H. R. 1—263 
(2) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES.—The term 
‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’ means the Committee 
on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate. 
(3) ASSISTANT SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Assistant Secretary’’ 
means the Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human 
Rights, and Labor. 
(4) COMMUNITY
OF
DEMOCRACIES
AND
COMMUNITY.—The 
terms ‘‘Community of Democracies’’ and ‘‘Community’’ mean 
the association of democratic countries committed to the global 
promotion of democratic principles, practices, and values, which 
held its First Ministerial Conference in Warsaw, Poland, in 
June 2000. 
(5) DEPARTMENT.—The term ‘‘Department’’ means the 
Department of State. 
(6) NONDEMOCRATIC COUNTRY OR DEMOCRATIC TRANSITION 
COUNTRY.—The term ‘‘nondemocratic country’’ or ‘‘democratic 
transition country’’ shall include any country which is not gov-
erned by a fully functioning democratic form of government, 
as determined by the Secretary, taking into account the general 
consensus regarding the status of civil and political rights 
in a country by major nongovernmental organizations that con-
duct assessments of such conditions in countries and whether 
the country exhibits the following characteristics: 
(A) All citizens of such country have the right to, 
and are not restricted in practice from, fully and freely 
participating in the political life of such country. 
(B) The national legislative body of such country and, 
if directly elected, the head of government of such country, 
are chosen by free, fair, open, and periodic elections, by 
universal and equal suffrage, and by secret ballot. 
(C) More than one political party in such country has 
candidates who seek elected office at the national level 
and such parties are not restricted in their political activi-
ties or their process for selecting such candidates, except 
for reasonable administrative requirements commonly 
applied in countries categorized as fully democratic. 
(D) All citizens in such country have a right to, and 
are not restricted in practice from, fully exercising such 
fundamental freedoms as the freedom of expression, con-
science, and peaceful assembly and association, and such 
country has a free, independent, and pluralistic media. 
(E) The current government of such country did not 
come to power in a manner contrary to the rule of law. 
(F) Such country possesses an independent judiciary 
and the government of such country generally respects 
the rule of law. 
(G) Such country does not violate other core principles 
enshrined in the United Nations Charter, the Universal 
Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant 
on Civil and Political Rights, United Nations Commission 
on Human Rights Resolution 1499/57 (entitled ‘‘Promotion 
of the Right to Democracy’’), and the United Nations Gen-
eral Assembly Resolution 55/96 (entitled ‘‘Promoting and 
consolidating democracy’’). 
(H) As applicable, whether the country has scored 
favorably on the political, civil liberties, corruption, and
H. R. 1—264 
rule of law indicators used to determine eligibility for finan-
cial assistance disbursed from the Millennium Challenge 
Account. 
(7) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Secretary 
of State. 
Subtitle A—Activities to Enhance the 
Promotion of Democracy 
SEC. 2111. DEMOCRACY PROMOTION AT THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE. 
(a) DEMOCRACY LIAISON OFFICERS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of State shall establish 
and staff Democracy Liaison Officer positions. Democracy Liai-
son Officers shall serve under the supervision of the Assistant 
Secretary. Democracy Liaison Officers may be assigned to the 
following posts: 
(A) United States missions to, or liaisons with, regional 
and multilateral organizations, including the United States 
missions to the European Union, African Union, Organiza-
tion of American States, and any other appropriate regional 
organization, the Organization for Security and Coopera-
tion in Europe, the United Nations and its relevant special-
ized agencies, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. 
(B) Regional public diplomacy centers of the Depart-
ment of State. 
(C) United States combatant commands. 
(D) Other posts as designated by the Secretary. 
(2) RESPONSIBILITIES.—Each Democracy Liaison Officer 
should— 
(A) provide expertise on effective approaches to pro-
mote and build democracy; 
(B) assist in formulating and implementing strategies 
for transitions to democracy; and 
(C) carry out such other responsibilities as the Sec-
retary or the Assistant Secretary may assign. 
(3) NEW
POSITIONS.—To the fullest extent practicable, 
taking into consideration amounts appropriated to carry out 
this subsection and personnel available for assignment to the 
positions described in paragraph (1), the Democracy Liaison 
Officer positions established under subsection (a) shall be new 
positions that are in addition to existing positions with responsi-
bility for other human rights and democracy related issues 
and programs, including positions with responsibility for labor 
issues. 
(4) RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER AUTHORITIES.—Nothing in this 
subsection may be construed as altering any authority or 
responsibility of a chief of mission or other employee of a 
diplomatic mission of the United States provided under any 
other provision of law, including any authority or responsibility 
for the development or implementation of strategies to promote 
democracy. 
(b) OFFICE RELATED TO DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENTS AND TRANSI-
TIONS.— 
(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—There shall be identified within the 
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor of the Depart-
ment at least one office that shall be responsible for working
H. R. 1—265 
with democratic movements and facilitating the transition to 
full democracy of nondemocratic countries and democratic 
transition countries. 
(2) RESPONSIBILITIES.—The Assistant Secretary shall, 
including by acting through the office or offices identified pursu-
ant to paragraph (1)— 
(A) provide support for Democratic Liaison Officers 
established under subsection (a); 
(B) develop relations with, consult with, and provide 
assistance to nongovernmental organizations, individuals, 
and movements that are committed to the peaceful pro-
motion of democracy and fundamental rights and freedoms, 
including fostering relationships with the United States 
Government and the governments of other democratic coun-
tries; and 
(C) assist officers and employees of regional bureaus 
of the Department to develop strategies and programs to 
promote peaceful change in nondemocratic countries and 
democratic transition countries. 
