Department of State Authorization Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-2043
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ]
Introduced: 2023-06-15
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Afghanistan

Alliances

Asia

Australia

Building construction

Child care and development

China

Collective security

Computer security and identity theft

Congressional oversight

Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation

Department of State

Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad

Employee hiring

Employee leave

Employment and training programs

Europe

European Union

Executive agency funding and structure

Federal officials

Foreign aid and international relief

Foreign language and bilingual programs

Government buildings, facilities, and property

Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management

Government ethics and transparency, public corruption

Government information and archives

Government studies and investigations

Historical and cultural resources

Human rights

Immigration status and procedures

Intergovernmental relations

International exchange and broadcasting

International organizations and cooperation

Internet, web applications, social media

Licensing and registrations

Marine and inland water transportation

Middle East

Military assistance, sales, and agreements

Military facilities and property

Minority employment

Museums, exhibitions, cultural centers

Oceania

Performance measurement

Protection of officials

Public contracts and procurement

Rule of law and government transparency

Sanctions

Sex, gender, sexual orientation discrimination

Trade restrictions

Transportation costs

Transportation safety and security

U.S. and foreign investments

United Kingdom

User charges and fees

Visas and passports

Worker safety and health
Latest action: action_date: 2023-08-22
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 189.

Summaries:

tv_txt: II Calendar No. 189 118th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 2043 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES June 15, 2023 Mr. Menendez (for himself and Mr. Risch ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations August 22, 2023 Reported under authority of the order of the Senate of July 27, 2023, by Mr. Menendez , with an amendment Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic A BILL To provide for certain authorities of the Department of State, and for other purposes.

