or espionage; 
(B) the national security council or other identified 
coordinating body takes all reasonable efforts not to procure 
or use systems, equipment, or software that originates 
from any entity identified under section 1260H of the Wil-
liam M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization 
Act for Fiscal Year (10 U.S.C. 113 note); and 
(C) to the extent practicable, the equipment and serv-
ices used by the national security council or other identified 
coordinating body are interoperable with the equipment 
and services used by the national security councils, or 
other identified coordinating bodies, of the other specified 
countries. 
(4) REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter 
for 2 years, the Secretary of State shall submit to the 
appropriate 
committees 
of 
Congress 
a 
report 
that 
includes— 
(i) an assessment as to whether a national security 
council or a similar formal coordinating body is helping 
or would help achieve the objectives described in para-
graph (1) at acceptable financial and opportunity cost; 
(ii) a description of all actions taken by the United 
States Government to assist in the identification or 
maintenance of a national security council, or other 
identified coordinating body, in each specified country; 
(iii) with respect to each specified country, an 
assessment as to whether— 
(I) the specified country has appropriately 
staffed its national security council or other identi-
fied coordinating body; and 
(II) the extent to which the national security 
council, or other identified coordinating body, of 
the specified country is capable of carrying out 
the activities described in paragraph (5); 
(iv) an assessment of— 
(I) any challenge to cooperation and coordina-
tion with the national security council, or other 
identified coordinating body, of any specified 
country; 
(II) current efforts by the Secretary of State 
to coordinate with the specified countries on the 
activities described in paragraph (5); and 
(III) existing governmental entities within 
each specified country that are capable of sup-
porting such activities;
H. R. 2670—816 
(v) a description of any challenge with respect 
to— 
(I) the implementation of the national security 
council, or other identified coordinating body, of 
any specified country; and 
(II) the implementation of paragraphs (1) 
through (3); 
(vi) an assessment of any attempt or campaign 
by a malign actor to influence the political, security, 
or economic policy of a specified country, a member 
of a national security council or other identified coordi-
nating body, or an immediate family member of such 
a member; and 
(vii) any other matter the Secretary of State con-
siders relevant. 
(B) FORM.—Each report required by subparagraph (A) 
may be submitted in unclassified form and may include 
a classified annex. 
(5) ACTIVITIES DESCRIBED.—The activities described in this 
subsection are the following homeland security activities: 
(A) Coordination of— 
(i) 
the 
prosecution 
and 
investigation 
of 
transnational criminal enterprises; 
(ii) responses to national emergencies, such as nat-
ural disasters; 
(iii) counterintelligence and counter- coercion 
responses to foreign threats; and 
(iv) efforts to combat illegal, unreported, or unregu-
lated fishing. 
(B) Coordination with United States Government offi-
cials on humanitarian response, military exercises, law 
enforcement, and other issues of security concern. 
(C) Identification and development of an existing 
governmental entity to support homeland defense and civil 
support activities. 
SEC. 5413. ENDING CHINA’S DEVELOPING NATION STATUS. 
(a) FINDING; STATEMENT OF POLICY.— 
(1) FINDING.—Congress finds that the People’s Republic 
of China is still classified as a developing nation under multiple 
treaties and international organization structures, even though 
China has grown to be the second largest economy in the 
world. 
(2) STATEMENT OF POLICY.—It is the policy of the United 
States— 
(A) to oppose the labeling or treatment of the People’s 
Republic of China as a developing nation in current and 
future treaty negotiations and in each international 
organization of which the United States and the People’s 
Republic of China are both current members; 
(B) to pursue the labeling or treatment of the People’s 
Republic of China as a developed nation in each inter-
national organization of which the United States and the 
People’s Republic of China are both current members; and 
(C) to work with allies and partners of the United 
States to implement the policies described in subpara-
graphs (A) and (B).
H. R. 2670—817 
(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘appropriate committees of Congress’’ means— 
(A) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate 
and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of 
Representatives with respect to subsection (c); and 
(B) the Committee on Finance of the Senate and the 
Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representa-
tives with respect to subsection (d). 
(2) The term ‘‘OECD’’ means the Organisation for Economic 
Co-operation and Development. 
(3) The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Secretary of State. 
(4) The term ‘‘WTO’’ means the World Trade Organization. 
(c) DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.— 
(1) REPORT ON DEVELOPMENT STATUS IN CURRENT TREATY 
NEGOTIATIONS.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report 
to the appropriate committees of Congress that— 
(A) identifies all current treaty negotiations in which— 
(i) the proposed treaty would provide for different 
treatment or standards for enforcement of the treaty 
based on respective development status of the states 
that are party to the treaty; and 
(ii) the People’s Republic of China is actively 
participating in the negotiations, or it is reasonably 
foreseeable that the People’s Republic of China would 
seek to become a party to the treaty; and 
(B) for each treaty negotiation identified pursuant to 
subparagraph (A), describes how the treaty under negotia-
tion would provide different treatment or standards for 
enforcement of the treaty based on development status 
of the states parties. 
(2) REPORT ON DEVELOPMENT STATUS IN EXISTING ORGANIZA-
TIONS AND TREATIES.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a 
report to the appropriate committees of Congress that— 
(A) identifies all international organizations or treaties 
of which the United States is a member, that provide 
different treatment or standards for enforcement based 
on the respective development status of the member states 
or states parties; 
(B) describes the mechanisms for changing the country 
designation for each relevant treaty or organization; and 
(C) for each of the organizations or treaties identified 
pursuant to subparagraph (A)— 
(i) includes a list of countries that— 
(I) are labeled as developing nations or receive 
the benefits of a developing nation under the terms 
of the organization or treaty; and 
(II) meet the World Bank classification for 
upper middle income or high-income countries; and 
(ii) describes how the organization or treaty pro-
vides different treatment or standards for enforcement 
based on development status of the member states 
or states parties. 
(3) MECHANISMS FOR CHANGING DEVELOPMENT STATUS.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—In any international organization of 
which the United States and the People’s Republic of China
H. R. 2670—818 
are both current members, the Secretary, in consultation 
with allies and partners of the United States, shall 
pursue— 
(i) changing the status of the People’s Republic 
of China from developing nation to developed nation 
if a mechanism exists in such organization to make 
such status change; or 
(ii) the development of a mechanism described in 
clause (i) to change the status of the People’s Republic 
of China in such organization from developing nation 
to developed nation. 
(B) WAIVER.—The President may waive the application 
of clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (A) with respect to 
any international organization if the President notifies the 
appropriate committees of Congress that such a waiver 
is in the national interests of the United States. 
(4) EXCEPTION.—This subsection shall not apply to the 
WTO or any treaty identified in subsection (d). 