(3) LIAISON.—Within the Bureau of Democracy, Human 
Rights, and Labor, the Assistant Secretary shall identify officers 
or employees who have expertise in and shall be responsible 
for working with nongovernmental organizations, individuals, 
and movements that develop relations with, consult with, and 
provide assistance to nongovernmental organizations, individ-
uals, and movements in foreign countries that are committed 
to the peaceful promotion of democracy and fundamental rights 
and freedoms. 
(c) ACTIONS
BY CHIEFS
OF MISSION.—Each chief of mission 
in each nondemocratic country or democratic transition country 
should— 
(1) develop, as part of annual program planning, a strategy 
to promote democratic principles, practices, and values in each 
such foreign country and to provide support, as appropriate, 
to nongovernmental organizations, individuals, and movements 
in each such country that are committed to democratic prin-
ciples, practices, and values, such as by— 
(A) consulting and coordinating with and providing 
support to such nongovernmental organizations, individ-
uals, and movements regarding the promotion of democ-
racy; 
(B) issuing public condemnations of violations of inter-
nationally recognized human rights, including violations 
of religious freedom, and visiting local landmarks and other 
local sites associated with nonviolent protest in support 
of democracy and freedom from oppression; and 
(C) holding periodic meetings with such nongovern-
mental organizations, individuals, and movements to dis-
cuss democracy and political, social, and economic free-
doms; 
(2) hold ongoing discussions with the leaders of each such 
nondemocratic country or democratic transition country 
regarding progress toward a democratic system of governance 
and the development of political, social, and economic freedoms 
and respect for human rights, including freedom of religion 
or belief, in such country; and
H. R. 1—266 
(3) conduct meetings with civil society, interviews with 
media that can directly reach citizens of each such country, 
and discussions with students and young people of each such 
country regarding progress toward a democratic system of 
governance and the development of political, social, and eco-
nomic freedoms in each such country. 
(d) RECRUITMENT.—The Secretary should seek to increase the 
proportion of members of the Foreign Service who serve in the 
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. 
(e) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are authorized 
to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary 
to carry out this section. 
SEC. 2112. DEMOCRACY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM. 
(a) REQUIREMENT FOR PROGRAM.—The Secretary shall establish 
a Democracy Fellowship Program to enable officers of the Depart-
ment to gain an additional perspective on democracy promotion 
in foreign countries by working on democracy issues in appropriate 
congressional offices or congressional committees with oversight 
over the subject matter of this title, including the Committee on 
Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House 
of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations and 
the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, and international 
or nongovernmental organizations involved in democracy promotion. 
(b) SELECTION AND PLACEMENT.—The Assistant Secretary shall 
play a central role in the selection of Democracy Fellows and 
facilitate their placement in appropriate congressional offices, 
congressional committees, international organizations, and non-
governmental organizations. 
SEC. 2113. INVESTIGATIONS OF VIOLATIONS OF INTERNATIONAL 
HUMANITARIAN LAW. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The President, with the assistance of the 
Secretary, the Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global 
Affairs, and the Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues, shall 
collect information regarding incidents that may constitute crimes 
against humanity, genocide, slavery, or other violations of inter-
national humanitarian law. 
(b) ACCOUNTABILITY.—The President shall consider what 
actions can be taken to ensure that any government of a country 
or the leaders or senior officials of such government who are respon-
sible for crimes against humanity, genocide, slavery, or other viola-
tions of international humanitarian law identified under subsection 
(a) are brought to account for such crimes in an appropriately 
constituted tribunal. 
Subtitle B—Strategies and Reports on 
Human Rights and the Promotion of De-
mocracy 
SEC. 2121. STRATEGIES, PRIORITIES, AND ANNUAL REPORT. 
(a) EXPANSION OF COUNTRY-SPECIFIC STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE 
DEMOCRACY.—
H. R. 1—267 
(1) COMMENDATION.—Congress commends the Secretary for 
the ongoing work by the Department to develop country-specific 
strategies for promoting democracy. 
(2) EXPANSION.—The Secretary shall expand the develop-
ment of such strategies to all nondemocratic countries and 
democratic transition countries. 
(3) BRIEFINGS.—The Secretary shall keep the appropriate 
congressional committees fully and currently informed as such 
strategies are developed. 
(b) REPORT TITLE.—Section 665(c) of the Foreign Relations 
Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107–228; 22 U.S.C. 
2151n note) is amended, in the first sentence, by inserting ‘‘entitled 
the Annual Report on Advancing Freedom and Democracy’’ before 
the period at the end. 
(c) ENHANCED REPORT.—The Annual Report on Advancing 
Freedom and Democracy shall include, as appropriate— 
(1) United States priorities for the promotion of democracy 
and the protection of human rights for each nondemocratic 
country and democratic transition country, developed in con-
sultation with relevant parties in such countries; and 
(2) specific actions and activities of chiefs of missions and 
other United States officials to promote democracy and protect 
human rights in each such country. 
(d) SCHEDULE OF SUBMISSION.—Section 665(c) of the Foreign 
Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107– 
228; 22 U.S.C. 2151n note) is amended, in the second sentence, 
by striking ‘‘30 days’’ and inserting ‘‘90 days’’. 