1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Department of State Authorization Act of 2023 . (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definitions. TITLE I—Diplomatic security and consular affairs Sec. 101. Passport fee expenditure authority extension. Sec. 102. Special hiring authority for passport services. Sec. 103. Quarterly report on passport wait times. Sec. 104. Passport travel advisories. Sec. 105. Increased accountability in assignment restrictions and reviews. Sec. 106. Suitability reviews for Foreign Service Institute instructors. Sec. 107. Diplomatic security fellowship programs. TITLE II—Personnel matters Subtitle A—Hiring, promotion, and development Sec. 201. Adjustment to promotion precepts. Sec. 202. Hiring authorities. Sec. 203. Extending paths to service for paid student interns. Sec. 204. Lateral Entry Program. Sec. 205. Mid-Career Mentoring Program. Sec. 206. Consideration of career civil servants as chiefs of missions. Sec. 207. Civil service rotational program. Sec. 208. Reporting requirement on chiefs of mission. Sec. 209. Report on chiefs of mission and deputy chiefs of mission. Sec. 210. Protection of retirement annuity for reemployment by Department. Sec. 211. Enhanced vetting for senior diplomatic posts. Sec. 212. Efforts to improve retention and prevent retaliation. Subtitle B—Pay, benefits, and workforce matters Sec. 221. Education allowance. Sec. 222. Per diem allowance for newly hired members of the Foreign Service. Sec. 223. Improving mental health services for foreign and civil servants. Sec. 224. Emergency back-up care. Sec. 225. Authority to provide services to non-chief of mission personnel. Sec. 226. Exception for government-financed air transportation. Sec. 227. Enhanced authorities to protect locally employed staff during emergencies. Sec. 228. Internet at hardship posts. Sec. 229. Competitive local compensation plan. Sec. 230. Supporting tandem couples in the Foreign Service. Sec. 231. Accessibility at diplomatic missions. TITLE III—Information security and cyber diplomacy Sec. 301. Data-informed diplomacy. Sec. 302. Establishment and expansion of the Bureau Chief Data Officer Program. Sec. 303. Task force to address artificial intelligence-enabled influence operations. Sec. 304. Establishment of the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Department of State. Sec. 305. Strengthening the Chief Information Officer of the Department of State. Sec. 306. Sense of Congress on strengthening enterprise governance. Sec. 307. Digital connectivity and cybersecurity partnership. Sec. 308. Establishment of a cyberspace, digital connectivity, and related technologies (CDT) fund. TITLE IV—Organization and operations Sec. 401. Personal services contractors. Sec. 402. Hard-to-fill posts. Sec. 403. Enhanced oversight of the Office of Civil Rights. Sec. 404. Crisis response operations. TITLE V—Economic diplomacy Sec. 501. Duties of officers performing economic functions. Sec. 502. Report on recruitment, retention, and promotion of Foreign Service economic officers. Sec. 503. Mandate to revise Department of State metrics for successful economic and commercial diplomacy. Sec. 504. Chief of mission economic responsibilities. Sec. 505. Direction to embassy deal teams. Sec. 506. Establishment of a Deal Team of the Year award. TITLE VI—Public diplomacy Sec. 601. National advertising campaign. Sec. 602. Public diplomacy outreach. Sec. 603. Modification on use of funds for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Sec. 604. International broadcasting. Sec. 605. John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship program. Sec. 606. Domestic engagement and public diplomacy. Sec. 607. Extension of Global Engagement Center. Sec. 608. Paperwork Reduction Act. Sec. 609. Expansion of Diplomats in Residence Programs. TITLE VII—Other matters Sec. 701. Expanding the use of DDTC licensing fees. Sec. 702. Waiver authority related to prohibition on certain semiconductor products and services. Sec. 703. Prohibition on entry of officials of foreign governments involved in significant corruption or gross violations of human rights. Sec. 704. Protection of cultural heritage during crises. Sec. 705. National Museum of American Diplomacy. Sec. 706. Extraterritorial offenses committed by United States nationals serving with international organizations. Sec. 707. Extension of certain privileges and immunities to the international energy forum. Sec. 708. Extension of certain privileges and immunities to the Conseil Européen pour la recherche nucléaire (CERN; the European Organization for Nuclear Research). Sec. 709. Internships of United States nationals at international organizations. Sec. 710. Training for international organizations. Sec. 711. Modification to transparency on international agreements and non-binding instruments. Sec. 712. Congressional oversight, quarterly review, and authority relating to concurrence provided by chiefs of mission for support of certain Government operations. Sec. 713. Modification and repeal of reports. 2. Definitions In this Act: (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. I Diplomatic security and consular affairs 101. Passport fee expenditure authority extension (a) Western hemisphere travel initiative fee To make permanent the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative fee, section 1(b) of the Passport Act of June 4, 1920 ( 22 U.S.C. 214(b)(1) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking (1) ; and (2) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3). (b) Passport fees Section 1(b) of the Passport Act of June 4, 1920, as amended by subsection (a), shall be applied through fiscal year 2028 by striking such costs and inserting the costs of providing consular services . (c) Modernization of passport processing A portion of the expanded expenditure authorities provided in subsections (a) and (b) shall be used to modernize consular systems, with an emphasis on passport and citizenship services. 102. Special hiring authority for passport services During the 3-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, without regard to the provisions under sections 3309 through 3318 of title 5, United States Code, may directly appoint candidates to positions in the competitive service (as defined in section 2102 of such title) at the Department in the Passport and Visa Examining Series 0967. 103. Quarterly report on passport wait times Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 processing; (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 modernization; and (4) how the Department details its staff and resources to passport services programs. 104. Passport travel advisories Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Department shall make prominently available in United States passports, on the first two 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. 105. Increased accountability in assignment restrictions 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 processes 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 Act, 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 The Department shall establish a reasonable time limit for the Department to complete an assignment review, and establish a deadline by which it must inform personnel of a decision related to such a review. For any personnel the Department determines are ineligible to serve in an assignment due to an assignment restriction or assignment review, a Security Appeal Panel shall convene not later than 60 days of an appeal being filed. (e) Security review panel Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 Act, the Secretary shall amend all relevant provisions of the Foreign Service Manual, and any associated or related policies of the Department, to comply with this section. 106. Suitability reviews for Foreign Service Institute instructors The Secretary shall 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 investigations; and (2) subject to continuous vetting or reinvestigations to the extend consistent with Department and Executive policy for other Department personnel. 107. 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, shall establish Diplomatic Security fellowship programs to provide grants to United States nationals pursuing undergraduate studies who commit to pursuing a career as a special agent, security engineering officer, or in the civil service in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. (2) Rulemaking The Secretary shall promulgate regulations for the administration of Diplomatic Security fellowship programs that set forth— (A) the eligibility requirements for receiving a grant under this subsection; (B) the process by which eligible applicants may request such a grant; (C) the maximum amount of such a grant; and (D) the educational progress to which all grant recipients are obligated. . (b) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028 to carry out this section. II Personnel matters A Hiring, promotion, and development 201. Adjustment to promotion precepts Section 603(b) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 4003(b) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraph (2), (3), and (4) as paragraphs (5), (6), and (7), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraphs: (2) experience serving at an international organization, multilateral institution, or engaging in multinational negotiations; (3) willingness to serve in hardship posts overseas or across geographically distinct regions; (4) experience advancing policies or developing expertise that enhance the United States’ competitiveness with regard to critical and emerging technologies. . 202. Hiring authorities (a) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) the Department should possess hiring authorities to enable recruitment of individuals representative of the nation with special skills needed to address 21st century diplomacy challenges; and (2) the Secretary shall conduct a survey of hiring authorities held by the Department to identify— (A) hiring authorities already authorized by Congress; (B) others authorities granted through Presidential decree or executive order; and (C) any authorities needed to enable recruitment of individuals with the special skills described in paragraph (1). (b) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that includes a description of all existing hiring authorities and legislative proposals on any new needed authorities. (c) Special hiring authority For an initial period of not more than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary may appoint, without regard to the provisions of sections 3309 through 3318 of title 5, United States Code, candidates directly to positions in the competitive service at the Department, as defined in section 2102 of that title, in the following occupational series: 1560 Data Science, 2210 Information Technology Management, and 0201 Human Resources Management. 203. Extending paths to service for paid student interns For up to 2 years following the end of a compensated internship at the Department or the United States Agency for International Development, the Department or USAID may offer employment to up to 25 such interns and appoint them directly to positions in the competitive service, as defined in section 2102 of title 5, United States Code, without regard to the provisions of sections 3309 through 3318 of such title. 204. Lateral Entry Program (a) In general Section 404 of the Department of State Authorities Act, Fiscal Year 2017 ( Public Law 114–323 ; 130 Stat. 1928) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 3-year and inserting 5-year ; (B) in paragraph (5), by striking ; and ; (C) in paragraph (6), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (D) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: (7) does not include the use of Foreign Service-Limited or other noncareer Foreign Service hiring authorities; and (8) includes not fewer than 30 participants for each year of the pilot program. ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (e) Certification If the Secretary does not commence the lateral entry program within 180 days after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees— (1) certifying that progress is being made on implementation of the pilot program and describing such progress, including the date on which applicants will be able to apply; (2) estimating the date by which the pilot program will be fully implemented; (3) outlining how the Department will use the Lateral Entry Program to fill needed skill sets in key areas such as cyberspace, emerging technologies, economic statecraft, multilateral diplomacy, and data and other sciences. . 205. Mid-Career Mentoring Program (a) Authorization The Secretary, in collaboration with the Director of the Foreign Service Institute, is authorized to establish a Mid-Career Mentoring Program (referred to in this section as the Program ) for employees who have demonstrated outstanding service and leadership. (b) Selection (1) Nominations The head of each bureau shall semiannually nominate participants for the Program from a pool of applicants in the positions described in paragraph (2)(B), including from posts both domestically and abroad. (2) Submission of slate of nominees to Secretary The Director of the Foreign Service Institute, in consultation with the Director General of the Foreign Service, shall semiannually— (A) vet the nominees most recently nominated pursuant to paragraph (1); and (B) submit to the Secretary a slate of applicants to participate in the Program, who shall consist of at least— (i) 10 Foreign Service Officers and specialists classified at the FS-03 or FS-04 level of the Foreign Service Salary Schedule; (ii) 10 Civil Service employees classified at GS-12 or GS-13 of the General Schedule; and (iii) 5 Foreign Service Officers from the United States Agency for International Development. (3) Final selection The Secretary shall select the applicants who will be invited to participate in the Program from the slate received pursuant to paragraph (2)(B) and extend such an invitation to each selected applicant. (c) Program sessions (1) Frequency; duration All of the participants who accept invitations extended pursuant to subsection (b)(3) shall meet 3 to 4 times per year for training sessions with high-level leaders of the Department and USAID, including private group meetings with the Secretary and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development. (2) Themes Each session referred to in paragraph (1) shall focus on specific themes developed jointly by the Foreign Service Institute and the Executive Secretariat focused on substantive policy issues and leadership practices. (d) Mentoring program The Secretary and the Administrator each shall establish a mentoring and coaching program that pairs a senior leader of the Department or USAID with each of the program participants who complete the Program during the 1-year period immediately following their participation in the Program. (e) Annual report Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for three years, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that describes the activities of the Program during the most recent year. 206. Consideration of career civil servants as chiefs of missions Section 304(b) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 3944 ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and (2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph: (2) The Secretary shall also furnish to the President, on an annual basis and to assist the President in selecting qualified candidates for appointments or assignments as chief of mission, the names of between 5 and 10 career civil servants serving at the Department of State or the United States Agency for International Development who are qualified to serve as chiefs of mission, together with pertinent information about such individuals. . 207. Civil service rotational program (a) Establishment of pilot rotational program for civil service Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a program to provide qualified civil servants serving at the Department an opportunity to serve at a United States embassy, including identifying criteria and an application process for such program. (b) Program The program established under this section shall— (1) provide at least 20 career civil servants the opportunity to serve for 2 to 3 years at a United States embassy to gain additional skills and experience; (2) offer such civil servants the opportunity to serve in a political or economic section at a United States embassy; and (3) include clear and transparent criteria for eligibility and selection, which shall include a minimum of 5 years of service at the Department. (c) Subsequent position and promotion Following a rotation at a United States embassy pursuant to the program established by this section, participants in the program must be afforded, at minimum, a position equivalent in seniority, compensation, and responsibility to the position occupied prior serving in the program. Successful completion of a rotation at a United States embassy shall be considered favorably with regard to applications for promotion in civil service jobs at the Department. (d) Implementation Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall identify not less than 20 positions in United States embassies for the program established under this section and offered at least 20 civil servants the opportunity to serve in a rotation at a United States embassy pursuant to this section. 208. Reporting requirement on chiefs of mission Not later than 30 days following the end of each calendar quarter, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees— (1) a list of every chief of mission or United States representative overseas with the rank of Ambassador who, during the prior quarter, was outside a country of assignment for more than 14 cumulative days for purposes other than official travel or temporary duty orders; (2) the number of days each such chief of mission or United States representative overseas with the rank of Ambassador was outside a country of assignment during the previous quarter for purposes other than official travel or temporary duty orders; and (3) a list of any country other than the country of assignment in which a chief of mission or United States representative overseas with the rank of Ambassador has spent more than 14 days during the previous quarter. 209. Report on chiefs of mission and deputy chiefs of mission Not later than April 1, 2024, and annually thereafter for the next 4 years, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that includes— (1) the Foreign Service cone of each current chief of mission and deputy chief of mission (or whoever is acting in the capacity of chief or deputy chief if neither is present) for each United States embassy at which there is a Foreign Service office filling either of those positions; and (2) aggregated data for all chiefs of mission and deputy chiefs of mission described in paragraph (1), disaggregated by cone. 210. Protection of retirement annuity for reemployment by Department (a) No termination or reduction of retirement annuity or pay for reemployment Notwithstanding section 824 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 4064 ), if a covered annuitant becomes employed by the Department— (1) the payment of any retirement annuity, retired pay, or retainer pay otherwise payable to the covered annuitant shall not terminate; and (2) the amount of the retirement annuity, retired pay, or retainer pay otherwise payable to the covered annuitant shall not be reduced. (b) Covered annuitant defined In this section, the term covered annuitant means any individual who is receiving a retirement annuity under— (1) the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System under subchapter I of chapter 8 of title I of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 4041 et seq. ); or (2) the Foreign Service Pension System under subchapter II of such chapter ( 22 U.S.C. 4071 et seq. ). 211. Enhanced vetting for senior diplomatic posts (a) Comprehensive policy on vetting and transparency Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a consistent and enhanced vetting process to ensure that individuals with substantiated claims of discrimination, harassment, or bullying are not considered for promotions to senior positions. (b) Elements of comprehensive vetting policy Following the conclusion of any investigation into an allegation of discrimination, harassment, or bullying, the Office of Civil Rights, Office of Global Talent Management, and other offices with responsibilities related to the investigation shall jointly or individually submit a written summary of any findings of any substantiated allegations, along with a summary of findings to the Committee responsible for promotions (the D Committee ) prior to such Committee rendering a recommendation for promotion. (c) Response The Secretary shall develop a process for candidates to respond to any allegations that are substantiated and presented to the D Committee. (d) Annual reports Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for five years, the Secretary shall submit to the Department workforce and the appropriate congressional committees a report on the number of candidates confirmed for senior diplomatic posts against whom there were found to have been substantiated allegations. 212. Efforts to improve retention and prevent retaliation (a) Streamlined reporting Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a single point of initial reporting for allegations of discrimination, bullying, and harassment that provides an initial review of the allegations and, if necessary, the ability to file multiple claims based on a single complaint. (b) Ensuring implementation of corrective action and management recommendations The Secretary shall ensure follow up with each complainant who makes an allegation of discrimination, harassment, or bullying pursuant to subsection (a) and the head of the respective bureau not later than 180 days after the conclusion of any investigation where an allegation is substantiated, and again one year after the conclusion of any such investigation, to ensure that any recommendations for corrective action related to the complainant have been acted on where appropriate. If such recommendations have not be implemented, a written statement shall be provided to the head of the bureau and complainant and affected employees explaining why the recommendations have not been implemented. (c) Climate surveys of employees of the Department (1) Required biennial surveys Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall conduct a Department-wide survey of all Department personnel regarding harassment, discrimination, bullying, and related retaliation that includes workforce perspectives on the accessibility and effectiveness of the Bureau of Global Talent Management and Office of Civil Rights in the efforts and processes to address these issues. (2) Pilot surveys Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a Department-wide survey for Locally Employed Staff regarding retention, training, promotion, and other matters, including harassment, discrimination, bullying, and related retaliation, that includes workforce perspectives on the accessibility and effectiveness of complaint measures. (3) Report Not later than 60 days after the conclusion of each survey conducted pursuant to this subsection, the Secretary shall make the key findings available to the Department workforce and shall submit them to the appropriate congressional committees. (d) Retaliation prevention efforts (1) Employee evaluation (A) In general If there is a pending investigation of discrimination, bullying, or harassment against a superior who is responsible for rating or reviewing the complainant employee, the complainant shall be reviewed by the superior’s supervisor. (B) Effective date This paragraph shall take effect 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (2) Retaliation prevention guidance Any Department employee against whom an allegation of discrimination, bullying, or harassment has been made shall receive written guidance (a retaliation hold ) on the types of actions that can be considered retaliation against the complainant employee. The employee’s immediate supervisor shall also receive the retaliation hold guidance. B Pay, benefits, and workforce matters 221. Education allowance (a) In general Chapter 9 of title I of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 4081 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 908. Education allowance A Department employee who is on leave to perform service in the uniformed services (as defined in section 4303(13) of title 38, United States Code) may receive an education allowance if the employee would, if not for such service, be eligible to receive the education allowance. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of contents in section 2 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 3901 note) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 907 the following: Sec. 908. Education allowance . 222. Per diem allowance for newly hired members of the Foreign Service (a) Per diem allowance (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), any newly hired Foreign Service employee who is in initial orientation training, or any other training expected to last less than 6 months before transferring to the employee’s first assignment, in the Washington, D.C., area shall, for the duration of such training, receive a per diem allowance at the levels prescribed under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code. (2) Limitation on lodging expenses A newly hired Foreign Service employee may not receive any lodging expenses under the applicable per diem allowance pursuant to paragraph (1) if that employee— (A) has a permanent residence in the Washington, D.C., area (not including Government-supplied housing during such orientation training or other training); and (B) does not vacate such residence during such orientation training or other training. (b) Definitions In this section— (1) the term per diem allowance has the meaning given that term under section 5701 of title 5, United States Code; and (2) the term Washington, D.C., area means the geographic area within a 50 mile radius of the Washington Monument. 223. Improving mental health services for foreign and civil servants (a) Additional personnel to address mental health (1) In general The Secretary shall seek to increase the number of personnel within the Bureau of Medical Services to address mental health needs for both foreign and civil servants. (2) Employment targets Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall seek to employ not fewer than 15 additional personnel in the Bureau of Medical Services, compared to the number of personnel employed as of the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Study The Secretary shall conduct a study on the accessibility of mental health care providers and services available to Department personnel, including an assessment of— (1) the accessibility of mental health care providers at diplomatic posts and in the United States; (2) the accessibility of inpatient services for mental health care for Department personnel; (3) steps that may be taken to improve such accessibility; (4) the impact of the COVID–19 pandemic on the mental health of Department personnel, particularly those who served abroad between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022, and Locally Employed Staff, where information is available; (5) recommended steps to improve the manner in which the Department advertises mental health services to the workforce; and (6) additional authorities and resources needed to better meet the mental health needs of Department personnel. (c) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to appropriate congressional committees a report containing the findings of the study under subsection (b). 224. Emergency back-up care (a) In general The Secretary and the Administrator for the United States Agency for International Development are authorized to provide for unanticipated non-medical care, including childcare, eldercare, and essential services directly related to caring for an acute injury or illness, for USAID and Department employees and their family members, including through the provision of such non-medical services, referrals to care providers, and reimbursement of reasonable expenses for such services. (b) Limitation Services provided pursuant to this section shall not exceed $2,000,000 per fiscal year. 225. Authority to provide services to non-chief of mission personnel Section 904 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 4084 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (g), by striking abroad for employees and eligible family members and inserting under this section ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (a) Physical and mental health care services in special circumstances (1) In general The Secretary is authorized to direct health care providers employed under subsection (c) of this section to furnish physical and mental health care services to an individual otherwise ineligible for services under this section if necessary to preserve life or limb or if intended to facilitate an overseas evacuation, recovery, or return. Such services may be provided incidental to the following activities: (A) Activities undertaken abroad pursuant to section 3 and section 4 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2670 , 2671). (B) Recovery of hostages or of wrongfully or unlawfully detained individuals abroad, including pursuant to section 302 of the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act ( 22 U.S.C. 1741 ). (C) Secretarial dispatches to international disaster sites deployed pursuant to section 207 of the Aviation Security Improvement Act of 1990 ( 22 U.S.C. 5506 ). (D) Deployments undertaken pursuant to section 606(a)(6)(A)(iii) of the Secure Embassy Construction and Counterterrorism Act of 1999 ( 22 U.S.C. 4865(a)(6)(A)(iii) ). (2) Prioritization of other functions The Secretary shall prioritize the allocation of Department resources to the health care program described in subsections (a) through (g) above the functions described in paragraph (1). (3) Regulations The Secretary should prescribe applicable regulations to implement this section, taking into account the prioritization in paragraph (2) and the activities described in paragraph (1). (4) Reimbursable basis Services rendered under this subsection shall be provided on a reimbursable basis to the extent practicable. . 226. Exception for government-financed air transportation (a) Reducing hardship for transportation of domestic animals (1) In general Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (c) of section 40118 of title 49, United States Code, the Department is authorized to pay for the transportation by a foreign air carrier of Department personnel and any in-cabin or accompanying checked baggage or cargo if— (A) no air carrier holding a certificate under section 41102 of such title is willing and able to transport up to 3 domestic animals accompanying such Federal personnel; and (B) the transportation is from a place— (i) outside the United States to a place in the United States; (ii) in the United States to a place outside the United States; or (iii) outside the United States to another place outside the United States. (2) Limitation An amount paid pursuant to paragraph (1) for transportation by a foreign carrier may not be greater than the amount that would otherwise have been paid had the transportation been on an air carrier holding a certificate under section 41102 had that carrier been willing and able to provide such transportation. If the amount that would otherwise have been paid to such an air carrier is less than the cost of transportation on the applicable foreign carrier, the Department personnel may pay the difference of such amount. (3) Domestic animal defined In this subsection, the term domestic animal means a dog or a cat. 227. Enhanced authorities to protect locally employed staff during emergencies (a) Sense of congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) locally employed staff provide essential contributions at United States diplomatic and consular posts around the world, including by providing— (A) security to United States government personnel serving in the country; (B) advice, expertise, and other services for the promotion of political, economic, public affairs, commercial, security, and other interests of critical importance to the United States; (C) a wide range of logistical and administrative support to every office in each mission working to advance United States interests around the world, including services and support vital to the upkeep and maintenance of United States missions; (D) consular services to support the welfare and well-being of United States citizens and to provide for the expeditious processing of visa applications; (E) institutional memory on a wide range of embassy engagements on bilateral issues; and (F) enduring connections to host country contacts, both inside and outside the host government, including within media, civil society, the business community, academia, the armed forces, and elsewhere; and (2) locally employed staff make important contributions that should warrant the United States Government to give due consideration for their security and safety when diplomatic missions face emergency situations. (b) Authorization to provide emergency support In emergency situations, in addition to other authorities that may be available in emergencies or other exigent circumstances, the Secretary is authorized to use funds made available to the Department to provide support to ensure the safety and security of locally employed staff and their immediate family members, including for— (1) providing transport or relocating locally employed staff and their immediate family members to a safe and secure environment; (2) providing short-term housing or lodging for up to six months for locally employed staff and their immediate family members; (3) procuring or providing other essential items and services to support the safety and security of locally employed staff and their immediate family members. (c) Temporary housing To ensure the safety and security of locally employed staff and their immediate family members consistent with this section, Chiefs of Missions are authorized to allow locally employed staff and their immediate family members to reside temporarily in the residences of United States direct hire employees, either in the host country or other countries, provided that such stays are offered voluntarily by United States direct hire employees. (d) Foreign affairs manual Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall amend the Foreign Affairs Manual to reflect the authorizations and requirements of this section. (e) Emergency situation defined In this section, the term emergency situation means armed conflict, civil unrest, natural disaster, or other types of instability that pose a threat to the safety and security of locally employed staff, particularly when and if a United States diplomatic or consular post must suspend operations. (f) Report (1) In general No later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees describing prior actions the Department has taken with regard to locally employed staff and their immediate family members following suspensions or closures of United States diplomatic posts over the prior 4 years, including Kyiv, Kabul, Minsk, and Khartoum. (2) Elements The report required under paragraph (1) shall— (A) describe any actions the Department took to assist locally employed staff and their immediate family members; (B) identify any obstacles that made providing support or assistance to locally employed staff and their immediate family members difficult; (C) examine lessons learned and propose recommendations to better protect the safety and security of locally employed staff and their family members, including any additional authorities that may be required; and (D) provide an analysis of and offer recommendations on any other steps that could improve efforts to protect the safety and security of locally employed staff and their immediate family members. 228. Internet at hardship posts Section 3 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2670 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (l), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (2) in subsection (m) by striking the period at the end and by inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (n) pay expenses to provide internet services in residences owned or leased by the United States Government in foreign countries for the use of Department personnel where Department personnel receive a post hardship differential equivalent to 30 percent or more above basic compensation. . 229. Competitive local compensation plan (a) Establishment and implementation of prevailing wage rates goal Section 401(a) of the Department of State Authorities Act, fiscal year 2017 ( 22 U.S.C. 3968a(a) ) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking periodically and inserting every 3 years . (b) Report Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that includes— (1) compensation (including position classification) plans for locally employed staff based upon prevailing wage rates and compensation practices for corresponding types of positions in the locality of employment; and (2) an assessment of the feasibility and impact of changing the prevailing wage rate goal for positions in the local compensation plan from the 50th percentile to the 75th percentile. 230. Supporting tandem couples in the Foreign Service (a) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) challenges finding and maintaining spousal employment and family dissatisfaction are one of the leading reasons employees cite for leaving the Department; (2) tandem Foreign Service personnel represent important members of the Foreign Service community, who act as force multipliers for our diplomacy; (3) the Department can and should do more to keep tandem couples posted together and consider family member employment needs when assigning tandem officers; and (4) common sense steps providing more flexibility in the assignments process would improve outcomes for tandem officers without disadvantaging other Foreign Service officers. (b) Definitions In this section: (1) Family togetherness The term family togetherness means facilitating the placement of Foreign Service personnel at the same United States diplomatic post when both spouses are members of a tandem couple of Foreign Service Officers. (2) Tandem foreign service officer; tandem The terms tandem Foreign Service personnel and tandem mean a member of a couple of which one spouse is a career or career candidate employee of the Foreign Service and the other spouse is a career or career candidate employee of the Foreign Service or an employee of one of the agencies authorized to use the Foreign Service Personnel System under section 202 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 3922 ). (c) Family togetherness in assignments Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Department shall amend and update its policies to further promote the principle of family togetherness in the Foreign Service, which shall include the following: (1) Entry-level foreign service personnel The Secretary shall adopt policies and procedures to facilitate the assignment of entry-level tandem Foreign Service personnel on directed assignments to the same diplomatic post or country as their tandem spouse if they request to be assigned to the same post or country. The Secretary shall also provide a written justification to the requesting personnel explaining any denial of a request that would result in a tandem couple not serving together at the same post or country. (2) Tenured foreign service personnel The Secretary shall add family togetherness to the criteria when making a needs of the Service determination, as defined by the Foreign Affairs Manual, for the placement of tenured tandem Foreign Service personnel at United States diplomatic posts. (3) Updates to antinepotism policy The Secretary shall update antinepotism policies so that nepotism rules only apply when an employee and a relative are placed into positions wherein they jointly and exclusively control government resources, property, or money or establish government policy. (4) Temporary supervision of tandem spouse The Secretary shall update policies to allow for a tandem spouse to temporarily supervise another tandem spouse for up to 90 days in a calendar year, including at a United States diplomatic mission. (d) Report Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that includes— (1) the number of Foreign Service tandem couples currently serving; and (2) an estimate of the cost savings that would result if all Foreign Service tandem couples were placed at a single post. 231. Accessibility at diplomatic missions Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Department shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that includes— (1) a list of the overseas United States diplomatic missions that, as of the date of the enactment of this Act, are not readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities; (2) any efforts in progress to make such missions readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities; and (3) an estimate of the cost to make all such missions readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. III Information security and cyber diplomacy 301. Data-informed diplomacy (a) Findings Congress makes the following findings: (1) In a rapidly evolving and digitally interconnected global landscape, access to and maintenance of reliable, readily available data is key to informed decisionmaking and diplomacy and therefore should be considered a strategic asset. (2) In order to achieve its mission in the 21st century, the Department must adapt to these trends by maintaining and providing timely access to high-quality data at the time and place needed, while simultaneously cultivating a data-savvy workforce. (3) Leveraging data science and data analytics has the potential to improve the performance of the Department’s workforce by providing otherwise unknown insights into program deficiencies, shortcomings, or other gaps in analysis. (4) While innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning have the potential to empower the Department to analyze and act upon data at scale, systematized, sustainable data management and information synthesis remain a core competency necessary for data-driven decisionmaking. (5) The goals set out by the Department’s Enterprise Data Council (EDC) as the areas of most critical need for the Department, including Cultivating a Data Culture, Accelerating Decisions through Analytics, Establishing Mission-Driven Data Management, and Enhancing Enterprise Data Governance, are laudable and will remain critical as the Department develops into a data-driven agency. (b) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) the Department should prioritize the recruitment and retainment of top data science talent in support of its data-informed diplomacy efforts as well as its broader modernization agenda; and (2) the Department should strengthen data fluency among its workforce, promote data collaboration across and within its bureaus, and enhance its enterprise data oversight. 302. Establishment and expansion of the Bureau Chief Data Officer Program (a) Bureau Chief Data Officer Program (1) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a program, which shall be known as the Bureau Chief Data Officer Program (referred to in this section as the Program ), overseen by the Department’s Chief Data Officer. The Bureau Chief Data Officers hired under this program shall report to the Department’s Chief Data Officer. (2) Goals The goals of the Program shall include the following: (A) Cultivating a data culture by promoting data fluency and data collaboration across the Department. (B) Promoting increased data analytics use in critical decisionmaking areas. (C) Promoting data integration and standardization. (D) Increasing efficiencies across the Department by incentivizing acquisition of enterprise data solutions and subscription data services to be shared across bureaus and offices and within bureaus. (b) Implementation plan Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees an implementation plan that outlines strategies for— (1) advancing the goals described in subsection (a)(2); (2) hiring Bureau Chief Data Officers at the GS-14 or GS-15 grade or a similar rank; (3) assigning at least one Bureau Chief Data Officer to— (A) each regional bureau of the Department; (B) the Bureau of International Organization Affairs; (C) the Office of the Chief Economist; (D) the Office of the Science and Technology Advisor; (E) the Bureau of Cyber and Digital Policy; (F) the Bureau of Diplomatic Security; (G) the Bureau for Global Talent Management; and (H) the Bureau of Consular Affairs; and (4) allocation of necessary resources to sustain the Program. (c) Assignment In implementing the Bureau Chief Data Officer Program, Bureaus may not dual-hat currently employed personnel as Bureau Chief Data Officers. (d) Annual reporting requirement Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for the following 3 years, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees regarding the status of the implementation plan required under subsection (b). 303. Task force to address artificial intelligence-enabled influence operations (a) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) the rapid development of publicly available, affordable generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology, including the use of large language models (LLM) to fuel natural language processing applications, has the potential to fundamentally alter the nature of disinformation and propaganda campaigns by enabling finely tailored, auto-generated disinformation swiftly, in any language, at scale, and at low-costs; (2) academia and private industry, including social media platforms, play a critical role in establishing safeguards for powerful, publicly available tools for producing AI-generated content, and it is in the United States national security interest to ensure that these technologies are not misused by foreign malign actors to enhance influence operations abroad; (3) the ability to identify, track, and label original text, audio, and visual content is becoming increasingly vital to United States national interests as sophisticated AI-generated content creation becomes increasingly available to the public at low costs; (4) coalitions such as the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) and the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authority (C2PA) play important roles in establishing open industry standards for content authenticity and digital content provenance, which will become increasingly vulnerable to manipulation and distortion through AI-powered tools; and (5) the Department, as the lead agency for United States public diplomacy, should work within the interagency process to develop a common approach to United States international engagement on issues related to AI-enabled disinformation. (b) Statement of policy It shall be the policy of the United States— (1) to share knowledge with allies and partners of instances when foreign state actors have leveraged generative AI to augment disinformation campaigns or propaganda; (2) to work with private industry and academia to mitigate the risks associated with public research on generative AI technologies; and (3) to support efforts in developing digital content provenance detection techniques and technologies in line with United States national security interests. (c) Establishment of countering AI-Enabled Disinformation Task Force (1) Establishment Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish within the Department a Countering AI-Enabled Disinformation Task Force (referred to in this section as the Task Force ) to— (A) identify potential responses to the growing threat of AI-enabled disinformation and its use by foreign state actors to augment influence operations and disinformation campaigns; (B) work closely with private industry and academia to identify and coordinate efforts in developing digital content provenance detection techniques and technologies; (C) develop the Department’s internal coordination across regional and functional bureaus on the issue of AI-enabled disinformation; (D) develop a unified approach to international coordination on— (i) establishing standards around digital content provenance techniques and technologies, specifically as it relates to countering AI-enabled disinformation campaign; and (ii) assessing the potential for establishing frameworks around the proliferation of tools that facilitate AI-enabled disinformation; and (E) identify any additional tools or resources necessary to enhance the Department’s ability to— (i) detect AI-enabled foreign disinformation and propaganda; (ii) rapidly produce original counter-messaging to address AI-enabled disinformation campaigns; (iii) expand digital literacy programming abroad to include education on how media consumers in recipient countries can identify and inoculate themselves from synthetically produced media; and (iv) coordinate and collaborate with other governments, international organizations, civil society, the private sector, and others, as necessary. (2) Membership The Task Force shall be comprised of a representative from relevant offices, as determined by the Secretary, including— (A) the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy; (B) the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs; (C) the Global Engagement Center; (D) the Office of the Science and Technology Advisor to the Secretary; (E) the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs; (F) the Bureau for Intelligence and Research; (G) the Center for Analytics of the Office of Management Strategy and Solutions; (H) the Foreign Service Institute School of Applied Information Technology; and (I) any others the Secretary determines appropriate. (d) Task Force report Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees on the establishment and progress of the Task Force’s work, including in pursuit of the objectives described in subsection(c)(1). (e) Definitions In this section: (1) Artificial intelligence The term artificial intelligence has the meaning given that term in section 238(g) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 ( Public Law 115–232 ; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note). (2) Digital content provenance The term digital content provenance means the verifiable chronology of the origin and history of a piece of digital content, such as an image, video, audio recording, or electronic document. 304. Establishment of the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Department of State Section 1 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2651a ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (n) Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (1) In general There shall be within the Department of State a Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, which may be dual-hatted as the Department’s Chief Data Officer, who shall be a member of the Senior Executive Service. (2) Duties described The principal duties and responsibilities of the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer shall be— (A) to evaluate, oversee, and, if appropriate, facilitate the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning applications to improve policy, programs, and management operations of the Department of State; and (B) to act as the principal advisor to the Secretary of State on the ethical use of AI and advanced analytics in conducting data-informed diplomacy. (3) Qualifications The Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer should be an individual with demonstrated skill and competency in— (A) the use and application of data analytics, AI, and machine learning; and (B) transformational leadership and organizational change management, particularly within large, complex organizations. (4) Partner with the Chief Information Officer on scaling artificial intelligence use cases To ensure alignment between the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer and the Chief Information Officer, the Chief Information Officer will consult with the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer on best practices for rolling out and scaling AI capabilities across the Bureau of Information and Resource Management’s broader portfolio of software applications. (5) Artificial intelligence defined In this subsection, the term artificial intelligence has the meaning given the term in section 238(g) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 ( Public Law 115–232 ; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note). . 305. Strengthening the Chief Information Officer of the Department of State (a) In general The Chief Information Officer of the Department shall be consulted on all decisions to approve or disapprove, significant new unclassified information technology expenditures, including software, of the Department, including expenditures related to information technology acquired, managed, and maintained by other bureaus and offices within the Department, in order to— (1) encourage the use of enterprise software and information technology solutions where such solutions exist or can be developed in a timeframe and manner consistent with maintaining and enhancing the continuity and improvement of Department operations; (2) increase the bargaining power of the Department in acquiring information technology solutions across the Department; (3) reduce the number of redundant Authorities to Operate (ATO), which, instead of using one ATO-approved platform across bureaus, requires multiple ATOs for software use cases across different bureaus; (4) enhance the efficiency, reduce redundancy, and increase interoperability of the use of information technology across the enterprise of the Department; (5) enhance training and alignment of information technology personnel with the skills required to maintain systems across the Department; (6) reduce costs related to the maintenance of, or effectuate the retirement of, legacy systems; (7) ensure the development and maintenance of security protocols regarding the use of information technology solutions and software across the Department; and (8) improve end-user training on the operation of information technology solutions and to enhance end-user cybersecurity practices. (b) Strategy and implementation plan required (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Chief Information Officer of the Department shall develop, in consultation with relevant bureaus and offices as appropriate, a strategy and a 5-year implementation plan to advance the objectives described in subsection (a). (2) Consultation No later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Chief Information Officer shall submit the strategy required by this subsection to the appropriate congressional committees and shall consult with the appropriate congressional committees, not less than on an annual basis for 5 years, regarding the progress related to the implementation plan required by this subjection. (c) Improvement plan for the Bureau for Information Resources Management (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Chief Information Officer shall develop policies and protocols to improve the customer service orientation, quality and timely delivery of information technology solutions, and training and support for bureau and office-level information technology officers. (2) Survey Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for five years, the Chief Information Officer shall undertake a client satisfaction survey of bureau information technology officers to obtain feedback on metrics related to— (A) customer service orientation of the Bureau of Information Resources Management; (B) quality and timelines of capabilities delivered; (C) maintenance and upkeep of information technology solutions; (D) training and support for senior bureau and office-level information technology officers; and (E) other matters which the Chief Information Officer, in consultation with client bureaus and offices, determine appropriate. (3) Submission of findings Not later than 60 days after completing each survey required under paragraph (2), the Chief Information Officer shall submit a summary of the findings to the appropriate congressional committees. (d) Significant expenditure defined For purposes of this section, the term significant expenditure means any cumulative expenditure in excess of $250,000 total in a single fiscal year for a new unclassified software or information technology capability. 306. Sense of Congress on strengthening enterprise governance It is the sense of Congress that in order to modernize the Department, enterprise-wide governance regarding budget and finance, information technology, and the creation, analysis, and use of data across the Department is necessary to better align resources to strategy, including evaluating trade-offs, and to enhance efficiency and security in using data and technology as tools to inform and evaluate the conduct of United States foreign policy. 307. Digital connectivity and cybersecurity partnership (a) Digital connectivity and cybersecurity partnership The Secretary is authorized to establish a program, which may be known as the Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership , to help foreign countries— (1) expand and increase secure internet access and digital infrastructure in emerging markets, including demand for and availability of high-quality information and communications technology (ICT) equipment, software, and services; (2) protect technological assets, including data; (3) adopt policies and regulatory positions that foster and encourage open, interoperable, reliable, and secure internet, the free flow of data, multi-stakeholder models of internet governance, and pro-competitive and secure ICT policies and regulations; (4) access United States exports of ICT goods and services; (5) expand interoperability and promote the diversification of ICT goods and supply chain services to be less reliant on PRC imports; (6) promote best practices and common standards for a national approach to cybersecurity; and (7) advance other priorities consistent with paragraphs (1) through (6), as determined by the Secretary. (b) Use of funds Funds made available to carry out this section, including unexpended funds from fiscal years 2018 through 2022, may be used to strengthen civilian cybersecurity and information and communications technology capacity, including participation of foreign law enforcement and military personnel in non-military activities, notwithstanding any other provision of law, provided that such support is essential to enabling civilian and law enforcement of cybersecurity and information and communication technology related activities in their respective countries. (c) Implementation plan Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees an implementation plan for the coming year to advance the goals identified in subsection (a). (d) Consultation In developing and operationalizing the implementation plan required under subsection (c), the Secretary shall consult with— (1) the appropriate congressional committees; (2) United States industry leaders; (3) other relevant technology experts, including the Open Technology Fund; (4) representatives from relevant United States Government agencies; and (5) representatives from like-minded allies and partners. (e) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028 to carry out this section. Such funds, including funds authorized to be appropriated under the heading Economic Support Fund , may be made available, notwithstanding any other provision of law to strengthen civilian cybersecurity and information and communications technology capacity, including for participation of foreign law enforcement and military personnel in non-military activities, and for contributions. Such funds shall remain available until expended. 308. Establishment of a cyberspace, digital connectivity, and related technologies (CDT) fund Part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 ( 22 U.S.C. 2301 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following new chapter: 10 Cyberspace, digital connectivity, and related technologies (CDT) fund 591. Findings Congress makes the following findings: (1) Increasingly digitized and interconnected social, political, and economic systems have introduced new vulnerabilities for malicious actors to exploit, which threatens economic and national security. (2) The rapid development, deployment, and integration of information and communication technologies into all aspects of modern life bring mounting risks of accidents and malicious activity involving such technologies, and their potential consequences. (3) Because information and communication technologies are globally manufactured, traded, and networked, the economic and national security of the United State depends greatly on cybersecurity practices of other actors, including other countries. (4) United States assistance to countries and international organizations to bolster civilian capacity to address national cybersecurity and deterrence in cyberspace can help— (A) reduce vulnerability in the information and communication technologies ecosystem; and (B) advance national and economic security objectives. 