(d) DUTIES OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE.— 
(1) REPORT ON SPECIAL AND DIFFERENTIAL TREATMENT AT 
THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the United States 
Trade Representative shall submit a report to the appropriate 
committees of Congress that— 
(A) identifies each provision of a WTO agreement that 
provides for special and differential treatment based on 
the self-declared development status of WTO members, 
including the People’s Republic of China; 
(B) identifies— 
(i) all current multilateral negotiations at the WTO 
in which proposed negotiating text would provide for 
special and differential treatment for WTO members; 
and 
(ii) all current plurilateral negotiations at the WTO 
in which the People’s Republic of China is actively 
participating, or it is reasonably foreseeable that the 
People’s Republic of China would seek to become a 
party to the agreement, in which proposed negotiating 
text would provide for special and differential treat-
ment for WTO members; 
(C) for each negotiation identified pursuant to subpara-
graph (B), describes how the draft provisions as of the 
date of the report would provide different treatment or 
standards for enforcement based on the self-declared 
development status of WTO members; 
(D) includes a list of WTO members that— 
(i) self-declare as developing country WTO mem-
bers; 
(ii) meet the World Bank classification for upper 
middle-income or high-income countries; and 
(iii)(I) are members of, or applicants to, the OECD; 
or 
(II) account for not less than 0.5 percent of 
global merchandise trade annually for each of the 
most recently completed 5 calendar years; and
H. R. 2670—819 
(E) describes how the WTO provides different treat-
ment or standards for enforcement based on the self- 
declared development status of the WTO members. 
(2) SENSE OF CONGRESS ON MECHANISMS FOR CHANGING 
SPECIAL AND DIFFERENTIAL TREATMENT AT THE WORLD TRADE 
ORGANIZATION.—It is the sense of Congress that the United 
States Trade Representative, in consultation with allies and 
partners of the United States, should— 
(A) oppose the use of special and differential treatment 
by the People’s Republic of China at the WTO; 
(B) work to preclude the People’s Republic of China 
from being eligible to use special and differential treatment 
in future WTO agreements; and 
(C) work to set appropriate thresholds, based on objec-
tive criteria, for determining each country’s eligibility for 
special and differential treatment in current and future 
WTO negotiations, consistent with subparagraphs (A) and 
(B). 
SEC. 5414. PERMITTING FOR INTERNATIONAL BRIDGES. 
The International Bridge Act of 1972 (33 U.S.C. 535 et seq.) 
is amended by inserting after section 5 the following: 
‘‘SEC. 6. PERMITTING FOR INTERNATIONAL BRIDGES. 
‘‘(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) ELIGIBLE
APPLICANT.—The term ‘eligible applicant’ 
means an entity that has submitted an application for a Presi-
dential permit during the period beginning on December 1, 
2020, and ending on December 31, 2024, for any of the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(A) 1 or more international bridges in Webb County, 
Texas. 
‘‘(B) An international bridge in Cameron County, 
Texas. 
‘‘(C) An international bridge in Maverick County, 
Texas. 
‘‘(2) PRESIDENTIAL PERMIT.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—The term ‘Presidential permit’ 
means— 
‘‘(i) an approval by the President to construct, 
maintain, and operate an international bridge under 
section 4; or 
‘‘(ii) an approval by the President to construct, 
maintain, and operate an international bridge pursu-
ant to a process described in Executive Order 13867 
(84 Fed. Reg. 15491; relating to Issuance of Permits 
With Respect to Facilities and Land Transportation 
Crossings at the International Boundaries of the 
United States) (or any successor Executive Order). 
‘‘(B) 
INCLUSION.—The 
term 
‘Presidential 
permit’ 
includes an amendment to an approval described in clause 
(i) or (ii) of subparagraph (A). 
‘‘(3) SECRETARY.—The term ‘Secretary’ means the Secretary 
of State. 
‘‘(b) APPLICATION.—An eligible applicant for a Presidential 
permit to construct, maintain, and operate an international bridge 
shall submit an application for the permit to the Secretary. 
‘‘(c) RECOMMENDATION.—
H. R. 2670—820 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 60 days after the date 
on which the Secretary receives an application under subsection 
(b), the Secretary shall make a recommendation to the Presi-
dent— 
‘‘(A) to grant the Presidential permit; or 
‘‘(B) to deny the Presidential permit. 
‘‘(2) CONSIDERATION.—The basis for a recommendation 
under paragraph (1) shall be whether the international bridge 
is in the foreign policy interests of the United States. 
‘‘(d) PRESIDENTIAL ACTION.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The President shall grant or deny the 
Presidential permit for an application under subsection (b) by 
not later than 60 days after the earlier of— 
‘‘(A) the date on which the Secretary makes a rec-
ommendation under subsection (c)(1); and 
‘‘(B) the date on which the Secretary is required to 
make a recommendation under subsection (c)(1). 
‘‘(2) NO ACTION.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Subject to subparagraph (B), if the 
President does not grant or deny the Presidential permit 
for an application under subsection (b) by the deadline 
described in paragraph (1), the Presidential permit shall 
be considered to have been granted as of that deadline. 
‘‘(B) REQUIREMENT.—As a condition on a Presidential 
permit considered to be granted under subparagraph (A), 
the eligible applicant shall complete all applicable environ-
mental documents required pursuant to Public Law 91– 
190 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). 
‘‘(e) DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS.—Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, the Secretary shall not require an eligible applicant 
for a Presidential permit— 
‘‘(1) to include in the application under subsection (b) 
environmental documents prepared pursuant to Public Law 
91–190 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); or 
‘‘(2) to have completed any environmental review under 
Public Law 91–190 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) prior to the Presi-
dent granting a Presidential permit under subsection (d). 
‘‘(f) RULES OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section— 
‘‘(1) prohibits the President from granting a Presidential 
permit conditioned on the eligible applicant completing all 
environmental documents pursuant to Public Law 91–190 (42 
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and complying with relevant laws; 
‘‘(2) prohibits the Secretary from requesting a list of all 
permits and approvals from Federal, State, and local agencies 
that the eligible applicant believes are required in connection 
with the international bridge, or a brief description of how 
those permits and approvals will be acquired prior to making 
a recommendation to the President; 
‘‘(3) exempts an eligible applicant from the requirement 
to complete all environmental documents pursuant to Public 
Law 91–190 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) prior to construction 
of an international bridge; or 
‘‘(4) exempts an eligible applicant from complying with 
Public Law 91–190 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) or any other law.’’.
H. R. 2670—821 
TITLE LV—EDUCATION AND 
WORKFORCE MATTERS 
Sec. 5501. Amendments to the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensa-
tion Program Act of 2000. 
SEC. 5501. AMENDMENTS TO THE ENERGY EMPLOYEES OCCUPATIONAL 
ILLNESS COMPENSATION PROGRAM ACT OF 2000. 
(a) SHORT TITLE.—This section may be cited as the ‘‘Beryllium 
Testing Fairness Act’’. 
(b) MODIFICATION OF DEMONSTRATION OF BERYLLIUM SENSI-
TIVITY.—Section 3621(8)(A) of the Energy Employees Occupational 
Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 7384l(8)(A)) 
is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘established by an abnormal’’ and inserting 
the following: ‘‘established by— 
‘‘(i) an abnormal’’; 
(2) by striking the period at the end and inserting ‘‘; or’’; 
and 
(3) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(ii) three borderline beryllium lymphocyte pro-
liferation tests performed on blood cells over a period 
of 3 years.’’. 
(c) EXTENSION OF ADVISORY BOARD ON TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND 
WORKER
HEALTH.—Section 3687(j) of the Energy Employees 
Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 
7385s-16(j)) is amended by striking ‘‘10 years’’ and inserting ‘‘15 
years’’. 