SEC. 2122. TRANSLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS REPORTS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall continue to expand the 
timely translation of the applicable parts of the Country Reports 
on Human Rights Practices required under sections 116(d) and 
502B(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151n(d) 
and 2304(b)), the Annual Report on International Religious Freedom 
required under section 102(b) of the International Religious 
Freedom Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C. 6412(b)), the Trafficking in Persons 
Report required under section 110(b) of the Trafficking Victims 
Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7107(b)), and any separate report 
on democracy and human rights policy submitted in accordance 
with section 665(c) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, 
Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107–228; 22 U.S.C. 2151n note) 
into the principal languages of as many countries as possible, with 
particular emphasis on nondemocratic countries, democratic transi-
tion countries, and countries in which extrajudicial killings, torture, 
or other serious violations of human rights have occurred. 
(b) REPORT.— 
(1) REQUIREMENT.—Not later than April 1, 2008, and 
annually thereafter through 2010, the Secretary shall submit 
to the appropriate congressional committees a report describing 
any translations of the reports specified in subsection (a) for 
the preceding year, including which of such reports have been 
translated into which principal languages and the countries 
in which such translations have been distributed by posting 
on a relevant website or elsewhere. 
(2) FORM.—The report required under paragraph (1) may 
be included in any separate report on democracy and human
H. R. 1—268 
rights policy submitted in accordance with section 665(c) of 
the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003. 
Subtitle C—Advisory Committee on De-
mocracy Promotion and the Internet 
Website of the Department of State 
SEC. 2131. ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DEMOCRACY PROMOTION. 
Congress commends the Secretary for creating an Advisory 
Committee on Democracy Promotion, and it is the sense of Congress 
that the Committee should play a significant role in the Depart-
ment’s transformational diplomacy by advising the Secretary 
regarding United States efforts to promote democracy and demo-
cratic 
transition 
in 
connection 
with 
the 
formulation 
and 
implementation of United States foreign policy and foreign assist-
ance, including reviewing and making recommendations on— 
(1) how to improve the capacity of the Department to 
promote democracy and human rights; and 
(2) how to improve foreign assistance programs related 
to the promotion of democracy. 
SEC. 2132. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING THE INTERNET WEBSITE 
OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE. 
It is the sense of Congress that in order to facilitate access 
by individuals, nongovernmental organizations, and movements in 
foreign countries to documents, streaming video and audio, and 
other media regarding democratic principles, practices, and values, 
and the promotion and strengthening of democracy, the Secretary 
should take additional steps to enhance the Internet site for global 
democracy and human rights of the Department, which should 
include, where practicable, the following: 
(1) Narratives and histories, published by the United States 
Government, of significant democratic movements in foreign 
countries, particularly regarding successful nonviolent cam-
paigns to promote democracy in non-democratic countries and 
democratic transition countries. 
(2) Narratives, published by the United States Government, 
relating to the importance of the establishment of and respect 
for internationally recognized human rights, democratic prin-
ciples, practices, and values, and other fundamental freedoms. 
(3) Major human rights reports by the United States 
Government, including translations of such materials, as appro-
priate. 
(4) Any other documents, references, or links to appropriate 
external Internet websites (such as websites of international 
or nongovernmental organizations), including references or 
links to training materials, narratives, and histories regarding 
successful democratic movements.
H. R. 1—269 
Subtitle D—Training in Democracy and 
Human Rights; Incentives 
SEC. 2141. TRAINING IN DEMOCRACY PROMOTION AND THE PROTEC-
TION OF HUMAN RIGHTS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall continue to enhance 
training for members of the Foreign Service and civil service respon-
sible for the promotion of democracy and the protection of human 
rights. Such training shall include appropriate instruction and 
training materials regarding: 
(1) International documents and United States policy 
regarding the promotion of democracy and respect for human 
rights. 
(2) United States policy regarding the promotion and 
strengthening of democracy around the world, with particular 
emphasis on the transition to democracy in nondemocratic coun-
tries and democratic transition countries. 
(3) For any member, chief of mission, or deputy chief of 
mission who is to be assigned to a nondemocratic country 
or democratic transition country, ways to promote democracy 
in such country and to assist individuals, nongovernmental 
organizations, and movements in such country that support 
democratic principles, practices, and values. 
(4) The protection of internationally recognized human 
rights (including the protection of religious freedom) and stand-
ards related to such rights, provisions of United States law 
related to such rights, diplomatic tools to promote respect for 
such rights, and the protection of individuals who have fled 
their countries due to violations of such rights. 
(b) CONSULTATION.—The Secretary, acting through the Director 
of the National Foreign Affairs Training Center of the Foreign 
Service Institute of the Department, shall consult, as appropriate, 
with nongovernmental organizations involved in the protection and 
promotion of such rights and the United States Commission on 
International Religious Freedom with respect to the training 
required by this subsection. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate 
congressional committees a report containing a description of the 
current and planned training provided to Foreign Service officers 
in human rights and democracy promotion, including such training 
provided to chiefs of mission serving or preparing to serve in non-
democratic countries or democratic transition countries. 
SEC. 2142. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING ADVANCE DEMOCRACY 
AWARD. 
It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) the Secretary should further strengthen the capacity 
of the Department to carry out results-based democracy pro-
motion efforts through the establishment of an annual award 
to be known as the ‘‘Outstanding Achievements in Advancing 
Democracy Award’’, or the ‘‘ADVANCE Democracy Award’’, that 
would be awarded to officers or employees of the Department; 
and
H. R. 1—270 
(2) the Secretary should establish procedures for selecting 
recipients of such award, including any financial terms associ-
ated with such award. 