592. Authorization of assistance and funding for cyberspace, digital connectivity, and related technologies (CDT) capacity building activities (a) Authorization The Secretary of State is authorized to provide assistance to foreign governments and organizations, including national, regional, and international institutions, on such terms and conditions as the Secretary may determine, in order to— (1) advance a secure and stable cyberspace; (2) protect and expand trusted digital ecosystems and connectivity; (3) build the cybersecurity capacity of partner countries and organizations; and (4) ensure that the development of standards and the deployment and use of technology supports and reinforces human rights and democratic values, including through the Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership. (b) Scope of uses Assistance under this section may include programs to— (1) advance the adoption and deployment of secure and trustworthy information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and services, including efforts to grow global markets for secure ICT goods and services and promote a more diverse and resilient ICT supply chain; (2) provide technical and capacity building assistance to— (A) promote policy and regulatory frameworks that create an enabling environment for digital connectivity and a vibrant digital economy; (B) ensure technologies, including related new and emerging technologies, are developed, deployed, and used in ways that support and reinforce democratic values and human rights; (C) promote innovation and competition; and (D) support digital governance with the development of rights-respecting international norms and standards; (3) help countries prepare for, defend against, and respond to malicious cyber activities, including through— (A) the adoption of cybersecurity best practices; (B) the development of national strategies to enhance cybersecurity; (C) the deployment of cybersecurity tools and services to increase the security, strength, and resilience of networks and infrastructure; (D) support for the development of cybersecurity watch, warning, response, and recovery capabilities, including through the development of cybersecurity incident response teams; (E) support for collaboration with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and other relevant Federal agencies to enhance cybersecurity; (F) programs to strengthen allied and partner governments’ capacity to detect, investigate, deter, and prosecute cybercrimes; (G) programs to provide information and resources to diplomats engaging in discussions and negotiations around international law and capacity building measures related to cybersecurity; (H) capacity building for cybersecurity partners, including law enforcement and military entities as described in subsection (f); (I) programs that enhance the ability of relevant stakeholders to act collectively against shared cybersecurity threats; (J) the advancement of programs in support of the Framework of Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace; and (K) the fortification of deterrence instruments in cyberspace; and (4) such other purpose and functions as the Secretary of State may designate. (c) Responsibility for policy decisions and justification The Secretary of State shall be responsible for policy decisions regarding programs under this chapter, with respect to— (1) whether there will be cybersecurity and digital capacity building programs for a foreign country or entity operating in that country; (2) the amount of funds for each foreign country or entity; and (3) the scope and nature of such uses of funding. (d) Detailed justification for uses and purposes of funds The Secretary of State shall provide, on an annual basis, a detailed justification for the uses and purposes of the amounts provided under this chapter, including information concerning— (1) the amounts and kinds of grants; (2) the amounts and kinds of budgetary support provided, if any; and (3) the amounts and kinds of project assistance provided for what purpose and with such amounts. (e) Assistance and funding under other authorities The authority granted under this section to provide assistance or funding for countries and organizations does not preclude the use of funds provided to carry out other authorities also available for such purpose. (f) Availability of funds Amounts appropriated to carry out this chapter may be used, notwithstanding any other provision of law, to strengthen civilian cybersecurity and information and communications technology capacity, including participation of foreign law enforcement and military personnel in non-military activities, provided that such support is essential to enabling civilian and law enforcement of cybersecurity and information and communication technology related activities in their respective countries. (g) Notification requirements Funds made available under this section shall be obligated in accordance with the procedures applicable to reprogramming notifications pursuant to section 634A of this Act. 593. Review of emergency assistance capacity (a) In general The Secretary of State, in consultation as appropriate with other relevant Federal departments and agencies is authorized to conduct a review that— (1) analyzes the United States Government’s capacity to promptly and effectively deliver emergency support to countries experiencing major cybersecurity and ICT incidents; (2) identifies relevant factors constraining the support referred to in paragraph (1); and (3) develops a strategy to improve coordination among relevant Federal agencies and to resolve such constraints. (b) Report Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this chapter, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives that contains the results of the review conducted pursuant to subsection (a). 594. Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated $150,000,000 during the 5-year period beginning on October 1, 2023, to carry out the purposes of this chapter. . IV Organization and operations 401. Personal services contractors (a) Exigent circumstances and crisis response To assist the Department in addressing and responding to exigent circumstances and urgent crises abroad, the Department is authorized to employ a limited number of personal services contractors in order to meet exigent needs, subject to the requirements of this section. (b) Authority The authority to employ personal services contractors is in addition to any existing authorities to enter into personal services contracts. (c) Employing and allocation of personnel To meet the needs described in subsection (a) and subject to the requirements in subsection (d), the Department may— (1) enter into contracts to employ a total of up to 100 personal services contractors at any given time for each of fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026; and (2) allocate up to 20 personal services contractors to a given bureau, without regard to the sources of funding such office relies on to compensate individuals. (d) Limitation Employment authorized by this section shall not exceed two calendar years. (e) Notification and reporting to Congress (1) Notification Not later than 15 days after the use of authority under this section, the Secretary shall notify the appropriate congressional committees of the number of personal services contractors being employed, the expected length of employment, the relevant bureau, the purpose for using personal services contractors, and the justification, including the exigent circumstances requiring such use. (2) Annual reporting Not later than 60 days after the end of each fiscal year, the Department shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report describing the number of personal services contractors employed pursuant to this section for the prior fiscal year, the length of employment, the relevant bureau by which they were employed pursuant to this section, the purpose for using personal services contractors, disaggregated demographic data of such contractors, and the justification for the employment, including the exigent circumstances. 402. Hard-to-fill posts (a) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) the number of hard-to-fill vacancies at United States diplomatic missions are far too high and present a national security risk to the United States; and (2) if the Department is unable to incentivize officers to accept hard-to-fill positions, the Department should consider directed assignments to more effectively advance the national interests of the United States. (b) Report on development of incentives for hard-to-fill posts Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees on efforts to develop new incentives for hard-to-fill positions at United States diplomatic missions. The report shall include a description of the incentives developed to date and proposals to try to more effectively fill hard-to-fill posts. 403. Enhanced oversight of the Office of Civil Rights (a) Report with recommendations and management structure Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Management shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report with any recommendations for the long-term structure and management of the Office of Civil Rights, including— (1) whether OCR should report directly to someone other than the Secretary, such as the Under Secretary of Management; (2) any changes made within OCR to its investigative processes to improve the integrity and thoroughness of its investigations; and (3) any recommendations to improve the management structure, investigative process, and oversight of the Office. 404. Crisis response operations (a) In general Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall institute the following changes and ensure that the following elements have been integrated into the ongoing crisis response management and response by the Crisis Management and Strategy Office: (1) The Department’s crisis response planning and operations shall conduct, maintain, and update on a regular basis contingency plans for posts and regions experiencing or vulnerable to conflict or emergency conditions, including armed conflict, national disasters, significant political or military upheaval, and emergency evacuations. (2) The Department’s crisis response efforts shall be led by an individual with significant experience responding to prior crises, who shall be so designated by the Secretary. (3) The Department’s crisis response efforts shall provide at least quarterly updates to the Secretary and other relevant senior officials, including a plan and schedule to develop contingency planning for identified posts and regions consistent with paragraph (1). (4) The decision to develop contingency planning for any particular post or region shall be made independent of any regional bureau. (5) The crisis response team shall develop and maintain best practices for evacuations, closures, and emergency conditions. (b) Update Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit an update to the appropriate congressional committees outlining the steps taken to implement this section, along with any other recommendations to improve the Department’s crisis management and response operations. V Economic diplomacy 501. Duties of officers performing economic functions (a) In general Chapter 5 of title I of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 3981 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 506. Duties of officers performing economic functions (a) Defined term In this section, the term United States person means— (1) a United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States; or (2) an entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States, including a foreign branch of such an entity. (b) In general The Secretary is authorized to direct the economic officers of the Foreign Service as appropriate to carry out the full spectrum of economic statecraft and commercial diplomacy work that advances United States foreign policy priorities in the host country or domestic posting to which they are assigned, including— (1) to negotiate economic and other related agreements with foreign governments and international organizations; (2) to inform the Department, and when appropriate, the Washington, D.C., headquarters offices of Federal agencies, with respect to the positions of foreign governments and international organizations in negotiations on such matters as economic, energy, environment, science and health; (3) to advance— (A) the routine implementation and maintenance of economic, environment, science, and health agreements; and (B) other initiatives in the countries to which such officers are assigned related to improving economic or commercial relations for the benefit of United States persons, including businesses; (4) to identify, and help design and execute, and advance in consultation with other Federal agencies, United States policies, programs, and initiatives, including capacity-building efforts, to advance policies of foreign governments that improve local economic governance, market-based business environments, and market access, increase trade and investment opportunities, or provide a more level playing field for United States persons, including with respect to— (A) improving revenue collection; (B) streamlining customs processes and improving customs transparency and efficiency; (C) improving regulatory management; (D) improving procurement processes, including facilitating transparency in tendering, bidding, and contact negotiation; (E) advancing intellectual property protections; (F) eliminating anticompetitive subsidies and improving the transparency of remaining subsidies; (G) improving budget management and oversight; and (H) strengthening management of important economic sectors; (5) to prioritize active support of economic and commercial goals of the United States, and as appropriate, United States persons abroad, in conjunction with the United States and Foreign Commercial Service established by section 2301 of the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 ( 15 U.S.C. 4721 ); (6) to provide United States persons with information on all United States Government support with respect to international economic matters; (7) to receive feedback from United States persons with respect to support described in paragraphs (5) and (6), and report that feedback to the chief of mission and to the headquarters of the Department; (8) to consult closely and regularly with the private sector in accordance with section 709 of the Championing American Business through Diplomacy Act of 2019 ( 22 U.S.C. 9905 ); (9) to identify and execute opportunities for the United States to counter policies, initiatives, or activities by authoritarian governments or enterprises affiliated with such governments that are anticompetitive or undermine the sovereignty or prosperity of the United States or a partner country; (10) to identify and execute opportunities for the United States in new and emerging areas of trade and investment, such as digital trade, critical minerals extraction, refining, and processing, energy, and innovation; (11) to monitor the development and implementation of bilateral and multilateral economic and other related agreements and provide recommendations to the Secretary and the heads of other relevant Federal agencies with respect to United States actions and initiatives relating to those agreements; (12) to maintain complete and accurate records of the performance measurements of the Department for economic and commercial diplomacy activities, as directed by the chief of mission and other senior officials of the Department; (13) to report on issues and developments related to economic, commercial, trade, and investment matters with direct relevance to United States economic and national security interests, especially when accurate, reliable, timely, and cost-effective information is unavailable from non-United States Government sources; and (14) to coordinate all activities, as necessary and appropriate, with counterparts in other agencies. (c) Regulatory updates The Secretary shall update guidance in the Foreign Affairs Manual and other regulations and guidance as necessary to implement this section. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of contents for the Foreign Service Act of 1980 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 505 the following: Sec. 506. Duties of economic officers. . 502. Report on recruitment, retention, and promotion of Foreign Service economic officers (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees regarding the recruitment, retention, and promotion of economic officers in the Foreign Service. (b) Elements The report required under subsection (b) shall include— (1) an overview of the key challenges the Department faces in— (A) recruiting individuals to serve as economic officers in the Foreign Service; and (B) retaining individuals serving as economic officers in the Foreign Service, particularly at the level of GS–14 of the General Schedule and higher; (2) an overview of the key challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified individuals to serve in economic positions in the Civil Service; (3) a comparison of promotion rates for economic officers in the Foreign Service relative to other officers in the Foreign Service; (4) the identification, disaggregated by region, of hard-to-fill posts and proposed incentives to improve staffing of economic officers in the Foreign Service at such posts; and (5) a summary and analysis of the factors that lead to the promotion of— (A) economic officers in the Foreign Service; and (B) individuals serving in economic positions in the Civil Service. 503. Mandate to revise Department of State metrics for successful economic and commercial diplomacy (a) Mandate to revise department of state performance measures for economic and commercial diplomacy The Secretary shall, as part of the Department’s next regularly scheduled review on metrics and performance measures, include revisions of Department performance measures for economic and commercial diplomacy, by identifying outcome-oriented, and not process-oriented, performance metrics, including metrics that— (1) measure how Department efforts advanced specific economic and commercial objectives and led to successes for the United States or other private sector actors overseas; and (2) focus on customer satisfaction with Department services and assistance. (b) Plan for ensuring complete data for performance measures As part of the review required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall include a plan for ensuring that— (1) the Department, both at its main headquarters and at domestic and overseas posts, maintains and fully updates data on performance measures; and (2) Department leadership and the appropriate congressional committees can evaluate the extent to which the Department is advancing United States economic and commercial interests abroad through meeting performance targets. (c) Report on private sector surveys The Secretary shall prepare a report that lists and describes all the methods through which the Department conducts surveys of the private sector to measure private sector satisfaction with assistance and services provided by the Department to advance private sector economic and commercial goals in foreign markets. (d) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees— (1) the revised performance metrics required under subsection (a); and (2) the report required under subsection (c). 504. Chief of mission economic responsibilities Section 207 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 3927 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (e) Embassy economic team (1) Coordination and supervision Each chief of mission shall coordinate and supervise the implementation of all United States economic policy interests within the host country in which the diplomatic mission is located, among all United States Government departments and agencies present in such country. (2) Accountability The chief of mission is responsible for the performance of the diplomatic mission in advancing United States economic policy interests within the host country. (3) Mission economic team The chief of mission shall designate appropriate embassy staff to form a mission economic team that— (A) monitors notable economic, commercial, and investment-related developments in the host country; and (B) develops plans and strategies for advancing United States economic and commercial interests in the host country, including— (i) tracking legislative, regulatory, judicial, and policy developments that could affect United States economic, commercial, and investment interests; (ii) advocating for best practices with respect to policy and regulatory developments; (iii) conducting regular analyses of market systems, trends, prospects, and opportunities for value-addition, including risk assessments and constraints analyses of key sectors and of United States strategic competitiveness, and other reporting on commercial opportunities and investment climate; and (iv) providing recommendations for responding to developments that may adversely affect United States economic and commercial interests. . 505. Direction to embassy deal teams (a) Purposes The purposes of deal teams at United States embassies and consulates are— (1) to promote a private sector-led approach— (A) to advance economic growth and job creation that is tailored, as appropriate, to specific economic sectors; and (B) to advance strategic partnerships; (2) to prioritize efforts— (A) to identify commercial and investment opportunities; (B) to advocate for improvements in the business and investment climate; (C) to engage and consult with private sector partners; and (D) to report on the activities described in subparagraphs (A) through (C), in accordance with the applicable requirements under sections 706 and 707 of the Championing American Business Through Diplomacy Act of 2019 (22 U.S.C. 9902 and 9903); (3) (A) (i) to identify trade and investment opportunities for United States companies in foreign markets; or (ii) to assist with existing trade and investment opportunities already identified by United States companies; and (B) to deploy United States Government economic and other tools to help such United States companies to secure their objectives; (4) to identify and facilitate opportunities for entities in a host country to increase exports to, or investment in, the United States in order to grow two-way trade and investment; (5) to modernize, streamline, and improve access to resources and services designed to promote increased trade and investment opportunities; (6) to identify and secure United States or allied government support of strategic projects, including projects vulnerable to predatory investment by an authoritarian country or entity in such country, where support or investment serves an important United States interest; (7) to coordinate across the Unites States Government to ensure the appropriate and most effective use of United States Government tools to support United States economic, commercial, and investment objectives; and (8) to coordinate with the multi-agency DC Central Deal Team, established in February 2020, on the matters described in paragraphs (1) through (7) and other relevant matters. (b) Clarification A deal team may be composed of the personnel comprising the mission economic team formed pursuant to section 207(e)(3) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as added by section 504. (c) Restrictions A deal team may not provide support for, or assist a United States person with a transaction involving, a government, or an entity owned or controlled by a government, if the Secretary determines that such government— (1) has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism, as described in— (A) section 1754(c)(1)(A)(i) of the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (subtitle B of title XVII of Public Law 115–232 ); (B) section 620A(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 ( 22 U.S.C. 2371(a) ); (C) section 40(d) of the Arms Export Control Act ( 22 U.S.C. 2780(d) ); or (D) any other relevant provision of law; or (2) has engaged in an activity that would trigger a restriction under section 116(a) or 502B(a)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 ( 22 U.S.C. 2151n(a) and 2304(a)(2)) or any other relevant provision of law. (d) Further restrictions (1) Prohibition on support of sanctioned persons Deal teams may not carry out activities prohibited under United States sanctions laws or regulations, including dealings with persons on the list of specially designated persons and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury, except to the extent otherwise authorized by the Secretary of the Treasury or the Secretary. (2) Prohibition on support of activities subject to sanctions Any person receiving support from a deal team must be in compliance with all United States sanctions laws and regulations as a condition for receiving such assistance. (e) Chief of mission authority and accountability The chief of mission to a foreign country— (1) is the designated leader of a deal team in such country; and (2) shall be held accountable for the performance and effectiveness of United States deal teams in such country. (f) Guidance cable The Department shall send out regular guidance on Deal Team efforts by an All Diplomatic and Consular Posts (referred to in this section as ALDAC ) that— (1) describes the role of deal teams; and (2) includes relevant and up-to-date information to enhance the effectiveness of deal teams in a country. (g) Confidentiality of information (1) In general In preparing the cable required under subsection (f), the Secretary shall protect from disclosure any proprietary information of a United States person marked as business confidential information unless the person submitting such information— (A) had notice, at the time of submission, that such information would be released by; or (B) subsequently consents to the release of such information. (2) Treatment as trade secrets Proprietary information obtained by the United States Government from a United States person pursuant to the activities of deal teams shall be— (A) considered to be trade secrets and commercial or financial information (as such terms are used under section 552b(c)(4) of title 5, United States Code); and (B) exempt from disclosure without the express approval of the person. (h) Sunset The requirements under subsections (f) through (h) shall terminate on the date that is 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act. 506. Establishment of a Deal Team of the Year award (a) Establishment The Secretary shall annually present a new award, to be known as the Deal Team of the Year Award to the deal team at one United States mission in each region of the Department to recognize outstanding achievements in supporting a United States company or companies pursuing commercial deals abroad or in identifying new deal prospects for United States companies. (b) Award content (1) Department of State Each member of a deal team receiving an award pursuant to subsection (a) shall receive a certificate that— (A) is signed by the Secretary; and (B) (i) in the case of a member of the Foreign Service, is included in the next employee evaluation report; or (ii) in the case of a Civil Service employee, is included in the next annual performance review. (2) Other Federal agencies If an award is presented pursuant to subsection (a) to a Federal Government employee who is not employed by the Department, the employing agency may determine whether to provide such employee any recognition or benefits in addition to the recognition or benefits provided by the Department. (c) Eligibility Any interagency economics team at a United States overseas mission under chief of mission authority that assists United States companies with identifying, navigating, and securing trade and investment opportunities in a foreign country or that facilitates beneficial foreign investment into the United States is eligible for an award under this section. (d) Report Not later than the last day of the fiscal year in which awards are presented pursuant to subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that includes— (1) each mission receiving a Deal Team of the Year Award. (2) the names and agencies of each awardee within the recipient deal teams; and (3) a detailed description of the reason such deal teams received such award. VI Public diplomacy 601. National advertising campaign Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a strategy to the appropriate congressional committees that assesses the potential benefits and costs of a national advertising campaign to improve the recruitment in the Civil Service and the Foreign Service by raising public awareness of the important accomplishments of the Department. 602. Public diplomacy outreach (a) Coordination of resources The Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development and the Secretary shall direct public affairs sections at United States embassies and USAID Mission Program Officers at USAID missions to coordinate, enhance and prioritize resources for public diplomacy and awareness campaigns around United States diplomatic and development efforts, including through— (1) the utilization of new media technology for maximum public engagement; and (2) enact coordinated comprehensive community outreach to increase public awareness and understanding and appreciation of United States diplomatic and development efforts. (b) Development outreach and coordination officers USAID should prioritize hiring of additional Development Outreach and Coordination officers in USAID missions to support the purposes of subsection (a). (c) Best practices The Secretary and the Administrator of USAID shall identify 10 countries in which Embassies and USAID missions have successfully executed efforts, including monitoring and evaluation of such efforts, described in (a) and develop best practices to be turned into Department and USAID guidance. 603. Modification on use of funds for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty In section 308(h) of the United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994 ( 22 U.S.C. 6207(h) ) is amended— (1) by striking subparagraphs (1), (3), and (5); and (2) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (4) as paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively. 604. International broadcasting (a) Voice of America Section 303 of the United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994 ( 22 U.S.C. 6202 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (d) Voice of America operations and structure (1) Operations The Director of the Voice of America (VOA)— (A) shall direct and supervise the operations of VOA, including making all major decisions relating its staffing; and (B) may utilize any authorities made available to the United States Agency for Global Media or to its Chief Executive Officer under this Act or under any other Act to carry out its operations in an effective manner. (2) Plan Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of VOA shall submit a plan to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives to ensure that the personnel structure of VOA is sufficient to effectively carry out the principles described in subsection (c). . (b) Appointment of Chief Executive Officer Section 304 of such Act ( 22 U.S.C. 6203 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking as an entity described in section 104 of title 5, United States Code and inserting under the direction of the International Broadcasting Advisory Board ; and (2) in subsection (b)(1), by striking the second sentence and inserting the following: Notwithstanding any other provision of law, when a vacancy arises, until such time as a Chief Executive Officer, to whom sections 3345 through 3349b of title 5, United States Code, shall not apply, is appointed and confirmed by the Senate, an acting Chief Executive Officer shall be appointed by the International Broadcasting Advisory Board and shall continue to serve and exercise the authorities and powers under this title as the sole means of filling such vacancy, for the duration of the vacancy. In the absence of a quorum on the International Broadcasting Advisory Board, the first principal deputy of the United States Agency for Global Media shall serve as acting Chief Executive Officer. . (c) Chief Executive Officer authorities Section 305(a)(1) of such Act ( 22 U.S.C. 6204(a)(1) ) is amended by striking To supervise all and inserting To oversee, coordinate, and provide strategic direction for . (d) International Broadcasting Advisory Board Section 306(a) of such Act ( 22 U.S.C. 6205(a) ) is amended by striking advise the Chief Executive Officer of and inserting oversee and advise the Chief Executive Officer and . (e) Radio Free Africa; Radio Free Americas Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Chief Executive Officer of the United States Agency for Global Media shall submit a report to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate , the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate , the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives , and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives that details the financial and other resources that would be required to establish and operate 2 nonprofit organizations, modeled after Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia, for the purposes of providing accurate, uncensored, and reliable news and information to— (1) the region of Africa, with respect to Radio Free Africa; and (2) the region of Latin America and the Caribbean, with respect to Radio Free Americas. 605. John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship program (a) In general The Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 ( 22 U.S.C. 2451 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following: 115. John Lewis civil rights fellowship program (a) Establishment There is established the John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship Program (referred to in this section as the Fellowship Program ) within the J. William Fulbright Educational Exchange Program. (b) Purposes The purposes of the Fellowship Program are— (1) to honor the legacy of Representative John Lewis by promoting a greater understanding of the history and tenets of nonviolent civil rights movements; and (2) to advance foreign policy priorities of the United States by promoting studies, research, and international exchange in the subject of nonviolent movements that established and protected civil rights around the world. (c) Administration The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (referred to in this section as the Bureau ) shall administer the Fellowship Program in accordance with policy guidelines established by the Board, in consultation with the binational Fulbright Commissions and United States Embassies. (d) Selection of fellows (1) In general The Board shall annually select qualified individuals to participate in the Fellowship Program. The Bureau may determine the number of fellows selected each year, which, whenever feasible, shall be not fewer than 25. (2) Outreach (A) In general To the extent practicable, the Bureau shall conduct outreach at institutions, including— (i) minority serving institutions, including historically Black colleges and universities; and (ii) other appropriate institutions, as determined by the Bureau. (B) Definitions In this paragraph: (i) Historically black college and university The term historically Black college and university has the meaning given the term part B institution in section 322 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1061 ). (ii) Minority serving institution The term minority-serving institution means an eligible institution under section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1067q(a) ). (e) Fellowship orientation Annually, the Bureau shall organize and administer a fellowship orientation, which shall— (1) be held in Washington, D.C., or at another location selected by the Bureau; and (2) include programming to honor the legacy of Representative John Lewis. (f) Structure (1) Work plan To carry out the purposes described in subsection (b)— (A) each fellow selected pursuant to subsection (d) shall arrange an internship or research placement— (i) with a nongovernmental organization, academic institution, or other organization approved by the Bureau; and (ii) in a country with an operational Fulbright U.S. Student Program; and (B) the Bureau shall, for each fellow, approve a work plan that identifies the target objectives for the fellow, including specific duties and responsibilities relating to those objectives. (2) Conferences; presentations Each fellow shall— (A) attend a fellowship orientation organized and administered by the Bureau under subsection (e); (B) not later than the date that is 1 year after the end of the fellowship period, attend a fellowship summit organized and administered by the Bureau, which— (i) whenever feasible, shall be held in Atlanta, Georgia, or another location of importance to the civil rights movement in the United States; and (ii) may coincide with other events facilitated by the Bureau; and (C) at such summit, give a presentation on lessons learned during the period of fellowship. (3) Fellowship period Each fellowship under this section shall continue for a period determined by the Bureau, which, whenever feasible, shall be not fewer than 10 months. (g) Fellowship award The Bureau shall provide each fellow under this section with an allowance that is equal to the amount needed for— (1) the reasonable costs of the fellow during the fellowship period; and (2) travel and lodging expenses related to attending the orientation and summit required under subsection (e)(2). (h) Annual report Not later than 1 year after the date of the completion of the Fellowship Program by the initial cohort of fellows selected under subsection (d), and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State shall submit to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the implementation of the Fellowship Program, including— (1) a description of the demographics of the cohort of fellows who completed a fellowship during the preceding 1-year period; (2) a description of internship and research placements, and research projects selected by such cohort, under the Fellowship Program, including feedback from— (A) such cohort on implementation of the Fellowship Program; and (B) the Secretary on lessons learned; and (3) an analysis of trends relating to the diversity of each cohort of fellows and the topics of projects completed since the establishment of the Fellowship Program. . (b) Technical and conforming amendments to the mutual educational and cultural exchange Act of 1961 Section 112(a) of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 ( 22 U.S.C. 2460(a) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (8), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (2) in paragraph (9), by striking the period and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (10) the John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship Program established under section 115, which provides funding for international internships and research placements for early- to mid-career individuals from the United States to study nonviolent civil rights movements in self-arranged placements with universities or nongovernmental organizations in foreign countries. . 606. Domestic engagement and public diplomacy (a) Strategy required Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a strategy to explain to the American people the value of the work of the Department and United States foreign policy to advancing the national security of the United States. The strategy shall include— (1) tools to inform the American people about the non-partisan importance of United States diplomacy and foreign relations and to utilize public diplomacy to meet the United States’ national security priorities; (2) efforts to reach the widest possible audience of Americans, including those who historically have not had exposure to United States foreign policy efforts and priorities; (3) additional staffing and resource needs including— (A) domestic positions within the Bureau of Global Public Affairs to focus on engagement with the American people as outlined in paragraph (1); (B) positions within the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to enhance program and reach the widest possible audience; (C) increasing the number of fellowship and detail programs that place Foreign Service and civil service employees outside the Department for a limited time, including Pearson Fellows, Reta Joe Lewis Local Diplomats, Brookings Fellows, and Georgetown Fellows; and (D) recommendations for increasing participation in the Hometown Diplomats program and evaluating this program as well as other opportunities for Department officers to engage with American audiences while traveling within the United States. 607. Extension of Global Engagement Center Section 1287 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 ( 22 U.S.C. 2656 note) is amended by striking subsection (j). 608. Paperwork Reduction Act Section 5603(d) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 ( Public Law 117–81 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (4) United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 ( Public Law 80–402 ). . 609. Expansion of Diplomats in Residence Programs (a) Not later than two year after the date of the enactment of this Act— (1) the Secretary shall increase the number of diplomats in the Diplomats in Residence Program from seventeen to at least twenty; and (2) the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development shall increase the number of development diplomats in the Diplomats in Residence Program from one to at least three. VII Other matters 701. Expanding the use of DDTC licensing fees Section 45 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2717 ) is amended— (1) by striking 100 percent of the registration fees collected by the Office of Trade Controls of the Department of State and inserting 100 percent of the defense trade control registration fees collected by the Department of State ; (2) by inserting management, licensing, compliance, and policy activities in the defense trade controls function, including after expenses incurred for ; (3) in paragraph (1), by striking contract personnel to assist in ; (4) in paragraph (2), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (5) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (6) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: (4) the facilitation of defense trade policy development and implementation, review of commodity jurisdiction determinations, public outreach to industry and foreign parties, and analysis of scientific and technological developments as they relate to the exercise of defense trade control authorities; and (5) contract personnel to assist in such activities. . 702. Waiver authority related to prohibition on certain semiconductor products and services Section 5949(b) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 ( Public Law 117–263 ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (7) as paragraphs (4) through (8), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph: (3) Secretary of State The Secretary of State may provide a waiver on a date later than the effective date described in subsection (c) if the Secretary determines the waiver is in the critical national security interests of the United States. . 703. Prohibition on entry of officials of foreign governments involved in significant corruption or gross violations of human rights (a) Ineligibility (1) In general Officials of foreign governments, and their immediate family members, about whom the Secretary has credible information have been involved, directly or indirectly, in significant corruption, including corruption related to the extraction of natural resources, or a gross violation of human rights, including the wrongful detention of locally employed staff of a United States diplomatic mission or a United States citizen or national, shall be ineligible for entry into the United States. (2) Additional sanctions Concurrent with the application of paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, as appropriate, refer the matter to the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury to determine whether to apply sanctions authorities in accordance with United States law to block the transfer of property and interests in property, and all financial transactions, in the United States involving any person described in such paragraph. (3) Designation The Secretary shall also publicly or privately designate or identify the officials of foreign governments about whom the Secretary has such credible information, and their immediate family members, without regard to whether the individual has applied for a visa. (b) Exceptions (1) Specific purposes Individuals shall not be ineligible for entry into the United States pursuant to subsection (a) if such entry would further important United States law enforcement objectives or is necessary to permit the United States to fulfill its obligations under the United Nations Headquarters Agreement. (2) Rule of construction regarding international obligations Nothing in subsection (a) shall be construed to derogate from United States obligations under applicable international agreements. (c) Waiver The Secretary may waive the application of subsection (a) if the Secretary determines that the waiver would serve a compelling national interest or that the circumstances that caused the individual to be ineligible have changed sufficiently. (d) Report (1) In general Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees, the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives a report, including a classified annex if necessary, that includes— (A) a description of information related to corruption or violation of human rights concerning each of the individuals found ineligible in the previous 12 months pursuant to subsection (a)(1) as well as the individuals who the Secretary designated or identified pursuant to subsection (a)(3), or who would be ineligible but for the application of subsection (b); and (B) a list of any waivers provided under subsection (c), together with a justification for each waiver. (2) Form and publication (A) Form Each report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex. (B) Public availability The Secretary shall make available to the public on a publicly accessible internet website of the Department the unclassified portion of each report required under paragraph (1). (e) Clarification For purposes of subsections (a) and (d), the records of the Department and of diplomatic and consular offices of the United States pertaining to the issuance or refusal of visas or permits to enter the United States shall not be considered confidential. 704. Protection of cultural heritage during crises Notwithstanding the limitations specified in section 304(c) of the Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act ( 19 U.S.C. 2603(c) ) and without regard to whether a country is a State Party to the Convention (as defined in sections 302 of such Act ( 19 U.S.C. 2601 )), the Secretary may exercise the authority under section 304 of such Act ( 19 U.S.C. 2603 ) to impose import restrictions set forth in section 307 of such Act ( 19 U.S.C. 2606 ) if the Secretary determines that— (1) imposition of such restrictions is in the national interest of the United States; and (2) an emergency condition (as defined in section 304 of such Act ( 19 U.S.C. 2603 )) applies. 705. National Museum of American Diplomacy Title I of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2651a et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 64. National Museum of American Diplomacy (a) Activities (1) Support authorized The Secretary of State is authorized to provide, by contract, grant, or otherwise, for the performance of appropriate museum visitor and educational outreach services and related events, including organizing programs and conference activities, creating, designing, and installing exhibits, and conducting museum shop services and food services in the public exhibition and related physical and virtual space utilized by the National Museum of American Diplomacy. (2) Recovery of costs The Secretary of State is authorized to recover any revenues generated under the authority of paragraph (1) for visitor and educational outreach services and related events referred to in such paragraph, including fees for use of facilities at the National Museum for American Diplomacy. Any such revenues may be retained as a recovery of the costs of operating the museum, credited to any Department of State appropriation, and shall remain available until expended. (b) Disposition of documents, artifacts, and other articles (1) Property All historic documents, artifacts, or other articles permanently acquired by the Department of State and determined by the Secretary of State to be suitable for display by the National Museum of American Diplomacy shall be considered to be the property of the United States Government and shall be subject to disposition solely in accordance with this subsection. (2) Sale, trade, or transfer Whenever the Secretary of State makes a determination described in paragraph (3) with respect to a document, artifact, or other article under paragraph (1), taking into account considerations such as the museum’s collections management policy and best professional museum practices, the Secretary may sell at fair market value, trade, or transfer such document, artifact, or other article without regard to the requirements of subtitle I of title 40, United States Code. The proceeds of any such sale may be used solely for the advancement of the mission of the National Museum of American Diplomacy and may not be used for any purpose other than the acquisition and direct care of the collections of the Museum. (3) Determinations prior to sale, trade, or transfer The determination described in this paragraph with respect to a document, artifact, or other article under paragraph (1) is a determination that— (A) the document, artifact, or other article no longer serves to further the purposes of the National Museum of American Diplomacy as set forth in the collections management policy of the Museum; (B) the sale, trade, or transfer of the document, artifact, or other article would serve to maintain the standards of the collection of the Museum; or (C) the sale, trade, or transfer of the document, artifact, or other article would be in the best interests of the United States. (4) Loans In addition to the authorization under paragraph (2) relating to the sale, trade, or transfer of documents, artifacts, or other articles under paragraph (1), the Secretary of State may loan the documents, artifacts, or other articles, when not needed for use or display by the National Museum of American Diplomacy, to the Smithsonian Institution or a similar institution for repair, study, or exhibition. . 706. Extraterritorial offenses committed by United States nationals serving with international organizations (a) Jurisdiction Whoever, while a United States national or lawful permanent resident serving with the United Nations, its specialized agencies, or other international organization the Secretary has designated for purposes of this section and published in the Federal Register, or while accompanying such an individual, engages in conduct, or conspires or attempts to engage in conduct, outside the United States that would constitute an offense punishable by imprisonment for more than one year if the conduct had been engaged in within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, shall be subject to United States jurisdiction in order to be tried for that offense. (b) Definitions In this section: (1) Accompanying such individual The term accompanying such individual means— (A) being a dependent, or family member of a United States national or lawful permanent resident serving with the United Nations, its specialized agencies, or other international organization designated under subsection (a); (B) residing with such United States national or lawful permanent resident serving with the United Nations, its specialized agencies, or other international organization designated under subsection (a); and (C) not being a national of or ordinarily resident in the country where the offense is committed. (2) Serving with the United Nations, its specialized agencies, or other international organization as the Secretary of State may designate The term serving with the United Nations, its specialized agencies, or other international organization as the Secretary of State may designate under subsection (a) means— (A) being a United States national or lawful permanent resident employed as an employee, a contractor (including a subcontractor at any tier), an employee of a contractor (or a subcontractor at any tier), an expert on mission, or an unpaid intern or volunteer of the United Nations, including any of its funds, programs or subsidiary bodies, or any of the United Nations specialized agencies, or of any international organization designated under subsection (a)(1); and (B) being present or residing outside the United States in connection with such employment. (3) United States national The term United States national has the meaning given the term national of the United States in section 101(a)(22) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(22) ). (c) Rules of construction Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or affect the application of extraterritorial jurisdiction related to any other Federal law. 707. Extension of certain privileges and immunities to the international energy forum The International Organizations Immunities Act ( 22 U.S.C. 288 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 20. Under such terms and conditions as the President shall determine, the President is authorized to extend the provisions of this subchapter to the International Energy Forum Secretariat in the same manner, to the same extent, and subject to the same conditions, as they may be extended to a public international organization in which the United States participates pursuant to any treaty or under the authority of any Act of Congress authorizing such participation or making an appropriation for such participation. . 708. Extension of certain privileges and immunities to the Conseil Européen pour la recherche nucléaire (CERN; the European Organization for Nuclear Research) The International Organizations Immunities Act ( 22 U.S.C. 288 et seq. ), as amended by section 707 is further amended by adding at the end the following new section: 21. Under such terms and conditions as the President shall determine, the President is authorized to extend the provisions of this title to the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in the same manner, to the same extent, and subject to the same conditions, as it may be extended to a public international organization in which the United States participates pursuant to any treaty or under the authority of any Act of Congress authorizing such participation or making an appropriation for such participation. . 709. Internships of United States nationals at international organizations (a) In general The Secretary of State is authorized to bolster efforts to increase the number of United States citizens representative of the American people occupying positions in the United Nations system, agencies, and commissions, and in other international organizations, including by awarding grants to educational institutions and students. (b) Report Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that identifies— (1) the number of United States citizens who are involved in internship programs at international organizations; (2) the distribution of the individuals described in paragraph (1) among various international organizations; and (3) grants, programs, and other activities that are being utilized to recruit and fund United States citizens to participate in internship programs at international organizations. (c) Eligibility An individual referred to in subsection (a) is an individual who— (1) is enrolled at or received their degree withvin two years from— (A) an institution of higher education; or (B) an institution of higher education based outside the United States, as determined by the Secretary of State; and (2) is a citizen of the United States. (d) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated $1,500,000 for the Department of State for fiscal year 2024 to carry out the grant program authorized under subsection (a). 710. Training for international organizations (a) Training programs Section 708 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 4028 ) is amended by adding at the end of the following new subsection: (e) Training in multilateral diplomacy (1) In general The Secretary, in consultation with other senior officials as appropriate, shall establish training courses on— (A) the conduct of diplomacy at international organizations and other multilateral institutions; and (B) broad-based multilateral negotiations of international instruments. (2) Required training Members of the Service, including appropriate chiefs of mission and other officers who are assigned to United States missions representing the United States to international organizations and other multilateral institutions or who are assigned in other positions that have as their primary responsibility formulation of policy related to such organizations and institutions, or participation in negotiations of international instruments, shall receive specialized training in the areas described in paragraph (1) prior to the beginning of service for such assignment or, if receiving such training at that time is not practical, within the first year of beginning such assignment. . (b) Training for Department employees The Secretary of State shall ensure that employees of the Department of State who are assigned to positions described in paragraph (2) of subsection (e) of section 708 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (as added by subsection (a) of this section), including members of the civil service or general service, or who are seconded to international organizations for a period of at least one year, receive training described in such subsection and participate in other such courses as the Secretary may recommend to build or augment identifiable skills that would be useful for such Department officials representing United States interests at these institutions and organizations. 711. Modification to transparency on international agreements and non-binding instruments Section 112b of title 1, United States Code, as most recently amended by section 5947 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 ( Public Law 117–263 ; 136 Stat. 3476), is further amended— (1) by redesignating subsections (h) through (l) as subsections (i) through (m), respectively; and (2) by inserting after subsection (g) the following: (h) (1) If the Secretary is aware or has reason to believe that the requirements of subsection (a), (b), or (c) have not been fulfilled with respect to an international agreement or qualifying non-binding instrument, the Secretary shall— (A) immediately bring the matter to the attention of the office or agency responsible for the agreement or qualifying non-binding instrument; and (B) request the office or agency to provide within 7 days the text or other information necessary to fulfill the requirements of the relevant subsection. (2) Upon receiving the text or other information requested pursuant to paragraph (1), the Secretary shall— (A) fulfill the requirements of subsection (a), (b), or (c), as the case may be, with respect to the agreement or qualifying non-binding instrument concerned— (i) by including such text or other information in the next submission required by subsection (a)(1); (ii) by providing such information in writing to the Majority Leader of the Senate, the Minority Leader of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, and the appropriate congressional committees before provision of the submission described in clause (i); or (iii) in relation to subsection (b), by making the text of the agreement or qualifying non-binding instrument and the information described in subparagraphs (A)(iii) and (B)(iii) of subsection (a)(1) relating to the agreement or instrument available to the public on the website of the Department of State within 15 days of receiving the text or other information requested pursuant to paragraph (1); and (B) provide to the Majority Leader of the Senate, the Minority Leader of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, and the appropriate congressional committees, either in the next submission required by subsection (a)(1) or before such submission, a written statement explaining the reason for the delay in fulfilling the requirements of subsection (a), (b), or (c), as the case may be. . 712. Congressional oversight, quarterly review, and authority relating to concurrence provided by chiefs of mission for support of certain Government operations (a) Notification required Not later than 30 days after the date on which a chief of mission concurs with providing United States Government support to entities or individuals engaged in facilitating or supporting United States Government military- or security-related operations within the area of responsibility of the chief of mission, the Secretary shall notify the appropriate congressional committees of such concurrence. (b) Semiannual review, determination, and briefing required Not less frequently than semiannually, the Secretary, in order to ensure that the support described in subsection (a) continues to align with United States foreign policy objectives and the objectives of the Department, shall— (1) conduct a review of any concurrence described in subsection (a) that is in effect; (2) determine, based on such review, whether to revoke any such concurrence pending further study and review; and (3) brief the appropriate congressional committees regarding the results of such review. (c) Revocation of concurrence If the Secretary determines, pursuant to a review conducted under subsection (b), that any concurrence described in subsection (a) should be revoked, the Secretary may revoke such concurrence. (d) Annual report required Not later than January 31 of each year, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that includes— (1) a description of any support described in subsection (a) that was provided with the concurrence of a chief of mission during the calendar year preceding the calendar year in which the report is submitted; and (2) an analysis of the effects of such support on diplomatic lines of effort, including with respect to— (A) nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining, and related Programs and associated anti-terrorism assistance programs; (B) international narcotics control and law enforcement programs; and (C) foreign military sales, foreign military financing, and associated training programs. 713. Modification and repeal of reports (a) Country reports on human rights practices The Secretary shall examine the production of the 2023 and subsequent annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices by the Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor as required under sections 116(d) and 502B(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 ( 22 U.S.C. 2151n(d) , 2304(b)) to maximize— (1) cost and personnel efficiencies; (2) the potential use of data and analytic tools and visualization; and (3) advancement of the modernization agenda for the Department announced by the Secretary on October 27, 2021. (b) Elimination of obsolete reports (1) Reports relating to Afghanistan and the Taliban (A) Quarterly reports Notwithstanding sections 7019(e) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 2021 (division K of Public Law 116–260 ), the following reports are not required to be submitted after the date of the enactment of this Act: (i) Quarterly report detailing the number of personnel present in Afghanistan under Chief of Mission authority under section ( 22 U.S.C. 2927 ), as described in House Report 116–444. (ii) Quarterly report detailing the status of intra-Afghan peace negotiations. (B) Bimonthly report detailing the activities of the Taliban Section 7044(a)(4) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 2021 (division K of Public Law 116–260 ) is amended by striking the following purposes and all that follows through (B) . (2) Annual reports relating to funding mechanisms for telecommunications security and semiconductors Division H of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act fo Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 116–283 ) is amended— (A) in section 9202(a)(2) ( 47 U.S.C. 906(a)(2) )— (i) by striking subparagraph (C); and (ii) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (C); and (B) in section 9905 ( 15 U.S.C. 4655 )— (i) by striking subsection (c); and (ii) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (c). (3) Reports relating to foreign assistance to counter Russian influence and media organizations controlled by Russia The Countering Russian Influence in Europe and Eurasia Act of 2017 (title II of Public Law 115–44 ) is amended— (A) in section 254(e)— (i) in paragraph (1)— (I) by striking In general .— ; (II) by redesignating subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) as paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), respectively, and moving such paragraphs 2 ems to the left; and (ii) by striking paragraph (2); and (B) by striking section 255. (4) Annual report on promoting the rule of law in the Russian Federation Section 202 of the Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal and Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012 ( Public Law 112–208 ) is amended by striking subsection (a). (5) Annual report on advancing freedom and democracy Section 2121 of the Advance Democratic Values, Address Nondemocratic Countries, and Enhance Democracy Act of 2007 (title XXI of Public Law 110–53 ) is amended by striking subsection (c). (6) Annual reports on United States-Vietnam human rights dialogue meetings Section 702 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 ( 22 U.S.C. 2151n note) is repealed. (c) Modification of reporting requirements (1) Changing the frequency of the report on the use of Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability Fund Notwithstanding section 7010 of House of Representatives Report 112–331, the Secretary of State shall provide to the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives a written report on the use of funds made available under the heading Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability Fund on an annual basis. (2) Report on democratization in Burma Section 570(d) of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1997 (titles I through V of Public Law 104–208 ) is amended by striking Every six months following the enactment of this Act, the President shall report to and inserting The President shall submit an annual report to .

