I
107TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. R. 1115
To authorize the Secretary of State to provide for the establishment of
nonprofit entities for the Department’s international educational, cultural
and arts programs.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MARCH 20, 2001
Mr. LEACH introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee
on International Relations
A BILL
To authorize the Secretary of State to provide for the estab-
lishment of nonprofit entities for the Department’s inter-
national educational, cultural and arts programs.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. FINDINGS.
The Congress makes the following findings:
(1) It is in the national interest of the United
States to promote mutual understanding between
the people of the United States and other nations.
(2) Among the means to be used in achieving
this objective are a wide range of international edu-
cational and cultural exchange programs, including
the J. William Fulbright Educational Exchange Pro-
gram and the International Visitors Program.
(3) Cultural diplomacy, especially the presen-
tation abroad of the finest of America’s creative, vis-
ual and performing arts, is an especially affective
means of advancing the United States national in-
terest.
(4) The financial support available for inter-
national cultural and scholarly exchanges has de-
clined by approximately 10 percent in recent years.
(5) Funds appropriated for the purpose of en-
suring that the excellence, diversity and vitality of
the arts in the United States are presented to for-
eign audiences by and in cooperation with our diplo-
matic and consular representatives have declined
dramatically.
(6) One of the ways to deepen and expand cul-
tural and educational exchange programs is through
the establishment of nonprofit entities to encourage
the participation and financial support of multi-
national companies and other private sector contrib-
utors.
(7) The United States private sector should be
encouraged to cooperate closely with the Secretary of
State and her representatives to expand and spread
appreciation of United States cultural and artistic
accomplishments.
SEC. 2. AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH NONPROFIT ENTITIES.
Section 105(f) of the Mutual Educational and Cul-
tural Exchange Act of 1961, as amended, (22 U.S.C.
2255(f)) is further amended—
(1) by inserting ‘‘(1)’’ after ‘‘(f)’’; and by add-
ing at the end the following new paragraphs:
‘‘(2) The Secretary of State is authorized to
provide for the establishment of private, nonprofit
entities to assist in carrying out the purposes of the
Act. Any such entity shall not be considered an
agency or instrumentality of the United States gov-
ernment, nor shall its employees be considered em-
ployees of the United States government for any
purposes.
‘‘(3) The entities may, among other functions,
‘‘(A) encourage participation and support
by United States multinational companies and
other elements of the private sector for cultural,
arts and educational exchange programs, in-
cluding those programs that will enhance inter-
national appreciation of America’s cultural and
artistic accomplishments;
‘‘(B) solicit and receive contributions from
the private sector to support these cultural arts
and educational exchange programs; and
‘‘(C) provide grants and other assistance
for these programs.
‘‘(4) The Secretary of State is authorized to
make such arrangements as are necessary to carry
out the purposes of these entities, including the so-
licitation and receipt of funds for the entity; des-
ignation of a program in recognition of such con-
tributions; and designation of members, including
employees of the United States government, on any
board or other body established to administer the
entity.
‘‘(5) Any funds available to the Department of
State may be made available to such entities to
cover administrative and other costs for their estab-
lishment. Any such entity is authorized to invest any
amounts provided to it by the Department of State,
and such amounts, as well as any interest or earn-
ings on such amounts, may be used by the entity to
carry out its purposes.’’.
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