SEC. 2143. PERSONNEL POLICIES AT THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE. 
In addition to the awards and other incentives already imple-
mented, the Secretary should increase incentives for members of 
the Foreign Service and other employees of the Department who 
take assignments relating to the promotion of democracy and the 
protection of human rights, including the following: 
(1) Providing performance pay under section 405 of the 
Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3965) to such members 
and employees who carry out their assignment in an out-
standing manner. 
(2) Considering such an assignment as a basis for pro-
motion into the Senior Foreign Service. 
(3) Providing Foreign Service Awards under section 614 
of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4013) to such 
members and employees who provide distinguished or meri-
torious service in the promotion of democracy or the protection 
of human rights. 
Subtitle E—Cooperation With Democratic 
Countries 
SEC. 2151. COOPERATION WITH DEMOCRATIC COUNTRIES. 
(a) SENSE
OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that 
the United States should cooperate with other democratic countries 
to— 
(1) promote and protect democratic principles, practices, 
and values; 
(2) promote and protect shared political, social, and eco-
nomic freedoms, including the freedoms of association, of 
expression, of the press, of religion, and to own private property; 
(3) promote and protect respect for the rule of law; 
(4) develop, adopt, and pursue strategies to advance 
common interests in international organizations and multilat-
eral institutions to which members of cooperating democratic 
countries belong; and 
(5) provide political, economic, and other necessary support 
to countries that are undergoing a transition to democracy. 
(b) COMMUNITY OF DEMOCRACIES.— 
(1) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that— 
(A) the Community of Democracies should develop a 
more formal mechanism for carrying out work between 
ministerial meetings, such as through the creation of a 
permanent secretariat with appropriate staff to carry out 
such work, and should establish a headquarters; and 
(B) nondemocratic countries should not participate in 
any association or group of democratic countries aimed 
at working together to promote democracy. 
(2) DETAIL OF PERSONNEL.—The Secretary is authorized 
to detail on a nonreimbursable basis any employee of the 
Department to any permanent secretariat of the Community 
of Democracies or to the government of any country that is
H. R. 1—271 
a member of the Convening Group of the Community of Democ-
racies. 
(c) ESTABLISHMENT OF AN OFFICE FOR MULTILATERAL DEMOC-
RACY PROMOTION.—The Secretary should establish an office of 
multilateral democracy promotion with the mission to further 
develop and strengthen the institutional structure of the Commu-
nity of Democracies, develop interministerial projects, enhance the 
United Nations Democracy Caucus, manage policy development 
of the United Nations Democracy Fund, and enhance coordination 
with other regional and multilateral bodies with jurisdiction over 
democracy issues. 
(d) INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR DEMOCRATIC TRANSITION.— 
(1) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that 
the International Center for Democratic Transition, an initia-
tive of the Government of Hungary, serves to promote practical 
projects and the sharing of best practices in the area of democ-
racy promotion and should be supported by, in particular, the 
United States, other European countries with experiences in 
democratic transitions, and private individuals. 
(2) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There is author-
ized to be appropriated $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
2008, 2009, and 2010 to the Secretary for a grant to the 
International Center for Democratic Transition. Amounts 
appropriated under this paragraph are authorized to remain 
available until expended. 
Subtitle F—Funding for Promotion of 
Democracy 
SEC. 2161. THE UNITED NATIONS DEMOCRACY FUND. 
(a) SENSE
OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that 
the United States should work with other countries to enhance 
the goals and work of the United Nations Democracy Fund, an 
essential tool to promote democracy, and in particular support 
civil society in foreign countries in their efforts to help consolidate 
democracy and bring about transformational change. 
(b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There is authorized 
to be appropriated $14,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 and 
2009 to the Secretary for a United States contribution to the United 
Nations Democracy Fund. 
SEC. 2162. UNITED STATES DEMOCRACY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING USE OF INSTRUMENTS OF 
DEMOCRACY PROMOTION.—It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) United States support for democracy is strengthened 
by using a variety of different instrumentalities, such as the 
National Endowment for Democracy, the United States Agency 
for International Development, and the Department; and 
(2) the purpose of the Department’s Human Rights and 
Democracy Fund should be to support innovative programming, 
media, and materials designed to uphold democratic principles, 
practices, and values, support and strengthen democratic 
institutions, promote human rights and the rule of law, and 
build civil societies in countries around the world. 
(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING MECHANISMS FOR DELIV-
ERING ASSISTANCE.—
H. R. 1—272 
(1) FINDINGS.—Congress finds the following: 
(A) Democracy assistance has many different forms, 
including assistance to promote the rule of law, build the 
capacity of civil society, political parties, and legislatures, 
improve the independence of the media and the judiciary, 
enhance independent auditing functions, and advance secu-
rity sector reform. 
(B) There is a need for greater clarity on the coordina-
tion and delivery mechanisms for United States democracy 
assistance. 
(2) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that 
the Secretary and the Administrator of the United States 
Agency for International Development should develop guide-
lines, in consultation with the appropriate congressional 
committees, building on the existing framework for grants, 
cooperative agreements, contracts, and other acquisition mecha-
nisms to guide United States missions in foreign countries 
in coordinating United States democracy assistance and 
selecting the appropriate combination of such mechanisms for 
such assistance. 