1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Department of State Authorization Act of 2023 . (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definitions. TITLE I—Diplomatic security and consular affairs Sec. 101. Passport fee expenditure authority extension. Sec. 102. Special hiring authority for passport services. Sec. 103. Quarterly report on passport wait times. Sec. 104. Passport travel advisories. Sec. 105. Strategy to ensure access to passport services for all Americans. Sec. 106. Strengthening the National Passport Information Center. Sec. 107. Strengthening passport customer visibility and transparency. Sec. 108. Annual Office of Authentications report. Sec. 109. Annual special immigrant visa report. Sec. 110. Increased accountability in assignment restrictions and reviews. Sec. 111. Suitability reviews for Foreign Service Institute instructors. Sec. 112. Diplomatic security fellowship programs. Sec. 113. Victims Resource Advocacy Program. Sec. 114. Authority for special agents to investigate trafficking in persons violations. TITLE II—Personnel matters Subtitle A—Hiring, promotion, and development Sec. 201. Adjustment to promotion precepts. Sec. 202. Hiring authorities. Sec. 203. Extending paths to service for paid student interns. Sec. 204. Lateral Entry Program. Sec. 205. Mid-Career Mentoring Program. Sec. 206. Report on the Foreign Service Institute’s language program . Sec. 207. Consideration of career civil servants as chiefs of missions. Sec. 208. Civil service rotational program. Sec. 209. Reporting requirement on chiefs of mission. Sec. 210. Report on chiefs of mission and deputy chiefs of mission. Sec. 211. Protection of retirement annuity for reemployment by Department. Sec. 212. Enhanced vetting for senior diplomatic posts. Sec. 213. Efforts to improve retention and prevent retaliation. Sec. 214. National advertising campaign. Sec. 215. Expansion of diplomats in residence programs. Subtitle B—Pay, benefits, and workforce matters Sec. 221. Education allowance. Sec. 222. Per diem allowance for newly hired members of the Foreign Service. Sec. 223. Improving mental health services for foreign and civil servants. Sec. 224. Emergency back-up care. Sec. 225. Authority to provide services to non-chief of mission personnel. Sec. 226. Exception for government-financed air transportation. Sec. 227. Enhanced authorities to protect locally employed staff during emergencies. Sec. 228. Internet at hardship posts. Sec. 229. Competitive local compensation plan. Sec. 230. Supporting tandem couples in the Foreign Service. Sec. 231. Accessibility at diplomatic missions. Sec. 232. Report on breastfeeding accommodations overseas. Sec. 233. Determining the effectiveness of knowledge transfers between Foreign Service Officers. Sec. 234. Education allowance for dependents of Department of State employees located in United States territories. TITLE III—Information security and cyber diplomacy Sec. 301. Data-informed diplomacy. Sec. 302. Establishment and expansion of the Bureau Chief Data Officer Program. Sec. 303. Task force to address artificial intelligence-enabled influence operations. Sec. 304. Establishment of the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Department of State. Sec. 305. Strengthening the Chief Information Officer of the Department of State. Sec. 306. Sense of Congress on strengthening enterprise governance. Sec. 307. Digital connectivity and cybersecurity partnership. Sec. 308. Establishment of a cyberspace, digital connectivity, and related technologies (CDT) fund. Sec. 309. Cyber protection support for personnel of the Department of State in positions highly vulnerable to cyber attack. TITLE IV—Organization and operations Sec. 401. Personal services contractors. Sec. 402. Hard-to-fill posts. Sec. 403. Enhanced oversight of the Office of Civil Rights. Sec. 404. Crisis response operations. Sec. 405. Special Envoy to the Pacific Islands Forum. Sec. 406. Special Envoy for Belarus. Sec. 407. Overseas placement of special appointment positions. Sec. 408. Establishment of Office of the Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy. Sec. 409. Office of Global Women’s Issues. TITLE V—Economic diplomacy Sec. 501. Duties of officers performing economic functions. Sec. 502. Report on recruitment, retention, and promotion of Foreign Service economic officers. Sec. 503. Mandate to revise Department of State metrics for successful economic and commercial diplomacy. Sec. 504. Chief of mission economic responsibilities. Sec. 505. Direction to embassy deal teams. Sec. 506. Establishment of a Deal Team of the Year award. TITLE VI—Public diplomacy Sec. 601. Public diplomacy outreach. Sec. 602. Modification on use of funds for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Sec. 603. International broadcasting. Sec. 604. John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship program. Sec. 605. Domestic engagement and public affairs. Sec. 606. Extension of Global Engagement Center. Sec. 607. Paperwork Reduction Act. Sec. 608. Modernization and enhancement strategy. TITLE VII—Other matters Sec. 701. Expanding the use of DDTC licensing fees. Sec. 702. Prohibition on entry of officials of foreign governments involved in significant corruption or gross violations of human rights. Sec. 703. Protection of cultural heritage during crises. Sec. 704. National Museum of American Diplomacy. Sec. 705. Extraterritorial offenses committed by United States nationals serving with international organizations. Sec. 706. Extension of certain privileges and immunities to the International Energy Forum. Sec. 707. Extension of certain privileges and immunities to the Conseil Européen pour la recherche nucléaire (CERN; the European Organization for Nuclear Research). Sec. 708. Internships of United States nationals at international organizations. Sec. 709. Training for international organizations. Sec. 710. Modification to transparency on international agreements and non-binding instruments. Sec. 711. Strategy for the efficient processing of all Afghan special immigrant visa applications and appeals. Sec. 712. Report on partner forces utilizing United States security assistance identified as using hunger as a weapon of war. Sec. 713. Infrastructure projects and investments by the United States and People’s Republic of China. Sec. 714. Special envoys. Sec. 715. US-ASEAN Center. Sec. 716. Report on vetting of students from national defense universities and other academic institutions of the People’s Republic of China. Sec. 717. Briefings on the United States-European Union Trade and Technology Council. Sec. 718. Congressional oversight, quarterly review, and authority relating to concurrence provided by chiefs of mission for support of certain Government operations. Sec. 719. Modification and repeal of reports. Sec. 720. Modification of Build Act of 2018 to prioritize projects that advance national security. Sec. 721. Permitting for international bridges. Sec. 722. Prohibition on nomination of certain countries as program countries for purposes of the visa waiver program. TITLE VIII—Combating global corruption Sec. 801. Short title. Sec. 802. Definitions. Sec. 803. Publication of tiered ranking list. Sec. 804. Minimum standards for the elimination of corruption and assessment of efforts to combat corruption. Sec. 805. Imposition of sanctions under Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. Sec. 806. Designation of embassy anti-corruption points of contact. TITLE IX—AUKUS matters Sec. 901. Definitions. Subtitle A—Outlining the AUKUS partnership Sec. 911. Statement of policy on the AUKUS partnership. Sec. 912. Senior Advisor for the AUKUS partnership at the Department of State. Subtitle B—Authorization for submarine transfers, support, and infrastructure improvement activities Sec. 921. Australia, United Kingdom, and United States submarine security activities. Sec. 922. Acceptance of contributions for Australia, United Kingdom, and United States submarine security activities; AUKUS Submarine Security Activities Account. Sec. 923. Australia, United Kingdom, and United States submarine security training. Subtitle C—Streamlining and protecting transfers of United States military technology from compromise Sec. 931. Priority for Australia and the United Kingdom in Foreign Military Sales and Direct Commercial Sales. Sec. 932. Identification and pre-clearance of platforms, technologies, and equipment for sale to Australia and the United Kingdom through Foreign Military Sales and Direct Commercial Sales. Sec. 933. Export control exemptions and standards. Sec. 934. Expedited review of export licenses for exports of advanced technologies to Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Sec. 935. United States Munitions List. Subtitle D—Other AUKUS matters Sec. 941. Reporting related to the AUKUS partnership. Sec. 942. Report on defense cooperation and export regulation. Sec. 943. Report on protection of sensitive information and technology. Sec. 944. Report on the United States submarine industrial base. Sec. 945. Report on navy submarine requirements. 2. Definitions In this Act: (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. I Diplomatic security and consular affairs 101. Passport fee expenditure authority extension (a) Western hemisphere travel initiative fee To make permanent the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative fee, section 1(b) of the Passport Act of June 4, 1920 ( 22 U.S.C. 214(b)(1) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking (1) ; and (2) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3). (b) Passport fees Section 1(b) of the Passport Act of June 4, 1920, as amended by subsection (a), shall be applied through fiscal year 2028 by striking such costs and inserting the costs of providing consular services . (c) Modernization of passport processing A portion of the expanded expenditure authorities provided in subsections (a) and (b) shall be used— (1) to modernize consular systems, with an emphasis on passport and citizenship services; and (2) towards a feasibility study on how the Department could provide urgent, in-person passport services to significant populations with the longest travel times to existing passport agencies, including the possibility of building new passport agencies. 102. Special hiring authority for passport services During the 3-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, without regard to the provisions under sections 3309 through 3318 of title 5, United States Code, may directly appoint candidates to positions in the competitive service (as defined in section 2102 of such title) at the Department in the Passport and Visa Examining Series 0967. 103. Quarterly report on passport wait times Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 processing; (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 modernization; (4) the demand for urgent passport services by major metropolitan 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. 104. Passport travel advisories Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Department shall make prominently available 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. 105. Strategy to ensure access to passport services for all Americans Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a strategy to the appropriate congressional committees, the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives for ensuring reasonable access to passport services 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 implement the strategy. 106. 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 a passport or for the renewal of a passport. (c) GAO report Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall initiate a review of 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. 107. Strengthening passport customer visibility and transparency (a) Online status tool Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 their application, 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— (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 Act, the Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs 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 104; and (3) passport wait times. 108. Annual Office of Authentications report (a) Report The Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs shall submit an annual report for 5 years to the appropriated congressional committees that describes— (1) the number of incoming authentication requests, broken down by month and type of request, to show seasonal fluctuations in demand; (2) the average time taken by the Office of Authentications of the Department of State to authenticate documents, broken down by month to show seasonal fluctuations in wait times; (3) how the Department of State 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 processing times referred to in paragraph (2). (b) Authorization The Secretary of State is authorized to hire additional, permanent, dedicated staff for the Office of Authentications. 109. Annual special immigrant visa report Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for 5 years, the Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees, the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives a report that identifies — (1) the number of approved applications awaiting visas authorized under section 203(b)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(4) ) (commonly known as EB–4 visas) for special immigrants described in section 101(a)(27)(D) of such Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)(D) ) who are employed by the United States Government, broken down by country; (2) an estimate of— (A) the number of special immigrant visas authorized under such section 101(a)(27)(D) that will be issued during the current fiscal year; and (B) the number of special immigrant visa applicants who will not be granted such a visa during the current fiscal year; (3) the estimated period between the date on which a qualified applicant for such a special immigrant visa submits a completed application for such a visa and the date on which such applicant would be issued such a visa; and (4) the specific high-risk populations, broken down by country, who will face increased hardship due to Department of State delays in processing special immigrant visa applications under such section 101(a)(27)(D). 110. Increased accountability in assignment restrictions 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 processes relating to assignment restrictions, assignment title reviews, and preclusions at the Department. (b) Notification of status Beginning not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 reasonable time limit for the Department to complete an assignment review and establish a deadline by which it must inform personnel of a decision related to such a review. (2) Appeals For any personnel the Department determines are ineligible to serve in an assignment due to an assignment 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. (4) Point of contact The Department shall designate point of contacts in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security and Bureau of Global Talent Management to answer employee and Career Development Officer questions about assignment restrictions, assignment reviews, and preclusions. (e) Security review panel Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 Act, the Secretary shall amend all relevant provisions of the Foreign Service Manual, and any associated or related policies of the Department, to comply with this section. 111. Suitability reviews for Foreign Service Institute instructors The Secretary shall 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 investigations; and (2) subject to continuous vetting or reinvestigations to the extend consistent with Department and Executive policy for other Department personnel. 112. 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, shall establish Diplomatic Security fellowship programs to provide grants to United States nationals pursuing undergraduate studies who commit to pursuing a career as a special agent, security engineering officer, or in the civil service in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. (2) Rulemaking The Secretary shall promulgate regulations for the administration of Diplomatic Security fellowship programs that set forth— (A) the eligibility requirements for receiving a grant under this subsection; (B) the process by which eligible applicants may request such a grant; (C) the maximum amount of such a grant; and (D) the educational progress to which all grant recipients are obligated. . (b) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028 to carry out this section. 113. Victims Resource Advocacy Program (a) Investigation authority The Secretary is authorized to investigate violations of chapter 77 of title 18, United States Code. (b) Funding for human trafficking victims and dependents The Secretary is authorized to fund costs, including through the Diplomatic Security Service, Victims’ Resource Advocacy Program, to support basic care and resource needs for victims of trafficking in persons and their dependents, who are involved in matters under Diplomatic Security Service investigation. 114. Authority for special agents to investigate trafficking in persons violations Section 37(a) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2709(a) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ; or and inserting a semicolon; (2) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D); and (3) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new subparagraph: (C) violations of chapter 77 of title 18, United States Code; or . II Personnel matters A Hiring, promotion, and development 201. Adjustment to promotion precepts Section 603(b) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 4003(b) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraph (2), (3), and (4) as paragraphs (7), (8), and (9), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraphs: (2) experience serving at an international organization, multilateral institution, or engaging in multinational negotiations; (3) willingness to serve in hardship posts overseas or across geographically distinct regions; (4) experience advancing policies or developing expertise that enhance the United States’ competitiveness with regard to critical and emerging technologies; (5) willingness to participate in appropriate and relevant professional development opportunities offered by the Foreign Service Institute or other educational institutions associated with the Department; (6) willingness to enable and encourage subordinates at various levels to avail themselves of appropriate and relevant professional development opportunities offered by the Foreign Service Institute or other educational institutions associated with the Department; . 202. Hiring authorities (a) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) the Department should possess hiring authorities to enable recruitment of individuals representative of the nation with special skills needed to address 21st century diplomacy challenges; and (2) the Secretary shall conduct a survey of hiring authorities held by the Department to identify— (A) hiring authorities already authorized by Congress; (B) others authorities granted through Presidential decree or executive order; and (C) any authorities needed to enable recruitment of individuals with the special skills described in paragraph (1). (b) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that includes a description of all existing hiring authorities and legislative proposals on any new needed authorities. (c) Special hiring authority For an initial period of not more than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary may appoint, without regard to the provisions of sections 3309 through 3318 of title 5, United States Code, candidates directly to positions in the competitive service at the Department, as defined in section 2102 of that title, in the following occupational series: 1560 Data Science, 2210 Information Technology Management, and 0201 Human Resources Management. 203. Extending paths to service for paid student interns For up to 2 years following the end of a compensated internship at the Department or the United States Agency for International Development, the Department or USAID may offer employment to up to 25 such interns and appoint them directly to positions in the competitive service, as defined in section 2102 of title 5, United States Code, without regard to the provisions of sections 3309 through 3318 of such title. 204. Lateral Entry Program (a) In general Section 404 of the Department of State Authorities Act, Fiscal Year 2017 ( Public Law 114–323 ; 130 Stat. 1928) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 3-year and inserting 5-year ; (B) in paragraph (5), by striking ; and ; (C) in paragraph (6), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (D) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: (7) does not include the use of Foreign Service-Limited or other noncareer Foreign Service hiring authorities; and (8) includes not fewer than 30 participants for each year of the pilot program. ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (e) Certification If the Secretary does not commence the lateral entry program within 180 days after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees— (1) certifying that progress is being made on implementation of the pilot program and describing such progress, including the date on which applicants will be able to apply; (2) estimating the date by which the pilot program will be fully implemented; (3) outlining how the Department will use the Lateral Entry Program to fill needed skill sets in key areas such as cyberspace, emerging technologies, economic statecraft, multilateral diplomacy, and data and other sciences. . 205. Mid-Career Mentoring Program (a) Authorization The Secretary, in collaboration with the Director of the Foreign Service Institute, is authorized to establish a Mid-Career Mentoring Program (referred to in this section as the Program ) for employees who have demonstrated outstanding service and leadership. (b) Selection (1) Nominations The head of each bureau shall semiannually nominate participants for the Program from a pool of applicants in the positions described in paragraph (2)(B), including from posts both domestically and abroad. (2) Submission of slate of nominees to Secretary The Director of the Foreign Service Institute, in consultation with the Director General of the Foreign Service, shall semiannually— (A) vet the nominees most recently nominated pursuant to paragraph (1); and (B) submit to the Secretary a slate of applicants to participate in the Program, who shall consist of at least— (i) 10 Foreign Service Officers and specialists classified at the FS-03 or FS-04 level of the Foreign Service Salary Schedule; (ii) 10 Civil Service employees classified at GS-12 or GS-13 of the General Schedule; and (iii) 5 Foreign Service Officers from the United States Agency for International Development. (3) Final selection The Secretary shall select the applicants who will be invited to participate in the Program from the slate received pursuant to paragraph (2)(B) and extend such an invitation to each selected applicant. (4) Merit principles Section 105 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 3905 ) shall apply to nominations, submissions to the Secretary, and selections for the Program under this section. (c) Program sessions (1) Frequency; duration All of the participants who accept invitations extended pursuant to subsection (b)(3) shall meet 3 to 4 times per year for training sessions with high-level leaders of the Department and USAID, including private group meetings with the Secretary and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development. (2) Themes Each session referred to in paragraph (1) shall focus on specific themes developed jointly by the Foreign Service Institute and the Executive Secretariat focused on substantive policy issues and leadership practices. (d) Mentoring program The Secretary and the Administrator each shall establish a mentoring and coaching program that pairs a senior leader of the Department or USAID with each of the program participants who complete the Program during the 1-year period immediately following their participation in the Program. (e) Annual report Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for three years, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that describes the activities of the Program during the most recent year and includes disaggregated demographic data on participants in the Program. 206. Report on the Foreign Service Institute’s language program Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that includes— (1) the average pass and fail rates for language programs at the Foreign Service Institute disaggregated by language during the 5-year period immediately preceding the date of the enactment of this Act; (2) the number of language instructors at the Foreign Service Institute, and a comparison of the instructor/student ratio in the language programs at the Foreign Service Institute disaggregated by language; (3) salaries for language instructors disaggregated by language, and a comparison to salaries for instructors teaching languages in comparable employment; (4) recruitment and retention plans for language instructors, disaggregated by language where necessary and practicable; and (5) any plans to increase pass rates for languages with high failure rates. 207. Consideration of career civil servants as chiefs of missions Section 304(b) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 3944 ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and (2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph: (2) The Secretary shall also furnish to the President, on an annual basis and to assist the President in selecting qualified candidates for appointments or assignments as chief of mission, the names of between 5 and 10 career civil servants serving at the Department of State or the United States Agency for International Development who are qualified to serve as chiefs of mission, together with pertinent information about such individuals. . 208. Civil service rotational program (a) Establishment of pilot rotational program for civil service Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a program to provide qualified civil servants serving at the Department an opportunity to serve at a United States embassy, including identifying criteria and an application process for such program. (b) Program The program established under this section shall— (1) provide at least 20 career civil servants the opportunity to serve for 2 to 3 years at a United States embassy to gain additional skills and experience; (2) offer such civil servants the opportunity to serve in a political or economic section at a United States embassy; and (3) include clear and transparent criteria for eligibility and selection, which shall include a minimum of 5 years of service at the Department. (c) Subsequent position and promotion Following a rotation at a United States embassy pursuant to the program established by this section, participants in the program must be afforded, at minimum, a position equivalent in seniority, compensation, and responsibility to the position occupied prior serving in the program. Successful completion of a rotation at a United States embassy shall be considered favorably with regard to applications for promotion in civil service jobs at the Department. (d) Implementation Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall identify not less than 20 positions in United States embassies for the program established under this section and offered at least 20 civil servants the opportunity to serve in a rotation at a United States embassy pursuant to this section. 209. Reporting requirement on chiefs of mission Not later than 30 days following the end of each calendar quarter, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees— (1) a list of every chief of mission or United States representative overseas with the rank of Ambassador who, during the prior quarter, was outside a country of assignment for more than 14 cumulative days for purposes other than official travel or temporary duty orders; and (2) the number of days each such chief of mission or United States representative overseas with the rank of Ambassador was outside a country of assignment during the previous quarter for purposes other than official travel or temporary duty orders. 210. Report on chiefs of mission and deputy chiefs of mission Not later than April 1, 2024, and annually thereafter for the next 4 years, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that includes— (1) the Foreign Service cone of each current chief of mission and deputy chief of mission (or whoever is acting in the capacity of chief or deputy chief if neither is present) for each United States embassy at which there is a Foreign Service office filling either of those positions; and (2) aggregated data for all chiefs of mission and deputy chiefs of mission described in paragraph (1), disaggregated by cone. 211. Protection of retirement annuity for reemployment by Department (a) No termination or reduction of retirement annuity or pay for reemployment Notwithstanding section 824 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 4064 ), if a covered annuitant becomes employed by the Department— (1) the payment of any retirement annuity, retired pay, or retainer pay otherwise payable to the covered annuitant shall not terminate; and (2) the amount of the retirement annuity, retired pay, or retainer pay otherwise payable to the covered annuitant shall not be reduced. (b) Covered annuitant defined In this section, the term covered annuitant means any individual who is receiving a retirement annuity under— (1) the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System under subchapter I of chapter 8 of title I of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 4041 et seq. ); or (2) the Foreign Service Pension System under subchapter II of such chapter ( 22 U.S.C. 4071 et seq. ). 212. Enhanced vetting for senior diplomatic posts (a) Comprehensive policy on vetting and transparency Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a consistent and enhanced vetting process to ensure that individuals with substantiated claims of discrimination, harassment, or bullying are not considered for assignments to senior positions. (b) Elements of comprehensive vetting policy Following the conclusion of any investigation into an allegation of discrimination, harassment, or bullying, the Office of Civil Rights, Bureau of Global Talent Management, and other offices with responsibilities related to the investigation reporting directly to the Secretary shall jointly or individually submit a written summary of any findings of any substantiated allegations, along with a summary of findings to the Committee responsible for assignments to senior positions prior to such Committee rendering a recommendation for assignment. (c) Response The Secretary shall develop a process for candidates to respond to any allegations that are substantiated and presented to the Committee responsible for assignments to senior positions. (d) Annual reports Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for five years, the Secretary shall submit to the Department workforce and the appropriate congressional committees a report on the number of candidates confirmed for senior diplomatic posts against whom there were found to have been substantiated allegations. (e) Senior positions defined In this section, the term senior positions means Chief of Mission, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Deputy Chief of Mission, and Principal Officer (i.e. Consuls General) positions. 213. Efforts to improve retention and prevent retaliation (a) Streamlined reporting Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a single point of initial reporting for allegations of discrimination, bullying, and harassment that provides an initial review of the allegations and, if necessary, the ability to file multiple claims based on a single complaint. (b) Ensuring implementation of corrective action and management recommendations The Secretary shall ensure follow up with each complainant who makes an allegation of discrimination, harassment, or bullying pursuant to subsection (a) and the head of the respective bureau not later than 180 days after the conclusion of any investigation where an allegation is substantiated, and again one year after the conclusion of any such investigation, to ensure that any recommendations for corrective action related to the complainant have been acted on where appropriate. If such recommendations have not be implemented, a written statement shall be provided to the head of the bureau and complainant and affected employees explaining why the recommendations have not been implemented. (c) Climate surveys of employees of the Department (1) Required biennial surveys Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall conduct a Department-wide survey of all Department personnel regarding harassment, discrimination, bullying, and related retaliation that includes workforce perspectives on the accessibility and effectiveness of the Bureau of Global Talent Management and Office of Civil Rights in the efforts and processes to address these issues. (2) Required annual surveys (A) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall conduct an annual employee satisfaction survey to assess the level of job satisfaction, work environment, and overall employee experience within the Department. (B) Open-ended responses The survey required under subparagraph (A) shall include options for open-ended responses. (C) Survey questions The survey shall include questions regarding— (i) work-life balance; (ii) compensation and benefits; (iii) career development opportunities; (iv) the performance evaluation and promotion process, including fairness and transparency; (v) communication channels and effectiveness; (vi) leadership and management; (vii) organizational culture; (viii) awareness and effectiveness of complaint measures; (ix) accessibility and accommodations; (x) availability of transportation to and from a work station; (xi) information technology infrastructure functionality and accessibility; (xii) the employee’s understanding of the Department’s structure, mission, and goals; (xiii) alignment and relevance of work to the Department’s mission; and (xiv) sense of empowerment to affect positive change. (3) Required exit surveys (A) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop and implement a standardized, confidential exit survey process that includes anonymous feedback and exit interviews with employees who voluntarily separate from the Department, whether through resignation, retirement, or other means. (B) Scope The exit surveys conducted pursuant to subparagraph (A)shall— (i) be designed to gather insights and feedback from departing employees regarding— (I) their reasons for leaving, including caretaking responsibilities, career limitations for partner or spouse, and discrimination, harassment, bullying, or retaliation; (II) their overall experience with the Department; and (III) any suggestions for improvement; and (ii) include questions related to— (I) the employee’s reasons for leaving; (II) job satisfaction; (III) work environment; (IV) professional growth opportunities; (V) leadership effectiveness; (VI) suggestions for enhancing the Department’s performance; and (VII) if applicable, the name and industry of the employee’s future employer. (C) Compilation of results The Secretary shall compile and analyze the anonymized exit survey data collected pursuant to this paragraph to identify trends, common themes, and areas needing improvement within the Department. (4) Pilot surveys Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a Department-wide survey for Locally Employed Staff regarding retention, training, promotion, and other matters, including harassment, discrimination, bullying, and related retaliation, that includes workforce perspectives on the accessibility and effectiveness of complaint measures. (5) Report Not later than 60 days after the conclusion of each survey conducted pursuant to this subsection, the Secretary shall make the key findings available to the Department workforce and shall submit them to the appropriate congressional committees. (d) Retaliation prevention efforts (1) Employee evaluation (A) In general If there is a pending investigation of discrimination, bullying, or harassment against a superior who is responsible for rating or reviewing the complainant employee, the complainant shall be reviewed by the superior’s supervisor. (B) Effective date This paragraph shall take effect 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (2) Retaliation prevention guidance Any Department employee against whom an allegation of discrimination, bullying, or harassment has been made shall receive written guidance (a retaliation hold ) on the types of actions that can be considered retaliation against the complainant employee. The employee’s immediate supervisor shall also receive the retaliation hold guidance. 214. National advertising campaign Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a strategy to the appropriate congressional committees that assesses the potential benefits and costs of a national advertising campaign to improve the recruitment in the Civil Service and the Foreign Service by raising public awareness of the important accomplishments of the Department. 215. Expansion of diplomats in residence programs Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act— (1) the Secretary shall increase the number of diplomats in the Diplomats in Residence Program from 17 to at least 20; and (2) the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development shall increase the number of development diplomats in the Diplomats in Residence Program from 1 to at least 3. B Pay, benefits, and workforce matters 221. Education allowance (a) In general Chapter 9 of title I of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 4081 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 908. Education allowance A Department employee who is on leave to perform service in the uniformed services (as defined in section 4303(13) of title 38, United States Code) may receive an education allowance if the employee would, if not for such service, be eligible to receive the education allowance. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of contents in section 2 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 3901 note) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 907 the following: Sec. 908. Education allowance . 222. Per diem allowance for newly hired members of the Foreign Service (a) Per diem allowance (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), any newly hired Foreign Service employee who is in initial orientation training, or any other training expected to last less than 6 months before transferring to the employee’s first assignment, in the Washington, D.C., area shall, for the duration of such training, receive a per diem allowance at the levels prescribed under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code. (2) Limitation on lodging expenses A newly hired Foreign Service employee may not receive any lodging expenses under the applicable per diem allowance pursuant to paragraph (1) if that employee— (A) has a permanent residence in the Washington, D.C., area (not including Government-supplied housing during such orientation training or other training); and (B) does not vacate such residence during such orientation training or other training. (b) Definitions In this section— (1) the term per diem allowance has the meaning given that term under section 5701 of title 5, United States Code; and (2) the term Washington, D.C., area means the geographic area within a 50 mile radius of the Washington Monument. 223. Improving mental health services for foreign and civil servants (a) Additional personnel to address mental health (1) In general The Secretary shall seek to increase the number of personnel within the Bureau of Medical Services to address mental health needs for both foreign and civil servants. (2) Employment targets Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall seek to employ not fewer than 15 additional personnel in the Bureau of Medical Services, compared to the number of personnel employed as of the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Study The Secretary shall conduct a study on the accessibility of mental health care providers and services available to Department personnel, including an assessment of— (1) the accessibility of mental health care providers at diplomatic posts and in the United States; (2) the accessibility of inpatient services for mental health care for Department personnel; (3) steps that may be taken to improve such accessibility; (4) the impact of the COVID–19 pandemic on the mental health of Department personnel, particularly those who served abroad between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022, and Locally Employed Staff, where information is available; (5) recommended steps to improve the manner in which the Department advertises mental health services to the workforce; and (6) additional authorities and resources needed to better meet the mental health needs of Department personnel. (c) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to appropriate congressional committees a report containing the findings of the study under subsection (b). 224. Emergency back-up care (a) In general The Secretary and the Administrator for the United States Agency for International Development are authorized to provide for unanticipated non-medical care, including childcare, eldercare, and essential services directly related to caring for an acute injury or illness, for USAID and Department employees and their family members, including through the provision of such non-medical services, referrals to care providers, and reimbursement of reasonable expenses for such services. (b) Limitation Services provided pursuant to this section shall not exceed $2,000,000 per fiscal year. 225. Authority to provide services to non-chief of mission personnel Section 904 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 4084 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (g), by striking abroad for employees and eligible family members and inserting under this section ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (a) Physical and mental health care services in special circumstances (1) In general The Secretary is authorized to direct health care providers employed under subsection (c) of this section to furnish physical and mental health care services to an individual otherwise ineligible for services under this section if necessary to preserve life or limb or if intended to facilitate an overseas evacuation, recovery, or return. Such services may be provided incidental to the following activities: (A) Activities undertaken abroad pursuant to section 3 and section 4 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2670 , 2671). (B) Recovery of hostages or of wrongfully or unlawfully detained individuals abroad, including pursuant to section 302 of the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act ( 22 U.S.C. 1741 ). (C) Secretarial dispatches to international disaster sites deployed pursuant to section 207 of the Aviation Security Improvement Act of 1990 ( 22 U.S.C. 5506 ). (D) Deployments undertaken pursuant to section 606(a)(6)(A)(iii) of the Secure Embassy Construction and Counterterrorism Act of 1999 ( 22 U.S.C. 4865(a)(6)(A)(iii) ). (2) Prioritization of other functions The Secretary shall prioritize the allocation of Department resources to the health care program described in subsections (a) through (g) above the functions described in paragraph (1). (3) Regulations The Secretary should prescribe applicable regulations to implement this section, taking into account the prioritization in paragraph (2) and the activities described in paragraph (1). (4) Reimbursable basis Services rendered under this subsection shall be provided on a reimbursable basis to the extent practicable. . 226. Exception for government-financed air transportation (a) Reducing hardship for transportation of domestic animals (1) In general Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (c) of section 40118 of title 49, United States Code, the Department is authorized to pay for the transportation by a foreign air carrier of Department personnel and any in-cabin or accompanying checked baggage or cargo if— (A) no air carrier holding a certificate under section 41102 of such title is willing and able to transport up to 3 domestic animals accompanying such Federal personnel; and (B) the transportation is from a place— (i) outside the United States to a place in the United States; (ii) in the United States to a place outside the United States; or (iii) outside the United States to another place outside the United States. (2) Limitation An amount paid pursuant to paragraph (1) for transportation by a foreign carrier may not be greater than the amount that would otherwise have been paid had the transportation been on an air carrier holding a certificate under section 41102 had that carrier been willing and able to provide such transportation. If the amount that would otherwise have been paid to such an air carrier is less than the cost of transportation on the applicable foreign carrier, the Department personnel may pay the difference of such amount. (3) Domestic animal defined In this subsection, the term domestic animal means a dog or a cat. 227. Enhanced authorities to protect locally employed staff during emergencies (a) Sense of congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) locally employed staff provide essential contributions at United States diplomatic and consular posts around the world, including by providing— (A) security to United States government personnel serving in the country; (B) advice, expertise, and other services for the promotion of political, economic, public affairs, commercial, security, and other interests of critical importance to the United States; (C) a wide range of logistical and administrative support to every office in each mission working to advance United States interests around the world, including services and support vital to the upkeep and maintenance of United States missions; (D) consular services to support the welfare and well-being of United States citizens and to provide for the expeditious processing of visa applications; (E) institutional memory on a wide range of embassy engagements on bilateral issues; and (F) enduring connections to host country contacts, both inside and outside the host government, including within media, civil society, the business community, academia, the armed forces, and elsewhere; and (2) locally employed staff make important contributions that should warrant the United States Government to give due consideration for their security and safety when diplomatic missions face emergency situations. (b) Authorization to provide emergency support In emergency situations, in addition to other authorities that may be available in emergencies or other exigent circumstances, the Secretary is authorized to use funds made available to the Department to provide support to ensure the safety and security of locally employed staff and their immediate family members, including for— (1) providing transport or relocating locally employed staff and their immediate family members to a safe and secure environment; (2) providing short-term housing or lodging for up to six months for locally employed staff and their immediate family members; (3) procuring or providing other essential items and services to support the safety and security of locally employed staff and their immediate family members. (c) Temporary housing To ensure the safety and security of locally employed staff and their immediate family members consistent with this section, Chiefs of Missions are authorized to allow locally employed staff and their immediate family members to reside temporarily in the residences of United States direct hire employees, either in the host country or other countries, provided that such stays are offered voluntarily by United States direct hire employees. (d) Foreign affairs manual Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall amend the Foreign Affairs Manual to reflect the authorizations and requirements of this section. (e) Emergency situation defined In this section, the term emergency situation means armed conflict, civil unrest, natural disaster, or other types of instability that pose a threat to the safety and security of locally employed staff, particularly when and if a United States diplomatic or consular post must suspend operations. (f) Report (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees, the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives a report describing prior actions the Department has taken with regard to locally employed staff and their immediate family members following suspensions or closures of United States diplomatic posts over the prior 10 years, including Kyiv, Kabul, Minsk, Khartoum, and Juba. (2) Elements The report required under paragraph (1) shall— (A) describe any actions the Department took to assist locally employed staff and their immediate family members; (B) identify any obstacles that made providing support or assistance to locally employed staff and their immediate family members difficult; (C) examine lessons learned and propose recommendations to better protect the safety and security of locally employed staff and their family members, including any additional authorities that may be required; and (D) provide an analysis of and offer recommendations on any other steps that could improve efforts to protect the safety and security of locally employed staff and their immediate family members. 228. Internet at hardship posts Section 3 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2670 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (l), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (2) in subsection (m) by striking the period at the end and by inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (n) pay expenses to provide internet services in residences owned or leased by the United States Government in foreign countries for the use of Department personnel where Department personnel receive a post hardship differential equivalent to 30 percent or more above basic compensation. . 229. Competitive local compensation plan (a) Establishment and implementation of prevailing wage rates goal Section 401(a) of the Department of State Authorities Act, fiscal year 2017 ( 22 U.S.C. 3968a(a) ) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking periodically and inserting every 3 years . (b) Report Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that includes— (1) compensation (including position classification) plans for locally employed staff based upon prevailing wage rates and compensation practices for corresponding types of positions in the locality of employment; and (2) an assessment of the feasibility and impact of changing the prevailing wage rate goal for positions in the local compensation plan from the 50th percentile to the 75th percentile. 230. Supporting tandem couples in the Foreign Service (a) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) challenges finding and maintaining spousal employment and family dissatisfaction are one of the leading reasons employees cite for leaving the Department; (2) tandem Foreign Service personnel represent important members of the Foreign Service community, who act as force multipliers for our diplomacy; (3) the Department can and should do more to keep tandem couples posted together and consider family member employment needs when assigning tandem officers; and (4) common sense steps providing more flexibility in the assignments process would improve outcomes for tandem officers without disadvantaging other Foreign Service officers. (b) Definitions In this section: (1) Family togetherness The term family togetherness means facilitating the placement of Foreign Service personnel at the same United States diplomatic post when both spouses are members of a tandem couple of Foreign Service personnel. (2) Tandem foreign service personnel; tandem The terms tandem Foreign Service personnel and tandem mean a member of a couple of which one spouse is a career or career candidate employee of the Foreign Service and the other spouse is a career or career candidate employee of the Foreign Service or an employee of one of the agencies authorized to use the Foreign Service Personnel System under section 202 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 3922 ). (c) Family togetherness in assignments Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Department shall amend and update its policies to further promote the principle of family togetherness in the Foreign Service, which shall include the following: (1) Entry-level foreign service personnel The Secretary shall adopt policies and procedures to facilitate the assignment of entry-level tandem Foreign Service personnel on directed assignments to the same diplomatic post or country as their tandem spouse if they request to be assigned to the same post or country. The Secretary shall also provide a written justification to the requesting personnel explaining any denial of a request that would result in a tandem couple not serving together at the same post or country. (2) Tenured foreign service personnel The Secretary shall add family togetherness to the criteria when making a needs of the Service determination, as defined by the Foreign Affairs Manual, for the placement of tenured tandem Foreign Service personnel at United States diplomatic posts. (3) Updates to antinepotism policy The Secretary shall update antinepotism policies so that nepotism rules only apply when an employee and a relative are placed into positions wherein they jointly and exclusively control government resources, property, or money or establish government policy. (4) Temporary supervision of tandem spouse The Secretary shall update policies to allow for a tandem spouse to temporarily supervise another tandem spouse for up to 90 days in a calendar year, including at a United States diplomatic mission. (d) Report Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for two years, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that includes— (1) the number of Foreign Service tandem couples currently serving; (2) the number of Foreign Service tandems currently serving in separate locations, or, to the extent possible, are on leave without pay (LWOP); and (3) an estimate of the cost savings that would result if all Foreign Service tandem couples were placed at a single post. 231. Accessibility at diplomatic missions Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Department shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees, the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives a report that includes— (1) a list of the overseas United States diplomatic missions that, as of the date of the enactment of this Act, are not readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities; (2) any efforts in progress to make such missions readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities; and (3) an estimate of the cost to make all such missions readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. 232. Report on breastfeeding accommodations overseas 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 that includes— (1) a detailed report on the Department’s efforts to equip 100 percent of United States embassies and consulates with dedicated lactation spaces, other than bathrooms, that are shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public for use by employees, including the expected demand for such space as well as the status of such rooms when there is no demand for such space; and (2) a description of costs and other resources needed to provide such spaces. 233. Determining the effectiveness of knowledge transfers between Foreign Service Officers The Secretary shall assess the effectiveness of knowledge transfers between Foreign Service officers who are departing from overseas positions and Foreign Service Officers who are arriving at such positions, and make recommendations for approving such knowledge transfers, as appropriate, by— (1) not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, conducting a written survey of a representative sample of Foreign Service Officers working in overseas assignments that analyzes the effectiveness of existing mechanisms to facilitate transitions, including training, mentorship, information technology, knowledge management, relationship building, the role of locally employed staff, and organizational culture; and (2) not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, submitting to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a report that includes a summary and analysis of results of the survey conducted pursuant to paragraph (1) that— (A) identifies best practices and areas for improvement; (B) describes the Department’s methodology for determining which Foreign Service Officers should receive familiarization trips before arriving at a new post; (C) includes recommendations regarding future actions the Department should take to maximize effective knowledge transfer between Foreign Service Officers; (D) identifies any steps taken, or intended to be taken, to implement such recommendations, including any additional resources or authorities necessary to implement such recommendations; and (E) provides recommendations to Congress for legislative action to advance the priority described in subparagraph (C). 