Central American Network for Democracy Act
Bill: H.R.9273 | Sponsor: Rep. Torres, Norma J. (D-CA)
Policy area: International Affairs

Summary:
Central American Network for Democracy Act
This bill requires the Department of State to establish a fellowship program to support a regional corps of civil society activists, lawyers, journalists, and investigators for regional democracy and rule of law activities in Central America.

To direct the Secretary of State to establish a fellowship program for 
   regional democracy and rule of law activities in Central America.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Central American Network for 
Democracy Act''.

SEC. 2. DEPARTMENT OF STATE FELLOWSHIPS FOR REGIONAL DEMOCRACY AND RULE 
              OF LAW ACTIVITIES IN CENTRAL AMERICA.

    (a) Establishment.--The Secretary of State shall establish a 
fellowship program, to be known as the ``Central American Network for 
Democracy'', to support a regional corps of civil society activists, 
lawyers (including members of the judiciary and prosecutors' offices), 
journalists, and investigators for regional democracy and rule of law 
activities in Central America.
    (b) Elements.--The fellowship program required by subsection (a) 
shall--
            (1) provide a temporary respite for members of the regional 
        corps in a safe environment;
            (2) allow members of the regional corps to continue to work 
        through engagement with universities, think tanks, government 
        actors, and international organizations; and
            (3) assist members of the regional corps in leveraging 
        lessons learned in order to contribute to regional democracy 
        and rule of law activities in Central America, including 
        electoral and transition support, institutional reform, anti-
        corruption investigations, and local engagement.
    (c) Regional and International Support.--The Secretary of State 
shall take such steps as may be necessary--
            (1) to obtain support for the fellowship program required 
        by subsection (a) from international foundations, regional and 
        United States governmental and nongovernmental organizations, 
        and regional and United States universities; and
            (2) to ensure the fellowship program is well coordinated 
        with and complementary of existing mechanisms, such as the 
        Lifeline Embattled CSO Assistance Fund.
    (d) Focus; Safety.--Activities carried out under the fellowship 
program required by subsection (a)--
            (1) should focus on coordination and consultation with key 
        agencies and international bodies to continue their democracy 
        efforts, including the Department of State, the United States 
        Agency for International Development, the Department of 
        Justice, the Department of the Treasury, the Organization of 
        American States, the Inter-American Court for Human Rights, and 
        the United Nations; and
            (2) may include strengthened protection for the physical 
        safety of individuals who must leave their home country to 
        participate in the program, including assistance for temporary 
        relocation, English language learning, and mental health 
        support.
    (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for fiscal year 
2023.
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