TITLE XXII—INTEROPERABLE 
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS 
SEC. 2201. INTEROPERABLE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3006 of Public Law 109–171 (47 
U.S.C. 309 note) is amended— 
(1) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) 
and inserting the following: 
‘‘(1) may take such administrative action as is necessary 
to establish and implement— 
‘‘(A) a grant program to assist public safety agencies 
in the planning and coordination associated with, the 
acquisition of, deployment of, or training for the use of 
interoperable communications equipment, software and 
systems that— 
‘‘(i) utilize reallocated public safety spectrum for 
radio communication; 
‘‘(ii) enable interoperability with communications 
systems that can utilize reallocated public safety spec-
trum for radio communication; or 
‘‘(iii) otherwise improve or advance the interoper-
ability of public safety communications systems that 
utilize other public safety spectrum bands; and 
‘‘(B) are used to establish and implement a strategic 
technology reserve to pre-position or secure interoperable 
communications in advance for immediate deployment in 
an emergency or major disaster; 
‘‘(2) shall make payments of not to exceed $1,000,000,000, 
in the aggregate, through fiscal year 2010 from the Digital 
Television Transition and Public Safety Fund established under 
section 309(j)(8)(E) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 
U.S.C. 309(j)(8)(E)) to carry out the grant program established 
under paragraph (1), of which at least $75,000,000, in the 
aggregate, shall be used for purposes described in paragraph 
(1)(B); and
H. R. 1—273 
‘‘(3) shall permit any funds allocated for use under para-
graph (1)(B) to be used for purposes identified under paragraph 
(1)(A), if the public safety agency demonstrates that it has 
already implemented such a strategic technology reserve or 
demonstrates higher priority public safety communications 
needs.’’; 
(2) by redesignating subsections (b), (c), and (d) as sub-
sections (h), (i), and (j), respectively, and inserting after sub-
section (a) the following: 
‘‘(b) ELIGIBILITY.—To be eligible for assistance under the grant 
program established under subparagraph (a)(1)(A), an applicant 
shall submit an application, at such time, in such form, and con-
taining such information as the Assistant Secretary may require, 
including a detailed explanation of how assistance received under 
the program would be used to improve communications interoper-
ability and ensure interoperability with other public safety agencies 
in an emergency or a major disaster. 
‘‘(c) CRITERIA FOR STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGY RESERVES.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—In evaluating permitted uses under 
subparagraph (a)(1)(B), the Assistant Secretary shall consider 
the continuing technological evolution of communications tech-
nologies and devices, with its implicit risk of obsolescence, 
and shall ensure, to the maximum extent feasible, that a 
substantial part of the reserve involves prenegotiated contracts 
and other arrangements for rapid deployment of equipment, 
supplies, and systems (and communications service related to 
such equipment, supplies, and systems), rather than the 
warehousing or storage of equipment and supplies currently 
available at the time the reserve is established. 
‘‘(2) REQUIREMENTS
AND
CHARACTERISTICS.—Funds pro-
vided to meet uses described in paragraph (1) shall be used 
in support of reserves that— 
‘‘(A) are capable of re-establishing communications 
when existing critical infrastructure is damaged or 
destroyed in an emergency or a major disaster; 
‘‘(B) include appropriate current, widely-used equip-
ment, such as Land Mobile Radio Systems, cellular tele-
phones and satellite-enabled equipment (and related 
communications service), Cells-On-Wheels, Cells-On-Light- 
Trucks, or other self-contained mobile cell sites that can 
be towed, backup batteries, generators, fuel, and com-
puters; 
‘‘(C) include equipment on hand for the Governor of 
each State, key emergency response officials, and appro-
priate State or local personnel; 
‘‘(D) include contracts (including prenegotiated con-
tracts) for rapid delivery of the most current technology 
available from commercial sources; and 
‘‘(E) include arrangements for training to ensure that 
personnel are familiar with the operation of the equipment 
and devices to be delivered pursuant to such contracts. 
‘‘(3) ADDITIONAL CHARACTERISTICS.—Portions of the reserve 
may be virtual and may include items donated on an in-kind 
contribution basis. 
‘‘(4) ALLOCATION OF FUNDS.—In evaluating permitted uses 
under subparagraph (a)(1)(B), the Assistant Secretary shall 
take into account barriers to immediate deployment, including
H. R. 1—274 
time and distance, that may slow the rapid deployment of 
equipment, supplies, and systems (and communications service 
related to such equipment, supplies, and systems) in the event 
of an emergency in any State. 
‘‘(d) VOLUNTARY CONSENSUS STANDARDS.—In carrying out this 
section, the Assistant Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary 
of Homeland Security, shall identify and, if necessary, encourage 
the development and implementation of, voluntary consensus stand-
ards for interoperable communications systems to the greatest 
extent practicable, but shall not require any such standard. 
‘‘(e) INSPECTOR GENERAL REPORT AND AUDITS.— 
‘‘(1) REPORT.—Beginning with the first fiscal year beginning 
after the date of enactment of the Implementing Recommenda-
tions of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, the Inspector General 
of the Department of Commerce shall conduct an annual assess-
ment of the management of the grant program implemented 
under subsection (a)(1) and transmit a report containing the 
findings of that assessment and any recommendations related 
thereto to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation and the House of Representatives Committee 
on Energy and Commerce. 