234. Education allowance for dependents of Department of State employees located in United States territories (a) In general An individual employed by the Department at a location described in subsection (b) shall be eligible for a cost-of-living allowance for the education of the dependents of such employee in an amount that does not exceed the educational allowance authorized by the Secretary of Defense for such location. (b) Location described A location is described in this subsection if— (1) such location is in a territory of the United States; and (2) the Secretary of Defense has determined that schools available in such location are unable to adequately provide for the education of— (A) dependents of members of the Armed Forces; or (B) dependents of employees of the Department of Defense. III Information security and cyber diplomacy 301. Data-informed diplomacy (a) Findings Congress makes the following findings: (1) In a rapidly evolving and digitally interconnected global landscape, access to and maintenance of reliable, readily available data is key to informed decisionmaking and diplomacy and therefore should be considered a strategic asset. (2) In order to achieve its mission in the 21st century, the Department must adapt to these trends by maintaining and providing timely access to high-quality data at the time and place needed, while simultaneously cultivating a data-savvy workforce. (3) Leveraging data science and data analytics has the potential to improve the performance of the Department’s workforce by providing otherwise unknown insights into program deficiencies, shortcomings, or other gaps in analysis. (4) While innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning have the potential to empower the Department to analyze and act upon data at scale, systematized, sustainable data management and information synthesis remain a core competency necessary for data-driven decisionmaking. (5) The goals set out by the Department’s Enterprise Data Council (EDC) as the areas of most critical need for the Department, including Cultivating a Data Culture, Accelerating Decisions through Analytics, Establishing Mission-Driven Data Management, and Enhancing Enterprise Data Governance, are laudable and will remain critical as the Department develops into a data-driven agency. (b) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) the Department should prioritize the recruitment and retainment of top data science talent in support of its data-informed diplomacy efforts as well as its broader modernization agenda; and (2) the Department should strengthen data fluency among its workforce, promote data collaboration across and within its bureaus, and enhance its enterprise data oversight. 302. Establishment and expansion of the Bureau Chief Data Officer Program (a) Bureau Chief Data Officer Program (1) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a program, which shall be known as the Bureau Chief Data Officer Program (referred to in this section as the Program ), overseen by the Department’s Chief Data Officer. The Bureau Chief Data Officers hired under this program shall report to the Department’s Chief Data Officer. (2) Goals The goals of the Program shall include the following: (A) Cultivating a data culture by promoting data fluency and data collaboration across the Department. (B) Promoting increased data analytics use in critical decisionmaking areas. (C) Promoting data integration and standardization. (D) Increasing efficiencies across the Department by incentivizing acquisition of enterprise data solutions and subscription data services to be shared across bureaus and offices and within bureaus. (b) Implementation plan Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees, the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives an implementation plan that outlines strategies for— (1) advancing the goals described in subsection (a)(2); (2) hiring Bureau Chief Data Officers at the GS-14 or GS-15 grade or a similar rank; (3) assigning at least one Bureau Chief Data Officer to— (A) each regional bureau of the Department; (B) the Bureau of International Organization Affairs; (C) the Office of the Chief Economist; (D) the Office of the Science and Technology Advisor; (E) the Bureau of Cyber and Digital Policy; (F) the Bureau of Diplomatic Security; (G) the Bureau for Global Talent Management; and (H) the Bureau of Consular Affairs; and (4) allocation of necessary resources to sustain the Program. (c) Assignment In implementing the Bureau Chief Data Officer Program, Bureaus may not dual-hat currently employed personnel as Bureau Chief Data Officers. (d) Annual reporting requirement Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for the following 3 years, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees regarding the status of the implementation plan required under subsection (b). 303. Task force to address artificial intelligence-enabled influence operations (a) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) the rapid development of publicly available, affordable generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology, including the use of large language models (LLM) to fuel natural language processing applications, has the potential to fundamentally alter the nature of disinformation and propaganda campaigns by enabling finely tailored, auto-generated disinformation swiftly, in any language, at scale, and at low-costs; (2) academia and private industry, including social media platforms, play a critical role in establishing safeguards for powerful, publicly available tools for producing AI-generated content, and it is in the United States national security interest to ensure that these technologies are not misused by foreign malign actors to enhance influence operations abroad; (3) the ability to identify, track, and label original text, audio, and visual content is becoming increasingly vital to United States national interests as sophisticated AI-generated content creation becomes increasingly available to the public at low costs; (4) coalitions such as the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) and the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authority (C2PA) play important roles in establishing open industry standards for content authenticity and digital content provenance, which will become increasingly vulnerable to manipulation and distortion through AI-powered tools; and (5) the Department, as the lead agency for United States public diplomacy, should work within the interagency process to develop a common approach to United States international engagement on issues related to AI-enabled disinformation. (b) Statement of policy It shall be the policy of the United States— (1) to share knowledge with allies and partners of instances when foreign state actors have leveraged generative AI to augment disinformation campaigns or propaganda; (2) to work with private industry and academia to mitigate the risks associated with public research on generative AI technologies; and (3) to support efforts in developing digital content provenance detection techniques and technologies in line with United States national security interests. (c) Establishment of countering AI-Enabled Disinformation Task Force (1) Establishment Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish within the Department a Countering AI-Enabled Disinformation Task Force (referred to in this section as the Task Force ) to— (A) identify potential responses to the growing threat of AI-enabled disinformation and its use by foreign state actors to augment influence operations and disinformation campaigns; (B) work closely with private industry and academia to identify and coordinate efforts in developing digital content provenance detection techniques and technologies; (C) develop the Department’s internal coordination across regional and functional bureaus on the issue of AI-enabled disinformation; (D) develop a unified approach to international coordination on— (i) establishing standards around digital content provenance techniques and technologies, specifically as it relates to countering AI-enabled disinformation campaign; and (ii) assessing the potential for establishing frameworks around the proliferation of tools that facilitate AI-enabled disinformation; and (E) identify any additional tools or resources necessary to enhance the Department’s ability to— (i) detect AI-enabled foreign disinformation and propaganda; (ii) rapidly produce original counter-messaging to address AI-enabled disinformation campaigns; (iii) expand digital literacy programming abroad to include education on how media consumers in recipient countries can identify and inoculate themselves from synthetically produced media; and (iv) coordinate and collaborate with other governments, international organizations, civil society, the private sector, and others, as necessary. (2) Membership The Task Force shall be comprised of a representative from relevant offices, as determined by the Secretary, including— (A) the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy; (B) the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs; (C) the Global Engagement Center; (D) the Office of the Science and Technology Advisor to the Secretary; (E) the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs; (F) the Bureau for Intelligence and Research; (G) the Center for Analytics of the Office of Management Strategy and Solutions; (H) the Foreign Service Institute School of Applied Information Technology; and (I) any others the Secretary determines appropriate. (d) Task Force report Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees on the establishment and progress of the Task Force’s work, including in pursuit of the objectives described in subsection(c)(1). (e) Definitions In this section: (1) Artificial intelligence The term artificial intelligence has the meaning given that term in section 238(g) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 ( Public Law 115–232 ; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note). (2) Digital content provenance The term digital content provenance means the verifiable chronology of the origin and history of a piece of digital content, such as an image, video, audio recording, or electronic document. 304. Establishment of the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Department of State Section 1 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2651a ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (n) Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (1) In general There shall be within the Department of State a Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, which may be dual-hatted as the Department’s Chief Data Officer, who shall be a member of the Senior Executive Service. (2) Duties described The principal duties and responsibilities of the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer shall be— (A) to evaluate, oversee, and, if appropriate, facilitate the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning applications to help inform decisions by policymakers and to support programs and management operations of the Department of State; and (B) to act as the principal advisor to the Secretary of State on the ethical use of AI and advanced analytics in conducting data-informed diplomacy. (3) Qualifications The Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer should be an individual with demonstrated skill and competency in— (A) the use and application of data analytics, AI, and machine learning; and (B) transformational leadership and organizational change management, particularly within large, complex organizations. (4) Partner with the Chief Information Officer on scaling artificial intelligence use cases To ensure alignment between the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer and the Chief Information Officer, the Chief Information Officer will consult with the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer on best practices for rolling out and scaling AI capabilities across the Bureau of Information and Resource Management’s broader portfolio of software applications. (5) Artificial intelligence defined In this subsection, the term artificial intelligence has the meaning given the term in section 238(g) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 ( Public Law 115–232 ; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note). . 305. Strengthening the Chief Information Officer of the Department of State (a) In general The Chief Information Officer of the Department shall be consulted on all decisions to approve or disapprove, significant new unclassified information technology expenditures, including software, of the Department, including expenditures related to information technology acquired, managed, and maintained by other bureaus and offices within the Department, in order to— (1) encourage the use of enterprise software and information technology solutions where such solutions exist or can be developed in a timeframe and manner consistent with maintaining and enhancing the continuity and improvement of Department operations; (2) increase the bargaining power of the Department in acquiring information technology solutions across the Department; (3) reduce the number of redundant Authorities to Operate (ATO), which, instead of using one ATO-approved platform across bureaus, requires multiple ATOs for software use cases across different bureaus; (4) enhance the efficiency, reduce redundancy, and increase interoperability of the use of information technology across the enterprise of the Department; (5) enhance training and alignment of information technology personnel with the skills required to maintain systems across the Department; (6) reduce costs related to the maintenance of, or effectuate the retirement of, legacy systems; (7) ensure the development and maintenance of security protocols regarding the use of information technology solutions and software across the Department; and (8) improve end-user training on the operation of information technology solutions and to enhance end-user cybersecurity practices. (b) Strategy and implementation plan required (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Chief Information Officer of the Department shall develop, in consultation with relevant bureaus and offices as appropriate, a strategy and a 5-year implementation plan to advance the objectives described in subsection (a). (2) Consultation No later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Chief Information Officer shall submit the strategy required by this subsection to the appropriate congressional committees and shall consult with the appropriate congressional committees, not less than on an annual basis for 5 years, regarding the progress related to the implementation plan required by this subjection. (c) Improvement plan for the Bureau for Information Resources Management (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Chief Information Officer shall develop policies and protocols to improve the customer service orientation, quality and timely delivery of information technology solutions, and training and support for bureau and office-level information technology officers. (2) Survey Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for five years, the Chief Information Officer shall undertake a client satisfaction survey of bureau information technology officers to obtain feedback on metrics related to— (A) customer service orientation of the Bureau of Information Resources Management; (B) quality and timelines of capabilities delivered; (C) maintenance and upkeep of information technology solutions; (D) training and support for senior bureau and office-level information technology officers; and (E) other matters which the Chief Information Officer, in consultation with client bureaus and offices, determine appropriate. (3) Submission of findings Not later than 60 days after completing each survey required under paragraph (2), the Chief Information Officer shall submit a summary of the findings to the appropriate congressional committees. (d) Significant expenditure defined For purposes of this section, the term significant expenditure means any cumulative expenditure in excess of $250,000 total in a single fiscal year for a new unclassified software or information technology capability. 306. Sense of Congress on strengthening enterprise governance It is the sense of Congress that in order to modernize the Department, enterprise-wide governance regarding budget and finance, information technology, and the creation, analysis, and use of data across the Department is necessary to better align resources to strategy, including evaluating trade-offs, and to enhance efficiency and security in using data and technology as tools to inform and evaluate the conduct of United States foreign policy. 307. Digital connectivity and cybersecurity partnership (a) Digital connectivity and cybersecurity partnership The Secretary is authorized to establish a program, which may be known as the Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership , to help foreign countries— (1) expand and increase secure internet access and digital infrastructure in emerging markets, including demand for and availability of high-quality information and communications technology (ICT) equipment, software, and services; (2) protect technological assets, including data; (3) adopt policies and regulatory positions that foster and encourage open, interoperable, reliable, and secure internet, the free flow of data, multi-stakeholder models of internet governance, and pro-competitive and secure ICT policies and regulations; (4) access United States exports of ICT goods and services; (5) expand interoperability and promote the diversification of ICT goods and supply chain services to be less reliant on PRC imports; (6) promote best practices and common standards for a national approach to cybersecurity; and (7) advance other priorities consistent with paragraphs (1) through (6), as determined by the Secretary. (b) Use of funds Funds made available to carry out this section, including unexpended funds from fiscal years 2018 through 2022, may be used to strengthen civilian cybersecurity and information and communications technology capacity, including participation of foreign law enforcement and military personnel in non-military activities, notwithstanding any other provision of law, provided that such support is essential to enabling civilian and law enforcement of cybersecurity and information and communication technology related activities in their respective countries. (c) Implementation plan Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees an implementation plan for the coming year to advance the goals identified in subsection (a). (d) Consultation In developing and operationalizing the implementation plan required under subsection (c), the Secretary shall consult with— (1) the appropriate congressional committees, the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; (2) United States industry leaders; (3) other relevant technology experts, including the Open Technology Fund; (4) representatives from relevant United States Government agencies; and (5) representatives from like-minded allies and partners. (e) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028 to carry out this section. Such funds, including funds authorized to be appropriated under the heading Economic Support Fund , may be made available, notwithstanding any other provision of law to strengthen civilian cybersecurity and information and communications technology capacity, including for participation of foreign law enforcement and military personnel in non-military activities, and for contributions. Such funds shall remain available until expended. 308. Establishment of a cyberspace, digital connectivity, and related technologies (CDT) fund Part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 ( 22 U.S.C. 2301 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following new chapter: 10 Cyberspace, digital connectivity, and related technologies (CDT) fund 591. Findings Congress makes the following findings: (1) Increasingly digitized and interconnected social, political, and economic systems have introduced new vulnerabilities for malicious actors to exploit, which threatens economic and national security. (2) The rapid development, deployment, and integration of information and communication technologies into all aspects of modern life bring mounting risks of accidents and malicious activity involving such technologies, and their potential consequences. (3) Because information and communication technologies are globally manufactured, traded, and networked, the economic and national security of the United State depends greatly on cybersecurity practices of other actors, including other countries. (4) United States assistance to countries and international organizations to bolster civilian capacity to address national cybersecurity and deterrence in cyberspace can help— (A) reduce vulnerability in the information and communication technologies ecosystem; and (B) advance national and economic security objectives. 592. Authorization of assistance and funding for cyberspace, digital connectivity, and related technologies (CDT) capacity building activities (a) Authorization The Secretary of State is authorized to provide assistance to foreign governments and organizations, including national, regional, and international institutions, on such terms and conditions as the Secretary may determine, in order to— (1) advance a secure and stable cyberspace; (2) protect and expand trusted digital ecosystems and connectivity; (3) build the cybersecurity capacity of partner countries and organizations; and (4) ensure that the development of standards and the deployment and use of technology supports and reinforces human rights and democratic values, including through the Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership. (b) Scope of uses Assistance under this section may include programs to— (1) advance the adoption and deployment of secure and trustworthy information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and services, including efforts to grow global markets for secure ICT goods and services and promote a more diverse and resilient ICT supply chain; (2) provide technical and capacity building assistance to— (A) promote policy and regulatory frameworks that create an enabling environment for digital connectivity and a vibrant digital economy; (B) ensure technologies, including related new and emerging technologies, are developed, deployed, and used in ways that support and reinforce democratic values and human rights; (C) promote innovation and competition; and (D) support digital governance with the development of rights-respecting international norms and standards; (3) help countries prepare for, defend against, and respond to malicious cyber activities, including through— (A) the adoption of cybersecurity best practices; (B) the development of national strategies to enhance cybersecurity; (C) the deployment of cybersecurity tools and services to increase the security, strength, and resilience of networks and infrastructure; (D) support for the development of cybersecurity watch, warning, response, and recovery capabilities, including through the development of cybersecurity incident response teams; (E) support for collaboration with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and other relevant Federal agencies to enhance cybersecurity; (F) programs to strengthen allied and partner governments’ capacity to detect, investigate, deter, and prosecute cybercrimes; (G) programs to provide information and resources to diplomats engaging in discussions and negotiations around international law and capacity building measures related to cybersecurity; (H) capacity building for cybersecurity partners, including law enforcement and military entities as described in subsection (f); (I) programs that enhance the ability of relevant stakeholders to act collectively against shared cybersecurity threats; (J) the advancement of programs in support of the Framework of Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace; and (K) the fortification of deterrence instruments in cyberspace; and (4) such other purpose and functions as the Secretary of State may designate. (c) Responsibility for policy decisions and justification The Secretary of State shall be responsible for policy decisions regarding programs under this chapter, with respect to— (1) whether there will be cybersecurity and digital capacity building programs for a foreign country or entity operating in that country; (2) the amount of funds for each foreign country or entity; and (3) the scope and nature of such uses of funding. (d) Detailed justification for uses and purposes of funds The Secretary of State shall provide, on an annual basis, a detailed justification for the uses and purposes of the amounts provided under this chapter, including information concerning— (1) the amounts and kinds of grants; (2) the amounts and kinds of budgetary support provided, if any; and (3) the amounts and kinds of project assistance provided for what purpose and with such amounts. (e) Assistance and funding under other authorities The authority granted under this section to provide assistance or funding for countries and organizations does not preclude the use of funds provided to carry out other authorities also available for such purpose. (f) Availability of funds Amounts appropriated to carry out this chapter may be used, notwithstanding any other provision of law, to strengthen civilian cybersecurity and information and communications technology capacity, including participation of foreign law enforcement and military personnel in non-military activities, provided that such support is essential to enabling civilian and law enforcement of cybersecurity and information and communication technology related activities in their respective countries. (g) Notification requirements Funds made available under this section shall be obligated in accordance with the procedures applicable to reprogramming notifications pursuant to section 634A of this Act. 593. Review of emergency assistance capacity (a) In general The Secretary of State, in consultation as appropriate with other relevant Federal departments and agencies is authorized to conduct a review that— (1) analyzes the United States Government’s capacity to promptly and effectively deliver emergency support to countries experiencing major cybersecurity and ICT incidents; (2) identifies relevant factors constraining the support referred to in paragraph (1); and (3) develops a strategy to improve coordination among relevant Federal agencies and to resolve such constraints. (b) Report Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this chapter, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives that contains the results of the review conducted pursuant to subsection (a). 594. Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated $150,000,000 during the 5-year period beginning on October 1, 2023, to carry out the purposes of this chapter. . 309. Cyber protection support for personnel of the Department of State in positions highly vulnerable to cyber attack (a) Definitions In this section: (1) At-risk personnel The term at-risk personnel means personnel of the Department— (A) whom the Secretary determines to be highly vulnerable to cyber attacks and hostile information collection activities because of their positions in the Department; and (B) whose personal technology devices or personal accounts are highly vulnerable to cyber attacks and hostile information collection activities. (2) Personal accounts The term personal accounts means accounts for online and telecommunications services, including telephone, residential internet access, email, text and multimedia messaging, cloud computing, social media, health care, and financial services, used by personnel of the Department outside of the scope of their employment with the Department. (3) Personal technology devices The term personal technology devices means technology devices used by personnel of the Department outside of the scope of their employment with the Department, including networks to which such devices connect. (b) Requirement to provide cyber protection support The Secretary, in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence— (1) shall offer cyber protection support for the personal technology devices and personal accounts of at-risk personnel; and (2) may provide the support described in paragraph (1) to any Department personnel who request such support. (c) Nature of cyber protection support Subject to the availability of resources, the cyber protection support provided to personnel pursuant to subsection (b) may include training, advice, assistance, and other services relating to protection against cyber attacks and hostile information collection activities. (d) Privacy protections for personal devices The Department is prohibited from accessing or retrieving any information from any personal technology device or personal account of Department employees receiving cyber protection support described by this section unless— (1) access or information retrieval is necessary for carrying out the cyber protection support specified in this section; and (2) the Department has received explicit consent from the employee to access a personal technology device or personal account prior to each time such device or account is accessed. (e) Rule of construction Nothing in this section may be construed— (1) to encourage Department personnel to use personal technology devices for official business; or (2) to authorize cyber protection support for senior Department personnel using personal devices, networks, and personal accounts in an official capacity. (f) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees regarding the provision of cyber protection support pursuant to subsection (b), which shall include— (1) a description of the methodology used to make the determination under subsection (a)(1); and (2) guidance for the use of cyber protection support and tracking of support requests for personnel receiving cyber protection support pursuant to subsection (b). IV Organization and operations 401. Personal services contractors (a) Exigent circumstances and crisis response To assist the Department in addressing and responding to exigent circumstances and urgent crises abroad, the Department is authorized to employ, domestically and abroad, a limited number of personal services contractors in order to meet exigent needs, subject to the requirements of this section. (b) Authority The authority to employ personal services contractors is in addition to any existing authorities to enter into personal services contracts and authority provided in the Afghanistan Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022 (division C of Public Law 117–43 ). (c) Employing and allocation of personnel To meet the needs described in subsection (a) and subject to the requirements in subsection (d), the Department may— (1) enter into contracts to employ a total of up to 100 personal services contractors at any given time for each of fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026; and (2) allocate up to 20 personal services contractors to a given bureau, without regard to the sources of funding such office relies on to compensate individuals. (d) Limitation Employment authorized by this section shall not exceed two calendar years. (e) Notification and reporting to Congress (1) Notification Not later than 15 days after the use of authority under this section, the Secretary shall notify the appropriate congressional committees, the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives of the number of personal services contractors being employed, the expected length of employment, the relevant bureau, the purpose for using personal services contractors, and the justification, including the exigent circumstances requiring such use. (2) Annual reporting Not later than 60 days after the end of each fiscal year, the Department shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees, the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives a report describing the number of personal services contractors employed pursuant to this section for the prior fiscal year, the length of employment, the relevant bureau by which they were employed pursuant to this section, the purpose for using personal services contractors, disaggregated demographic data of such contractors, and the justification for the employment, including the exigent circumstances. 402. Hard-to-fill posts (a) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) the number of hard-to-fill vacancies at United States diplomatic missions is far too high, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa; (2) these vacancies— (A) adversely impact the Department’s execution of regional strategies; (B) hinder the ability of the United States to effectively compete with strategic competitors, such as the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation; and (C) present a clear national security risk to the United States; and (3) if the Department is unable to incentivize officers to accept hard-to-fill positions, the Department should consider directed assignments, particularly for posts in Africa, and other means to more effectively advance the national interests of the United States. (b) Report on development of incentives for hard-to-fill posts Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees on efforts to develop new incentives for hard-to-fill positions at United States diplomatic missions. The report shall include a description of the incentives developed to date and proposals to try to more effectively fill hard-to-fill posts. (c) Study on feasibility of allowing non-Consular Foreign Service officers given directed Consular posts to volunteer for hard-to-fill posts in understaffed regions (1) Study (A) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a study on— (i) the number of Foreign Service positions vacant for six months or longer at overseas posts, including for consular, political, and economic positions, over the last five years, broken down by region, and a comparison of the proportion of vacancies between regions; and (ii) the feasibility of allowing first-tour Foreign Service generalists in non-Consular cones, directed for a consular tour, to volunteer for reassignment at hard-to-fill posts in understaffed regions. (B) Matters to be considered The study conducted under subparagraph (A) shall consider whether allowing first-tour Foreign Service generalists to volunteer as described in such subparagraph would address current vacancies and what impact the new mechanism would have on consular operations. (2) Report Not later than 60 days after completing the study required under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report containing the findings of the study. 403. Enhanced oversight of the Office of Civil Rights (a) Report with recommendations and management structure Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report with any recommendations for the long-term structure and management of the Office of Civil Rights (OCR), including— (1) an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of OCR’s investigative processes and procedures; (2) any changes made within OCR to its investigative processes to improve the integrity and thoroughness of its investigations; and (3) any recommendations to improve the management structure, investigative process, and oversight of the Office. 404. Crisis response operations (a) In general Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall institute the following changes and ensure that the following elements have been integrated into the ongoing crisis response management and response by the Crisis Management and Strategy Office: (1) The Department’s crisis response planning and operations shall conduct, maintain, and update on a regular basis contingency plans for posts and regions experiencing or vulnerable to conflict or emergency conditions, including armed conflict, national disasters, significant political or military upheaval, and emergency evacuations. (2) The Department’s crisis response efforts shall be led by an individual with significant experience responding to prior crises, who shall be so designated by the Secretary. (3) The Department’s crisis response efforts shall provide at least quarterly updates to the Secretary and other relevant senior officials, including a plan and schedule to develop contingency planning for identified posts and regions consistent with paragraph (1). (4) The decision to develop contingency planning for any particular post or region shall be made independent of any regional bureau. (5) The crisis response team shall develop and maintain best practices for evacuations, closures, and emergency conditions. (b) Update (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every 180 days thereafter for the next five years, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees, the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives an update outlining the steps taken to implement this section, along with any other recommendations to improve the Department’s crisis management and response operations. (2) Contents Each update submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) should include— (A) a list of the posts whose contingency plans, including any noncombatant evacuation contingencies, has been reviewed and updated as appropriate during the preceding 180 days; and (B) an assessment of the Secretary’s confidence that each post— (i) has continuously reached out to United States persons in country to maintain and update contact information for as many such persons as practicable; and (ii) is prepared to communicate with such persons in an emergency or crisis situation. (3) Form Each update submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. 405. Special Envoy to the Pacific Islands Forum (a) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) the United States must increase its diplomatic activity and presence in the Pacific, particularly among Pacific Island nations; and (2) the Special Envoy to the Pacific Islands Forum— (A) should advance the United States partnership with Pacific Island Forum nations and with the organization itself on key issues of importance to the Pacific region; and (B) should coordinate policies across the Pacific region with like-minded democracies. (b) Appointment of Special Envoy to the Pacific Islands Forum Section 1 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2651a ), as amended by section 304, is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (o) Special envoy to the pacific islands forum (1) Appointment The President shall appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, a qualified individual to serve as Special Envoy to the Pacific Islands Forum (referred to in this section as the Special Envoy ). (2) Considerations (A) Selection The Special Envoy shall be— (i) a United States Ambassador to a country that is a member of the Pacific Islands Forum; or (ii) a qualified individual who is not described in clause (i). (B) Limitations If the President appoints an Ambassador to a country that is a member of the Pacific Islands Forum to serve concurrently as the Special Envoy to the Pacific Islands Forum, such Ambassador— (i) may not begin service as the Special Envoy until he or she has been confirmed by the Senate for an ambassadorship to a country that is a member of the Pacific Islands Forum; and (ii) shall not receive additional compensation for his or her service as Special Envoy. (3) Duties The Special Envoy shall— (A) represent the United States in its role as dialogue partner to the Pacific Islands Forum; and (B) carry out such other duties as the President or the Secretary of State may prescribe. . (c) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that describes how the Department will increase its ability to recruit and retain highly-qualified ambassadors, special envoys, and other senior personnel in posts in Pacific island countries as the Department expands its diplomatic footprint throughout the region. 406. Special Envoy for Belarus (a) Special Envoy The President shall appoint a Special Envoy for Belarus within the Department (referred to in this section as the Special Envoy ). The Special Envoy should be a person of recognized distinction in the field of European security, geopolitics, democracy and human rights, and may be a career Foreign Service officer. (b) Central objective The central objective of the Special Envoy is to coordinate and promote efforts— (1) to improve respect for the fundamental human rights of the people of Belarus; (2) to sustain focus on the national security implications of Belarus’s political and military alignment for the United States; and (3) to respond to the political, economic, and security impacts of events in Belarus upon neighboring countries and the wider region. (c) Duties and responsibilities The Special Envoy shall— (1) engage in discussions with Belarusian officials regarding human rights, political, economic and security issues in Belarus; (2) support international efforts to promote human rights and political freedoms in Belarus, including coordination and dialogue between the United States and the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the European Union, Belarus, and the other countries in Eastern Europe; (3) consult with nongovernmental organizations that have attempted to address human rights and political and economic instability in Belarus; (4) make recommendations regarding the funding of activities promoting human rights, democracy, the rule of law, and the development of a market economy in Belarus; (5) review strategies for improving protection of human rights in Belarus, including technical training and exchange programs; (6) develop an action plan for holding to account the perpetrators of the human rights violations documented in the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights report on the situation of human rights in Belarus in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election and its aftermath (Human Rights Council Resolution 49/36); (7) engage with member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the European Union with respect to the implications of Belarus’s political and security alignment for transatlantic security; and (8) work within the Department and among partnering countries to sustain focus on the political situation in Belarus. (d) Role The position of Special Envoy— (1) shall be a full-time position; (2) may not be combined with any other position within the Department; (3) shall only exist as long as United States diplomatic operations in Belarus at United States Embassy Minsk have been suspended; and (4) shall oversee the operations and personnel of the Belarus Affairs Unit. (e) Report on activities Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for the following 5 years, the Secretary, in consultation with the Special Envoy, shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that describes the activities undertaken pursuant to subsection (c) during the reporting period. (f) Sunset The position of Special Envoy for Belarus Affairs and the authorities provided by this section shall terminate 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act. 407. Overseas placement of special appointment positions Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on current special appointment positions at United States diplomatic missions that do not exercise significant authority, and all positions under schedule B or schedule C of subpart C of part 213 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, at United States diplomatic missions. The report shall include the title and responsibilities of each position, the expected duration of the position, the name of the individual currently appointed to the position, and the hiring authority utilized to fill the position. 408. Establishment of Office of the Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy Section 1 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2651a ), as amended by section 405, is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (p) Office of the Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy (1) In general There is established within the Office of Global Partnerships of the Department of State an Office of the Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy (in this subsection referred to as the Office ). (2) Head The head of the Office shall be the Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy, who shall be responsible for developing strategies to advise and enhance subnational diplomacy throughout the United States. (3) Duties (A) Principal duty The principal duty of the Special Representative shall be providing the overall strategic guidance of Department of State support for subnational engagements by State and municipal governments with foreign governments. The Special Representative shall be the principal adviser to the Secretary of State on subnational engagements, the principal official on such matters within the senior management of the Department of State, and lead coordinator on such matters for other relevant Federal agencies. (B) Additional duties The additional duties of the Special Representative shall include the following: (i) Providing strategic guidance for overall Department of State policy and programs in support of subnational engagements by State and municipal governments with foreign governments, including with respect to the following: (I) Identifying policy, program, and funding discrepancies among relevant Federal agencies regarding subnational diplomacy engagement. (II) Advising on efforts to better align the Department of State and other Federal agencies in support of such engagements. (ii) Identifying areas of alignment between United States foreign policy and State and municipal goals. (iii) Facilitating tools for State and municipal officials to communicate with the United States public regarding the breadth of international engagement by subnational actors and the impact of diplomacy across the United States. (iv) Facilitating linkages and networks among State and municipal governments and between State and municipal governments and their foreign counterparts. (v) Under the direction of the Secretary, negotiating agreements and memoranda of understanding with foreign governments related to subnational engagements and priorities. (vi) Supporting United States economic interests through subnational engagements, in consultation and coordination with the Department of Commerce, the Department of the Treasury, and the Office of the United States Trade Representative. (4) Coordination With respect to matters involving trade promotion and inward investment facilitation, the Office shall coordinate with and support the International Trade Administration of the Department of Commerce as the lead Federal agency for trade promotion and facilitation of business investment in the United States. (5) Detailees (A) In general The Secretary of State, with respect to employees of the Department of State, is authorized to detail a member of the civil service or Foreign Service to State and municipal governments on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis. Such details shall be for a period not to exceed two years, and shall be without interruption or loss of status or privilege. (B) Responsibilities Detailees under subparagraph (A) should carry out the following responsibilities: (i) Supporting the mission and objectives of the host subnational government office. (ii) Advising State and municipal government officials regarding questions of global affairs, foreign policy, cooperative agreements, and public diplomacy. (iii) Coordinating activities relating to State and municipal government subnational engagements with the Department of State, including the Office, Department leadership, and regional and functional bureaus of the Department, as appropriate. (iv) Engaging Federal agencies regarding security, public health, trade promotion, and other programs executed at the State or municipal government level. (v) Any other duties requested by State and municipal governments and approved by the Office. (C) Additional personnel support for subnational engagement For the purposes of this subsection, the Secretary of State— (i) is authorized to employ individuals by contract; (ii) is encouraged to make use of the re-hired annuitants authority under section 3323 of title 5, United States Code, particularly for annuitants who are already residing across the United States who may have the skills and experience to support subnational governments; and (iii) is encouraged to make use of authorities under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 1970 ( 42 U.S.C. 4701 et seq. ) to temporarily assign State and local government officials to the Department of State or overseas missions to increase their international experience and add their perspectives on United States priorities to the Department. (6) Report and briefing (A) Report Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Special Representative shall submit to the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives a report that includes information relating to the following: (i) The staffing plan (including permanent and temporary staff) for the Office and a justification for the location of the Office within the Department of State’s organizational structure. (ii) The funding level provided to the Office for the Office, together with a justification relating to such level. (iii) The rank and title granted to the Special Representative, together with a justification relating to such decision and an analysis of whether the rank and title is required to fulfill the duties of the Office. (iv) A strategic plan for the Office, including relating to— (I) supporting subnational engagements to improve United States foreign policy effectiveness; (II) enhancing the awareness, understanding, and involvement of United States citizens in the foreign policy process; and (III) better engaging with foreign subnational governments to strengthen diplomacy. (v) Any other matters as determined relevant by the Special Representative. (B) Briefings Not later than 30 days after the submission of the report required under subparagraph (A) and annually thereafter, the Special Representative shall brief the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives on the work of the Office and any changes made to the organizational structure or funding of the Office. (7) Rule of construction Nothing in this subsection may be construed as precluding— (A) the Office from being elevated to a bureau within the Department of State; or (B) the Special Representative from being elevated to an Assistant Secretary, if such an Assistant Secretary position does not increase the number of Assistant Secretary positions at the Department above the number authorized under subsection (c)(1). (8) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Municipal The term municipal means, with respect to the government of a municipality in the United States, a municipality with a population of not fewer than 100,000 people. (B) State The term State means the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and any territory or possession of the United States. (C) Subnational engagement The term subnational engagement means formal meetings or events between elected officials of State or municipal governments and their foreign counterparts. . 409. Office of Global Women’s Issues (a) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that the Office of Global Women’s Issues (referred to in this section as the Office ) in the Department should— (1) be headed by the Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, who should be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; (2) coordinate, under the direction of the Secretary, the United States foreign policy efforts to promote gender equality and the rights and empowerment of women and girls in United States diplomacy, partnerships, and programs; (3) serve as the principal advisor to the Secretary regarding gender equality, women’s and girls’ empowerment, and violence against women and girls as a priority of United States foreign policy; (4) represent the United States in diplomatic and multilateral fora on matters relevant to the status of women and girls; (5) advise the Secretary and provide input on all activities, policies, programs, and funding relating to gender equality and the advancement of women and girls internationally for all bureaus and offices of the Department and in the international programs of all other Federal agencies; (6) work to ensure that efforts to advance gender equality and women’s and girls’ empowerment are fully integrated into the programs, structures, processes, and capacities of all bureaus and offices of the Department and in the international programs of other Federal agencies; and (7) conduct regular consultations with civil society organizations that are working to advance gender equality and empower women and girls internationally. (b) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report or provide a briefing to the appropriate congressional committees regarding the efforts of the Office to carry out the duties described in subsection (a). V Economic diplomacy 501. Duties of officers performing economic functions (a) In general Chapter 5 of title I of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 3981 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 506. Duties of officers performing economic functions (a) Defined term In this section, the term United States person means— (1) a United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States; or (2) an entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States, including a foreign branch of such an entity. (b) In general The Secretary is authorized to direct the officers performing economic functions of the Foreign Service as appropriate to carry out the full spectrum of economic statecraft and commercial diplomacy work that advances United States foreign policy priorities in the host country or domestic posting to which they are assigned, including— (1) to negotiate economic and other related agreements with foreign governments and international organizations; (2) to inform the Department, and when appropriate, the Washington, D.C., headquarters offices of Federal agencies, with respect to the positions of foreign governments and international organizations in negotiations on such matters as economic, energy, environment, science and health; (3) to advance— (A) the routine implementation and maintenance of economic, environment, science, and health agreements; and (B) other initiatives in the countries to which such officers are assigned related to improving economic or commercial relations for the benefit of United States persons, including businesses; (4) to identify, help design and execute, and advance, in consultation with other Federal agencies, United States policies, programs, and initiatives, including capacity-building efforts, to advance policies of foreign governments that improve local economic governance, market-based business environments, and market access, increase trade and investment opportunities, or provide a more level playing field for United States persons, including with respect to— (A) improving revenue collection; (B) streamlining customs processes and improving customs transparency and efficiency; (C) improving regulatory management; (D) improving procurement processes, including facilitating transparency in tendering, bidding, and contact negotiation; (E) advancing intellectual property protections; (F) eliminating anticompetitive subsidies and improving the transparency of remaining subsidies; (G) improving budget management and oversight; and (H) strengthening management of important economic sectors; (5) to prioritize active support of economic and commercial goals of the United States, and as appropriate, United States persons abroad, in conjunction with the United States and Foreign Commercial Service established by section 2301 of the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 ( 15 U.S.C. 4721 ); (6) to provide United States persons with information on all United States Government support with respect to international economic matters; (7) to receive feedback from United States persons with respect to support described in paragraphs (5) and (6), and report that feedback to the chief of mission and to the headquarters of the Department; (8) to consult closely and regularly with the private sector in accordance with section 709 of the Championing American Business through Diplomacy Act of 2019 ( 22 U.S.C. 9905 ); (9) to identify and execute opportunities for the United States to counter policies, initiatives, or activities by authoritarian governments or enterprises affiliated with such governments that are anticompetitive or undermine the sovereignty or prosperity of the United States or a partner country; (10) to identify and execute opportunities for the United States in new and emerging areas of trade and investment, such as digital trade, critical minerals extraction, refining, and processing, energy, and innovation; (11) to monitor the development and implementation of bilateral and multilateral economic and other related agreements and provide recommendations to the Secretary and the heads of other relevant Federal agencies with respect to United States actions and initiatives relating to those agreements; (12) to maintain complete and accurate records of the performance measurements of the Department for economic and commercial diplomacy activities, as directed by the chief of mission and other senior officials of the Department; (13) to report on issues and developments related to economic, commercial, trade, investment, energy, environment, science, and health matters with direct relevance to United States economic and national security interests, especially when accurate, reliable, timely, and cost-effective information is unavailable from non-United States Government sources; and (14) to coordinate all activities, as necessary and appropriate, with counterparts in other agencies. (c) Regulatory updates The Secretary shall update guidance in the Foreign Affairs Manual and other regulations and guidance as necessary to implement this section. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of contents for the Foreign Service Act of 1980 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 505 the following: Sec. 506. Duties of economic officers. . 502. Report on recruitment, retention, and promotion of Foreign Service economic officers (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees regarding the recruitment, retention, and promotion of economic officers in the Foreign Service. (b) Elements The report required under subsection (b) shall include— (1) an overview of the key challenges the Department faces in— (A) recruiting individuals to serve as economic officers in the Foreign Service; and (B) retaining individuals serving as economic officers in the Foreign Service, particularly at the level of GS–14 of the General Schedule and higher; (2) an overview of the key challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified individuals to serve in economic positions in the Civil Service; (3) a comparison of promotion rates for economic officers in the Foreign Service relative to other officers in the Foreign Service; (4) a summary of the educational history and training of current economic officers in the Foreign Service and Civil Service officers serving in economic positions; (5) the identification, disaggregated by region, of hard-to-fill posts and proposed incentives to improve staffing of economic officers in the Foreign Service at such posts; (6) a summary and analysis of the factors that lead to the promotion of— (A) economic officers in the Foreign Service; and (B) individuals serving in economic positions in the Civil Service; and (7) a summary and analysis of current Department-funded or run training opportunities and externally-funded programs, including the Secretary’s Leadership Seminar at Harvard Business School, for— (A) economic officers in the Foreign Service; and (B) individuals serving in economic positions in the Civil Service. 503. Mandate to revise Department of State metrics for successful economic and commercial diplomacy (a) Mandate to revise department of state performance measures for economic and commercial diplomacy The Secretary shall, as part of the Department’s next regularly scheduled review on metrics and performance measures, include revisions of Department performance measures for economic and commercial diplomacy, by identifying outcome-oriented, and not process-oriented, performance metrics, including metrics that— (1) measure how Department efforts advanced specific economic and commercial objectives and led to successes for the United States or other private sector actors overseas; and (2) focus on customer satisfaction with Department services and assistance. (b) Plan for ensuring complete data for performance measures As part of the review required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall include a plan for ensuring that— (1) the Department, both at its main headquarters and at domestic and overseas posts, maintains and fully updates data on performance measures; and (2) Department leadership and the appropriate congressional committees can evaluate the extent to which the Department is advancing United States economic and commercial interests abroad through meeting performance targets. (c) Report on private sector surveys The Secretary shall prepare a report that lists and describes all the methods through which the Department conducts surveys of the private sector to measure private sector satisfaction with assistance and services provided by the Department to advance private sector economic and commercial goals in foreign markets. (d) Report Not later than 90 days after conducting the review pursuant to subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees— (1) the revised performance metrics required under subsection (a); and (2) the report required under subsection (c). 504. Chief of mission economic responsibilities Section 207 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 3927 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (e) Embassy economic team (1) Coordination and supervision Each chief of mission shall coordinate and supervise the implementation of all United States economic policy interests within the host country in which the diplomatic mission is located, among all United States Government departments and agencies present in such country. (2) Accountability The chief of mission is responsible for the performance of the diplomatic mission in advancing United States economic policy interests within the host country. (3) Mission economic team The chief of mission shall designate appropriate embassy staff to form a mission economic team that— (A) monitors notable economic, commercial, and investment-related developments in the host country; and (B) develops plans and strategies for advancing United States economic and commercial interests in the host country, including— (i) tracking legislative, regulatory, judicial, and policy developments that could affect United States economic, commercial, and investment interests; (ii) advocating for best practices with respect to policy and regulatory developments; (iii) conducting regular analyses of market systems, trends, prospects, and opportunities for value-addition, including risk assessments and constraints analyses of key sectors and of United States strategic competitiveness, and other reporting on commercial opportunities and investment climate; and (iv) providing recommendations for responding to developments that may adversely affect United States economic and commercial interests. . 505. Direction to embassy deal teams (a) Purposes The purposes of deal teams at United States embassies and consulates are— (1) to promote a private sector-led approach— (A) to advance economic growth and job creation that is tailored, as appropriate, to specific economic sectors; and (B) to advance strategic partnerships; (2) to prioritize efforts— (A) to identify commercial and investment opportunities; (B) to advocate for improvements in the business and investment climate; (C) to engage and consult with private sector partners; and (D) to report on the activities described in subparagraphs (A) through (C), in accordance with the applicable requirements under sections 706 and 707 of the Championing American Business Through Diplomacy Act of 2019 (22 U.S.C. 9902 and 9903); (3) (A) (i) to identify trade and investment opportunities for United States companies in foreign markets; or (ii) to assist with existing trade and investment opportunities already identified by United States companies; and (B) to deploy United States Government economic and other tools to help such United States companies to secure their objectives; (4) to identify and facilitate opportunities for entities in a host country to increase exports to, or investment in, the United States in order to grow two-way trade and investment; (5) to modernize, streamline, and improve access to resources and services designed to promote increased trade and investment opportunities; (6) to identify and secure United States or allied government support of strategic projects, such as ports, railways, energy production and distribution, critical minerals development, telecommunications networks, and other critical infrastructure projects vulnerable to predatory investment by an authoritarian country or entity in such country where support or investment serves an important United States interest; (7) to coordinate across the Unites States Government to ensure the appropriate and most effective use of United States Government tools to support United States economic, commercial, and investment objectives; and (8) to coordinate with the multi-agency DC Central Deal Team, established in February 2020, on the matters described in paragraphs (1) through (7) and other relevant matters. (b) Clarification A deal team may be composed of the personnel comprising the mission economic team formed pursuant to section 207(e)(3) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as added by section 504. (c) Restrictions A deal team may not provide support for, or assist a United States person with a transaction involving, a government, or an entity owned or controlled by a government, if the Secretary determines that such government— (1) has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism, as described in— (A) section 1754(c)(1)(A)(i) of the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (subtitle B of title XVII of Public Law 115–232 ); (B) section 620A(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 ( 22 U.S.C. 2371(a) ); (C) section 40(d) of the Arms Export Control Act ( 22 U.S.C. 2780(d) ); or (D) any other relevant provision of law; or (2) has engaged in an activity that would trigger a restriction under section 116(a) or 502B(a)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 ( 22 U.S.C. 2151n(a) and 2304(a)(2)) or any other relevant provision of law. (d) Further restrictions (1) Prohibition on support of sanctioned persons Deal teams may not carry out activities prohibited under United States sanctions laws or regulations, including dealings with persons on the list of specially designated persons and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury, except to the extent otherwise authorized by the Secretary of the Treasury or the Secretary. (2) Prohibition on support of activities subject to sanctions Any person receiving support from a deal team must be in compliance with all United States sanctions laws and regulations as a condition for receiving such assistance. (e) Chief of mission authority and accountability The chief of mission to a foreign country— (1) is the designated leader of a deal team in such country; and (2) shall be held accountable for the performance and effectiveness of United States deal teams in such country. (f) Guidance cable The Department shall send out regular guidance on Deal Team efforts by an All Diplomatic and Consular Posts (referred to in this section as ALDAC ) that— (1) describes the role of deal teams; and (2) includes relevant and up-to-date information to enhance the effectiveness of deal teams in a country. (g) Confidentiality of information (1) In general In preparing the cable required under subsection (f), the Secretary shall protect from disclosure any proprietary information of a United States person marked as business confidential information unless the person submitting such information— (A) had notice, at the time of submission, that such information would be released by; or (B) subsequently consents to the release of such information. (2) Treatment as trade secrets Proprietary information obtained by the United States Government from a United States person pursuant to the activities of deal teams shall be— (A) considered to be trade secrets and commercial or financial information (as such terms are used under section 552b(c)(4) of title 5, United States Code); and (B) exempt from disclosure without the express approval of the person. (h) Sunset The requirements under subsections (f) through (h) shall terminate on the date that is 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act. 506. Establishment of a Deal Team of the Year award (a) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a new award, to be known as the Deal Team of the Year Award , and annually present the award to a deal team at one United States mission in each region to recognize outstanding achievements in supporting a United States company or companies pursuing commercial deals abroad or in identifying new deal prospects for United States companies. (b) Award content (1) Department of State Each member of a deal team receiving an award pursuant to subsection (a) shall receive a certificate that is signed by the Secretary and— (A) in the case of a member of the Foreign Service, is included in the next employee evaluation report; or (B) in the case of a Civil Service employee, is included in the next annual performance review. (2) Other Federal agencies If an award is presented pursuant to subsection (a) to a Federal Government employee who is not employed by the Department, the employing agency may determine whether to provide such employee any recognition or benefits in addition to the recognition or benefits provided by the Department. (c) Eligibility Any interagency economics team at a United States overseas mission under chief of mission authority that assists United States companies with identifying, navigating, and securing trade and investment opportunities in a foreign country or that facilitates beneficial foreign investment into the United States is eligible for an award under this section. (d) Report Not later than the last day of the fiscal year in which awards are presented pursuant to subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that includes— (1) each mission receiving a Deal Team of the Year Award. (2) the names and agencies of each awardee within the recipient deal teams; and (3) a detailed description of the reason such deal teams received such award. VI Public diplomacy 601. Public diplomacy outreach (a) Coordination of resources The Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development and the Secretary shall direct public affairs sections at United States embassies and USAID Mission Program Officers at USAID missions to coordinate, enhance and prioritize resources for public diplomacy and awareness campaigns around United States diplomatic and development efforts, including through— (1) the utilization of new media technology for maximum public engagement; and (2) enact coordinated comprehensive community outreach to increase public awareness and understanding and appreciation of United States diplomatic and development efforts. (b) Development outreach and coordination officers USAID should prioritize hiring of additional Development Outreach and Coordination officers in USAID missions to support the purposes of subsection (a). (c) Best practices The Secretary and the Administrator of USAID shall identify 10 countries in which Embassies and USAID missions have successfully executed efforts, including monitoring and evaluation of such efforts, described in (a) and develop best practices to be turned into Department and USAID guidance. 602. Modification on use of funds for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty In section 308(h) of the United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994 ( 22 U.S.C. 6207(h) ) is amended— (1) by striking subparagraphs (1), (3), and (5); and (2) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (4) as paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively. 603. International broadcasting (a) Voice of America Section 303 of the United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994 ( 22 U.S.C. 6202 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (d) Voice of America operations and structure (1) Operations The Director of the Voice of America (VOA)— (A) shall direct and supervise the operations of VOA, including making all major decisions relating its staffing; and (B) may utilize any authorities made available to the United States Agency for Global Media or to its Chief Executive Officer under this Act or under any other Act to carry out its operations in an effective manner. (2) Plan Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of VOA shall submit a plan to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives to ensure that the personnel structure of VOA is sufficient to effectively carry out the principles described in subsection (c). . (b) Appointment of Chief Executive Officer Section 304 of such Act ( 22 U.S.C. 6203 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking as an entity described in section 104 of title 5, United States Code and inserting under the direction of the International Broadcasting Advisory Board ; and (2) in subsection (b)(1), by striking the second sentence and inserting the following: Notwithstanding any other provision of law, when a vacancy arises, until such time as a Chief Executive Officer, to whom sections 3345 through 3349b of title 5, United States Code, shall not apply, is appointed and confirmed by the Senate, an acting Chief Executive Officer shall be appointed by the International Broadcasting Advisory Board and shall continue to serve and exercise the authorities and powers under this title as the sole means of filling such vacancy, for the duration of the vacancy. In the absence of a quorum on the International Broadcasting Advisory Board, the first principal deputy of the United States Agency for Global Media shall serve as acting Chief Executive Officer. . (c) Chief Executive Officer authorities Section 305(a)(1) of such Act ( 22 U.S.C. 6204(a)(1) ) is amended by striking To supervise all and inserting To oversee, coordinate, and provide strategic direction for . (d) International Broadcasting Advisory Board Section 306(a) of such Act ( 22 U.S.C. 6205(a) ) is amended by striking advise the Chief Executive Officer of and inserting oversee and advise the Chief Executive Officer and . (e) Radio Free Africa; Radio Free Americas Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Chief Executive Officer of the United States Agency for Global Media shall submit a report to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate , the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate , the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives , and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives that details the financial and other resources that would be required to establish and operate 2 nonprofit organizations, modeled after Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia, for the purposes of providing accurate, uncensored, and reliable news and information to— (1) the region of Africa, with respect to Radio Free Africa; and (2) the region of Latin America and the Caribbean, with respect to Radio Free Americas. 604. John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship program (a) In general The Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 ( 22 U.S.C. 2451 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following: 115. John Lewis civil rights fellowship program (a) Establishment There is established the John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship Program (referred to in this section as the Fellowship Program ) within the J. William Fulbright Educational Exchange Program. (b) Purposes The purposes of the Fellowship Program are— (1) to honor the legacy of Representative John Lewis by promoting a greater understanding of the history and tenets of nonviolent civil rights movements; and (2) to advance foreign policy priorities of the United States by promoting studies, research, and international exchange in the subject of nonviolent movements that established and protected civil rights around the world. (c) Administration The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (referred to in this section as the Bureau ) shall administer the Fellowship Program in accordance with policy guidelines established by the Board, in consultation with the binational Fulbright Commissions and United States Embassies. (d) Selection of fellows (1) In general The Board shall annually select qualified individuals to participate in the Fellowship Program. The Bureau may determine the number of fellows selected each year, which, whenever feasible, shall be not fewer than 25. (2) Outreach (A) In general To the extent practicable, the Bureau shall conduct outreach at institutions, including— (i) minority serving institutions, including historically Black colleges and universities; and (ii) other appropriate institutions, as determined by the Bureau. (B) Definitions In this paragraph: (i) Historically black college and university The term historically Black college and university has the meaning given the term part B institution in section 322 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1061 ). (ii) Minority serving institution The term minority-serving institution means an eligible institution under section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1067q(a) ). (e) Fellowship orientation Annually, the Bureau shall organize and administer a fellowship orientation, which shall— (1) be held in Washington, D.C., or at another location selected by the Bureau; and (2) include programming to honor the legacy of Representative John Lewis. (f) Structure (1) Work plan To carry out the purposes described in subsection (b)— (A) each fellow selected pursuant to subsection (d) shall arrange an internship or research placement— (i) with a nongovernmental organization, academic institution, or other organization approved by the Bureau; and (ii) in a country with an operational Fulbright U.S. Student Program; and (B) the Bureau shall, for each fellow, approve a work plan that identifies the target objectives for the fellow, including specific duties and responsibilities relating to those objectives. (2) Conferences; presentations Each fellow shall— (A) attend a fellowship orientation organized and administered by the Bureau under subsection (e); (B) not later than the date that is 1 year after the end of the fellowship period, attend a fellowship summit organized and administered by the Bureau, which— (i) whenever feasible, shall be held in Atlanta, Georgia, or another location of importance to the civil rights movement in the United States; and (ii) may coincide with other events facilitated by the Bureau; and (C) at such summit, give a presentation on lessons learned during the period of fellowship. (3) Fellowship period Each fellowship under this section shall continue for a period determined by the Bureau, which, whenever feasible, shall be not fewer than 10 months. (g) Fellowship award The Bureau shall provide each fellow under this section with an allowance that is equal to the amount needed for— (1) the reasonable costs of the fellow during the fellowship period; and (2) travel and lodging expenses related to attending the orientation and summit required under subsection (e)(2). (h) Annual report Not later than 1 year after the date of the completion of the Fellowship Program by the initial cohort of fellows selected under subsection (d), and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State shall submit to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the implementation of the Fellowship Program, including— (1) a description of the demographics of the cohort of fellows who completed a fellowship during the preceding 1-year period; (2) a description of internship and research placements, and research projects selected by such cohort, under the Fellowship Program, including feedback from— (A) such cohort on implementation of the Fellowship Program; and (B) the Secretary on lessons learned; and (3) an analysis of trends relating to the diversity of each cohort of fellows and the topics of projects completed since the establishment of the Fellowship Program. . (b) Technical and conforming amendments to the mutual educational and cultural exchange Act of 1961 Section 112(a) of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 ( 22 U.S.C. 2460(a) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (8), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (2) in paragraph (9), by striking the period and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (10) the John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship Program established under section 115, which provides funding for international internships and research placements for early- to mid-career individuals from the United States to study nonviolent civil rights movements in self-arranged placements with universities or nongovernmental organizations in foreign countries. . 605. Domestic engagement and public affairs (a) Strategy required Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a strategy to explain to the American people the value of the work of the Department and United States foreign policy to advancing the national security of the United States. The strategy shall include— (1) tools to inform the American people about the non-partisan importance of United States diplomacy and foreign relations and to utilize public diplomacy to meet the United States’ national security priorities; (2) efforts to reach the widest possible audience of Americans, including those who historically have not had exposure to United States foreign policy efforts and priorities; (3) additional staffing and resource needs including— (A) domestic positions within the Bureau of Global Public Affairs to focus on engagement with the American people as outlined in paragraph (1); (B) positions within the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to enhance program and reach the widest possible audience; (C) increasing the number of fellowship and detail programs that place Foreign Service and civil service employees outside the Department for a limited time, including Pearson Fellows, Reta Joe Lewis Local Diplomats, Brookings Fellows, and Georgetown Fellows; and (D) recommendations for increasing participation in the Hometown Diplomats program and evaluating this program as well as other opportunities for Department officers to engage with American audiences while traveling within the United States. 606. Extension of Global Engagement Center Section 1287(j) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 ( 22 U.S.C. 2656 note) is amended by striking on the date that is 8 years after the date of the enactment of this Act and inserting on September 30, 2033 . 607. Paperwork Reduction Act Section 5603(d) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 ( Public Law 117–81 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (4) United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 ( Public Law 80–402 ). . 608. Modernization and enhancement strategy Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a strategy to the appropriate congressional committees for— (1) modernizing and increasing the operational and programming capacity of American Spaces and American Corners throughout the world, including by leveraging public-private partnerships; (2) providing salaries to locally employed staff of American Spaces and American Corners; and (3) providing opportunities for United States businesses and nongovernmental organizations to better utilize American Spaces. VII Other matters 701. Expanding the use of DDTC licensing fees Section 45 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2717 ) is amended— (1) by striking 100 percent of the registration fees collected by the Office of Trade Controls of the Department of State and inserting 100 percent of the defense trade control registration fees collected by the Department of State ; (2) by inserting management, licensing, compliance, and policy activities in the defense trade controls function, including after expenses incurred for ; (3) in paragraph (1), by striking contract personnel to assist in ; (4) in paragraph (2), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (5) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (6) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: (4) the facilitation of defense trade policy development and implementation, review of commodity jurisdiction determinations, public outreach to industry and foreign parties, and analysis of scientific and technological developments as they relate to the exercise of defense trade control authorities; and (5) contract personnel to assist in such activities. . 702. Prohibition on entry of officials of foreign governments involved in significant corruption or gross violations of human rights (a) Ineligibility (1) In general Officials of foreign governments, and their immediate family members, about whom the Secretary has credible information have been involved, directly or indirectly, in significant corruption, including corruption related to the extraction of natural resources, or a gross violation of human rights, including the wrongful detention of locally employed staff of a United States diplomatic mission or a United States citizen or national, shall be ineligible for entry into the United States. (2) Additional sanctions Concurrent with the application of paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, as appropriate, refer the matter to the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury to determine whether to apply sanctions authorities in accordance with United States law to block the transfer of property and interests in property, and all financial transactions, in the United States involving any person described in such paragraph. (3) Designation The Secretary shall also publicly or privately designate or identify the officials of foreign governments about whom the Secretary has such credible information, and their immediate family members, without regard to whether the individual has applied for a visa. (b) Exceptions (1) Specific purposes Individuals shall not be ineligible for entry into the United States pursuant to subsection (a) if such entry would further important United States law enforcement objectives or is necessary to permit the United States to fulfill its obligations under the United Nations Headquarters Agreement. (2) Rule of construction regarding international obligations Nothing in subsection (a) shall be construed to derogate from United States obligations under applicable international agreements. (c) Waiver The Secretary may waive the application of subsection (a) if the Secretary determines that the waiver would serve a compelling national interest or that the circumstances that caused the individual to be ineligible have changed sufficiently. (d) Report (1) In general Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees, the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives a report, including a classified annex if necessary, that includes— (A) a description of information related to corruption or violation of human rights concerning each of the individuals found ineligible in the previous 12 months pursuant to subsection (a)(1) as well as the individuals who the Secretary designated or identified pursuant to subsection (a)(3), or who would be ineligible but for the application of subsection (b); and (B) a list of any waivers provided under subsection (c), together with a justification for each waiver. (2) Form and publication (A) Form Each report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex. (B) Public availability The Secretary shall make available to the public on a publicly accessible internet website of the Department the unclassified portion of each report required under paragraph (1). (e) Clarification For purposes of subsections (a) and (d), the records of the Department and of diplomatic and consular offices of the United States pertaining to the issuance or refusal of visas or permits to enter the United States shall not be considered confidential. 703. Protection of cultural heritage during crises Notwithstanding the limitations specified in section 304(c) of the Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act ( 19 U.S.C. 2603(c) ) and without regard to whether a country is a State Party to the Convention (as defined in sections 302 of such Act ( 19 U.S.C. 2601 )), the Secretary may exercise the authority under section 304 of such Act ( 19 U.S.C. 2603 ) to impose import restrictions set forth in section 307 of such Act ( 19 U.S.C. 2606 ) if the Secretary determines that— (1) imposition of such restrictions is in the national interest of the United States; and (2) an emergency condition (as defined in section 304 of such Act ( 19 U.S.C. 2603 )) applies. 704. National Museum of American Diplomacy Title I of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2651a et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 64. National Museum of American Diplomacy (a) Activities (1) Support authorized The Secretary of State is authorized to provide, by contract, grant, or otherwise, for the performance of appropriate museum visitor and educational outreach services and related events, including organizing programs and conference activities, creating, designing, and installing exhibits, and conducting museum shop services and food services in the public exhibition and related physical and virtual space utilized by the National Museum of American Diplomacy. (2) Recovery of costs The Secretary of State is authorized to recover any revenues generated under the authority of paragraph (1) for visitor and educational outreach services and related events referred to in such paragraph, including fees for use of facilities at the National Museum for American Diplomacy. Any such revenues may be retained as a recovery of the costs of operating the museum, credited to any Department of State appropriation, and shall remain available until expended. (b) Disposition of documents, artifacts, and other articles (1) Property All historic documents, artifacts, or other articles permanently acquired by the Department of State and determined by the Secretary of State to be suitable for display by the National Museum of American Diplomacy shall be considered to be the property of the United States Government and shall be subject to disposition solely in accordance with this subsection. (2) Sale, trade, or transfer Whenever the Secretary of State makes a determination described in paragraph (3) with respect to a document, artifact, or other article under paragraph (1), taking into account considerations such as the museum’s collections management policy and best professional museum practices, the Secretary may sell at fair market value, trade, or transfer such document, artifact, or other article without regard to the requirements of subtitle I of title 40, United States Code. The proceeds of any such sale may be used solely for the advancement of the mission of the National Museum of American Diplomacy and may not be used for any purpose other than the acquisition and direct care of the collections of the Museum. (3) Determinations prior to sale, trade, or transfer The determination described in this paragraph with respect to a document, artifact, or other article under paragraph (1) is a determination that— (A) the document, artifact, or other article no longer serves to further the purposes of the National Museum of American Diplomacy as set forth in the collections management policy of the Museum; (B) the sale, trade, or transfer of the document, artifact, or other article would serve to maintain the standards of the collection of the Museum; or (C) the sale, trade, or transfer of the document, artifact, or other article would be in the best interests of the United States. (4) Loans In addition to the authorization under paragraph (2) relating to the sale, trade, or transfer of documents, artifacts, or other articles under paragraph (1), the Secretary of State may loan the documents, artifacts, or other articles, when not needed for use or display by the National Museum of American Diplomacy, to the Smithsonian Institution or a similar institution for repair, study, or exhibition. . 705. Extraterritorial offenses committed by United States nationals serving with international organizations (a) Jurisdiction Whoever, while a United States national or lawful permanent resident serving with the United Nations, its specialized agencies, or other international organization the Secretary has designated for purposes of this section and published in the Federal Register, or while accompanying such an individual, engages in conduct, or conspires or attempts to engage in conduct, outside the United States that would constitute an offense punishable by imprisonment for more than one year if the conduct had been engaged in within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, shall be subject to United States jurisdiction in order to be tried for that offense. (b) Definitions In this section: (1) Accompanying such individual The term accompanying such individual means— (A) being a dependent, or family member of a United States national or lawful permanent resident serving with the United Nations, its specialized agencies, or other international organization designated under subsection (a); (B) residing with such United States national or lawful permanent resident serving with the United Nations, its specialized agencies, or other international organization designated under subsection (a); and (C) not being a national of or ordinarily resident in the country where the offense is committed. (2) Serving with the United Nations, its specialized agencies, or other international organization as the Secretary of State may designate The term serving with the United Nations, its specialized agencies, or other international organization as the Secretary of State may designate under subsection (a) means— (A) being a United States national or lawful permanent resident employed as an employee, a contractor (including a subcontractor at any tier), an employee of a contractor (or a subcontractor at any tier), an expert on mission, or an unpaid intern or volunteer of the United Nations, including any of its funds, programs or subsidiary bodies, or any of the United Nations specialized agencies, or of any international organization designated under subsection (a)(1); and (B) being present or residing outside the United States in connection with such employment. (3) United States national The term United States national has the meaning given the term national of the United States in section 101(a)(22) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(22) ). (c) Rules of construction Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or affect the application of extraterritorial jurisdiction related to any other Federal law. 706. Extension of certain privileges and immunities to the International Energy Forum The International Organizations Immunities Act ( 22 U.S.C. 288 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 20. Under such terms and conditions as the President shall determine, the President is authorized to extend the provisions of this subchapter to the International Energy Forum Secretariat in the same manner, to the same extent, and subject to the same conditions, as they may be extended to a public international organization in which the United States participates pursuant to any treaty or under the authority of any Act of Congress authorizing such participation or making an appropriation for such participation. . 707. Extension of certain privileges and immunities to the Conseil Européen pour la recherche nucléaire (CERN; the European Organization for Nuclear Research) The International Organizations Immunities Act ( 22 U.S.C. 288 et seq. ), as amended by section 706, is further amended by adding at the end the following new section: 21. Under such terms and conditions as the President shall determine, the President is authorized to extend the provisions of this title to the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in the same manner, to the same extent, and subject to the same conditions, as it may be extended to a public international organization in which the United States participates pursuant to any treaty or under the authority of any Act of Congress authorizing such participation or making an appropriation for such participation. . 708. Internships of United States nationals at international organizations (a) In general The Secretary of State is authorized to bolster efforts to increase the number of United States citizens representative of the American people occupying positions in the United Nations system, agencies, and commissions, and in other international organizations, including by awarding grants to educational institutions and students. (b) Report Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that identifies— (1) the number of United States citizens who are involved in internship programs at international organizations; (2) the distribution of the individuals described in paragraph (1) among various international organizations; and (3) grants, programs, and other activities that are being utilized to recruit and fund United States citizens to participate in internship programs at international organizations. (c) Eligibility An individual referred to in subsection (a) is an individual who— (1) is enrolled at or received their degree within two years from— (A) an institution of higher education; or (B) an institution of higher education based outside the United States, as determined by the Secretary of State; and (2) is a citizen of the United States. (d) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated $1,500,000 for the Department of State for fiscal year 2024 to carry out the grant program authorized under subsection (a). 709. Training for international organizations (a) Training programs Section 708 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 4028 ) is amended by adding at the end of the following new subsection: (e) Training in multilateral diplomacy (1) In general The Secretary, in consultation with other senior officials as appropriate, shall establish training courses on— (A) the conduct of diplomacy at international organizations and other multilateral institutions; and (B) broad-based multilateral negotiations of international instruments. (2) Required training Members of the Service, including appropriate chiefs of mission and other officers who are assigned to United States missions representing the United States to international organizations and other multilateral institutions or who are assigned in other positions that have as their primary responsibility formulation of policy related to such organizations and institutions, or participation in negotiations of international instruments, shall receive specialized training in the areas described in paragraph (1) prior to the beginning of service for such assignment or, if receiving such training at that time is not practical, within the first year of beginning such assignment. . (b) Training for Department employees The Secretary of State shall ensure that employees of the Department of State who are assigned to positions described in paragraph (2) of subsection (e) of section 708 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (as added by subsection (a) of this section), including members of the civil service or general service, or who are seconded to international organizations for a period of at least one year, receive training described in such subsection and participate in other such courses as the Secretary may recommend to build or augment identifiable skills that would be useful for such Department officials representing United States interests at these institutions and organizations. 710. Modification to transparency on international agreements and non-binding instruments Section 112b of title 1, United States Code, as most recently amended by section 5947 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 ( Public Law 117–263 ; 136 Stat. 3476), is further amended— (1) by redesignating subsections (h) through (l) as subsections (i) through (m), respectively; and (2) by inserting after subsection (g) the following: (h) (1) If the Secretary is aware or has reason to believe that the requirements of subsection (a), (b), or (c) have not been fulfilled with respect to an international agreement or qualifying non-binding instrument, the Secretary shall— (A) immediately bring the matter to the attention of the office or agency responsible for the agreement or qualifying non-binding instrument; and (B) request the office or agency to provide within 7 days the text or other information necessary to fulfill the requirements of the relevant subsection. (2) Upon receiving the text or other information requested pursuant to paragraph (1), the Secretary shall— (A) fulfill the requirements of subsection (a), (b), or (c), as the case may be, with respect to the agreement or qualifying non-binding instrument concerned— (i) by including such text or other information in the next submission required by subsection (a)(1); (ii) by providing such information in writing to the Majority Leader of the Senate, the Minority Leader of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, and the appropriate congressional committees before provision of the submission described in clause (i); or (iii) in relation to subsection (b), by making the text of the agreement or qualifying non-binding instrument and the information described in subparagraphs (A)(iii) and (B)(iii) of subsection (a)(1) relating to the agreement or instrument available to the public on the website of the Department of State within 15 days of receiving the text or other information requested pursuant to paragraph (1); and (B) provide to the Majority Leader of the Senate, the Minority Leader of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, and the appropriate congressional committees, either in the next submission required by subsection (a)(1) or before such submission, a written statement explaining the reason for the delay in fulfilling the requirements of subsection (a), (b), or (c), as the case may be. . 711. Strategy for the efficient processing of all Afghan special immigrant visa applications and appeals Section 602 of the Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009 ( Public Law 111–8 ; 8 U.S.C. 1101 note) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking In this section and inserting Except as otherwise explicitly provided, in this section ; and (2) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following: (16) Department of State strategy for efficient processing of applications and appeals (A) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Defense, the head of any other relevant Federal agency, the appropriate committees of Congress, and civil society organizations (including legal advocates), shall develop a strategy to address applications pending at all steps of the special immigrant visa process under this section. (B) Elements The strategy required by subparagraph (A) shall include the following: (i) A review of current staffing levels and needs across all interagency offices and officials engaged in the special immigrant visa process under this section. (ii) An analysis of the expected Chief of Mission approvals and denials of applications in the pipeline in order to project the expected number of visas necessary to provide special immigrant status to all approved applicants under this Act during the several years after the date of the enactment of this paragraph. (iii) A plan for collecting and disaggregating data on— (I) individuals who have applied for special immigrant visas under this section; and (II) individuals who have been issued visas under this section. (iv) An assessment as to whether adequate guidelines exist for reconsidering or reopening applications for special immigrant visas under this section in appropriate circumstances and consistent with applicable laws. (v) An assessment of the procedures throughout the special immigrant visa application process, including at the Portsmouth Consular Center, and the effectiveness of communication between the Portsmouth Consular Center and applicants, including an identification of any area in which improvements to the efficiency of such procedures and communication may be made. (C) Form The strategy required by subparagraph (A) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include an classified annex. (D) Appropriate committees of congress defined In this paragraph, the term appropriate committees of Congress means— (i) the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on the Judiciary, the Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; and (ii) the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on the Judiciary, the Committee on Homeland Security, and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives. . 712. Report on partner forces utilizing United States security assistance identified as using hunger as a weapon of war (a) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) the United States recognizes the link between armed conflict and conflict-induced food insecurity; (2) Congress recognizes and condemns the role of nefarious security actors, including state and non-state armed groups, who have utilized hunger as a weapon of war, including through the unanimous adoption of House of Representatives Resolution 922 and Senate Resolution 669 relating to [c]ondemning the use of hunger as a weapon of war and recognizing the effect of conflict on global food security and famine ; (3) United Nations Security Council Resolution 2417 articulates principles that should serve as an important framework for holding perpetrators that use hunger as a weapon of war accountable; and (4) the United States should use the diplomatic and humanitarian tools at our disposal to not only fight global hunger, mitigate the spread of conflict, and promote critical, lifesaving assistance, but also hold perpetrators using hunger as a weapon of war to account. (b) Definitions In this paragraph: (1) Hunger as a weapon of war The term hunger as a weapon of war means— (A) intentional starvation of civilians; (B) intentional and reckless destruction, removal, looting, or rendering useless objects necessary for food production and distribution, such as farmland, markets, mills, food processing and storage facilities, food stuffs, crops, livestock, agricultural assets, waterways, water systems, drinking water facilities and supplies, and irrigation networks; (C) undue denial of humanitarian access and deprivation of objects indispensable to people’s survival, such as food supplies and nutrition resources; and (D) willful interruption of market systems for populations in need, including through the prevention of travel and manipulation of currency exchange. (2) Security assistance The term security assistance means assistance meeting the definition of security assistance under section 502B of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 ( 22 U.S.C. 2304 ). (c) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, and the Secretary of Defense shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees, the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate, and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives regarding— (1) United States-funded security assistance and cooperation; and (2) whether the governments and entities receiving such assistance have or are currently using hunger as a weapon of war. (d) Elements The report required under subsection (c) shall— (1) identify countries receiving United States-funded security assistance or participating in security programs and activities, including in coordination with the Department of Defense, that are currently experiencing famine-like conditions as a result of conflict; (2) describe the actors and actions taken by such actors in the countries identified pursuant to paragraph (1) who are utilizing hunger as a weapon of war; and (3) describe any current or existing plans to continue providing United States-funded security assistance to recipient countries. (e) Form The report required under subsection (c) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. 713. Infrastructure projects and investments by the United States and People’s Republic of China Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in coordination with the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees regarding the opportunities and costs of infrastructure projects in Middle East, African, and Latin American and Caribbean countries, which shall— (1) describe the nature and total funding of United States infrastructure investments and construction in Middle East, African, and Latin American and Caribbean countries, and that of United States allies and partners in the same regions; (2) describe the nature and total funding of infrastructure investments and construction by the People’s Republic of China in Middle East, African, and Latin American and Caribbean countries; (3) assess the national security threats posed by the infrastructure investment gap between the People’s Republic of China and the United States and United States allies and partners, including— (A) infrastructure, such as ports; (B) access to critical and strategic minerals; (C) digital and telecommunication infrastructure; (D) threats to supply chains; and (E) general favorability towards the People’s Republic of China and the United States and United States’ allies and partners among Middle East, African, and Latin American and Caribbean countries; (4) assess the opportunities and challenges for companies based in the United States to invest in infrastructure projects in Middle East, African, and Latin American and Caribbean countries; (5) describe options for the United States Government to undertake to increase support for United States businesses engaged in large-scale infrastructure projects in Middle East, African, and Latin American and Caribbean countries; and (6) identify regional infrastructure priorities, ranked according to United States national interests, in Middle East, African, and Latin American and Caribbean countries. 714. Special envoys (a) Review Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a review of all special envoy positions to determine— (1) which special envoy positions are needed to accomplish the mission of the Department; (2) which special envoy positions could be absorbed into the Department’s existing bureau structure; (3) which special envoy positions were established by an Act of Congress; and (4) which special envoy positions were created by the Executive Branch without explicit congressional approval. (b) Report Not later than 60 days after the completion of the review required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that includes— (1) a list of every special envoy position in the Department; (2) a detailed justification of the need for each special envoy, if warranted; (3) a list of the special envoy positions that could be absorbed into the Department’s existing bureau structure without compromising the mission of the Department; (4) a list of the special envoy positions that were created by an Act of Congress; and (5) a list of the special envoy positions that are not expressly authorized by statute. 715. US-ASEAN Center (a) Defined term In this section, the term ASEAN means the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. (b) Establishment The Secretary is authorized to enter into a public-private partnership for the purposes of establishing a US-ASEAN Center in the United States to support United States economic and cultural engagement with Southeast Asia. (c) Functions Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the US-ASEAN Center established pursuant to subsection (b) may— (1) provide grants for research to support and elevate the importance of the US-ASEAN partnership; (2) facilitate activities to strengthen US-ASEAN trade and investment; (3) expand economic and technological relationships between ASEAN countries and the United States into new areas of cooperation; (4) provide training to United States citizens and citizens of ASEAN countries that improve people-to-people ties; (5) develop educational programs to increase awareness for the United States and ASEAN countries on the importance of relations between the United States and ASEAN countries; and (6) carry out other activities the Secretary considers necessary to strengthen ties between the United States and ASEAN countries and achieve the objectives of the US-ASEAN Center. 