TITLE LVI—TRANSPORTATION AND 
INFRASTRUCTURE MATTERS 
Sec. 5601. Extension of prohibition on provision of airport improvement grant funds 
to certain entities that have violated intellectual property rights of 
United States entities. 
Sec. 5602. Nogales wastewater improvement. 
Sec. 5603. International Port Security Enforcement Act. 
SEC. 5601. EXTENSION OF PROHIBITION ON PROVISION OF AIRPORT 
IMPROVEMENT GRANT FUNDS TO CERTAIN ENTITIES 
THAT HAVE VIOLATED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS 
OF UNITED STATES ENTITIES. 
Subsections (a) and (c)(2)(B) of section 10003 of the William 
M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 4864) are each amended 
by striking ‘‘2023’’ and inserting ‘‘2024’’. 
SEC. 5602. NOGALES WASTEWATER IMPROVEMENT. 
(a) AMENDMENT
TO
THE ACT
OF JULY 27, 1953.—The first 
section of the Act of July 27, 1953 (67 Stat. 195, chapter 242; 
22 U.S.C. 277d–10), is amended by striking the period at the 
end and inserting ‘‘: Provided further, That such equitable propor-
tion shall consist only of the costs directly associated with the 
treatment and conveyance of the wastewater of the city and, to 
the extent practicable, shall not include any costs directly associated 
with the quality or quantity of wastewater originating in Mexico.’’. 
(b) NOGALES SANITATION PROJECT.—
H. R. 2670—822 
(1) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection: 
(A) CITY.—The term ‘‘City’’ means the City of Nogales, 
Arizona. 
(B) COMMISSION.—The term ‘‘Commission’’ means the 
United States Section of the International Boundary and 
Water Commission. 
(C) INTERNATIONAL OUTFALL INTERCEPTOR.—The term 
‘‘International Outfall Interceptor’’ means the pipeline that 
conveys wastewater from the United States-Mexico border 
to the Nogales International Wastewater Treatment Plant. 
(D) NOGALES INTERNATIONAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT 
PLANT.—The term ‘‘Nogales International Wastewater 
Treatment Plant’’ means the wastewater treatment plant 
that— 
(i) is operated by the Commission; 
(ii) is located in Rio Rico, Santa Cruz County, 
Arizona, after manhole 99; and 
(iii) treats wastewater originating from— 
(I) Nogales, Sonora, Mexico; and 
(II) Nogales, Arizona. 
(E) NOGALES SANITATION PROJECT.—The term ‘‘Nogales 
sanitation project’’ means— 
(i) the International Outfall Interceptor; and 
(ii) the Nogales International Wastewater Treat-
ment Plant. 
(2) OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—The Commission shall assume full 
ownership and control of the International Outfall Inter-
ceptor on the date on which— 
(i) the City has conveyed, without consideration, 
all right, title, and interest of the City in the Inter-
national Outfall Interceptor to the Commission; 
(ii) all memoranda and agreements necessary for 
the Commission to operate and maintain the Inter-
national Outfall Interceptor, as described in subpara-
graph (B), have been entered into; and 
(iii) a total of $12,500,000 has been appropriated 
pursuant to paragraph (3) or otherwise secured by 
the Commission for use in carrying out such paragraph. 
(B) AGREEMENTS.—In accordance with the Act of July 
27, 1953 (67 Stat. 195, chapter 242; 22 U.S.C. 277d–10 
et seq.), as amended by this section, the Commission shall, 
with respect to each applicable governing body in the State 
of Arizona, including the City, seek to enter into— 
(i) a memorandum of understanding granting to 
the Commission access to existing easements for a 
right of entry to the International Outfall Interceptor 
for the life of the International Outfall Interceptor; 
(ii) an agreement with respect to the flows entering 
the International Outfall Interceptor that are con-
trolled by the City; and 
(iii) an agreement to work in good faith to expedi-
tiously enter into such other agreements as are nec-
essary for the Commission to operate and maintain 
the International Outfall Interceptor. 
(3) OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE.—
H. R. 2670—823 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Beginning on the date on which the 
Commission assumes full ownership and control of the 
International Outfall Interceptor under paragraph (2), the 
Commission shall carry out the operation and maintenance 
of the International Outfall Interceptor. 
(B) AUTHORIZATION
OF
APPROPRIATIONS.—There are 
authorized to be appropriated to the Commission to carry 
out this paragraph $12,500,000 for the period of fiscal 
years 2025 through 2029, to remain available until 
expended. 
(4) DEBRIS SCREEN.— 
(A) DEBRIS SCREEN REQUIRED.— 
(i) IN GENERAL.—The Commission shall construct, 
operate, and maintain a debris screen, in coordination 
with other relevant Federal agencies, at manhole 1 
of the International Outfall Interceptor for intercepting 
debris and drug bundles coming to the United States 
from Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. 
(ii) REQUIREMENT.—The Commission and the 
Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
shall coordinate the construction, operation, and 
maintenance of the debris screen under clause (i), 
including for purposes of the removal of drug bundles 
and other illicit goods caught in the debris screen. 
(B) AUTHORIZATION
OF
APPROPRIATIONS.—There are 
authorized to be appropriated to the Commission, to remain 
available until expended— 
(i) for fiscal year 2025— 
(I) $8,000,000 for construction of the debris 
screen described in subparagraph (A)(i); and 
(II) not less than $1,000,000 for the operation 
and maintenance of the debris screen described 
in subparagraph (A)(i); and 
(ii) not less than $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
2026 through 2029 for the operation and maintenance 
of the debris screen described in subparagraph (A)(i). 
(5) LIMITATION
OF
CLAIMS.—Chapter 171 and section 
1346(b) of title 28, United States Code (commonly known as 
the ‘‘Federal Tort Claims Act’’), shall not apply to any claim 
arising from the activities of the Commission in carrying out 
this subsection, including any claim arising from damages that 
result from overflow of the International Outfall Interceptor 
due to excess inflow to the International Outfall Interceptor 
originating from Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. 
(c) INTERNATIONAL TREATY.—Not later than six months after 
the date of enactment of this section, the Commission shall seek 
to initiate negotiations with Mexico for a new Treaty Minute or 
a modification of Treaty Minute 227 to address, at a minimum, 
the following: 
(1) Joint operation and maintenance responsibilities of the 
International Outfall Interceptor. 
(2) Capacity usage of wastewater flows from the United 
States and Mexico through the International Outfall Inter-
ceptor. 
(3) Payment for excess wastewater flows through the Inter-
national Outfall Interceptor emanating from the Nogales, 
Sonora, Mexico area.
H. R. 2670—824 
(4) Any terms and conditions considered necessary to sup-
port proportional use and maintenance of the International 
Outfall Interceptor. 
(d) REPORT.—Not later than one year after the date of enact-
ment of this section, and each year thereafter, the Commission 
shall submit to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate 
and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
House of Representatives a report that includes— 
(1) an operation and maintenance plan, or a description 
of the status of such plan, developed by the Commission and 
other relevant agencies, for the debris screen required under 
subsection (b)(4)(A); 
(2) a description of any operation and maintenance issues 
of the Nogales sanitation project, including relating to 
transnational criminal activity; 
(3) an update on efforts by the Commission to renegotiate 
an existing Treaty Minute or develop a new Treaty Minute 
pursuant to subsection (c); and 
(4) an accounting of all outstanding or overdue payments 
from Mexico or the City for the processing and conveyance 
of wastewater through the Nogales sanitation project. 