‘‘(2) AUDITS.—Beginning with the first fiscal year beginning 
after the date of enactment of the Implementing Recommenda-
tions of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, the Inspector General 
of the Department of Commerce shall conduct financial audits 
of entities receiving grants from the program implemented 
under subsection (a)(1), and shall ensure that, over the course 
of 4 years, such audits cover recipients in a representative 
sample of not fewer than 25 States or territories. The results 
of any such audits shall be made publicly available via web 
site, subject to redaction as the Inspector General determines 
necessary to protect classified and other sensitive information. 
‘‘(f) RULE
OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section shall 
be construed or interpreted to preclude the use of funds under 
this section by any public safety agency for interim- or long-term 
Internet Protocol-based interoperable solutions.’’; and 
(3) by striking paragraph (3) of subsection (j), as so redesig-
nated. 
(b) FCC VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT AND REPORT ON EMER-
GENCY COMMUNICATIONS BACK-UP SYSTEM.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Federal Communications Commis-
sion shall conduct a vulnerability assessment of the Nation’s 
critical communications and information systems infrastructure 
and shall evaluate the technical feasibility of creating a back- 
up emergency communications system that complements 
existing communications resources and takes into account next 
generation and advanced communications technologies. The 
overriding objective for the evaluation shall be providing a 
framework for the development of a resilient interoperable 
communications system for emergency responders in an emer-
gency. The Commission shall consult with the National Commu-
nications System and shall evaluate all reasonable options, 
including satellites, wireless, and terrestrial-based communica-
tions systems and other alternative transport mechanisms that 
can be used in tandem with existing technologies.
H. R. 1—275 
(2) FACTORS
TO
BE
EVALUATED.—The evaluation under 
paragraph (1) shall include— 
(A) a survey of all Federal agencies that use terrestrial 
or satellite technology for communications security and 
an evaluation of the feasibility of using existing systems 
for the purpose of creating such an emergency back-up 
public safety communications system; 
(B) the feasibility of using private satellite, wireless, 
or terrestrial networks for emergency communications; 
(C) the technical options, cost, and deployment methods 
of software, equipment, handsets or desktop communica-
tions devices for public safety entities in major urban areas, 
and nationwide; and 
(D) the feasibility and cost of necessary changes to 
the network operations center of terrestrial-based or sat-
ellite systems to enable the centers to serve as emergency 
back-up communications systems. 
(3) REPORT.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Upon the completion of the evalua-
tion under subsection (a), the Commission shall submit 
a report to Congress that details the findings of the evalua-
tion, including a full inventory of existing public and pri-
vate resources most efficiently capable of providing emer-
gency communications. 
(B) CLASSIFIED INDEX.—The report on critical infra-
structure under this subsection may contain a classified 
annex. 
(C) RETENTION OF CLASSIFICATION.—The classification 
of information required to be provided to Congress or any 
other department or agency under this section by the Fed-
eral Communications Commission, including the assign-
ment of a level of classification of such information, shall 
be binding on Congress and any other department or 
agency. 
(c) JOINT ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS CAPABILI-
TIES OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH CARE FACILI-
TIES.— 
(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Assistant Secretary of Commerce 
for Communications and Information and the Chairman of the 
Federal Communications Commission, in consultation with the 
Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Health 
and Human Services, shall establish a joint advisory committee 
to examine the communications capabilities and needs of emer-
gency medical and public health care facilities. The joint 
advisory committee shall be composed of individuals with exper-
tise in communications technologies and emergency medical 
and public health care, including representatives of Federal, 
State and local governments, industry and non-profit health 
organizations, and academia and educational institutions. 
(2) DUTIES.—The joint advisory committee shall— 
(A) assess specific communications capabilities and 
needs of emergency medical and public health care facili-
ties, including the improvement of basic voice, data, and 
broadband capabilities; 
(B) assess options to accommodate growth of basic 
and emerging communications services used by emergency 
medical and public health care facilities;
H. R. 1—276 
(C) assess options to improve integration of communica-
tions systems used by emergency medical and public health 
care facilities with existing or future emergency commu-
nications networks; and 
(D) report its findings to the Senate Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House of 
Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce, 
within 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act. 
(d) AUTHORIZATION
OF
EMERGENCY
MEDICAL
AND
PUBLIC 
HEALTH COMMUNICATIONS PILOT PROJECTS.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Assistant Secretary of Commerce 
for Communications and Information may establish not more 
than 10 geographically dispersed project grants to emergency 
medical and public health care facilities to improve the capabili-
ties of emergency communications systems in emergency med-
ical care facilities. 
(2) MAXIMUM AMOUNT.—The Assistant Secretary may not 
provide more than $2,000,000 in Federal assistance under the 
pilot program to any applicant. 
(3) COST SHARING.—The Assistant Secretary may not pro-
vide more than 20 percent of the cost, incurred during the 
period of the grant, of any project under the pilot program. 
(4) MAXIMUM PERIOD OF GRANTS.—The Assistant Secretary 
may not fund any applicant under the pilot program for more 
than 3 years. 
(5) DEPLOYMENT AND DISTRIBUTION.—The Assistant Sec-
retary shall seek to the maximum extent practicable to ensure 
a broad geographic distribution of project sites. 
(6) TRANSFER
OF
INFORMATION
AND
KNOWLEDGE.—The 
Assistant Secretary shall establish mechanisms to ensure that 
the information and knowledge gained by participants in the 
pilot program are transferred among the pilot program partici-
pants and to other interested parties, including other applicants 
that submitted applications. 
SEC. 2202. CLARIFICATION OF CONGRESSIONAL INTENT. 