716. Report on vetting of students from national defense universities and other academic institutions of the People’s Republic of China (a) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that includes— (1) an evaluation of the screening process of foreign nationals entering the United States from the People’s Republic of China who attend or have attended— (A) a top tier university administered by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China; or (B) an academic institution of the People’s Republic of China identified on the list required by section 1286(c)(8) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 ( Public Law 115–232 ; 10 U.S.C. 2358 note); (2) an assessment of any vulnerabilities in the screening process, and recommendations for legal, regulatory, or other changes or steps to address such vulnerabilities; and (3) the number of visas approved and denied by the Department, to the extent possible, for students from the People’s Republic of China in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, including the number of such students who are pursuing an advanced degree or repeating a degree in such fields over the last five years. (b) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined In this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means— (1) the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate; and (2) the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Homeland Security, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives. 717. Briefings on the United States-European Union Trade and Technology Council It is the sense of Congress that the United States-European Union Trade and Technology Council is an important forum for the United States and in the European Union to engage on transatlantic trade, investment, and engagement on matters related to critical and emerging technology and that the Department should provide regular updates to the appropriate congressional committees on the deliverables and policy initiatives announced at United States-European Union Trade and Technology Council ministerials. 718. Congressional oversight, quarterly review, and authority relating to concurrence provided by chiefs of mission for support of certain Government operations (a) Notification required Not later than 30 days after the date on which a chief of mission concurs with providing United States Government support to entities or individuals engaged in facilitating or supporting United States Government military- or security-related operations within the area of responsibility of the chief of mission, the Secretary shall notify the appropriate congressional committees of such concurrence. (b) Semiannual review, determination, and briefing required Not less frequently than semiannually, the Secretary, in order to ensure that the support described in subsection (a) continues to align with United States foreign policy objectives and the objectives of the Department, shall— (1) conduct a review of any concurrence described in subsection (a) that is in effect; (2) determine, based on such review, whether to revoke any such concurrence pending further study and review; and (3) brief the appropriate congressional committees regarding the results of such review. (c) Revocation of concurrence If the Secretary determines, pursuant to a review conducted under subsection (b), that any concurrence described in subsection (a) should be revoked, the Secretary may revoke such concurrence. (d) Annual report required Not later than January 31 of each year, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that includes— (1) a description of any support described in subsection (a) that was provided with the concurrence of a chief of mission during the calendar year preceding the calendar year in which the report is submitted; and (2) an analysis of the effects of such support on diplomatic lines of effort, including with respect to— (A) nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining, and related programs and associated anti-terrorism assistance programs; (B) international narcotics control and law enforcement programs; and (C) foreign military sales, foreign military financing, and associated training programs. 719. Modification and repeal of reports (a) Country reports on human rights practices (1) In general The Secretary shall examine the production of the 2023 and subsequent annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices by the Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor as required under sections 116(d) and 502B(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 ( 22 U.S.C. 2151n(d) , 2304(b)) to maximize— (A) cost and personnel efficiencies; (B) the potential use of data and analytic tools and visualization; and (C) advancement of the modernization agenda for the Department announced by the Secretary on October 27, 2021. (2) Transnational repression amendments to annual country reports on human rights practices Section 116(d) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 ( 22 U.S.C. 2151n(d) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (13) Wherever applicable, a description of the nature and extent of acts of transnational repression that occurred during the preceding year, including identification of— (A) incidents in which a government harassed, intimidated, or killed individuals outside of their internationally recognized borders and the patterns of such repression among repeat offenders; (B) countries in which such transnational repression occurs and the role of the governments of such countries in enabling, preventing, mitigating, and responding to such acts; (C) the tactics used by the governments of countries identified pursuant to subparagraph (A), including the actions identified and any new techniques observed; (D) in the case of digital surveillance and harassment, the type of technology or platform, including social media, smart city technology, health tracking systems, general surveillance technology, and data access, transfer, and storage procedures, used by the governments of countries identified pursuant to subparagraph (A) for such actions; and (E) groups and types of individuals targeted by acts of transnational repression in each country in which such acts occur. . (b) Elimination of obsolete reports (1) Annual reports relating to funding mechanisms for telecommunications security and semiconductors Division H of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 116–283 ) is amended— (A) in section 9202(a)(2) ( 47 U.S.C. 906(a)(2) )— (i) by striking subparagraph (C); and (ii) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (C); and (B) in section 9905 ( 15 U.S.C. 4655 )— (i) by striking subsection (c); and (ii) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (c). (2) Reports relating to foreign assistance to counter Russian influence and media organizations controlled by Russia The Countering Russian Influence in Europe and Eurasia Act of 2017 (title II of Public Law 115–44 ) is amended— (A) in section 254(e)— (i) in paragraph (1)— (I) by striking In general .— ; (II) by redesignating subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) as paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), respectively, and moving such paragraphs 2 ems to the left; and (ii) by striking paragraph (2); and (B) by striking section 255. (3) Annual report on promoting the rule of law in the Russian Federation Section 202 of the Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal and Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012 ( Public Law 112–208 ) is amended by striking subsection (a). (4) Annual report on advancing freedom and democracy Section 2121 of the Advance Democratic Values, Address Nondemocratic Countries, and Enhance Democracy Act of 2007 (title XXI of Public Law 110–53 ) is amended by striking subsection (c). (5) Annual reports on United States-Vietnam human rights dialogue meetings Section 702 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 ( 22 U.S.C. 2151n note) is repealed. 720. Modification of Build Act of 2018 to prioritize projects that advance national security Section 1412 of the Build Act of 2018 ( 22 U.S.C. 9612 ) is amended by adding at the end the following subsection: (d) Prioritization of national security interests The Corporation shall prioritize the provision of support under title II in projects that advance core national security interests of the United States with respect to the People’s Republic of China. . 721. 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: 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 Presidential permit during the period beginning on December 1, 2020, and ending on December 31, 2024, for any of the following: (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 pursuant 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 (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 President— (A) to grant the Presidential permit; or (B) to deny the Presidential permit. (2) Consideration The sole 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 recommendation 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 environmental 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 President 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. ); (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; or (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. . 722. Prohibition on nomination of certain countries as program countries for purposes of the visa waiver program The Secretary of State may not nominate a country for purposes of the visa waiver program under section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1187 ) if such country subjects any citizen of the United States to separate entry rules or visa regulations, or otherwise discriminates against a citizen of the United States, on the basis of such United States citizen's race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, or membership in any other protected class recognized by United States law. VIII Combating global corruption 801. Short title This title may be cited as the Combating Global Corruption Act . 802. Definitions In this title: (1) Corrupt actor The term corrupt actor means— (A) any foreign person or entity that is a government official or government entity responsible for, or complicit in, an act of corruption; and (B) any company, in which a person or entity described in subparagraph (A) has a significant stake, which is responsible for, or complicit in, an act of corruption. (2) Corruption The term corruption means the unlawful exercise of entrusted public power for private gain, including by bribery, nepotism, fraud, or embezzlement. (3) Significant corruption The term significant corruption means corruption committed at a high level of government that has some or all of the following characteristics: (A) Illegitimately distorts major decision-making, such as policy or resource determinations, or other fundamental functions of governance. (B) Involves economically or socially large-scale government activities. 803. Publication of tiered ranking list (a) In general The Secretary of State shall annually publish, on a publicly accessible website, a tiered ranking of all foreign countries. (b) Tier 1 countries A country shall be ranked as a tier 1 country in the ranking published under subsection (a) if the government of such country is complying with the minimum standards set forth in section 804. (c) Tier 2 countries A country shall be ranked as a tier 2 country in the ranking published under subsection (a) if the government of such country is making efforts to comply with the minimum standards set forth in section 804, but is not achieving the requisite level of compliance to be ranked as a tier 1 country. (d) Tier 3 countries A country shall be ranked as a tier 3 country in the ranking published under subsection (a) if the government of such country is making de minimis or no efforts to comply with the minimum standards set forth in section 804. 804. Minimum standards for the elimination of corruption and assessment of efforts to combat corruption (a) In general The government of a country is complying with the minimum standards for the elimination of corruption if the government— (1) has enacted and implemented laws and established government structures, policies, and practices that prohibit corruption, including significant corruption; (2) enforces the laws described in paragraph (1) by punishing any person who is found, through a fair judicial process, to have violated such laws; (3) prescribes punishment for significant corruption that is commensurate with the punishment prescribed for serious crimes; and (4) is making serious and sustained efforts to address corruption, including through prevention. (b) Factors for assessing government efforts To combat corruption In determining whether a government is making serious and sustained efforts to address corruption, the Secretary of State shall consider, to the extent relevant or appropriate, factors such as— (1) whether the government of the country has criminalized corruption, investigates and prosecutes acts of corruption, and convicts and sentences persons responsible for such acts over which it has jurisdiction, including, as appropriate, incarcerating individuals convicted of such acts; (2) whether the government of the country vigorously investigates, prosecutes, convicts, and sentences public officials who participate in or facilitate corruption, including nationals of the country who are deployed in foreign military assignments, trade delegations abroad, or other similar missions, who engage in or facilitate significant corruption; (3) whether the government of the country has adopted measures to prevent corruption, such as measures to inform and educate the public, including potential victims, about the causes and consequences of corruption; (4) what steps the government of the country has taken to prohibit government officials from participating in, facilitating, or condoning corruption, including the investigation, prosecution, and conviction of such officials; (5) the extent to which the country provides access, or, as appropriate, makes adequate resources available, to civil society organizations and other institutions to combat corruption, including reporting, investigating, and monitoring; (6) whether an independent judiciary or judicial body in the country is responsible for, and effectively capable of, deciding corruption cases impartially, on the basis of facts and in accordance with the law, without any improper restrictions, influences, inducements, pressures, threats, or interferences (direct or indirect); (7) whether the government of the country is assisting in international investigations of transnational corruption networks and in other cooperative efforts to combat significant corruption, including, as appropriate, cooperating with the governments of other countries to extradite corrupt actors; (8) whether the government of the country recognizes the rights of victims of corruption, ensures their access to justice, and takes steps to prevent victims from being further victimized or persecuted by corrupt actors, government officials, or others; (9) whether the government of the country protects victims of corruption or whistleblowers from reprisal due to such persons having assisted in exposing corruption, and refrains from other discriminatory treatment of such persons; (10) whether the government of the country is willing and able to recover and, as appropriate, return the proceeds of corruption; (11) whether the government of the country is taking steps to implement financial transparency measures in line with the Financial Action Task Force recommendations, including due diligence and beneficial ownership transparency requirements; (12) whether the government of the country is facilitating corruption in other countries in connection with state-directed investment, loans or grants for major infrastructure, or other initiatives; and (13) such other information relating to corruption as the Secretary of State considers appropriate. (c) Assessing government efforts To combat corruption in relation to relevant international commitments In determining whether a government is making serious and sustained efforts to address corruption, the Secretary of State shall consider the government of a country’s compliance with the following, as relevant: (1) The Inter-American Convention against Corruption of the Organization of American States, done at Caracas March 29, 1996. (2) The Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions of the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development, done at Paris December 21, 1997 (commonly referred to as the Anti-Bribery Convention ). (3) The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, done at New York November 15, 2000. (4) The United Nations Convention against Corruption, done at New York October 31, 2003. (5) Such other treaties, agreements, and international standards as the Secretary of State considers appropriate. 805. Imposition of sanctions under Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (a) In general The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, should evaluate whether there are foreign persons engaged in significant corruption for the purposes of potential imposition of sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (subtitle F of title XII of Public Law 114–328 ; 22 U.S.C. 2656 note)— (1) in all countries identified as tier 3 countries under section 803(d); or (2) in relation to the planning or construction or any operation of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. (b) Report required Not later than 180 days after publishing the list required by section 803(a) and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State shall submit to the committees specified in subsection (e) a report that includes— (1) a list of foreign persons with respect to which the President imposed sanctions pursuant to the evaluation under subsection (a); (2) the dates on which such sanctions were imposed; (3) the reasons for imposing such sanctions; and (4) a list of all foreign persons that have been engaged in significant corruption in relation to the planning, construction, or operation of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. (c) Form of report Each report required by subsection (b) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex. (d) Briefing in lieu of report The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, may (except with respect to the list required by subsection (b)(4)) provide a briefing to the committees specified in subsection (e) instead of submitting a written report required under subsection (b), if doing so would better serve existing United States anti-corruption efforts or the national interests of the Untied States. (e) Termination of requirements relating to nord stream 2 The requirements under subsections (a)(2) and (b)(4) shall terminate on the date that is 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act. (f) Committees specified The committees specified in this subsection are— (1) the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate; and (2) the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Financial Services, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives. 806. Designation of embassy anti-corruption points of contact (a) In general The Secretary of State shall annually designate an anti-corruption point of contact at the United States diplomatic post to each country identified as tier 2 or tier 3 under section 803, or which the Secretary otherwise determines is in need 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 assessment tools and mitigation strategies. (c) Training The Secretary of State shall implement appropriate training for anti-corruption points of contact designated under subsection (a). IX AUKUS matters 901. Definitions In this title: (1) Appropriate congressional committees The term appropriate congressional committees means— (A) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; and (B) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives. (2) AUKUS partnership (A) In general The term AUKUS partnership means the enhanced trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States announced in September 2021. (B) Pillars The AUKUS partnership includes the following two pillars: (i) Pillar One is focused on developing a pathway for Australia to acquire conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines. (ii) Pillar Two is focused on enhancing trilateral collaboration on advanced defense capabilities, including hypersonic and counter hypersonic capabilities, quantum technologies, undersea technologies, and artificial intelligence. (3) International Traffic in Arms Regulations The term International Traffic in Arms Regulations means subchapter M of chapter I of title 22, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations). A Outlining the AUKUS partnership 911. Statement of policy on the AUKUS partnership (a) Statement of policy It is the policy of the United States that— (1) the AUKUS partnership is integral to United States national security, increasing United States and allied capability in the undersea domain of the Indo-Pacific, and developing cutting edge military capabilities; (2) the transfer of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines to Australia will position the United States and its allies to maintain peace and security in the Indo-Pacific; (3) the transfer of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines to Australia will be safely implemented with the highest nonproliferation standards in alignment with— (A) safeguards established by the International Atomic Energy Agency; and (B) the Additional Protocol to the Agreement between Australia and the International Atomic Energy Agency for the application of safeguards in connection with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, signed at Vienna September 23, 1997; (4) the United States will enter into a mutual defense agreement with Australia, modeled on the 1958 bilateral mutual defense agreement with the United Kingdom, for the sole purpose of facilitating the transfer of naval nuclear propulsion technology to Australia; (5) working with the United Kingdom and Australia to develop and provide joint advanced military capabilities to promote security and stability in the Indo-Pacific will have tangible impacts on United States military effectiveness across the world; (6) in order to better facilitate cooperation under Pillar 2 of the AUKUS partnership, it is imperative that every effort be made to streamline United States export controls consistent with necessary and reciprocal security safeguards on United States technology at least comparable to those of the United States; (7) the trade authorization mechanism for the AUKUS partnership administered by the Department is a critical first step in reimagining the United States export control system to carry out the AUKUS partnership and expedite technology sharing and defense trade among the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom; and (8) the vast majority of United States defense trade with Australia is conducted through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process, the preponderance of defense trade with the United Kingdom is conducted through Direct Commercial Sales (DCS), and efforts to streamline United States export controls should focus on both Foreign Military Sales and Direct Commercial Sales. 912. Senior Advisor for the AUKUS partnership at the Department of State (a) In general There shall be a Senior Advisor for the AUKUS partnership at the Department, who— (1) shall report directly to the Secretary; and (2) may not hold another position in the Department concurrently while holding the position of Senior Advisor for the AUKUS partnership. (b) Duties The Senior Advisor shall— (1) be responsible for coordinating efforts related to the AUKUS partnership across the Department, including the bureaus engaged in nonproliferation, defense trade, security assistance, and diplomatic relations in the Indo-Pacific; (2) serve as the lead within the Department for implementation of the AUKUS partnership in interagency processes, consulting with counterparts in the Department of Defense, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Energy, the Office of Naval Reactors, and any other relevant agencies; (3) lead diplomatic efforts related to the AUKUS partnership with other governments to explain how the partnership will enhance security and stability in the Indo-Pacific; and (4) consult regularly with the appropriate congressional committees, and keep such committees fully and currently informed, on issues related to the AUKUS partnership, including in relation to the AUKUS Pillar 1 objective of supporting Australia’s acquisition of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines and the Pillar 2 objective of jointly developing advanced military capabilities to support security and stability in the Indo-Pacific, as affirmed by the President of the United States, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and the Prime Minister of Australia on April 5, 2022. (c) Personnel to support the Senior Advisor The Secretary shall ensure that the Senior Advisor is adequately staffed, including through encouraging details, or assignment of employees of the Department, with expertise related to the implementation of the AUKUS partnership, including staff with expertise in— (1) nuclear policy, including nonproliferation; (2) defense trade and security cooperation, including security assistance; and (3) relations with respect to political-military issues in the Indo-Pacific and Europe. (d) Notification Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and not later than 90 days after a Senior Advisor assumes such position, the Secretary shall notify the appropriate congressional committees of the number of full-time equivalent positions, relevant expertise, and duties of any employees of the Department or detailees supporting the Senior Advisor. (e) Sunset (1) In general The position of the Senior Advisor for the AUKUS partnership shall terminate on the date that is 8 years after the date of the enactment of this Act. (2) Renewal The Secretary may renew the position of the Senior Advisor for the AUKUS partnership for 1 additional period of 4 years, following notification to the appropriate congressional committees of the renewal. B Authorization for submarine transfers, support, and infrastructure improvement activities 921. Australia, United Kingdom, and United States submarine security activities (a) Authorization to transfer submarines (1) In general Subject to paragraphs (3), (4), and (11), the President may, under section 21 of the Arms Export Control Act ( 22 U.S.C. 2761 )— (A) transfer not more than two Virginia class submarines from the inventory of the United States Navy to the Government of Australia on a sale basis; and (B) transfer not more than one additional Virginia class submarine to the Government of Australia on a sale basis. (2) Requirements not applicable A sale carried out under paragraph (1)(B) shall not be subject to the requirements of— (A) section 36 of the Arms Export Control Act ( 22 U.S.C. 2776 ); or (B) section 8677 of title 10, United States Code. (3) Certification; briefing (A) Presidential certification The President may exercise the authority provided by paragraph (1) not earlier than 60 days after the date on which the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that any submarine transferred under such authority shall be used to support the joint security interests and military operations of the United States and Australia. (B) Waiver of Chief of Naval Operations certification The requirement for the Chief of Naval Operations to make a certification under section 8678 of title 10, United States Code, shall not apply to a transfer under paragraph (1). (C) Briefing Not later than 90 days before the sale of any submarine under paragraph (1), the Secretary of the Navy shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees a briefing on— (i) the impacts of such sale to the readiness of the submarine fleet of the United States, including with respect to maintenance timelines, deployment-to-dwell ratios, training, exercise participation, and the ability to meet combatant commander requirements; (ii) the impacts of such sale to the submarine industrial base of the United States, including with respect to projected maintenance requirements, acquisition timelines for spare and replacement parts, and future procurement of Virginia class submarines for the submarine fleet of the United States; and (iii) other relevant topics as determined by the Secretary of the Navy. (4) Required mutual defense agreement Before any transfer occurs under subsection (a), the United States and Australia shall have a mutual defense agreement in place, which shall— (A) provide a clear legal framework for the sole purpose of Australia’s acquisition of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines; and (B) meet the highest nonproliferation standards for the exchange of nuclear materials, technology, equipment, and information between the United States and Australia. (5) Subsequent sales A sale of a Virginia class submarine that occurs after the sales described in paragraph (1) may occur only if such sale is explicitly authorized in legislation enacted after the date of the enactment of this Act. (6) Costs of transfer Any expense incurred by the United States in connection with a transfer under paragraph (1) shall be charged to the Government of Australia. (7) Crediting of receipts Notwithstanding any provision of law pertaining to the crediting of amounts received from a sale under section 21 of the Arms Export Control Act ( 22 U.S.C. 2761 ), any funds received by the United States pursuant to a transfer under paragraph (1) shall— (A) be credited, at the discretion of the President, to— (i) the fund or account used in incurring the original obligation for the acquisition of submarines transferred under paragraph (1); (ii) an appropriate fund or account available for the purposes for which the expenditures for the original acquisition of submarines transferred under paragraph (1) were made; or (iii) any other fund or account available for the purpose specified in paragraph (8)(B); and (B) remain available for obligation until expended. (8) Use of funds Subject to paragraphs (9) and (10), the President may use funds received pursuant to a transfer under paragraph (1)— (A) for the acquisition of submarines to replace the submarines transferred to the Government of Australia; or (B) for improvements to the submarine industrial base of the United States. (9) Plan for use of funds Before any use of any funds received pursuant to a transfer under paragraph (1), the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees, the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives a plan detailing how such funds will be used, including specific amounts and purposes. (10) Notification and report (A) Notification Not later than 30 days after the date of any transfer under paragraph (1), and upon any transfer or depositing of funds received pursuant to such a transfer, the President shall notify the appropriate congressional committees, the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives of— (i) the amount of funds received pursuant to the transfer; and (ii) the specific account or fund into which the funds described in clause (i) are deposited. (B) Annual report Not later than November 30 of each year until 1 year after the date on which all funds received pursuant to transfers under paragraph (1) have been fully expended, the President shall submit to the committees described in subparagraph (A) a report that includes an accounting of how funds received pursuant to transfers under paragraph (1) were used in the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year in which the report is submitted. (11) Applicability of existing law to transfer of special nuclear material and utilization facilities for military applications (A) In general With respect to any special nuclear material for use in utilization facilities or any portion of a submarine transferred under paragraph (1) constituting utilization facilities for military applications under section 91 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 ( 42 U.S.C. 2121 ), transfer of such material or such facilities shall occur only in accordance with such section 91. (B) Use of funds The President may use proceeds from a transfer described in subparagraph (A) for the acquisition of submarine naval nuclear propulsion plants and nuclear fuel to replace propulsion plants and fuel transferred to the Government of Australia. (b) Repair and refurbishment of AUKUS submarines Section 8680 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection (c): (c) Repair and refurbishment of certain submarines (1) Shipyard Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, and subject to paragraph (2), the President shall determine the appropriate public or private shipyard in the United States, Australia, or the United Kingdom to perform any repair or refurbishment of a United States submarine involved in submarine security activities between the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. (2) Conditions (A) In general The President may determine under paragraph (1) that repair or refurbishment described in such paragraph may be performed in Australia or the United Kingdom only if— (i) such repair or refurbishment will facilitate the development of repair or refurbishment capabilities in the United Kingdom or Australia; (ii) such repair or refurbishment will be for a United States submarine that is assigned to a port outside of the United States; or (iii) the Secretary of Defense certifies to Congress that performing such repair or refurbishment at a shipyard in Australia or the United Kingdom is required due to an exigent threat to the national security interests of the United States. (B) Consideration In making a determination under subparagraph (A), the President shall consider any effects of such determination on the capacity and capability of shipyards in the United States. (C) Briefing required Not later than 15 days after the date on which the Secretary of Defense makes a certification under subparagraph (A)(iii), the Secretary shall brief the congressional defense committees on— (i) the threat that requires the use of a shipyard in Australia or the United Kingdom; and (ii) opportunities to mitigate the future potential need to leverage foreign shipyards. (3) Personnel Repair or refurbishment described in paragraph (1) may be carried out by personnel of the United States, the United Kingdom, or Australia in accordance with the international arrangements governing the submarine security activities described in such paragraph. . 922. Acceptance of contributions for Australia, United Kingdom, and United States submarine security activities; AUKUS Submarine Security Activities Account (a) Acceptance authority The President may accept from the Government of Australia contributions of money made by the Government of Australia for use by the Department of Defense in support of non-nuclear related aspects of submarine security activities between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (AUKUS). (b) Establishment of AUKUS Submarine Security Activities Account (1) In general There is established in the Treasury of the United States a special account to be known as the AUKUS Submarine Security Activities Account . (2) Crediting of contributions of money Contributions of money accepted by the President under subsection (a) shall be credited to the AUKUS Submarine Security Activities Account. (3) Availability Amounts credited to the AUKUS Submarine Security Activities Account shall remain available until expended. (c) Use of AUKUS Submarine Security Activities Account (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), the President may use funds in the AUKUS Submarine Security Activities Account— (A) for any purpose authorized by law that the President determines would support submarine security activities between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States; (B) to carry out a military construction project related to the AUKUS partnership that is not otherwise authorized by law; (C) to develop and increase the submarine industrial base workforce by investing in recruiting, training, and retaining key specialized labor at public and private shipyards; or (D) to upgrade facilities, equipment, and infrastructure needed to repair and maintain submarines at public and private shipyards . (2) Plan for use of funds Before any use of any funds in the AUKUS Submarine Security Activities Account, the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees, the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives a plan detailing— (A) the amount of funds in the AUKUS Submarine Security Activities Account; and (B) how such funds will be used, including specific amounts and purposes. (d) Transfers of funds (1) In general In carrying out subsection (c) and subject to paragraphs (2) and (5), the President may transfer funds available in the AUKUS Submarine Security Activities Account to an account or fund available to the Department of Defense or any other appropriate agency. (2) Department of Energy In carrying out subsection (c), and in accordance with the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 ( 42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq. ), the President may transfer funds available in the AUKUS Submarine Security Activities Account to an account or fund available to the Department of Energy to carry out activities related to submarine security activities between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. (3) Availability for obligation Funds transferred under this subsection shall be available for obligation for the same time period and for the same purpose as the account or fund to which transferred. (4) Transfer back to account Upon a determination by the President that all or part of the funds transferred from the AUKUS Submarine Security Activities Account are not necessary for the purposes for which such funds were transferred, and subject to paragraph (5), all or such part of such funds shall be transferred back to the AUKUS Submarine Security Activities Account. (5) Notification and report (A) Notification The President shall notify the appropriate congressional committees, the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives of— (i) before the transfer of any funds under this subsection— (I) the amount of funds to be transferred; and (II) the planned or anticipated purpose of such funds; and (ii) before the obligation of any funds transferred under this subsection— (I) the amount of funds to be obligated; and (II) the purpose of the obligation. (B) Annual report Not later than November 30 of each year until 1 year after the date on which all funds transferred under this subsection have been fully expended, the President shall submit to the committees described in subparagraph (A) a report that includes a detailed accounting of— (i) the amount of funds transferred under this subsection during the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year in which the report is submitted; and (ii) the purposes for which such funds were used. (e) Investment of money (1) Authorized investments The President may invest money in the AUKUS Submarine Security Activities Account in securities of the United States or in securities guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States. (2) Interest and other income Any interest or other income that accrues from investment in securities referred to in paragraph (1) shall be deposited to the credit of the AUKUS Submarine Security Activities Account. (f) Relationship to other laws The authority to accept or transfer funds under this section is in addition to any other authority to accept or transfer funds. 923. Australia, United Kingdom, and United States submarine security training (a) In general The President may transfer or export directly to private individuals in Australia defense services that may be transferred to the Government of Australia under the Arms Export Control Act ( 22 U.S.C. 2751 et seq. ) to support the development of the submarine industrial base of Australia necessary for submarine security activities between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, including if such individuals are not officers, employees, or agents of the Government of Australia. (b) Security controls (1) In general Any defense service transferred or exported under subsection (a) shall be subject to appropriate security controls to ensure that any sensitive information conveyed by such transfer or export is protected from disclosure to persons unauthorized by the United States to receive such information. (2) Certification Not later than 30 days before the first transfer or export of a defense service under subsection (a), and annually thereafter, the President shall certify to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives that the controls described in paragraph (1) will protect the information described in such paragraph for the defense services so transferred or exported. (c) Application of requirements for retransfer and reexport Any person who receives any defense service transferred or exported under subsection (a) may retransfer or reexport such service to other persons only in accordance with the requirements of the Arms Export Control Act ( 22 U.S.C. 2751 et seq. ). C Streamlining and protecting transfers of United States military technology from compromise 931. Priority for Australia and the United Kingdom in Foreign Military Sales and Direct Commercial Sales (a) In general The President shall institute policies and procedures for letters of request from Australia and the United Kingdom to transfer defense articles and services under section 21 of the Arms Export Control Act ( 22 U.S.C. 2761 ) related to the AUKUS partnership to receive expedited consideration and processing relative to all other letters of request other than from Taiwan and Ukraine. (b) Technology transfer policy for Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom (1) In general The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall create an anticipatory release policy for the transfer of technologies described in paragraph (2) to Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada through Foreign Military Sales and Direct Commercial Sales that are not covered by an exemption under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. (2) Capabilities described The capabilities described in this paragraph are— (A) Pillar One-related technologies associated with submarine and associated combat systems; and (B) Pillar Two-related technologies, including hypersonic missiles, cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, undersea capabilities, and other advanced technologies. (3) Expedited decision-making Review of a transfer under the policy established under paragraph (1) shall be subject to an expedited decision-making process. (c) Interagency policy and guidance The Secretary and the Secretary of Defense shall jointly review and update interagency policies and implementation guidance related to requests for Foreign Military Sales and Direct Commercial Sales, including by incorporating the anticipatory release provisions of this section. 932. Identification and pre-clearance of platforms, technologies, and equipment for sale to Australia and the United Kingdom through Foreign Military Sales and Direct Commercial Sales Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and on a biennial basis thereafter for 8 years, the President shall submit to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a report that includes a list of advanced military platforms, technologies, and equipment that are pre-cleared and prioritized for sale and release to Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada through the Foreign Military Sales and Direct Commercial Sales programs without regard to whether a letter of request or license to purchase such platforms, technologies, or equipment has been received from any of such country. Each list may include items that are not related to the AUKUS partnership but may not include items that are not covered by an exemption under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. 933. Export control exemptions and standards (a) In general Section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act of 1976 ( 22 U.S.C. 2778 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (l) AUKUS defense trade cooperation (1) Exemption from licensing and approval requirements Subject to paragraph (2) and notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the Secretary of State may exempt from the licensing or other approval requirements of this section exports and transfers (including reexports, retransfers, temporary imports, and brokering activities) of defense articles and defense services between or among the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia that— (A) are not excluded by those countries; (B) are not referred to in subsection(j)(1)(C)(ii); and (C) involve only persons or entities that are approved by— (i) the Secretary of State; and (ii) the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or other similar authority within those countries. (2) Limitation The authority provided in subparagraph (1) shall not apply to any activity, including exports, transfers, reexports, retransfers, temporary imports, or brokering, of United States defense articles and defense services involving any country or a person or entity of any country other than the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. . (b) Required standards of export controls The Secretary may only exercise the authority under subsection (l)(1) of section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act of 1976, as added by subsection (a) of this section, with respect to the United Kingdom or Australia 30 days after the Secretary submits to the appropriate congressional committees an unclassified certification and detailed unclassified assessment (which may include a classified annex) that the country concerned has implemented standards for a system of export controls that satisfies the elements of section 38(j)(2) of the Arms Export Control Act ( 22 U.S.C. 2778(j)(2) ) for United States-origin defense articles and defense services, and for controlling the provision of military training, that are comparable to those standards administered by the United States in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act. (c) Certain requirements not applicable (1) In general Paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of section 3(d) of the Arms Export Control Act ( 22 U.S.C. 2753(d) ) shall not apply to any export or transfer that is the subject of an exemption under subsection (l)(1) of section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act of 1976, as added by subsection (a) of this section. (2) Quarterly reports The Secretary shall— (A) require all exports and transfers that would be subject to the requirements of paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of section 3(d) of the Arms Export Control Act ( 22 U.S.C. 2753(d) ) but for the application of subsection (l)(1) of section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act of 1976, as added by subsection (a) of this section, to be reported to the Secretary; and (B) submit such reports to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives on a quarterly basis. (d) Sunset Any exemption under subsection (l)(1) of section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act of 1976, as added by subsection (a) of this section, shall terminate on the date that is 15 years after the date of the enactment of this Act. The Secretary of State may renew such exemption for 5 years upon a certification to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives that such exemption is in the vital national interest of the United States with a detailed justification for such certification. (e) Reports (1) Annual report (A) In general Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until no exemptions under subsection (l)(1) of section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act of 1976, as added by subsection (a) of this section, remain in effect, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the operation of exemptions issued under such subsection (l)(1), including whether any changes to such exemptions are likely to be made in the coming year. (B) Initial report The first report submitted under subparagraph (A) shall also include an assessment of key recommendations the United States Government has provided to the Governments of Australia and the United Kingdom to revise laws, regulations, and policies of such countries that are required to implement the AUKUS partnership. (2) Report on expedited review of export licenses for exports of advanced technologies Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall report on the practical application of a possible fast track decision-making process for applications, classified or unclassified, to export defense articles and defense services to Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada. 934. Expedited review of export licenses for exports of advanced technologies to Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall initiate a rulemaking to establish an expedited decision-making process, classified or unclassified, for applications to export to Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada commercial, advanced-technology defense articles and defense services that are not covered by an exemption under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. (b) Eligibility To qualify for the expedited decision-making process described in subsection (a), an application shall be for an export of defense articles or defense services that will take place wholly within or between the physical territory of Australia, Canada, or the United Kingdom and the United States and with governments or corporate entities from such countries. (c) Availability of expedited process The expedited decision-making process described in subsection (a) shall be available for both classified and unclassified items, and the process must satisfy the following criteria to the extent practicable: (1) Any licensing application to export defense articles and services that is related to a government to government AUKUS agreement must be approved, returned, or denied withing 30 days of submission. (2) For all other licensing requests, any review shall be completed not later than 45 calendar days after the date of application. 935. United States Munitions List (a) Exemption for the governments of the United Kingdom and Australia from certification and congressional notification requirements applicable to certain transfers Section 38(f)(3) of the Arms Export Control Act ( 22 U.S.C. 2778(f)(3) ) is amended by inserting , the United Kingdom, or Australia after Canada . (b) United States Munitions List periodic reviews (1) In general The Secretary, acting through authority delegated by the President to carry out periodic reviews of items on the United States Munitions List under section 38(f) of the Arms Export Control Act ( 22 U.S.C. 2778(f) ) and in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, shall carry out such reviews not less frequently than every 3 years. (2) Scope The periodic reviews described in paragraph (1) shall focus on matters including— (A) interagency resources to address current threats faced by the United States; (B) the evolving technological and economic landscape; (C) the widespread availability of certain technologies and items on the United States Munitions List; and (D) risks of misuse of United States-origin defense articles. (3) Consultation The Department of State may consult with the Defense Trade Advisory Group (DTAG) and other interested parties in conducting the periodic review described in paragraph (1). D Other AUKUS matters 941. Reporting related to the AUKUS partnership (a) Report on instruments (1) In general Not later than 30 days after the signature, conclusion, or other finalization of any non-binding instrument related to the AUKUS partnership, the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees the text of such instrument. (2) Non-duplication of efforts; rule of construction To the extent the text of a non-binding instrument is submitted to the appropriate congressional committees pursuant to subsection (a), such text does not need to be submitted to Congress pursuant to section 112b(a)(1)(A)(ii) of title 1, United States Code, as amended by section 5947 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 ( Public Law 117–263 ; 136 Stat. 3476). Paragraph (1) shall not be construed to relieve the executive branch of any other requirement of section 112b of title 1, United States Code, as amended so amended, or any other provision of law. (3) Definitions In this section: (A) In general The term text , with respect to a non-binding instrument, includes— (i) any annex, appendix, codicil, side agreement, side letter, or any document of similar purpose or function to the aforementioned, regardless of the title of the document, that is entered into contemporaneously and in conjunction with the non-binding instrument; and (ii) any implementing agreement or arrangement, or any document of similar purpose or function to the aforementioned, regardless of the title of the document, that is entered into contemporaneously and in conjunction with the non-binding instrument. (B) Contemporaneously and in conjunction with As used in subparagraph (A), the term contemporaneously and in conjunction with — (i) shall be construed liberally; and (ii) may not be interpreted to require any action to have occurred simultaneously or on the same day. (b) Report on AUKUS partnership (1) In general Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and biennially thereafter, the Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and other appropriate heads of agencies, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the AUKUS partnership. (2) Elements Each report required under paragraph (1) shall include the following elements: (A) Strategy (i) An identification of the defensive military capability gaps and capacity shortfalls that the AUKUS partnership seeks to offset. (ii) An explanation of the total cost to the United States associated with Pillar One of the AUKUS partnership. (iii) A detailed explanation of how enhanced access to the industrial base of Australia is contributing to strengthening the United States strategic position in Asia. (iv) A detailed explanation of the military and strategic benefit provided by the improved access provided by naval bases of Australia. (v) A detailed assessment of how Australia’s sovereign conventionally armed nuclear attack submarines contribute to United States defense and deterrence objectives in the Indo-Pacific region. (B) Implement the AUKUS partnership (i) Progress made on achieving the Optimal Pathway established for Australia’s development of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, including the following elements: (I) A description of progress made by Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States to conclude an Article 14 arrangement with the International Atomic Energy Agency. (II) A description of the status of efforts of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States to build the supporting infrastructure to base conventionally armed, nuclear-powered attack submarines. (III) Updates on the efforts by Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States to train a workforce that can build, sustain, and operate conventionally armed, nuclear-powered attack submarines. (IV) A description of progress in establishing submarine support facilities capable of hosting rotational forces in western Australia by 2027. (V) A description of progress made in improving United States submarine production capabilities that will enable the United States to meet— (aa) its objectives of providing up to five Virginia Class submarines to Australia by the early to mid-2030’s; and (bb) United States submarine production requirements. (ii) Progress made on Pillar Two of the AUKUS partnership, including the following elements: (I) An assessment of the efforts of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States to enhance collaboration across the following eight trilateral lines of effort: (aa) Underseas capabilities. (bb) Quantum technologies. (cc) Artificial intelligence and autonomy. (dd) Advanced cyber capabilities. (ee) Hypersonic and counter-hypersonic capabilities. (ff) Electronic warfare. (gg) Innovation. (hh) Information sharing. (II) An assessment of any new lines of effort established.