(e) EFFECTIVE DATE.—Subsections (a) and (b) (including the 
amendments made by such subsections) shall take effect on October 
1, 2024. 
SEC. 5603. INTERNATIONAL PORT SECURITY ENFORCEMENT ACT. 
Section 70108 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (f)— 
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘provided that’’ and 
all that follows and inserting the following: ‘‘if—’’ 
‘‘(A) the Secretary certifies that the foreign government 
or international organization— 
‘‘(i) has conducted the assessment in accordance 
with subsection (b); and 
‘‘(ii) has provided the Secretary with sufficient 
information pertaining to its assessment (including 
information regarding the outcome of the assessment); 
and 
‘‘(B) the foreign government that conducted the assess-
ment is not a state sponsor of terrorism (as defined in 
section 3316(h)).’’; and 
(B) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows: 
‘‘(3) LIMITATIONS.—Nothing in this section may be con-
strued— 
‘‘(A) to require the Secretary to treat an assessment 
conducted by a foreign government or an international 
organization as an assessment that satisfies the require-
ment under subsection (a); 
‘‘(B) to limit the discretion or ability of the Secretary 
to conduct an assessment under this section; 
‘‘(C) to limit the authority of the Secretary to repatriate 
aliens to their respective countries of origin; or 
‘‘(D) to prevent the Secretary from requesting security 
and safety measures that the Secretary considers necessary 
to safeguard Coast Guard personnel during the repatriation 
of aliens to their respective countries of origin.’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following:
H. R. 2670—825 
‘‘(g) STATE SPONSORS OF TERRORISM AND INTERNATIONAL TER-
RORIST ORGANIZATIONS.—The Secretary— 
‘‘(1) may not enter into an agreement under subsection 
(f)(2) with— 
‘‘(A) a foreign government that is a state sponsor of 
terrorism (as defined in section 3316(h)); or 
‘‘(B) an entity designated by the Secretary of State 
as a foreign terrorist organization pursuant to section 219 
of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189); 
and 
‘‘(2) shall— 
‘‘(A) deem any port that is under the jurisdiction of 
a foreign government that is a state sponsor of terrorism 
as not having effective antiterrorism measures for purposes 
of this section and section 70109; and 
‘‘(B) immediately apply the sanctions described in sec-
tion 70110(a) to such port.’’. 
TITLE LVII—ARCHITECT OF THE 
CAPITOL APPOINTMENT ACT OF 2023 
Sec. 5701. Short title. 
Sec. 5702. Appointment and term of service of Architect of the Capitol. 
Sec. 5703. Appointment of Deputy Architect of the Capitol; vacancy in Architect or 
Deputy Architect. 
Sec. 5704. Deputy Architect of the Capitol to serve as acting in case of absence, dis-
ability, or vacancy. 
SEC. 5701. SHORT TITLE. 
This title may be cited as the ‘‘Architect of the Capitol Appoint-
ment Act of 2023’’. 
SEC. 5702. APPOINTMENT AND TERM OF SERVICE OF ARCHITECT OF 
THE CAPITOL. 
(a) APPOINTMENT.—The Architect of the Capitol shall be 
appointed, without regard to political affiliation and solely on the 
basis of fitness to perform the duties of the office, upon a majority 
vote of a congressional commission (referred to in this section as 
the ‘‘commission’’) consisting of the Speaker of the House of Rep-
resentatives, the majority leader of the Senate, the minority leaders 
of the House of Representatives and Senate, the chair and ranking 
minority member of the Committee on Appropriations of the House 
of Representatives, the chairman and ranking minority member 
of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, the chair and 
ranking minority member of the Committee on House Administra-
tion of the House of Representatives, and the chairman and ranking 
minority member of the Committee on Rules and Administration 
of the Senate. 
(b) TERM OF SERVICE.—The Architect of the Capitol shall be 
appointed for a term of 10 years and, upon a majority vote of 
the members of the commission, may be reappointed for additional 
10-year terms. 
(c) REMOVAL.—The Architect of the Capitol may be removed 
from office at any time upon a majority vote of the members 
of the commission. 
(d) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— 
(1) Section 319 of the Legislative Branch Appropriations 
Act, 1990 (2 U.S.C. 1801) is repealed.
H. R. 2670—826 
(2) The matter under the heading ‘‘For the Capitol:’’ under 
the heading ‘‘DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.’’ of the Act 
of February 14, 1902 (32 Stat. 19, chapter 17; incorporated 
in 2 U.S.C. 1811) is amended by striking ‘‘, and he shall 
be appointed by the President’’. 
(e) EFFECTIVE DATE.—This section, and the amendments made 
by this section, shall apply with respect to appointments made 
on or after the date of enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 5703. APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL; 
VACANCY IN ARCHITECT OR DEPUTY ARCHITECT. 
Section 1203 of title I of division H of the Consolidated Appro-
priations Resolution, 2003 (2 U.S.C. 1805) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)— 
(A) by inserting ‘‘(in this section referred to as the 
‘Architect’)’’ after ‘‘The Architect of the Capitol’’; and 
(B) by inserting ‘‘(in this section referred to as the 
‘Deputy Architect’)’’ after ‘‘Deputy Architect of the Capitol’’; 
(2) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); 
(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following: 
‘‘(b) DEADLINE.—The Architect shall appoint a Deputy Architect 
under subsection (a) not later than 120 days after— 
‘‘(1) the date on which the Architect is appointed under 
section 5702 of the Architect of the Capitol Appointment Act 
of 2023, if there is no Deputy Architect on the date of the 
appointment; or 
‘‘(2) the date on which a vacancy arises in the office of 
the Deputy Architect.’’; 
(4) in subsection (c), as so redesignated, by striking ‘‘of 
the Capitol’’ each place it appears; and 
(5) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(d) FAILURE TO APPOINT.—If the Architect does not appoint 
a Deputy Architect on or before the applicable date specified in 
subsection (b), the congressional commission described in section 
5702(a) of the Architect of the Capitol Appointment Act of 2023 
shall appoint the Deputy Architect by a majority vote of the mem-
bers of the commission. 
‘‘(e) NOTIFICATION.—If the position of Deputy Architect becomes 
vacant, the Architect shall immediately notify the members of the 
congressional commission described in section 5702(a) of the 
Architect of the Capitol Appointment Act of 2023.’’. 
SEC. 5704. DEPUTY ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL TO SERVE AS ACTING 
IN CASE OF ABSENCE, DISABILITY, OR VACANCY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Deputy Architect of the Capitol (in this 
section referred to as the ‘‘Deputy Architect’’) shall act as Architect 
of the Capitol (in this section referred to as the ‘‘Architect’’) if 
the Architect is absent or disabled or there is no Architect. 
(b) ABSENCE, DISABILITY, OR VACANCY IN OFFICE OF DEPUTY 
ARCHITECT.—For purposes of subsection (a), if the Deputy Architect 
is also absent or disabled or there is no Deputy Architect, the 
congressional commission described in section 5702(a) shall des-
ignate, by a majority vote of the members of the commission, 
an individual to serve as acting Architect until— 
(1) the end of the absence or disability of the Architect 
or the Deputy Architect; or 
(2) in the case of vacancies in both positions, an Architect 
has been appointed under section 5702(a).