The Federal departments and agencies (including independent 
agencies) identified under the provisions of this title and title III 
of this Act and title VI of Public Law 109–295 shall carry out 
their respective duties and responsibilities in a manner that does 
not impede the implementation of requirements specified under 
this title and title III of this Act and title VI of Public Law 
109–295. Notwithstanding the obligations under section 1806 of 
Public Law 109–295, the provisions of this title and title III of 
this Act and title VI of Public Law 109–295 shall not preclude 
or obstruct any such department or agency from exercising its 
other authorities related to emergency communications matters. 
SEC. 2203. CROSS BORDER INTEROPERABILITY REPORTS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Federal Communications Commission, 
in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security’s Office 
of Emergency Communications, the Office of Management of 
Budget, and the Department of State shall report to the Senate 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the 
House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce 
on—
H. R. 1—277 
(1) the status of the mechanism established by the Presi-
dent under section 7303(c) of the Intelligence Reform and Ter-
rorism Prevention Act of 2004 (6 U.S.C. 194(c)) for coordinating 
cross border interoperability issues between— 
(A) the United States and Canada; and 
(B) the United States and Mexico; 
(2) the status of treaty negotiations with Canada and 
Mexico regarding the coordination of the re-banding of 800 
megahertz radios, as required under the final rule of the Fed-
eral Communication Commission in the ‘‘Private Land Mobile 
Services; 800 MHz Public Safety Interface Proceeding’’ (WT 
Docket No. 02–55; ET Docket No. 00–258; ET Docket No. 95– 
18, RM–9498; RM–10024; FCC 04–168) including the status 
of any outstanding issues in the negotiations between— 
(A) the United States and Canada; and 
(B) the United States and Mexico; 
(3) communications between the Commission and the 
Department of State over possible amendments to the bilateral 
legal agreements and protocols that govern the coordination 
process for license applications seeking to use channels and 
frequencies above Line A; 
(4) the annual rejection rate for the last 5 years by the 
United States of applications for new channels and frequencies 
by Canadian private and public entities; and 
(5) any additional procedures and mechanisms that can 
be taken by the Commission to decrease the rejection rate 
for applications by United States private and public entities 
seeking licenses to use channels and frequencies above Line 
A. 
(b) UPDATED REPORTS TO BE FILED ON THE STATUS OF TREATY 
OF NEGOTIATIONS.—The Federal Communications Commission, in 
conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security, the Office 
of Management of Budget, and the Department of State shall contin-
ually provide updated reports to the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives on the 
status of treaty negotiations under subsection (a)(2) until the appro-
priate United States treaty has been revised with each of— 
(1) Canada; and 
(2) Mexico. 
(c) INTERNATIONAL NEGOTIATIONS TO REMEDY SITUATION.—Not 
later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary of the Department of State shall report to Congress 
on— 
(1) the current process for considering applications by 
Canada for frequencies and channels by United States commu-
nities above Line A; 
(2) the status of current negotiations to reform and revise 
such process; 
(3) the estimated date of conclusion for such negotiations; 
(4) whether the current process allows for automatic denials 
or dismissals of initial applications by the Government of 
Canada, and whether such denials or dismissals are currently 
occurring; and 
(5) communications between the Department of State and 
the Federal Communications Commission pursuant to sub-
section (a)(3).
H. R. 1—278 
SEC. 2204. EXTENSION OF SHORT QUORUM. 
Notwithstanding section 4(d) of the Consumer Product Safety 
Act (15 U.S.C. 2053(d)), 2 members of the Consumer Product Safety 
Commission, if they are not affiliated with the same political party, 
shall constitute a quorum for the 6-month period beginning on 
the date of enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 2205. REQUIRING REPORTS TO BE SUBMITTED TO CERTAIN 
COMMITTEES. 
In addition to the committees specifically enumerated to receive 
reports under this title, any report transmitted under the provisions 
of this title shall also be transmitted to the appropriate congres-
sional committees (as defined in section 2(2) of the Homeland Secu-
rity Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101(2))). 
TITLE XXIII—EMERGENCY 
COMMUNICATIONS MODERNIZATION 
SEC. 2301. SHORT TITLE. 
This title may be cited as the ‘‘Improving Emergency Commu-
nications Act of 2007’’. 
SEC. 2302. FUNDING FOR PROGRAM. 
Section 3011 of the Digital Television Transition and Public 
Safety Act of 2005 (Public Law 109–171; 47 U.S.C. 309 note) is 
amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘The’’ and inserting: 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(b) CREDIT.—The Assistant Secretary may borrow from the 
Treasury, upon enactment of the 911 Modernization Act, such sums 
as necessary, but not to exceed $43,500,000, to implement this 
section. The Assistant Secretary shall reimburse the Treasury, with-
out interest, as funds are deposited into the Digital Television 
Transition and Public Safety Fund.’’. 
SEC. 2303. NTIA COORDINATION OF E-911 IMPLEMENTATION. 
Section 158(b)(4) of the National Telecommunications and 
Information Administration Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 942(b)(4)) 
is amended by adding at the end thereof the following: ‘‘Within 
180 days after the date of enactment of the 911 Modernization 
Act, the Assistant Secretary and the Administrator shall jointly 
issue regulations updating the criteria to allow a portion of the 
funds to be used to give priority to grants that are requested 
by public safety answering points that were not capable of receiving 
911 calls as of the date of enactment of that Act, for the incremental 
cost of upgrading from Phase I to Phase II compliance. Such grants 
shall be subject to all other requirements of this section.’’. 