H. R. 2670—827 
(c) AUTHORITY.—An officer serving as acting Architect under 
subsection (a) or (b) shall perform all the duties and exercise all 
the authorities of the Architect, including the authority to delegate 
the duties and authorities of the Architect in accordance with 
the matter under the heading ‘‘Office of the Architect of the Capitol’’ 
under the heading ‘‘ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL’’ of the Legisla-
tive Appropriation Act, 1956 (2 U.S.C. 1803). 
(d) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—The matter under the heading 
‘‘salaries’’ under the heading ‘‘Office of the Architect of the Capitol’’ 
under the heading ‘‘ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL’’ of the Legisla-
tive Branch Appropriation Act, 1971 (2 U.S.C. 1804) is amended 
by striking ‘‘: Provided,’’ and all that follows through ‘‘no Architect’’. 
TITLE LVIII—FINANCIAL SERVICES 
MATTERS 
Sec. 5801. Assessment of gifts and grants to United States institutions of higher 
education from entities on the Non-SDN Chinese Military-Industrial 
Complex Companies List. 
SEC. 5801. ASSESSMENT OF GIFTS AND GRANTS TO UNITED STATES 
INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION FROM ENTITIES 
ON THE NON-SDN CHINESE MILITARY-INDUSTRIAL COM-
PLEX COMPANIES LIST. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury shall 
submit to the appropriate congressional committees an assessment 
of gifts and grants to United States institutions of higher education 
from entities on the Non-SDN Chinese Military-Industrial Complex 
Companies List maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The Secretary, in consultation with the Sec-
retary of Education, shall include in the assessment required by 
subsection (a) an estimate of— 
(1) a list and description of each of the gifts and grants 
provided to United States institutions of higher education by 
entities described in subsection (a); and 
(2) the monetary value of each of those gifts and grants. 
(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’ 
means— 
(A) the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban 
Affairs and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, 
and Pensions of the Senate; and 
(B) the Committee on Financial Services and the Com-
mittee on Education and the Workforce of the House of 
Representatives. 
(2) The term ‘‘gifts and grants’’ includes financial contribu-
tions, material donations, provision of services, scholarships, 
fellowships, research funding, infrastructure investment, con-
tracts, or any other form of support that provides a benefit 
to the recipient institution.
H. R. 2670—828 
DIVISION F—DEPARTMENT OF STATE 
AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2023 
SEC. 6001. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
(a) SHORT TITLE.—This division may be cited as the ‘‘Depart-
ment of State Authorization Act of 2023’’. 
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents for this division 
is as follows: 
Sec. 6001. Short title; table of contents. 
Sec. 6002. Definitions. 
TITLE LXI—DIPLOMATIC SECURITY AND CONSULAR AFFAIRS 
Sec. 6101. Special hiring authority for passport services. 
Sec. 6102. Quarterly report on passport wait times. 
Sec. 6103. Passport travel advisories. 
Sec. 6104. Strategy to ensure access to passport services for all Americans. 
Sec. 6105. Strengthening the National Passport Information Center. 
Sec. 6106. Strengthening passport customer visibility and transparency. 
Sec. 6107. Annual Office of Authentications report. 
Sec. 6108. Publication and updates of estimated time for processing of passport ap-
plications. 
Sec. 6109. Authority to designate additional passport acceptance agents. 
Sec. 6110. Notification of passport expiration. 
Sec. 6111. Use of commercially available technology in online passport renewal pro-
gram. 
Sec. 6112. Electronic payment for passport application fees. 
Sec. 6113. Agreements with foreign countries regarding passports nearing expira-
tion. 
Sec. 6114. Passport fee exception for search, rescue, and other related disaster re-
lief operations. 
Sec. 6115. Increased accountability in assignment restrictions and reviews. 
Sec. 6116. Suitability reviews for Foreign Service Institute instructors. 
Sec. 6117. Diplomatic security fellowship programs. 
TITLE LXII—PERSONNEL MATTERS 
Subtitle A—Hiring, Promotion, and Development 
Sec. 6201. Adjustment to promotion precepts. 
Sec. 6202. Hiring authorities. 
Sec. 6203. Extending paths to service for paid student interns. 
Sec. 6204. Lateral Entry Program. 
Sec. 6205. Mid-Career Mentoring Program. 
Sec. 6206. Report on the Foreign Service Institute’s language program. 
Sec. 6207. Consideration of career civil servants as chiefs of missions. 
Sec. 6208. Civil service rotational program. 
Sec. 6209. Reporting requirement on chiefs of mission. 
Sec. 6210. Report on chiefs of mission and deputy chiefs of mission. 
Sec. 6211. Efforts to improve retention and prevent retaliation. 
Sec. 6212. National advertising campaign. 
Sec. 6213. Expansion of diplomats in residence programs. 
Subtitle B—Pay, Benefits, and Workforce Matters 
Sec. 6221. Education allowance. 
Sec. 6222. Improving mental health services for foreign and civil servants. 
Sec. 6223. Emergency back-up care. 
Sec. 6224. Exception for government-financed air transportation. 
Sec. 6225. Internet at hardship posts. 
Sec. 6226. Competitive local compensation plan. 
Sec. 6227. Supporting tandem spouses in the Foreign Service. 
Sec. 6228. Accessibility at diplomatic missions. 
Sec. 6229. Report on breastfeeding accommodations overseas. 
Sec. 6230. Determining the effectiveness of knowledge transfers between Foreign 
Service Officers. 
Sec. 6231. Education allowance for dependents of Department of State employees 
located in United States territories. 
Sec. 6232. Overtime pay exception for protective services. 
TITLE LXIII—INFORMATION SECURITY AND CYBER DIPLOMACY 
Sec. 6301. Data-informed diplomacy.
H. R. 2670—829 
Sec. 6302. Establishment and expansion of the Bureau Chief Data Officer Program. 
Sec. 6303. Establishment of the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Depart-
ment of State. 
Sec. 6304. Strengthening the Chief Information Officer of the Department of State. 
Sec. 6305. Sense of Congress on strengthening enterprise governance. 
Sec. 6306. Digital connectivity and cybersecurity partnership. 
Sec. 6307. Establishment of a cyberspace, digital connectivity, and related tech-
nologies (CDT) fund. 
Sec. 6308. Cyber protection support for personnel of the Department of State in po-
sitions highly vulnerable to cyber attack. 
Sec. 6309. Implementation of GAO High Risk List recommendations. 
TITLE LXIV—ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS 
Sec. 6401. Personal services contractors. 
Sec. 6402. Hard-to-fill posts. 
Sec. 6403. Enhanced oversight of the Office of Civil Rights. 
Sec. 6404. Crisis response operations. 
Sec. 6405. Special Envoy to the Pacific Islands Forum. 
Sec. 6406. Special Envoy for Belarus. 
Sec. 6407. Presidential Envoy for the Abraham Accords, Negev Forum, and Related 
Integration and Normalization Fora and Agreements. 
Sec. 6408. Overseas placement of special appointment positions. 
Sec. 6409. Resources for United States nationals unlawfully or wrongfully detained 
abroad. 
Sec. 6410. Establishment of fiscal responsibility award. 
TITLE LXV—ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY 
Sec. 6501. Report on recruitment, retention, and promotion of Foreign Service eco-
nomic officers. 
Sec. 6502. Mandate to revise Department of State metrics for successful economic 
and commercial diplomacy. 
Sec. 6503. Direction to embassy deal teams. 
Sec. 6504. Establishment of a ‘‘Deal Team of the Year’’ award. 
TITLE LXVI—PUBLIC DIPLOMACY 
Sec. 6601. Public diplomacy outreach. 
Sec. 6602. Modification on use of funds for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 
Sec. 6603. Report on Radio Free Africa and Radio Free Americas. 
Sec. 6604. John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship program. 
Sec. 6605. Domestic engagement and public affairs. 
Sec. 6606. Modernization and enhancement strategy. 
TITLE LXVII—OTHER MATTERS 
Sec. 6701. Internships of United States nationals at international organizations. 
Sec. 6702. Training for international organizations. 
Sec. 6703. Infrastructure projects and investments by the United States and Peo-
ple’s Republic of China. 
Sec. 6704. Special envoys. 
Sec. 6705. US-ASEAN Center. 
Sec. 6706. Briefings on the United States-European Union Trade and Technology 
Council. 
Sec. 6707. Modification and repeal of reports. 
Sec. 6708. Art in embassies. 
Sec. 6709. Institute for Transatlantic Engagement. 
Sec. 6710. Notification of revocation of clearances. 
SEC. 6002. DEFINITIONS. 
In this division: 
(1) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES.—The term 
‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’ means the Committee 
on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on 
Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives. 
(2) DEPARTMENT.—The term ‘‘Department’’ means the 
Department of State. 
(3) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Secretary 
of State.
H. R. 2670—830 
TITLE LXI—DIPLOMATIC SECURITY AND 
CONSULAR AFFAIRS 
SEC. 6101. SPECIAL HIRING AUTHORITY FOR PASSPORT SERVICES. 
During the 3-year period beginning on the date of the enact-
ment of this division, the Secretary, 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 competi-
tive service (as defined in section 2102 of such title) at the Depart-
ment in the Passport and Visa Examining Series 0967. 
SEC. 6102. QUARTERLY REPORT ON PASSPORT WAIT TIMES. 
Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of 
this division, and quarterly thereafter for the following 3 years, 
the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional 
committees that describes— 
(1) the current estimated wait times for passport proc-
essing; 
(2) the steps that have been taken by the Department 
to reduce wait times to a reasonable time; 
(3) efforts to improve the rollout of the online passport 
renewal processing program, including how much of passport 
revenues the Department is spending on consular systems mod-
ernization; 
(4) the demand for urgent passport services by major metro-
politan area; 
(5) the steps that have been taken by the Department 
to reduce and meet the demand for urgent passport services, 
particularly in areas that are greater than 5 hours driving 
time from the nearest passport agency; and 
(6) how the Department details its staff and resources 
to passport services programs. 
SEC. 6103. PASSPORT TRAVEL ADVISORIES. 
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of 
this division, the Department should 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. 
SEC. 6104. STRATEGY TO ENSURE ACCESS TO PASSPORT SERVICES 
FOR ALL AMERICANS. 
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of 
this division, the Secretary shall submit a strategy to the appro-
priate congressional committees, the Committee on Appropriations 
of the Senate, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House
H. R. 2670—831 
of Representatives for ensuring reasonable access to passport serv-
ices for all Americans, which shall include— 
(1) a detailed strategy describing how the Department 
could— 
(A) by not later than 1 year after submission of the 
strategy, reduce passport processing times to an acceptable 
average for renewals and for expedited service; and 
(B) by not later than 2 years after the submission 
of the strategy, provide United States residents living in 
a significant population center more than a 5-hour drive 
from a passport agency with urgent, in-person passport 
services, including the possibility of building new passport 
agencies; and 
(2) a description of the specific resources required to imple-
ment the strategy. 
SEC. 6105. STRENGTHENING THE NATIONAL PASSPORT INFORMATION 
CENTER. 
(a) SENSE
OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that 
passport wait times since 2021 have been unacceptably long and 
have created frustration among those seeking to obtain or renew 
passports. 
(b) ONLINE CHAT FEATURE.—The Department should develop 
an online tool with the capability for customers to correspond with 
customer service representatives regarding questions and updates 
pertaining to their application for, or renewal of, a passport. 
(c) GAO REPORT.—Not later than 90 days after the date of 
the enactment of this division, the Comptroller General of the 
United States shall initiate a review of National Passport Informa-
tion Center (NPIC) operations, which shall include an analysis 
of the extent to which NPIC— 
(1) responds to constituent inquiries by telephone, including 
how long constituents are kept on hold and their ability to 
be placed in a queue; 
(2) provides personalized customer service; 
(3) maintains its telecommunications infrastructure to 
ensure it effectively handles call volumes; and 
(4) other relevant issues the Comptroller General deems 
appropriate. 
SEC. 6106. STRENGTHENING PASSPORT CUSTOMER VISIBILITY AND 
TRANSPARENCY. 
(a) ONLINE STATUS TOOL.—Not later than 2 years after the 
date of the enactment of this division, the Department should 
modernize the online passport application status tool to include, 
to the greatest extent possible, step by step updates on the status 
of passport applications, including with respect to the following 
stages: 
(1) Submitted for processing. 
(2) In process at a lockbox facility. 
(3) Awaiting adjudication. 
(4) In process of adjudication. 
(5) Adjudicated with a result of approval or denial. 
(6) Materials shipped. 
(b) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.—The tool pursuant to subsection 
(a) should include a display that informs each passport applicant 
of—
H. R. 2670—832 
(1) the date on which his or her passport application was 
received; and 
(2) the estimated wait time remaining in the passport 
application process. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
enactment of this division, the Secretary shall submit a report 
to the appropriate congressional committees that outlines a plan 
for coordinated comprehensive public outreach to increase public 
awareness and understanding of— 
(1) the online status tool required under subsection (a); 
(2) passport travel advisories required under section 6103; 
and 
(3) passport wait times. 
SEC. 6107. ANNUAL OFFICE OF AUTHENTICATIONS REPORT. 
(a) REPORT.—Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this division, the Secretary shall submit an annual 
report for 5 years to the appropriate congressional committees 
that describes— 
(1) the number of incoming authentication requests, broken 
down by month and type of request, to show seasonal fluctua-
tions in demand; 
(2) the average time taken by the Office of Authentications 
of the Department to authenticate documents, broken down 
by month to show seasonal fluctuations in wait times; 
(3) how the Department details staff to the Office of 
Authentications; and 
(4) the impact that hiring additional, permanent, dedicated 
staff for the Office of Authentications would have on the proc-
essing times referred to in paragraph (2). 
(b) AUTHORIZATION.—The Secretary is authorized to hire addi-
tional, permanent, dedicated staff for the Office of Authentications. 
SEC. 6108. PUBLICATION AND UPDATES OF ESTIMATED TIME FOR 
PROCESSING OF PASSPORT APPLICATIONS. 
The Secretary shall publish and update on a quarterly basis 
on relevant websites of the Department the estimated time for 
processing of passport applications. 
SEC. 
6109. 
AUTHORITY 
TO 
DESIGNATE 
ADDITIONAL 
PASSPORT 
ACCEPTANCE AGENTS. 