TITLE XXIV—MISCELLANEOUS 
PROVISIONS 
SEC. 2401. QUADRENNIAL HOMELAND SECURITY REVIEW. 
(a) REVIEW REQUIRED.—Title VII of the Homeland Security 
Act of 2002 is amended by adding at the end the following:
H. R. 1—279 
‘‘SEC. 707. QUADRENNIAL HOMELAND SECURITY REVIEW. 
‘‘(a) REQUIREMENT.— 
‘‘(1) QUADRENNIAL REVIEWS REQUIRED.—In fiscal year 2009, 
and every 4 years thereafter, the Secretary shall conduct a 
review of the homeland security of the Nation (in this section 
referred to as a ‘quadrennial homeland security review’). 
‘‘(2) SCOPE OF REVIEWS.—Each quadrennial homeland secu-
rity review shall be a comprehensive examination of the home-
land security strategy of the Nation, including recommenda-
tions regarding the long-term strategy and priorities of the 
Nation for homeland security and guidance on the programs, 
assets, capabilities, budget, policies, and authorities of the 
Department. 
‘‘(3) CONSULTATION.—The Secretary shall conduct each 
quadrennial homeland security review under this subsection 
in consultation with— 
‘‘(A) the heads of other Federal agencies, including 
the Attorney General, the Secretary of State, the Secretary 
of Defense, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, 
the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Agriculture, 
and the Director of National Intelligence; 
‘‘(B) key officials of the Department; and 
‘‘(C) other relevant governmental and nongovernmental 
entities, including State, local, and tribal government offi-
cials, members of Congress, private sector representatives, 
academics, and other policy experts. 
‘‘(4) RELATIONSHIP WITH FUTURE YEARS HOMELAND SECU-
RITY PROGRAM.—The Secretary shall ensure that each review 
conducted under this section is coordinated with the Future 
Years Homeland Security Program required under section 874. 
‘‘(b) CONTENTS
OF REVIEW.—In each quadrennial homeland 
security review, the Secretary shall— 
‘‘(1) delineate and update, as appropriate, the national 
homeland security strategy, consistent with appropriate 
national and Department strategies, strategic plans, and Home-
land Security Presidential Directives, including the National 
Strategy for Homeland Security, the National Response Plan, 
and the Department Security Strategic Plan; 
‘‘(2) outline and prioritize the full range of the critical 
homeland security mission areas of the Nation; 
‘‘(3) describe the interagency cooperation, preparedness of 
Federal response assets, infrastructure, budget plan, and other 
elements of the homeland security program and policies of 
the Nation associated with the national homeland security 
strategy, required to execute successfully the full range of mis-
sions called for in the national homeland security strategy 
described in paragraph (1) and the homeland security mission 
areas outlined under paragraph (2); 
‘‘(4) identify the budget plan required to provide sufficient 
resources to successfully execute the full range of missions 
called for in the national homeland security strategy described 
in paragraph (1) and the homeland security mission areas 
outlined under paragraph (2); 
‘‘(5) include an assessment of the organizational alignment 
of the Department with the national homeland security strategy 
referred to in paragraph (1) and the homeland security mission 
areas outlined under paragraph (2); and
H. R. 1—280 
‘‘(6) review and assess the effectiveness of the mechanisms 
of the Department for executing the process of turning the 
requirements developed in the quadrennial homeland security 
review into an acquisition strategy and expenditure plan within 
the Department. 
‘‘(c) REPORTING.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than December 31 of the year 
in which a quadrennial homeland security review is conducted, 
the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report regarding that 
quadrennial homeland security review. 
‘‘(2) CONTENTS OF REPORT.—Each report submitted under 
paragraph (1) shall include— 
‘‘(A) the results of the quadrennial homeland security 
review; 
‘‘(B) a description of the threats to the assumed or 
defined national homeland security interests of the Nation 
that were examined for the purposes of that review; 
‘‘(C) the national homeland security strategy, including 
a prioritized list of the critical homeland security missions 
of the Nation; 
‘‘(D) a description of the interagency cooperation, 
preparedness of Federal response assets, infrastructure, 
budget plan, and other elements of the homeland security 
program and policies of the Nation associated with the 
national homeland security strategy, required to execute 
successfully the full range of missions called for in the 
applicable national homeland security strategy referred to 
in subsection (b)(1) and the homeland security mission 
areas outlined under subsection (b)(2); 
‘‘(E) an assessment of the organizational alignment 
of the Department with the applicable national homeland 
security strategy referred to in subsection (b)(1) and the 
homeland security mission areas outlined under subsection 
(b)(2), including the Department’s organizational structure, 
management systems, budget and accounting systems, 
human resources systems, procurement systems, and phys-
ical and technical infrastructure; 
‘‘(F) a discussion of the status of cooperation among 
Federal agencies in the effort to promote national homeland 
security; 
‘‘(G) a discussion of the status of cooperation between 
the Federal Government and State, local, and tribal govern-
ments in preventing terrorist attacks and preparing for 
emergency response to threats to national homeland secu-
rity; 
‘‘(H) an explanation of any underlying assumptions 
used in conducting the review; and 
‘‘(I) any other matter the Secretary considers appro-
priate. 
‘‘(3) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY.—The Secretary shall, consistent 
with the protection of national security and other sensitive 
matters, make each report submitted under paragraph (1) pub-
licly available on the Internet website of the Department. 
‘‘(d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are authorized 
to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out 
this section.’’.