(a) AUTHORITY TO DESIGNATE.—The Secretary may designate 
any person described in subsection (b) that meets such other 
requirements as the Secretary may prescribe pursuant to regula-
tions to serve as a passport acceptance agent, unless the Secretary 
withdraws such authorization on a case-by-case basis with respect 
to a given person. 
(b) AUTHORIZED PERSONS.—A person described in this sub-
section is any of the following: 
(1) An employee of the clerk of any Federal court. 
(2) An employee of the clerk of any State court of record. 
(3) A postal employee at a United States post office that 
has been selected to accept passport applications. 
(4) An employee of the Department of Defense at a military 
installation that has been authorized to accept passport applica-
tions. 
(5) An employee of a Federal department or agency that 
has been selected to accept passport applications.
H. R. 2670—833 
(6) Any other person specifically designated by the Sec-
retary. 
(c) REGULATIONS.—The Secretary shall prescribe or revise such 
regulations as may be necessary to carry out this division. 
SEC. 6110. NOTIFICATION OF PASSPORT EXPIRATION. 
The Secretary shall take such steps as may be necessary to 
ensure that each individual holding a valid United States passport 
is notified of the upcoming expiration of such passport not later 
than one year before the date of such expiration. 
SEC. 6111. USE OF COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE TECHNOLOGY IN 
ONLINE PASSPORT RENEWAL PROGRAM. 
The Secretary shall take such steps as may be necessary to 
compare and use the best commercially available technology in 
the private sector, as determined by the Secretary, in the develop-
ment of the Department’s online passport renewal program or any 
successor program. 
SEC. 6112. ELECTRONIC PAYMENT FOR PASSPORT APPLICATION FEES. 
The Secretary shall develop a process to accept electronic pay-
ment for all fees associated with the processing of passport applica-
tions, including for applications submitted by regular mail. 
SEC. 6113. AGREEMENTS WITH FOREIGN COUNTRIES REGARDING 
PASSPORTS NEARING EXPIRATION. 
The President, acting through the Secretary, shall seek to reach 
agreements with the governments of foreign countries that do not 
accept United States passports that are at or within 6 months 
of expiration to allow for the use of such United States passports. 
SEC. 6114. PASSPORT FEE EXCEPTION FOR SEARCH, RESCUE, AND 
OTHER RELATED DISASTER RELIEF OPERATIONS. 
(a) SHORT TITLE.—This section may be cited as the ‘‘First 
Responders Passport Act’’. 
(b) IN GENERAL.—Section 1(a) of the Passport Act of June 
4, 1920 (22 U.S.C. 214(a) is amended— 
(1) by inserting ‘‘(1)’’ before ‘‘There shall be collected’’; 
(2) by striking ‘‘No passport fee shall be collected from 
an officer’’ and inserting the following: 
‘‘(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), no passport fee shall be 
collected from— 
‘‘(A) an officer’’; 
(3) by striking ‘‘or from members of his immediate family; 
from an American seaman who requires a passport in connec-
tion with his duties aboard an American flag-vessel; from a 
widow’’ and inserting the following: ‘‘or from immediate family 
of such officer or employee; 
‘‘(B) an American sailor who requires a passport in connec-
tion with assigned duties aboard an American flag-vessel; 
‘‘(C) a widow’’; 
(4) by striking ‘‘memorial service for such member; or from 
an individual’’ and inserting the following: ‘‘memorial service 
for such member; 
‘‘(D) an individual’’; and 
(5) by striking ‘‘law enforcement purposes. No execution 
fee’’ and inserting ‘‘law enforcement purposes; 
‘‘(E) at the discretion of the Secretary, an individual who—
H. R. 2670—834 
‘‘(i) is operating under a contract, grant, or cooperative 
agreement with the United States Government to partici-
pate in search, rescue, and other related disaster relief 
operations within a foreign country following a natural 
disaster; or 
‘‘(ii) is required pursuant to such contract, grant, or 
cooperative agreement to be available to travel abroad to 
assist in search, rescue, or other related disaster relief 
efforts immediately upon notice from the United States 
Government. 
‘‘(3) No execution fee’’. 
SEC. 6115. INCREASED ACCOUNTABILITY IN ASSIGNMENT RESTRIC-
TIONS AND REVIEWS. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) the use of policies to restrict personnel from serving 
in certain assignments may undermine the Department’s ability 
to deploy relevant cultural and linguistic skills at diplomatic 
posts abroad if not applied judiciously; and 
(2) the Department should continuously evaluate all proc-
esses relating to assignment restrictions, assignment reviews, 
and preclusions at the Department. 
(b) NOTIFICATION
OF STATUS.—Beginning not later than 90 
days after the date of the enactment of this division, the Secretary 
shall— 
(1) provide a status update for all Department personnel 
who, prior to such date of enactment, were subject to a prior 
assignment restriction, assignment review, or preclusion for 
whom a review or decision related to assignment is pending; 
and 
(2) on an ongoing basis, provide a status update for any 
Department personnel who has been the subject of a pending 
assignment restriction or pending assignment review for more 
than 30 days. 
(c) NOTIFICATION CONTENT.—The notification required under 
subsection (b) shall inform relevant personnel, as of the date of 
the notification— 
(1) whether any prior assignment restriction has been 
lifted; 
(2) if their assignment status is subject to ongoing review, 
and an estimated date for completion; and 
(3) if they are subject to any other restrictions on their 
ability to serve at posts abroad. 
(d) ADJUDICATION OF ONGOING ASSIGNMENT REVIEWS.— 
(1) TIME LIMIT.—The Department shall establish a reason-
able time limit for the Department to complete an assignment 
review and establish a deadline by which it must inform per-
sonnel of a decision related to such a review. 
(2) APPEALS.—For any personnel the Department deter-
mines are ineligible to serve in an assignment due to an assign-
ment restriction or assignment review, a Security Appeal Panel 
shall convene not later than 120 days of an appeal being 
filed. 
(3) ENTRY-LEVEL BIDDING PROCESS.—The Department shall 
include a description of the assignment review process and 
critical human intelligence threat posts in a briefing to new 
officers as part of their entry-level bidding process.
H. R. 2670—835 
(4) POINTS OF CONTACT.—The Department shall designate 
points of contact in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security and 
Bureau of Global Talent Management to answer employee and 
Career Development Officer questions about assignment restric-
tions, assignment reviews, and preclusions. 
(e) SECURITY APPEAL PANEL.—Not later than 90 days after 
the date of the enactment of this division, the Security Appeal 
Panel shall be comprised of— 
(1) the head of an office responsible for human resources 
or discrimination who reports directly to the Secretary; 
(2) the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau 
of Global Talent Management; 
(3) the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau 
of Intelligence and Research; 
(4) an Assistant Secretary or Deputy, or equivalent, from 
a third bureau as designated by the Under Secretary for 
Management; 
(5) a representative from the geographic bureau to which 
the restriction applies; and 
(6) a representative from the Office of the Legal Adviser 
and a representative from the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, 
who shall serve as non-voting advisors. 
(f) APPEAL RIGHTS.—Section 414(a) of the Department of State 
Authorities Act, Fiscal Year 2017 (22 U.S.C. 2734c(a)) is amended 
by striking the first two sentences and inserting ‘‘The Secretary 
shall establish and maintain a right and process for employees 
to appeal a decision related to an assignment, based on a restriction, 
review, or preclusion. Such right and process shall ensure that 
any such employee shall have the same appeal rights as provided 
by the Department regarding denial or revocation of a security 
clearance.’’. 
(g) FAM UPDATE.—Not later than 120 days after the date 
of the enactment of this division, the Secretary shall amend all 
relevant provisions of the Foreign Affairs Manual, and any associ-
ated or related policies of the Department, to comply with this 
section. 
SEC. 6116. SUITABILITY REVIEWS FOR FOREIGN SERVICE INSTITUTE 
INSTRUCTORS. 
The Secretary shall take reasonable steps to ensure that all 
instructors at the Foreign Service Institute, including direct hires 
and contractors, who provide language instruction are— 
(1) subject to suitability reviews and background investiga-
tions; and 
(2) subject to periodic background checks or reinvestiga-
tions to the extent consistent with Department and Executive 
policy for other Department personnel. 
SEC. 6117. DIPLOMATIC SECURITY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 47 of the State Department Basic 
Authorities Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2719) is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘The Secretary’’ and inserting the following: 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(b) DIPLOMATIC SECURITY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS.— 
‘‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary of State, working 
through the Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security, is 
authorized to establish Diplomatic Security fellowship programs
H. R. 2670—900 
Employment at the Intelligence Community Counterintel-
ligence Office is an intelligence community joint duty 
assignment. A permanent change of station to the Intel-
ligence Community Counterintelligence Office shall be for 
a period of not less than 2 years. 
(B) SUPERVISION.—The Director of the Intelligence 
Community Counterintelligence Office shall be responsible 
for the supervision and management of employees assigned 
to the Intelligence Community Counterintelligence Office, 
including employees assigned by program elements of the 
intelligence community and other Federal departments and 
agencies, as appropriate. 
(C) JOINT DUTY OR ASSIGNED PERSONNEL REIMBURSE-
MENT.—The 
Director 
of 
National 
Intelligence 
shall 
reimburse a program element of the intelligence community 
or a Federal department or agency for any permanent 
change of station employee assigned to the Intelligence 
Community 
Counterintelligence 
Office 
from 
amounts 
authorized to be appropriated for the Office of the Director 
of National Intelligence. 
(D) OPERATION
UNDER
AUTHORITY
OF
DIRECTOR
OF 
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE.—Employees assigned to the Intel-
ligence Community Counterintelligence Office under this 
paragraph shall operate under the authorities of the 
Director of National Intelligence for the duration of their 
assignment or period of employment within the Intelligence 
Community Counterintelligence Office, except for tem-
porary duty assignment employees. 
(E) INCENTIVE PAY.— 
(i) IN GENERAL.—An employee who accepts employ-
ment at the Intelligence Community Counterintel-
ligence Office during the 120-day period after the date 
of the establishment of the Intelligence Community 
Counterintelligence Office shall receive an incentive 
payment, which shall be payable by the Director of 
National Intelligence, in an amount equal to 10 percent 
of the base annual pay of the employee. Such an 
employee who completes 2 years of service in the Intel-
ligence Community Counterintelligence Office may 
receive an incentive payment in an amount equal to 
10 percent of the base annual pay of the employee 
if the Director of the Intelligence Community Counter-
intelligence Office determines the performance of the 
employee is exceptional. 
(ii) ELIGIBILITY.—An employee is only eligible for 
an incentive payment under clause (i) if the employee 
enters into an agreement with the Director of National 
Intelligence to serve in the Intelligence Community 
Counterintelligence Office for a period of at least 2 
years. 
(e) FUNDING.—To the extent and in such amounts as specifically 
provided in advance in appropriations Acts for the purposes detailed 
in this subsection, the Director of National Intelligence may expend 
such sums as are authorized within the National Intelligence Pro-
gram of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence for— 
(1) the renovation, furnishing, and equipping of a Federal 
building, as necessary, to meet the security and operational
H. R. 2670—972 
(e) INTELLIGENCE REFORM AND TERRORISM PREVENTION ACT 
OF 2004.—Section 3001 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism 
Prevention Act of 2004 (50 U.S.C. 3341) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)— 
(A) in paragraph (4)(B)(i), by striking the semicolon 
and inserting ‘‘);’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (9)(A), by striking ‘‘with industry’’ 
and inserting ‘‘within industry’’; and 
(2) in subsection (j)(1)(C)(i), by striking ‘‘(d),’’ and all that 
follows through ‘‘section 8H’’ and inserting ‘‘(d), and (h) of 
section 8H’’. 
(f) INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003.— 
The Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 (Public 
Law 107–306; 116 Stat. 2383) is amended— 
(1) in section 313(d)(3)(B) (50 U.S.C. 3361(d)(3)(B)), by 
adding a period at the end; and 
(2) in section 343(d)(1) (50 U.S.C. 3363(d)(1)), by striking 
‘‘Not later then’’ and inserting ‘‘Not later than’’. 
(g) CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY ACT OF 1949.—The Central 
Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 (50 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) is 
amended— 
(1) in section 4— 
(A) in subsection (a)(1)(E) (50 U.S.C. 3505(a)(1)(E)), 
by striking the period at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; 
and 
(B) in subsection (b)(2) (50 U.S.C. 3505(b)(2)), by 
striking ‘‘authorized by section’’ and inserting ‘‘authorized 
by sections’’; 
(2) in section 6 (50 U.S.C. 3507), by striking ‘‘or of the, 
names’’ and inserting ‘‘or of the names’’; 
(3) in section 12(a)(2)(A) (50 U.S.C. 3512(a)(2)(A)), by 
striking ‘‘used only for—″’’ and inserting ‘‘used only for—’’; 
(4) in section 17— 
(A) 
in 
subsection 
(d)(5)(B)(ii) 
(50 
U.S.C. 
3517(d)(5)(B)(ii)), by adding a period at the end; and 
(B) in subsection (e)(4) (50 U.S.C. 3517(e)(4)), by 
striking ‘‘which oath affirmation, or affidavit’’ and inserting 
‘‘which oath, affirmation, or affidavit’’; and 
(5) in section 19(a)(2) (50 U.S.C. 3519(a)(2)), by striking 
‘‘, as a participant’’ and inserting ‘‘as a participant’’. 
(h) CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY VOLUNTARY SEPARATION 
PAY ACT.—Section 2(a)(1) of the Central Intelligence Agency Vol-
untary Separation Pay Act (50 U.S.C. 3519a(a)(1)) is amended by 
adding ‘‘and’’ at the end. 
(i) NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY ACT OF 1959.—Section 16(d)(1) 
of the National Security Agency Act of 1959 (50 U.S.C. 3614(d)(1)) 
is amended by striking ‘‘program participant,’’ and inserting ‘‘pro-
gram participant’’. 
(j) INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 1995.— 
Section 811(e)(7) of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 1995 (50 U.S.C. 3381(e)(7)) is amended by striking ‘‘sections 
101 (a) and (b)’’ and inserting ‘‘subsections (a) and (b) of section 
101’’. 
(k) COORDINATION WITH OTHER AMENDMENTS MADE BY THIS 
ACT.—For purposes of applying amendments made by provisions 
of this Act other than this section, the amendments made by this