August 22, 2023 Reported under authority of the order of the Senate of July 27, 2023, with an amendment

tv_txt: II 118th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 2043 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES June 15, 2023 Mr. Menendez (for himself and Mr. Risch ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations A BILL To provide for certain authorities of the Department of State, and for other purposes.

1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Department of State Authorization Act of 2023 . (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definitions. TITLE I—Diplomatic security and consular affairs Sec. 101. Passport fee expenditure authority extension. Sec. 102. Special hiring authority for passport services. Sec. 103. Quarterly report on passport wait times. Sec. 104. Passport travel advisories. Sec. 105. Increased accountability in assignment restrictions and reviews. Sec. 106. Suitability reviews for Foreign Service Institute instructors. Sec. 107. Diplomatic security fellowship programs. TITLE II—Personnel matters Subtitle A—Hiring, promotion, and development Sec. 201. Adjustment to promotion precepts. Sec. 202. Hiring authorities. Sec. 203. Extending paths to service for paid student interns. Sec. 204. Lateral Entry Program. Sec. 205. Mid-Career Mentoring Program. Sec. 206. Consideration of career civil servants as chiefs of missions. Sec. 207. Civil service rotational program. Sec. 208. Reporting requirement on chiefs of mission. Sec. 209. Report on chiefs of mission and deputy chiefs of mission. Sec. 210. Protection of retirement annuity for reemployment by Department. Sec. 211. Enhanced vetting for senior diplomatic posts. Sec. 212. Efforts to improve retention and prevent retaliation. Subtitle B—Pay, benefits, and workforce matters Sec. 221. Education allowance. Sec. 222. Per diem allowance for newly hired members of the Foreign Service. Sec. 223. Improving mental health services for foreign and civil servants. Sec. 224. Emergency back-up care. Sec. 225. Authority to provide services to non-chief of mission personnel. Sec. 226. Exception for government-financed air transportation. Sec. 227. Enhanced authorities to protect locally employed staff during emergencies. Sec. 228. Internet at hardship posts. Sec. 229. Competitive local compensation plan. Sec. 230. Supporting tandem couples in the Foreign Service. Sec. 231. Accessibility at diplomatic missions. TITLE III—Information security and cyber diplomacy Sec. 301. Data-informed diplomacy. Sec. 302. Establishment and expansion of the Bureau Chief Data Officer Program. Sec. 303. Task force to address artificial intelligence-enabled influence operations. Sec. 304. Establishment of the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Department of State. Sec. 305. Strengthening the Chief Information Officer of the Department of State. Sec. 306. Sense of Congress on strengthening enterprise governance. Sec. 307. Digital connectivity and cybersecurity partnership. Sec. 308. Establishment of a cyberspace, digital connectivity, and related technologies (CDT) fund. TITLE IV—Organization and operations Sec. 401. Personal services contractors. Sec. 402. Hard-to-fill posts. Sec. 403. Enhanced oversight of the Office of Civil Rights. Sec. 404. Crisis response operations. TITLE V—Economic diplomacy Sec. 501. Duties of officers performing economic functions. Sec. 502. Report on recruitment, retention, and promotion of Foreign Service economic officers. Sec. 503. Mandate to revise Department of State metrics for successful economic and commercial diplomacy. Sec. 504. Chief of mission economic responsibilities. Sec. 505. Direction to embassy deal teams. Sec. 506. Establishment of a Deal Team of the Year award. TITLE VI—Public diplomacy Sec. 601. National advertising campaign. Sec. 602. Public diplomacy outreach. Sec. 603. Modification on use of funds for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Sec. 604. International broadcasting. Sec. 605. John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship program. Sec. 606. Domestic engagement and public diplomacy. Sec. 607. Extension of Global Engagement Center. Sec. 608. Paperwork Reduction Act. Sec. 609. Expansion of Diplomats in Residence Programs. TITLE VII—Other matters Sec. 701. Expanding the use of DDTC licensing fees. Sec. 702. Waiver authority related to prohibition on certain semiconductor products and services. Sec. 703. Prohibition on entry of officials of foreign governments involved in significant corruption or gross violations of human rights. Sec. 704. Protection of cultural heritage during crises. Sec. 705. National Museum of American Diplomacy. Sec. 706. Extraterritorial offenses committed by United States nationals serving with international organizations. Sec. 707. Extension of certain privileges and immunities to the international energy forum. Sec. 708. Extension of certain privileges and immunities to the Conseil Européen pour la recherche nucléaire (CERN; the European Organization for Nuclear Research). Sec. 709. Internships of United States nationals at international organizations. Sec. 710. Training for international organizations. Sec. 711. Modification to transparency on international agreements and non-binding instruments. Sec. 712. Congressional oversight, quarterly review, and authority relating to concurrence provided by chiefs of mission for support of certain Government operations. Sec. 713. Modification and repeal of reports. 2. Definitions In this Act: (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. I Diplomatic security and consular affairs 101. Passport fee expenditure authority extension (a) Western hemisphere travel initiative fee To make permanent the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative fee, section 1(b) of the Passport Act of June 4, 1920 ( 22 U.S.C. 214(b)(1) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking (1) ; and (2) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3). (b) Passport fees Section 1(b) of the Passport Act of June 4, 1920, as amended by subsection (a), shall be applied through fiscal year 2028 by striking such costs and inserting the costs of providing consular services . (c) Modernization of passport processing A portion of the expanded expenditure authorities provided in subsections (a) and (b) shall be used to modernize consular systems, with an emphasis on passport and citizenship services. 102. Special hiring authority for passport services During the 3-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, without regard to the provisions under sections 3309 through 3318 of title 5, United States Code, may directly appoint candidates to positions in the competitive service (as defined in section 2102 of such title) at the Department in the Passport and Visa Examining Series 0967. 103. Quarterly report on passport wait times Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 processing; (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 modernization; and (4) how the Department details its staff and resources to passport services programs. 104. Passport travel advisories Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Department shall make prominently available in United States passports, on the first two 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. 105. Increased accountability in assignment restrictions 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 processes 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 Act, 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 The Department shall establish a reasonable time limit for the Department to complete an assignment review, and establish a deadline by which it must inform personnel of a decision related to such a review. For any personnel the Department determines are ineligible to serve in an assignment due to an assignment restriction or assignment review, a Security Appeal Panel shall convene not later than 60 days of an appeal being filed. (e) Security review panel Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 Act, the Secretary shall amend all relevant provisions of the Foreign Service Manual, and any associated or related policies of the Department, to comply with this section. 106. Suitability reviews for Foreign Service Institute instructors The Secretary shall 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 investigations; and (2) subject to continuous vetting or reinvestigations to the extend consistent with Department and Executive policy for other Department personnel. 107. 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, shall establish Diplomatic Security fellowship programs to provide grants to United States nationals pursuing undergraduate studies who commit to pursuing a career as a special agent, security engineering officer, or in the civil service in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. (2) Rulemaking The Secretary shall promulgate regulations for the administration of Diplomatic Security fellowship programs that set forth— (A) the eligibility requirements for receiving a grant under this subsection; (B) the process by which eligible applicants may request such a grant; (C) the maximum amount of such a grant; and (D) the educational progress to which all grant recipients are obligated. . (b) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028 to carry out this section. II Personnel matters A Hiring, promotion, and development 201. Adjustment to promotion precepts Section 603(b) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 4003(b) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraph (2), (3), and (4) as paragraphs (5), (6), and (7), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraphs: (2) experience serving at an international organization, multilateral institution, or engaging in multinational negotiations; (3) willingness to serve in hardship posts overseas or across geographically distinct regions; (4) experience advancing policies or developing expertise that enhance the United States’ competitiveness with regard to critical and emerging technologies. . 202. Hiring authorities (a) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) the Department should possess hiring authorities to enable recruitment of individuals representative of the nation with special skills needed to address 21st century diplomacy challenges; and (2) the Secretary shall conduct a survey of hiring authorities held by the Department to identify— (A) hiring authorities already authorized by Congress; (B) others authorities granted through Presidential decree or executive order; and (C) any authorities needed to enable recruitment of individuals with the special skills described in paragraph (1). (b) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that includes a description of all existing hiring authorities and legislative proposals on any new needed authorities. (c) Special hiring authority For an initial period of not more than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary may appoint, without regard to the provisions of sections 3309 through 3318 of title 5, United States Code, candidates directly to positions in the competitive service at the Department, as defined in section 2102 of that title, in the following occupational series: 1560 Data Science, 2210 Information Technology Management, and 0201 Human Resources Management. 203. Extending paths to service for paid student interns For up to 2 years following the end of a compensated internship at the Department or the United States Agency for International Development, the Department or USAID may offer employment to up to 25 such interns and appoint them directly to positions in the competitive service, as defined in section 2102 of title 5, United States Code, without regard to the provisions of sections 3309 through 3318 of such title. 204. Lateral Entry Program (a) In general Section 404 of the Department of State Authorities Act, Fiscal Year 2017 ( Public Law 114–323 ; 130 Stat. 1928) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 3-year and inserting 5-year ; (B) in paragraph (5), by striking ; and ; (C) in paragraph (6), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (D) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: (7) does not include the use of Foreign Service-Limited or other noncareer Foreign Service hiring authorities; and (8) includes not fewer than 30 participants for each year of the pilot program. ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (e) Certification If the Secretary does not commence the lateral entry program within 180 days after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees— (1) certifying that progress is being made on implementation of the pilot program and describing such progress, including the date on which applicants will be able to apply; (2) estimating the date by which the pilot program will be fully implemented; (3) outlining how the Department will use the Lateral Entry Program to fill needed skill sets in key areas such as cyberspace, emerging technologies, economic statecraft, multilateral diplomacy, and data and other sciences. . 205. Mid-Career Mentoring Program (a) Authorization The Secretary, in collaboration with the Director of the Foreign Service Institute, is authorized to establish a Mid-Career Mentoring Program (referred to in this section as the Program ) for employees who have demonstrated outstanding service and leadership. (b) Selection (1) Nominations The head of each bureau shall semiannually nominate participants for the Program from a pool of applicants in the positions described in paragraph (2)(B), including from posts both domestically and abroad. (2) Submission of slate of nominees to Secretary The Director of the Foreign Service Institute, in consultation with the Director General of the Foreign Service, shall semiannually— (A) vet the nominees most recently nominated pursuant to paragraph (1); and (B) submit to the Secretary a slate of applicants to participate in the Program, who shall consist of at least— (i) 10 Foreign Service Officers and specialists classified at the FS-03 or FS-04 level of the Foreign Service Salary Schedule; (ii) 10 Civil Service employees classified at GS-12 or GS-13 of the General Schedule; and (iii) 5 Foreign Service Officers from the United States Agency for International Development. (3) Final selection The Secretary shall select the applicants who will be invited to participate in the Program from the slate received pursuant to paragraph (2)(B) and extend such an invitation to each selected applicant. (c) Program sessions (1) Frequency; duration All of the participants who accept invitations extended pursuant to subsection (b)(3) shall meet 3 to 4 times per year for training sessions with high-level leaders of the Department and USAID, including private group meetings with the Secretary and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development. (2) Themes Each session referred to in paragraph (1) shall focus on specific themes developed jointly by the Foreign Service Institute and the Executive Secretariat focused on substantive policy issues and leadership practices. (d) Mentoring program The Secretary and the Administrator each shall establish a mentoring and coaching program that pairs a senior leader of the Department or USAID with each of the program participants who complete the Program during the 1-year period immediately following their participation in the Program. (e) Annual report Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for three years, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that describes the activities of the Program during the most recent year. 206. Consideration of career civil servants as chiefs of missions Section 304(b) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 3944 ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and (2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph: (2) The Secretary shall also furnish to the President, on an annual basis and to assist the President in selecting qualified candidates for appointments or assignments as chief of mission, the names of between 5 and 10 career civil servants serving at the Department of State or the United States Agency for International Development who are qualified to serve as chiefs of mission, together with pertinent information about such individuals. . 207. Civil service rotational program (a) Establishment of pilot rotational program for civil service Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a program to provide qualified civil servants serving at the Department an opportunity to serve at a United States embassy, including identifying criteria and an application process for such program. (b) Program The program established under this section shall— (1) provide at least 20 career civil servants the opportunity to serve for 2 to 3 years at a United States embassy to gain additional skills and experience; (2) offer such civil servants the opportunity to serve in a political or economic section at a United States embassy; and (3) include clear and transparent criteria for eligibility and selection, which shall include a minimum of 5 years of service at the Department. (c) Subsequent position and promotion Following a rotation at a United States embassy pursuant to the program established by this section, participants in the program must be afforded, at minimum, a position equivalent in seniority, compensation, and responsibility to the position occupied prior serving in the program. Successful completion of a rotation at a United States embassy shall be considered favorably with regard to applications for promotion in civil service jobs at the Department. (d) Implementation Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall identify not less than 20 positions in United States embassies for the program established under this section and offered at least 20 civil servants the opportunity to serve in a rotation at a United States embassy pursuant to this section. 208. Reporting requirement on chiefs of mission Not later than 30 days following the end of each calendar quarter, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees— (1) a list of every chief of mission or United States representative overseas with the rank of Ambassador who, during the prior quarter, was outside a country of assignment for more than 14 cumulative days for purposes other than official travel or temporary duty orders; (2) the number of days each such chief of mission or United States representative overseas with the rank of Ambassador was outside a country of assignment during the previous quarter for purposes other than official travel or temporary duty orders; and (3) a list of any country other than the country of assignment in which a chief of mission or United States representative overseas with the rank of Ambassador has spent more than 14 days during the previous quarter. 209. Report on chiefs of mission and deputy chiefs of mission Not later than April 1, 2024, and annually thereafter for the next 4 years, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that includes— (1) the Foreign Service cone of each current chief of mission and deputy chief of mission (or whoever is acting in the capacity of chief or deputy chief if neither is present) for each United States embassy at which there is a Foreign Service office filling either of those positions; and (2) aggregated data for all chiefs of mission and deputy chiefs of mission described in paragraph (1), disaggregated by cone. 210. Protection of retirement annuity for reemployment by Department (a) No termination or reduction of retirement annuity or pay for reemployment Notwithstanding section 824 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 4064 ), if a covered annuitant becomes employed by the Department— (1) the payment of any retirement annuity, retired pay, or retainer pay otherwise payable to the covered annuitant shall not terminate; and (2) the amount of the retirement annuity, retired pay, or retainer pay otherwise payable to the covered annuitant shall not be reduced. (b) Covered annuitant defined In this section, the term covered annuitant means any individual who is receiving a retirement annuity under— (1) the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System under subchapter I of chapter 8 of title I of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 4041 et seq. ); or (2) the Foreign Service Pension System under subchapter II of such chapter ( 22 U.S.C. 4071 et seq. ). 211. Enhanced vetting for senior diplomatic posts (a) Comprehensive policy on vetting and transparency Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a consistent and enhanced vetting process to ensure that individuals with substantiated claims of discrimination, harassment, or bullying are not considered for promotions to senior positions. (b) Elements of comprehensive vetting policy Following the conclusion of any investigation into an allegation of discrimination, harassment, or bullying, the Office of Civil Rights, Office of Global Talent Management, and other offices with responsibilities related to the investigation shall jointly or individually submit a written summary of any findings of any substantiated allegations, along with a summary of findings to the Committee responsible for promotions (the D Committee ) prior to such Committee rendering a recommendation for promotion. (c) Response The Secretary shall develop a process for candidates to respond to any allegations that are substantiated and presented to the D Committee. (d) Annual reports Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for five years, the Secretary shall submit to the Department workforce and the appropriate congressional committees a report on the number of candidates confirmed for senior diplomatic posts against whom there were found to have been substantiated allegations. 212. Efforts to improve retention and prevent retaliation (a) Streamlined reporting Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a single point of initial reporting for allegations of discrimination, bullying, and harassment that provides an initial review of the allegations and, if necessary, the ability to file multiple claims based on a single complaint. (b) Ensuring implementation of corrective action and management recommendations The Secretary shall ensure follow up with each complainant who makes an allegation of discrimination, harassment, or bullying pursuant to subsection (a) and the head of the respective bureau not later than 180 days after the conclusion of any investigation where an allegation is substantiated, and again one year after the conclusion of any such investigation, to ensure that any recommendations for corrective action related to the complainant have been acted on where appropriate. If such recommendations have not be implemented, a written statement shall be provided to the head of the bureau and complainant and affected employees explaining why the recommendations have not been implemented. (c) Climate surveys of employees of the Department (1) Required biennial surveys Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall conduct a Department-wide survey of all Department personnel regarding harassment, discrimination, bullying, and related retaliation that includes workforce perspectives on the accessibility and effectiveness of the Bureau of Global Talent Management and Office of Civil Rights in the efforts and processes to address these issues. (2) Pilot surveys Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a Department-wide survey for Locally Employed Staff regarding retention, training, promotion, and other matters, including harassment, discrimination, bullying, and related retaliation, that includes workforce perspectives on the accessibility and effectiveness of complaint measures. (3) Report Not later than 60 days after the conclusion of each survey conducted pursuant to this subsection, the Secretary shall make the key findings available to the Department workforce and shall submit them to the appropriate congressional committees. (d) Retaliation prevention efforts (1) Employee evaluation (A) In general If there is a pending investigation of discrimination, bullying, or harassment against a superior who is responsible for rating or reviewing the complainant employee, the complainant shall be reviewed by the superior’s supervisor. (B) Effective date This paragraph shall take effect 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (2) Retaliation prevention guidance Any Department employee against whom an allegation of discrimination, bullying, or harassment has been made shall receive written guidance (a retaliation hold ) on the types of actions that can be considered retaliation against the complainant employee. The employee’s immediate supervisor shall also receive the retaliation hold guidance. B Pay, benefits, and workforce matters 221. Education allowance (a) In general Chapter 9 of title I of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 4081 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 908. Education allowance A Department employee who is on leave to perform service in the uniformed services (as defined in section 4303(13) of title 38, United States Code) may receive an education allowance if the employee would, if not for such service, be eligible to receive the education allowance. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of contents in section 2 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 3901 note) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 907 the following: Sec. 908. Education allowance . 222. Per diem allowance for newly hired members of the Foreign Service (a) Per diem allowance (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), any newly hired Foreign Service employee who is in initial orientation training, or any other training expected to last less than 6 months before transferring to the employee’s first assignment, in the Washington, D.C., area shall, for the duration of such training, receive a per diem allowance at the levels prescribed under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code. (2) Limitation on lodging expenses A newly hired Foreign Service employee may not receive any lodging expenses under the applicable per diem allowance pursuant to paragraph (1) if that employee— (A) has a permanent residence in the Washington, D.C., area (not including Government-supplied housing during such orientation training or other training); and (B) does not vacate such residence during such orientation training or other training. (b) Definitions In this section— (1) the term per diem allowance has the meaning given that term under section 5701 of title 5, United States Code; and (2) the term Washington, D.C., area means the geographic area within a 50 mile radius of the Washington Monument. 223. Improving mental health services for foreign and civil servants (a) Additional personnel to address mental health (1) In general The Secretary shall seek to increase the number of personnel within the Bureau of Medical Services to address mental health needs for both foreign and civil servants. (2) Employment targets Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall seek to employ not fewer than 15 additional personnel in the Bureau of Medical Services, compared to the number of personnel employed as of the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Study The Secretary shall conduct a study on the accessibility of mental health care providers and services available to Department personnel, including an assessment of— (1) the accessibility of mental health care providers at diplomatic posts and in the United States; (2) the accessibility of inpatient services for mental health care for Department personnel; (3) steps that may be taken to improve such accessibility; (4) the impact of the COVID–19 pandemic on the mental health of Department personnel, particularly those who served abroad between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022, and Locally Employed Staff, where information is available; (5) recommended steps to improve the manner in which the Department advertises mental health services to the workforce; and (6) additional authorities and resources needed to better meet the mental health needs of Department personnel. (c) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to appropriate congressional committees a report containing the findings of the study under subsection (b). 224. Emergency back-up care (a) In general The Secretary and the Administrator for the United States Agency for International Development are authorized to provide for unanticipated non-medical care, including childcare, eldercare, and essential services directly related to caring for an acute injury or illness, for USAID and Department employees and their family members, including through the provision of such non-medical services, referrals to care providers, and reimbursement of reasonable expenses for such services. (b) Limitation Services provided pursuant to this section shall not exceed $2,000,000 per fiscal year. 225. Authority to provide services to non-chief of mission personnel Section 904 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 4084 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (g), by striking abroad for employees and eligible family members and inserting under this section ; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (a) Physical and mental health care services in special circumstances (1) In general The Secretary is authorized to direct health care providers employed under subsection (c) of this section to furnish physical and mental health care services to an individual otherwise ineligible for services under this section if necessary to preserve life or limb or if intended to facilitate an overseas evacuation, recovery, or return. Such services may be provided incidental to the following activities: (A) Activities undertaken abroad pursuant to section 3 and section 4 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2670 , 2671). (B) Recovery of hostages or of wrongfully or unlawfully detained individuals abroad, including pursuant to section 302 of the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act ( 22 U.S.C. 1741 ). (C) Secretarial dispatches to international disaster sites deployed pursuant to section 207 of the Aviation Security Improvement Act of 1990 ( 22 U.S.C. 5506 ). (D) Deployments undertaken pursuant to section 606(a)(6)(A)(iii) of the Secure Embassy Construction and Counterterrorism Act of 1999 ( 22 U.S.C. 4865(a)(6)(A)(iii) ). (2) Prioritization of other functions The Secretary shall prioritize the allocation of Department resources to the health care program described in subsections (a) through (g) above the functions described in paragraph (1). (3) Regulations The Secretary should prescribe applicable regulations to implement this section, taking into account the prioritization in paragraph (2) and the activities described in paragraph (1). (4) Reimbursable basis Services rendered under this subsection shall be provided on a reimbursable basis to the extent practicable. . 226. Exception for government-financed air transportation (a) Reducing hardship for transportation of domestic animals (1) In general Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (c) of section 40118 of title 49, United States Code, the Department is authorized to pay for the transportation by a foreign air carrier of Department personnel and any in-cabin or accompanying checked baggage or cargo if— (A) no air carrier holding a certificate under section 41102 of such title is willing and able to transport up to 3 domestic animals accompanying such Federal personnel; and (B) the transportation is from a place— (i) outside the United States to a place in the United States; (ii) in the United States to a place outside the United States; or (iii) outside the United States to another place outside the United States. (2) Limitation An amount paid pursuant to paragraph (1) for transportation by a foreign carrier may not be greater than the amount that would otherwise have been paid had the transportation been on an air carrier holding a certificate under section 41102 had that carrier been willing and able to provide such transportation. If the amount that would otherwise have been paid to such an air carrier is less than the cost of transportation on the applicable foreign carrier, the Department personnel may pay the difference of such amount. (3) Domestic animal defined In this subsection, the term domestic animal means a dog or a cat. 227. Enhanced authorities to protect locally employed staff during emergencies (a) Sense of congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) locally employed staff provide essential contributions at United States diplomatic and consular posts around the world, including by providing— (A) security to United States government personnel serving in the country; (B) advice, expertise, and other services for the promotion of political, economic, public affairs, commercial, security, and other interests of critical importance to the United States; (C) a wide range of logistical and administrative support to every office in each mission working to advance United States interests around the world, including services and support vital to the upkeep and maintenance of United States missions; (D) consular services to support the welfare and well-being of United States citizens and to provide for the expeditious processing of visa applications; (E) institutional memory on a wide range of embassy engagements on bilateral issues; and (F) enduring connections to host country contacts, both inside and outside the host government, including within media, civil society, the business community, academia, the armed forces, and elsewhere; and (2) locally employed staff make important contributions that should warrant the United States Government to give due consideration for their security and safety when diplomatic missions face emergency situations. (b) Authorization to provide emergency support In emergency situations, in addition to other authorities that may be available in emergencies or other exigent circumstances, the Secretary is authorized to use funds made available to the Department to provide support to ensure the safety and security of locally employed staff and their immediate family members, including for— (1) providing transport or relocating locally employed staff and their immediate family members to a safe and secure environment; (2) providing short-term housing or lodging for up to six months for locally employed staff and their immediate family members; (3) procuring or providing other essential items and services to support the safety and security of locally employed staff and their immediate family members. (c) Temporary housing To ensure the safety and security of locally employed staff and their immediate family members consistent with this section, Chiefs of Missions are authorized to allow locally employed staff and their immediate family members to reside temporarily in the residences of United States direct hire employees, either in the host country or other countries, provided that such stays are offered voluntarily by United States direct hire employees. (d) Foreign affairs manual Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall amend the Foreign Affairs Manual to reflect the authorizations and requirements of this section. (e) Emergency situation defined In this section, the term emergency situation means armed conflict, civil unrest, natural disaster, or other types of instability that pose a threat to the safety and security of locally employed staff, particularly when and if a United States diplomatic or consular post must suspend operations. (f) Report (1) In general No later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees describing prior actions the Department has taken with regard to locally employed staff and their immediate family members following suspensions or closures of United States diplomatic posts over the prior 4 years, including Kyiv, Kabul, Minsk, and Khartoum. (2) Elements The report required under paragraph (1) shall— (A) describe any actions the Department took to assist locally employed staff and their immediate family members; (B) identify any obstacles that made providing support or assistance to locally employed staff and their immediate family members difficult; (C) examine lessons learned and propose recommendations to better protect the safety and security of locally employed staff and their family members, including any additional authorities that may be required; and (D) provide an analysis of and offer recommendations on any other steps that could improve efforts to protect the safety and security of locally employed staff and their immediate family members. 228. Internet at hardship posts Section 3 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2670 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (l), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (2) in subsection (m) by striking the period at the end and by inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (n) pay expenses to provide internet services in residences owned or leased by the United States Government in foreign countries for the use of Department personnel where Department personnel receive a post hardship differential equivalent to 30 percent or more above basic compensation. . 229. Competitive local compensation plan (a) Establishment and implementation of prevailing wage rates goal Section 401(a) of the Department of State Authorities Act, fiscal year 2017 ( 22 U.S.C. 3968a(a) ) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking periodically and inserting every 3 years . (b) Report Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that includes— (1) compensation (including position classification) plans for locally employed staff based upon prevailing wage rates and compensation practices for corresponding types of positions in the locality of employment; and (2) an assessment of the feasibility and impact of changing the prevailing wage rate goal for positions in the local compensation plan from the 50th percentile to the 75th percentile. 230. Supporting tandem couples in the Foreign Service (a) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) challenges finding and maintaining spousal employment and family dissatisfaction are one of the leading reasons employees cite for leaving the Department; (2) tandem Foreign Service personnel represent important members of the Foreign Service community, who act as force multipliers for our diplomacy; (3) the Department can and should do more to keep tandem couples posted together and consider family member employment needs when assigning tandem officers; and (4) common sense steps providing more flexibility in the assignments process would improve outcomes for tandem officers without disadvantaging other Foreign Service officers. (b) Definitions In this section: (1) Family togetherness The term family togetherness means facilitating the placement of Foreign Service personnel at the same United States diplomatic post when both spouses are members of a tandem couple of Foreign Service Officers. (2) Tandem foreign service officer; tandem The terms tandem Foreign Service personnel and tandem mean a member of a couple of which one spouse is a career or career candidate employee of the Foreign Service and the other spouse is a career or career candidate employee of the Foreign Service or an employee of one of the agencies authorized to use the Foreign Service Personnel System under section 202 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 3922 ). (c) Family togetherness in assignments Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Department shall amend and update its policies to further promote the principle of family togetherness in the Foreign Service, which shall include the following: (1) Entry-level foreign service personnel The Secretary shall adopt policies and procedures to facilitate the assignment of entry-level tandem Foreign Service personnel on directed assignments to the same diplomatic post or country as their tandem spouse if they request to be assigned to the same post or country. The Secretary shall also provide a written justification to the requesting personnel explaining any denial of a request that would result in a tandem couple not serving together at the same post or country. (2) Tenured foreign service personnel The Secretary shall add family togetherness to the criteria when making a needs of the Service determination, as defined by the Foreign Affairs Manual, for the placement of tenured tandem Foreign Service personnel at United States diplomatic posts. (3) Updates to antinepotism policy The Secretary shall update antinepotism policies so that nepotism rules only apply when an employee and a relative are placed into positions wherein they jointly and exclusively control government resources, property, or money or establish government policy. (4) Temporary supervision of tandem spouse The Secretary shall update policies to allow for a tandem spouse to temporarily supervise another tandem spouse for up to 90 days in a calendar year, including at a United States diplomatic mission. (d) Report Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that includes— (1) the number of Foreign Service tandem couples currently serving; and (2) an estimate of the cost savings that would result if all Foreign Service tandem couples were placed at a single post. 231. Accessibility at diplomatic missions Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Department shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that includes— (1) a list of the overseas United States diplomatic missions that, as of the date of the enactment of this Act, are not readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities; (2) any efforts in progress to make such missions readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities; and (3) an estimate of the cost to make all such missions readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. III Information security and cyber diplomacy 301. Data-informed diplomacy (a) Findings Congress makes the following findings: (1) In a rapidly evolving and digitally interconnected global landscape, access to and maintenance of reliable, readily available data is key to informed decisionmaking and diplomacy and therefore should be considered a strategic asset. (2) In order to achieve its mission in the 21st century, the Department must adapt to these trends by maintaining and providing timely access to high-quality data at the time and place needed, while simultaneously cultivating a data-savvy workforce. (3) Leveraging data science and data analytics has the potential to improve the performance of the Department’s workforce by providing otherwise unknown insights into program deficiencies, shortcomings, or other gaps in analysis. (4) While innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning have the potential to empower the Department to analyze and act upon data at scale, systematized, sustainable data management and information synthesis remain a core competency necessary for data-driven decisionmaking. (5) The goals set out by the Department’s Enterprise Data Council (EDC) as the areas of most critical need for the Department, including Cultivating a Data Culture, Accelerating Decisions through Analytics, Establishing Mission-Driven Data Management, and Enhancing Enterprise Data Governance, are laudable and will remain critical as the Department develops into a data-driven agency. (b) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) the Department should prioritize the recruitment and retainment of top data science talent in support of its data-informed diplomacy efforts as well as its broader modernization agenda; and (2) the Department should strengthen data fluency among its workforce, promote data collaboration across and within its bureaus, and enhance its enterprise data oversight. 302. Establishment and expansion of the Bureau Chief Data Officer Program (a) Bureau Chief Data Officer Program (1) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a program, which shall be known as the Bureau Chief Data Officer Program (referred to in this section as the Program ), overseen by the Department’s Chief Data Officer. The Bureau Chief Data Officers hired under this program shall report to the Department’s Chief Data Officer. (2) Goals The goals of the Program shall include the following: (A) Cultivating a data culture by promoting data fluency and data collaboration across the Department. (B) Promoting increased data analytics use in critical decisionmaking areas. (C) Promoting data integration and standardization. (D) Increasing efficiencies across the Department by incentivizing acquisition of enterprise data solutions and subscription data services to be shared across bureaus and offices and within bureaus. (b) Implementation plan Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees an implementation plan that outlines strategies for— (1) advancing the goals described in subsection (a)(2); (2) hiring Bureau Chief Data Officers at the GS-14 or GS-15 grade or a similar rank; (3) assigning at least one Bureau Chief Data Officer to— (A) each regional bureau of the Department; (B) the Bureau of International Organization Affairs; (C) the Office of the Chief Economist; (D) the Office of the Science and Technology Advisor; (E) the Bureau of Cyber and Digital Policy; (F) the Bureau of Diplomatic Security; (G) the Bureau for Global Talent Management; and (H) the Bureau of Consular Affairs; and (4) allocation of necessary resources to sustain the Program. (c) Assignment In implementing the Bureau Chief Data Officer Program, Bureaus may not dual-hat currently employed personnel as Bureau Chief Data Officers. (d) Annual reporting requirement Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for the following 3 years, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees regarding the status of the implementation plan required under subsection (b). 303. Task force to address artificial intelligence-enabled influence operations (a) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) the rapid development of publicly available, affordable generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology, including the use of large language models (LLM) to fuel natural language processing applications, has the potential to fundamentally alter the nature of disinformation and propaganda campaigns by enabling finely tailored, auto-generated disinformation swiftly, in any language, at scale, and at low-costs; (2) academia and private industry, including social media platforms, play a critical role in establishing safeguards for powerful, publicly available tools for producing AI-generated content, and it is in the United States national security interest to ensure that these technologies are not misused by foreign malign actors to enhance influence operations abroad; (3) the ability to identify, track, and label original text, audio, and visual content is becoming increasingly vital to United States national interests as sophisticated AI-generated content creation becomes increasingly available to the public at low costs; (4) coalitions such as the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) and the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authority (C2PA) play important roles in establishing open industry standards for content authenticity and digital content provenance, which will become increasingly vulnerable to manipulation and distortion through AI-powered tools; and (5) the Department, as the lead agency for United States public diplomacy, should work within the interagency process to develop a common approach to United States international engagement on issues related to AI-enabled disinformation. (b) Statement of policy It shall be the policy of the United States— (1) to share knowledge with allies and partners of instances when foreign state actors have leveraged generative AI to augment disinformation campaigns or propaganda; (2) to work with private industry and academia to mitigate the risks associated with public research on generative AI technologies; and (3) to support efforts in developing digital content provenance detection techniques and technologies in line with United States national security interests. (c) Establishment of countering AI-Enabled Disinformation Task Force (1) Establishment Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish within the Department a Countering AI-Enabled Disinformation Task Force (referred to in this section as the Task Force ) to— (A) identify potential responses to the growing threat of AI-enabled disinformation and its use by foreign state actors to augment influence operations and disinformation campaigns; (B) work closely with private industry and academia to identify and coordinate efforts in developing digital content provenance detection techniques and technologies; (C) develop the Department’s internal coordination across regional and functional bureaus on the issue of AI-enabled disinformation; (D) develop a unified approach to international coordination on— (i) establishing standards around digital content provenance techniques and technologies, specifically as it relates to countering AI-enabled disinformation campaign; and (ii) assessing the potential for establishing frameworks around the proliferation of tools that facilitate AI-enabled disinformation; and (E) identify any additional tools or resources necessary to enhance the Department’s ability to— (i) detect AI-enabled foreign disinformation and propaganda; (ii) rapidly produce original counter-messaging to address AI-enabled disinformation campaigns; (iii) expand digital literacy programming abroad to include education on how media consumers in recipient countries can identify and inoculate themselves from synthetically produced media; and (iv) coordinate and collaborate with other governments, international organizations, civil society, the private sector, and others, as necessary. (2) Membership The Task Force shall be comprised of a representative from relevant offices, as determined by the Secretary, including— (A) the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy; (B) the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs; (C) the Global Engagement Center; (D) the Office of the Science and Technology Advisor to the Secretary; (E) the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs; (F) the Bureau for Intelligence and Research; (G) the Center for Analytics of the Office of Management Strategy and Solutions; (H) the Foreign Service Institute School of Applied Information Technology; and (I) any others the Secretary determines appropriate. (d) Task Force report Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees on the establishment and progress of the Task Force’s work, including in pursuit of the objectives described in subsection(c)(1). (e) Definitions In this section: (1) Artificial intelligence The term artificial intelligence has the meaning given that term in section 238(g) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 ( Public Law 115–232 ; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note). (2) Digital content provenance The term digital content provenance means the verifiable chronology of the origin and history of a piece of digital content, such as an image, video, audio recording, or electronic document. 304. Establishment of the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Department of State Section 1 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2651a ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (n) Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (1) In general There shall be within the Department of State a Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, which may be dual-hatted as the Department’s Chief Data Officer, who shall be a member of the Senior Executive Service. (2) Duties described The principal duties and responsibilities of the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer shall be— (A) to evaluate, oversee, and, if appropriate, facilitate the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning applications to improve policy, programs, and management operations of the Department of State; and (B) to act as the principal advisor to the Secretary of State on the ethical use of AI and advanced analytics in conducting data-informed diplomacy. (3) Qualifications The Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer should be an individual with demonstrated skill and competency in— (A) the use and application of data analytics, AI, and machine learning; and (B) transformational leadership and organizational change management, particularly within large, complex organizations. (4) Partner with the Chief Information Officer on scaling artificial intelligence use cases To ensure alignment between the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer and the Chief Information Officer, the Chief Information Officer will consult with the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer on best practices for rolling out and scaling AI capabilities across the Bureau of Information and Resource Management’s broader portfolio of software applications. (5) Artificial intelligence defined In this subsection, the term artificial intelligence has the meaning given the term in section 238(g) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 ( Public Law 115–232 ; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note). . 305. Strengthening the Chief Information Officer of the Department of State (a) In general The Chief Information Officer of the Department shall be consulted on all decisions to approve or disapprove, significant new unclassified information technology expenditures, including software, of the Department, including expenditures related to information technology acquired, managed, and maintained by other bureaus and offices within the Department, in order to— (1) encourage the use of enterprise software and information technology solutions where such solutions exist or can be developed in a timeframe and manner consistent with maintaining and enhancing the continuity and improvement of Department operations; (2) increase the bargaining power of the Department in acquiring information technology solutions across the Department; (3) reduce the number of redundant Authorities to Operate (ATO), which, instead of using one ATO-approved platform across bureaus, requires multiple ATOs for software use cases across different bureaus; (4) enhance the efficiency, reduce redundancy, and increase interoperability of the use of information technology across the enterprise of the Department; (5) enhance training and alignment of information technology personnel with the skills required to maintain systems across the Department; (6) reduce costs related to the maintenance of, or effectuate the retirement of, legacy systems; (7) ensure the development and maintenance of security protocols regarding the use of information technology solutions and software across the Department; and (8) improve end-user training on the operation of information technology solutions and to enhance end-user cybersecurity practices. (b) Strategy and implementation plan required (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Chief Information Officer of the Department shall develop, in consultation with relevant bureaus and offices as appropriate, a strategy and a 5-year implementation plan to advance the objectives described in subsection (a). (2) Consultation No later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Chief Information Officer shall submit the strategy required by this subsection to the appropriate congressional committees and shall consult with the appropriate congressional committees, not less than on an annual basis for 5 years, regarding the progress related to the implementation plan required by this subjection. (c) Improvement plan for the Bureau for Information Resources Management (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Chief Information Officer shall develop policies and protocols to improve the customer service orientation, quality and timely delivery of information technology solutions, and training and support for bureau and office-level information technology officers. (2) Survey Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for five years, the Chief Information Officer shall undertake a client satisfaction survey of bureau information technology officers to obtain feedback on metrics related to— (A) customer service orientation of the Bureau of Information Resources Management; (B) quality and timelines of capabilities delivered; (C) maintenance and upkeep of information technology solutions; (D) training and support for senior bureau and office-level information technology officers; and (E) other matters which the Chief Information Officer, in consultation with client bureaus and offices, determine appropriate. (3) Submission of findings Not later than 60 days after completing each survey required under paragraph (2), the Chief Information Officer shall submit a summary of the findings to the appropriate congressional committees. (d) Significant expenditure defined For purposes of this section, the term significant expenditure means any cumulative expenditure in excess of $250,000 total in a single fiscal year for a new unclassified software or information technology capability. 306. Sense of Congress on strengthening enterprise governance It is the sense of Congress that in order to modernize the Department, enterprise-wide governance regarding budget and finance, information technology, and the creation, analysis, and use of data across the Department is necessary to better align resources to strategy, including evaluating trade-offs, and to enhance efficiency and security in using data and technology as tools to inform and evaluate the conduct of United States foreign policy. 307. Digital connectivity and cybersecurity partnership (a) Digital connectivity and cybersecurity partnership The Secretary is authorized to establish a program, which may be known as the Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership , to help foreign countries— (1) expand and increase secure internet access and digital infrastructure in emerging markets, including demand for and availability of high-quality information and communications technology (ICT) equipment, software, and services; (2) protect technological assets, including data; (3) adopt policies and regulatory positions that foster and encourage open, interoperable, reliable, and secure internet, the free flow of data, multi-stakeholder models of internet governance, and pro-competitive and secure ICT policies and regulations; (4) access United States exports of ICT goods and services; (5) expand interoperability and promote the diversification of ICT goods and supply chain services to be less reliant on PRC imports; (6) promote best practices and common standards for a national approach to cybersecurity; and (7) advance other priorities consistent with paragraphs (1) through (6), as determined by the Secretary. (b) Use of funds Funds made available to carry out this section, including unexpended funds from fiscal years 2018 through 2022, may be used to strengthen civilian cybersecurity and information and communications technology capacity, including participation of foreign law enforcement and military personnel in non-military activities, notwithstanding any other provision of law, provided that such support is essential to enabling civilian and law enforcement of cybersecurity and information and communication technology related activities in their respective countries. (c) Implementation plan Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees an implementation plan for the coming year to advance the goals identified in subsection (a). (d) Consultation In developing and operationalizing the implementation plan required under subsection (c), the Secretary shall consult with— (1) the appropriate congressional committees; (2) United States industry leaders; (3) other relevant technology experts, including the Open Technology Fund; (4) representatives from relevant United States Government agencies; and (5) representatives from like-minded allies and partners. (e) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028 to carry out this section. Such funds, including funds authorized to be appropriated under the heading Economic Support Fund , may be made available, notwithstanding any other provision of law to strengthen civilian cybersecurity and information and communications technology capacity, including for participation of foreign law enforcement and military personnel in non-military activities, and for contributions. Such funds shall remain available until expended. 308. Establishment of a cyberspace, digital connectivity, and related technologies (CDT) fund Part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 ( 22 U.S.C. 2301 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following new chapter: 10 Cyberspace, digital connectivity, and related technologies (CDT) fund 591. Findings Congress makes the following findings: (1) Increasingly digitized and interconnected social, political, and economic systems have introduced new vulnerabilities for malicious actors to exploit, which threatens economic and national security. (2) The rapid development, deployment, and integration of information and communication technologies into all aspects of modern life bring mounting risks of accidents and malicious activity involving such technologies, and their potential consequences. (3) Because information and communication technologies are globally manufactured, traded, and networked, the economic and national security of the United State depends greatly on cybersecurity practices of other actors, including other countries. (4) United States assistance to countries and international organizations to bolster civilian capacity to address national cybersecurity and deterrence in cyberspace can help— (A) reduce vulnerability in the information and communication technologies ecosystem; and (B) advance national and economic security objectives. 592. Authorization of assistance and funding for cyberspace, digital connectivity, and related technologies (CDT) capacity building activities (a) Authorization The Secretary of State is authorized to provide assistance to foreign governments and organizations, including national, regional, and international institutions, on such terms and conditions as the Secretary may determine, in order to— (1) advance a secure and stable cyberspace; (2) protect and expand trusted digital ecosystems and connectivity; (3) build the cybersecurity capacity of partner countries and organizations; and (4) ensure that the development of standards and the deployment and use of technology supports and reinforces human rights and democratic values, including through the Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership. (b) Scope of uses Assistance under this section may include programs to— (1) advance the adoption and deployment of secure and trustworthy information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and services, including efforts to grow global markets for secure ICT goods and services and promote a more diverse and resilient ICT supply chain; (2) provide technical and capacity building assistance to— (A) promote policy and regulatory frameworks that create an enabling environment for digital connectivity and a vibrant digital economy; (B) ensure technologies, including related new and emerging technologies, are developed, deployed, and used in ways that support and reinforce democratic values and human rights; (C) promote innovation and competition; and (D) support digital governance with the development of rights-respecting international norms and standards; (3) help countries prepare for, defend against, and respond to malicious cyber activities, including through— (A) the adoption of cybersecurity best practices; (B) the development of national strategies to enhance cybersecurity; (C) the deployment of cybersecurity tools and services to increase the security, strength, and resilience of networks and infrastructure; (D) support for the development of cybersecurity watch, warning, response, and recovery capabilities, including through the development of cybersecurity incident response teams; (E) support for collaboration with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and other relevant Federal agencies to enhance cybersecurity; (F) programs to strengthen allied and partner governments’ capacity to detect, investigate, deter, and prosecute cybercrimes; (G) programs to provide information and resources to diplomats engaging in discussions and negotiations around international law and capacity building measures related to cybersecurity; (H) capacity building for cybersecurity partners, including law enforcement and military entities as described in subsection (f); (I) programs that enhance the ability of relevant stakeholders to act collectively against shared cybersecurity threats; (J) the advancement of programs in support of the Framework of Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace; and (K) the fortification of deterrence instruments in cyberspace; and (4) such other purpose and functions as the Secretary of State may designate. (c) Responsibility for policy decisions and justification The Secretary of State shall be responsible for policy decisions regarding programs under this chapter, with respect to— (1) whether there will be cybersecurity and digital capacity building programs for a foreign country or entity operating in that country; (2) the amount of funds for each foreign country or entity; and (3) the scope and nature of such uses of funding. (d) Detailed justification for uses and purposes of funds The Secretary of State shall provide, on an annual basis, a detailed justification for the uses and purposes of the amounts provided under this chapter, including information concerning— (1) the amounts and kinds of grants; (2) the amounts and kinds of budgetary support provided, if any; and (3) the amounts and kinds of project assistance provided for what purpose and with such amounts. (e) Assistance and funding under other authorities The authority granted under this section to provide assistance or funding for countries and organizations does not preclude the use of funds provided to carry out other authorities also available for such purpose. (f) Availability of funds Amounts appropriated to carry out this chapter may be used, notwithstanding any other provision of law, to strengthen civilian cybersecurity and information and communications technology capacity, including participation of foreign law enforcement and military personnel in non-military activities, provided that such support is essential to enabling civilian and law enforcement of cybersecurity and information and communication technology related activities in their respective countries. (g) Notification requirements Funds made available under this section shall be obligated in accordance with the procedures applicable to reprogramming notifications pursuant to section 634A of this Act. 593. Review of emergency assistance capacity (a) In general The Secretary of State, in consultation as appropriate with other relevant Federal departments and agencies is authorized to conduct a review that— (1) analyzes the United States Government’s capacity to promptly and effectively deliver emergency support to countries experiencing major cybersecurity and ICT incidents; (2) identifies relevant factors constraining the support referred to in paragraph (1); and (3) develops a strategy to improve coordination among relevant Federal agencies and to resolve such constraints. (b) Report Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this chapter, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives that contains the results of the review conducted pursuant to subsection (a). 594. Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated $150,000,000 during the 5-year period beginning on October 1, 2023, to carry out the purposes of this chapter. . IV Organization and operations 401. Personal services contractors (a) Exigent circumstances and crisis response To assist the Department in addressing and responding to exigent circumstances and urgent crises abroad, the Department is authorized to employ a limited number of personal services contractors in order to meet exigent needs, subject to the requirements of this section. (b) Authority The authority to employ personal services contractors is in addition to any existing authorities to enter into personal services contracts. (c) Employing and allocation of personnel To meet the needs described in subsection (a) and subject to the requirements in subsection (d), the Department may— (1) enter into contracts to employ a total of up to 100 personal services contractors at any given time for each of fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026; and (2) allocate up to 20 personal services contractors to a given bureau, without regard to the sources of funding such office relies on to compensate individuals. (d) Limitation Employment authorized by this section shall not exceed two calendar years. (e) Notification and reporting to Congress (1) Notification Not later than 15 days after the use of authority under this section, the Secretary shall notify the appropriate congressional committees of the number of personal services contractors being employed, the expected length of employment, the relevant bureau, the purpose for using personal services contractors, and the justification, including the exigent circumstances requiring such use. (2) Annual reporting Not later than 60 days after the end of each fiscal year, the Department shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report describing the number of personal services contractors employed pursuant to this section for the prior fiscal year, the length of employment, the relevant bureau by which they were employed pursuant to this section, the purpose for using personal services contractors, disaggregated demographic data of such contractors, and the justification for the employment, including the exigent circumstances. 402. Hard-to-fill posts (a) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) the number of hard-to-fill vacancies at United States diplomatic missions are far too high and present a national security risk to the United States; and (2) if the Department is unable to incentivize officers to accept hard-to-fill positions, the Department should consider directed assignments to more effectively advance the national interests of the United States. (b) Report on development of incentives for hard-to-fill posts Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees on efforts to develop new incentives for hard-to-fill positions at United States diplomatic missions. The report shall include a description of the incentives developed to date and proposals to try to more effectively fill hard-to-fill posts. 403. Enhanced oversight of the Office of Civil Rights (a) Report with recommendations and management structure Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Management shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report with any recommendations for the long-term structure and management of the Office of Civil Rights, including— (1) whether OCR should report directly to someone other than the Secretary, such as the Under Secretary of Management; (2) any changes made within OCR to its investigative processes to improve the integrity and thoroughness of its investigations; and (3) any recommendations to improve the management structure, investigative process, and oversight of the Office. 404. Crisis response operations (a) In general Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall institute the following changes and ensure that the following elements have been integrated into the ongoing crisis response management and response by the Crisis Management and Strategy Office: (1) The Department’s crisis response planning and operations shall conduct, maintain, and update on a regular basis contingency plans for posts and regions experiencing or vulnerable to conflict or emergency conditions, including armed conflict, national disasters, significant political or military upheaval, and emergency evacuations. (2) The Department’s crisis response efforts shall be led by an individual with significant experience responding to prior crises, who shall be so designated by the Secretary. (3) The Department’s crisis response efforts shall provide at least quarterly updates to the Secretary and other relevant senior officials, including a plan and schedule to develop contingency planning for identified posts and regions consistent with paragraph (1). (4) The decision to develop contingency planning for any particular post or region shall be made independent of any regional bureau. (5) The crisis response team shall develop and maintain best practices for evacuations, closures, and emergency conditions. (b) Update Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit an update to the appropriate congressional committees outlining the steps taken to implement this section, along with any other recommendations to improve the Department’s crisis management and response operations. V Economic diplomacy 501. Duties of officers performing economic functions (a) In general Chapter 5 of title I of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 3981 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 506. Duties of officers performing economic functions (a) Defined term In this section, the term United States person means— (1) a United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States; or (2) an entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States, including a foreign branch of such an entity. (b) In general The Secretary is authorized to direct the economic officers of the Foreign Service as appropriate to carry out the full spectrum of economic statecraft and commercial diplomacy work that advances United States foreign policy priorities in the host country or domestic posting to which they are assigned, including— (1) to negotiate economic and other related agreements with foreign governments and international organizations; (2) to inform the Department, and when appropriate, the Washington, D.C., headquarters offices of Federal agencies, with respect to the positions of foreign governments and international organizations in negotiations on such matters as economic, energy, environment, science and health; (3) to advance— (A) the routine implementation and maintenance of economic, environment, science, and health agreements; and (B) other initiatives in the countries to which such officers are assigned related to improving economic or commercial relations for the benefit of United States persons, including businesses; (4) to identify, and help design and execute, and advance in consultation with other Federal agencies, United States policies, programs, and initiatives, including capacity-building efforts, to advance policies of foreign governments that improve local economic governance, market-based business environments, and market access, increase trade and investment opportunities, or provide a more level playing field for United States persons, including with respect to— (A) improving revenue collection; (B) streamlining customs processes and improving customs transparency and efficiency; (C) improving regulatory management; (D) improving procurement processes, including facilitating transparency in tendering, bidding, and contact negotiation; (E) advancing intellectual property protections; (F) eliminating anticompetitive subsidies and improving the transparency of remaining subsidies; (G) improving budget management and oversight; and (H) strengthening management of important economic sectors; (5) to prioritize active support of economic and commercial goals of the United States, and as appropriate, United States persons abroad, in conjunction with the United States and Foreign Commercial Service established by section 2301 of the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 ( 15 U.S.C. 4721 ); (6) to provide United States persons with information on all United States Government support with respect to international economic matters; (7) to receive feedback from United States persons with respect to support described in paragraphs (5) and (6), and report that feedback to the chief of mission and to the headquarters of the Department; (8) to consult closely and regularly with the private sector in accordance with section 709 of the Championing American Business through Diplomacy Act of 2019 ( 22 U.S.C. 9905 ); (9) to identify and execute opportunities for the United States to counter policies, initiatives, or activities by authoritarian governments or enterprises affiliated with such governments that are anticompetitive or undermine the sovereignty or prosperity of the United States or a partner country; (10) to identify and execute opportunities for the United States in new and emerging areas of trade and investment, such as digital trade, critical minerals extraction, refining, and processing, energy, and innovation; (11) to monitor the development and implementation of bilateral and multilateral economic and other related agreements and provide recommendations to the Secretary and the heads of other relevant Federal agencies with respect to United States actions and initiatives relating to those agreements; (12) to maintain complete and accurate records of the performance measurements of the Department for economic and commercial diplomacy activities, as directed by the chief of mission and other senior officials of the Department; (13) to report on issues and developments related to economic, commercial, trade, and investment matters with direct relevance to United States economic and national security interests, especially when accurate, reliable, timely, and cost-effective information is unavailable from non-United States Government sources; and (14) to coordinate all activities, as necessary and appropriate, with counterparts in other agencies. (c) Regulatory updates The Secretary shall update guidance in the Foreign Affairs Manual and other regulations and guidance as necessary to implement this section. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of contents for the Foreign Service Act of 1980 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 505 the following: Sec. 506. Duties of economic officers. . 502. Report on recruitment, retention, and promotion of Foreign Service economic officers (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees regarding the recruitment, retention, and promotion of economic officers in the Foreign Service. (b) Elements The report required under subsection (b) shall include— (1) an overview of the key challenges the Department faces in— (A) recruiting individuals to serve as economic officers in the Foreign Service; and (B) retaining individuals serving as economic officers in the Foreign Service, particularly at the level of GS–14 of the General Schedule and higher; (2) an overview of the key challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified individuals to serve in economic positions in the Civil Service; (3) a comparison of promotion rates for economic officers in the Foreign Service relative to other officers in the Foreign Service; (4) the identification, disaggregated by region, of hard-to-fill posts and proposed incentives to improve staffing of economic officers in the Foreign Service at such posts; and (5) a summary and analysis of the factors that lead to the promotion of— (A) economic officers in the Foreign Service; and (B) individuals serving in economic positions in the Civil Service. 503. Mandate to revise Department of State metrics for successful economic and commercial diplomacy (a) Mandate to revise department of state performance measures for economic and commercial diplomacy The Secretary shall, as part of the Department’s next regularly scheduled review on metrics and performance measures, include revisions of Department performance measures for economic and commercial diplomacy, by identifying outcome-oriented, and not process-oriented, performance metrics, including metrics that— (1) measure how Department efforts advanced specific economic and commercial objectives and led to successes for the United States or other private sector actors overseas; and (2) focus on customer satisfaction with Department services and assistance. (b) Plan for ensuring complete data for performance measures As part of the review required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall include a plan for ensuring that— (1) the Department, both at its main headquarters and at domestic and overseas posts, maintains and fully updates data on performance measures; and (2) Department leadership and the appropriate congressional committees can evaluate the extent to which the Department is advancing United States economic and commercial interests abroad through meeting performance targets. (c) Report on private sector surveys The Secretary shall prepare a report that lists and describes all the methods through which the Department conducts surveys of the private sector to measure private sector satisfaction with assistance and services provided by the Department to advance private sector economic and commercial goals in foreign markets. (d) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees— (1) the revised performance metrics required under subsection (a); and (2) the report required under subsection (c). 504. Chief of mission economic responsibilities Section 207 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 3927 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (e) Embassy economic team (1) Coordination and supervision Each chief of mission shall coordinate and supervise the implementation of all United States economic policy interests within the host country in which the diplomatic mission is located, among all United States Government departments and agencies present in such country. (2) Accountability The chief of mission is responsible for the performance of the diplomatic mission in advancing United States economic policy interests within the host country. (3) Mission economic team The chief of mission shall designate appropriate embassy staff to form a mission economic team that— (A) monitors notable economic, commercial, and investment-related developments in the host country; and (B) develops plans and strategies for advancing United States economic and commercial interests in the host country, including— (i) tracking legislative, regulatory, judicial, and policy developments that could affect United States economic, commercial, and investment interests; (ii) advocating for best practices with respect to policy and regulatory developments; (iii) conducting regular analyses of market systems, trends, prospects, and opportunities for value-addition, including risk assessments and constraints analyses of key sectors and of United States strategic competitiveness, and other reporting on commercial opportunities and investment climate; and (iv) providing recommendations for responding to developments that may adversely affect United States economic and commercial interests. . 505. Direction to embassy deal teams (a) Purposes The purposes of deal teams at United States embassies and consulates are— (1) to promote a private sector-led approach— (A) to advance economic growth and job creation that is tailored, as appropriate, to specific economic sectors; and (B) to advance strategic partnerships; (2) to prioritize efforts— (A) to identify commercial and investment opportunities; (B) to advocate for improvements in the business and investment climate; (C) to engage and consult with private sector partners; and (D) to report on the activities described in subparagraphs (A) through (C), in accordance with the applicable requirements under sections 706 and 707 of the Championing American Business Through Diplomacy Act of 2019 (22 U.S.C. 9902 and 9903); (3) (A) (i) to identify trade and investment opportunities for United States companies in foreign markets; or (ii) to assist with existing trade and investment opportunities already identified by United States companies; and (B) to deploy United States Government economic and other tools to help such United States companies to secure their objectives; (4) to identify and facilitate opportunities for entities in a host country to increase exports to, or investment in, the United States in order to grow two-way trade and investment; (5) to modernize, streamline, and improve access to resources and services designed to promote increased trade and investment opportunities; (6) to identify and secure United States or allied government support of strategic projects, including projects vulnerable to predatory investment by an authoritarian country or entity in such country, where support or investment serves an important United States interest; (7) to coordinate across the Unites States Government to ensure the appropriate and most effective use of United States Government tools to support United States economic, commercial, and investment objectives; and (8) to coordinate with the multi-agency DC Central Deal Team, established in February 2020, on the matters described in paragraphs (1) through (7) and other relevant matters. (b) Clarification A deal team may be composed of the personnel comprising the mission economic team formed pursuant to section 207(e)(3) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as added by section 504. (c) Restrictions A deal team may not provide support for, or assist a United States person with a transaction involving, a government, or an entity owned or controlled by a government, if the Secretary determines that such government— (1) has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism, as described in— (A) section 1754(c)(1)(A)(i) of the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (subtitle B of title XVII of Public Law 115–232 ); (B) section 620A(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 ( 22 U.S.C. 2371(a) ); (C) section 40(d) of the Arms Export Control Act ( 22 U.S.C. 2780(d) ); or (D) any other relevant provision of law; or (2) has engaged in an activity that would trigger a restriction under section 116(a) or 502B(a)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 ( 22 U.S.C. 2151n(a) and 2304(a)(2)) or any other relevant provision of law. (d) Further restrictions (1) Prohibition on support of sanctioned persons Deal teams may not carry out activities prohibited under United States sanctions laws or regulations, including dealings with persons on the list of specially designated persons and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury, except to the extent otherwise authorized by the Secretary of the Treasury or the Secretary. (2) Prohibition on support of activities subject to sanctions Any person receiving support from a deal team must be in compliance with all United States sanctions laws and regulations as a condition for receiving such assistance. (e) Chief of mission authority and accountability The chief of mission to a foreign country— (1) is the designated leader of a deal team in such country; and (2) shall be held accountable for the performance and effectiveness of United States deal teams in such country. (f) Guidance cable The Department shall send out regular guidance on Deal Team efforts by an All Diplomatic and Consular Posts (referred to in this section as ALDAC ) that— (1) describes the role of deal teams; and (2) includes relevant and up-to-date information to enhance the effectiveness of deal teams in a country. (g) Confidentiality of information (1) In general In preparing the cable required under subsection (f), the Secretary shall protect from disclosure any proprietary information of a United States person marked as business confidential information unless the person submitting such information— (A) had notice, at the time of submission, that such information would be released by; or (B) subsequently consents to the release of such information. (2) Treatment as trade secrets Proprietary information obtained by the United States Government from a United States person pursuant to the activities of deal teams shall be— (A) considered to be trade secrets and commercial or financial information (as such terms are used under section 552b(c)(4) of title 5, United States Code); and (B) exempt from disclosure without the express approval of the person. (h) Sunset The requirements under subsections (f) through (h) shall terminate on the date that is 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act. 506. Establishment of a Deal Team of the Year award (a) Establishment The Secretary shall annually present a new award, to be known as the Deal Team of the Year Award to the deal team at one United States mission in each region of the Department to recognize outstanding achievements in supporting a United States company or companies pursuing commercial deals abroad or in identifying new deal prospects for United States companies. (b) Award content (1) Department of State Each member of a deal team receiving an award pursuant to subsection (a) shall receive a certificate that— (A) is signed by the Secretary; and (B) (i) in the case of a member of the Foreign Service, is included in the next employee evaluation report; or (ii) in the case of a Civil Service employee, is included in the next annual performance review. (2) Other Federal agencies If an award is presented pursuant to subsection (a) to a Federal Government employee who is not employed by the Department, the employing agency may determine whether to provide such employee any recognition or benefits in addition to the recognition or benefits provided by the Department. (c) Eligibility Any interagency economics team at a United States overseas mission under chief of mission authority that assists United States companies with identifying, navigating, and securing trade and investment opportunities in a foreign country or that facilitates beneficial foreign investment into the United States is eligible for an award under this section. (d) Report Not later than the last day of the fiscal year in which awards are presented pursuant to subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that includes— (1) each mission receiving a Deal Team of the Year Award. (2) the names and agencies of each awardee within the recipient deal teams; and (3) a detailed description of the reason such deal teams received such award. VI Public diplomacy 601. National advertising campaign Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a strategy to the appropriate congressional committees that assesses the potential benefits and costs of a national advertising campaign to improve the recruitment in the Civil Service and the Foreign Service by raising public awareness of the important accomplishments of the Department. 602. Public diplomacy outreach (a) Coordination of resources The Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development and the Secretary shall direct public affairs sections at United States embassies and USAID Mission Program Officers at USAID missions to coordinate, enhance and prioritize resources for public diplomacy and awareness campaigns around United States diplomatic and development efforts, including through— (1) the utilization of new media technology for maximum public engagement; and (2) enact coordinated comprehensive community outreach to increase public awareness and understanding and appreciation of United States diplomatic and development efforts. (b) Development outreach and coordination officers USAID should prioritize hiring of additional Development Outreach and Coordination officers in USAID missions to support the purposes of subsection (a). (c) Best practices The Secretary and the Administrator of USAID shall identify 10 countries in which Embassies and USAID missions have successfully executed efforts, including monitoring and evaluation of such efforts, described in (a) and develop best practices to be turned into Department and USAID guidance. 603. Modification on use of funds for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty In section 308(h) of the United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994 ( 22 U.S.C. 6207(h) ) is amended— (1) by striking subparagraphs (1), (3), and (5); and (2) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (4) as paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively. 604. International broadcasting (a) Voice of America Section 303 of the United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994 ( 22 U.S.C. 6202 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (d) Voice of America operations and structure (1) Operations The Director of the Voice of America (VOA)— (A) shall direct and supervise the operations of VOA, including making all major decisions relating its staffing; and (B) may utilize any authorities made available to the United States Agency for Global Media or to its Chief Executive Officer under this Act or under any other Act to carry out its operations in an effective manner. (2) Plan Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of VOA shall submit a plan to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives to ensure that the personnel structure of VOA is sufficient to effectively carry out the principles described in subsection (c). . (b) Appointment of Chief Executive Officer Section 304 of such Act ( 22 U.S.C. 6203 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking as an entity described in section 104 of title 5, United States Code and inserting under the direction of the International Broadcasting Advisory Board ; and (2) in subsection (b)(1), by striking the second sentence and inserting the following: Notwithstanding any other provision of law, when a vacancy arises, until such time as a Chief Executive Officer, to whom sections 3345 through 3349b of title 5, United States Code, shall not apply, is appointed and confirmed by the Senate, an acting Chief Executive Officer shall be appointed by the International Broadcasting Advisory Board and shall continue to serve and exercise the authorities and powers under this title as the sole means of filling such vacancy, for the duration of the vacancy. In the absence of a quorum on the International Broadcasting Advisory Board, the first principal deputy of the United States Agency for Global Media shall serve as acting Chief Executive Officer. . (c) Chief Executive Officer authorities Section 305(a)(1) of such Act ( 22 U.S.C. 6204(a)(1) ) is amended by striking To supervise all and inserting To oversee, coordinate, and provide strategic direction for . (d) International Broadcasting Advisory Board Section 306(a) of such Act ( 22 U.S.C. 6205(a) ) is amended by striking advise the Chief Executive Officer of and inserting oversee and advise the Chief Executive Officer and . (e) Radio Free Africa; Radio Free Americas Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Chief Executive Officer of the United States Agency for Global Media shall submit a report to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate , the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate , the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives , and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives that details the financial and other resources that would be required to establish and operate 2 nonprofit organizations, modeled after Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia, for the purposes of providing accurate, uncensored, and reliable news and information to— (1) the region of Africa, with respect to Radio Free Africa; and (2) the region of Latin America and the Caribbean, with respect to Radio Free Americas. 605. John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship program (a) In general The Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 ( 22 U.S.C. 2451 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following: 115. John Lewis civil rights fellowship program (a) Establishment There is established the John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship Program (referred to in this section as the Fellowship Program ) within the J. William Fulbright Educational Exchange Program. (b) Purposes The purposes of the Fellowship Program are— (1) to honor the legacy of Representative John Lewis by promoting a greater understanding of the history and tenets of nonviolent civil rights movements; and (2) to advance foreign policy priorities of the United States by promoting studies, research, and international exchange in the subject of nonviolent movements that established and protected civil rights around the world. (c) Administration The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (referred to in this section as the Bureau ) shall administer the Fellowship Program in accordance with policy guidelines established by the Board, in consultation with the binational Fulbright Commissions and United States Embassies. (d) Selection of fellows (1) In general The Board shall annually select qualified individuals to participate in the Fellowship Program. The Bureau may determine the number of fellows selected each year, which, whenever feasible, shall be not fewer than 25. (2) Outreach (A) In general To the extent practicable, the Bureau shall conduct outreach at institutions, including— (i) minority serving institutions, including historically Black colleges and universities; and (ii) other appropriate institutions, as determined by the Bureau. (B) Definitions In this paragraph: (i) Historically black college and university The term historically Black college and university has the meaning given the term part B institution in section 322 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1061 ). (ii) Minority serving institution The term minority-serving institution means an eligible institution under section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1067q(a) ). (e) Fellowship orientation Annually, the Bureau shall organize and administer a fellowship orientation, which shall— (1) be held in Washington, D.C., or at another location selected by the Bureau; and (2) include programming to honor the legacy of Representative John Lewis. (f) Structure (1) Work plan To carry out the purposes described in subsection (b)— (A) each fellow selected pursuant to subsection (d) shall arrange an internship or research placement— (i) with a nongovernmental organization, academic institution, or other organization approved by the Bureau; and (ii) in a country with an operational Fulbright U.S. Student Program; and (B) the Bureau shall, for each fellow, approve a work plan that identifies the target objectives for the fellow, including specific duties and responsibilities relating to those objectives. (2) Conferences; presentations Each fellow shall— (A) attend a fellowship orientation organized and administered by the Bureau under subsection (e); (B) not later than the date that is 1 year after the end of the fellowship period, attend a fellowship summit organized and administered by the Bureau, which— (i) whenever feasible, shall be held in Atlanta, Georgia, or another location of importance to the civil rights movement in the United States; and (ii) may coincide with other events facilitated by the Bureau; and (C) at such summit, give a presentation on lessons learned during the period of fellowship. (3) Fellowship period Each fellowship under this section shall continue for a period determined by the Bureau, which, whenever feasible, shall be not fewer than 10 months. (g) Fellowship award The Bureau shall provide each fellow under this section with an allowance that is equal to the amount needed for— (1) the reasonable costs of the fellow during the fellowship period; and (2) travel and lodging expenses related to attending the orientation and summit required under subsection (e)(2). (h) Annual report Not later than 1 year after the date of the completion of the Fellowship Program by the initial cohort of fellows selected under subsection (d), and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State shall submit to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the implementation of the Fellowship Program, including— (1) a description of the demographics of the cohort of fellows who completed a fellowship during the preceding 1-year period; (2) a description of internship and research placements, and research projects selected by such cohort, under the Fellowship Program, including feedback from— (A) such cohort on implementation of the Fellowship Program; and (B) the Secretary on lessons learned; and (3) an analysis of trends relating to the diversity of each cohort of fellows and the topics of projects completed since the establishment of the Fellowship Program. . (b) Technical and conforming amendments to the mutual educational and cultural exchange Act of 1961 Section 112(a) of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 ( 22 U.S.C. 2460(a) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (8), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (2) in paragraph (9), by striking the period and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (10) the John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship Program established under section 115, which provides funding for international internships and research placements for early- to mid-career individuals from the United States to study nonviolent civil rights movements in self-arranged placements with universities or nongovernmental organizations in foreign countries. . 606. Domestic engagement and public diplomacy (a) Strategy required Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a strategy to explain to the American people the value of the work of the Department and United States foreign policy to advancing the national security of the United States. The strategy shall include— (1) tools to inform the American people about the non-partisan importance of United States diplomacy and foreign relations and to utilize public diplomacy to meet the United States’ national security priorities; (2) efforts to reach the widest possible audience of Americans, including those who historically have not had exposure to United States foreign policy efforts and priorities; (3) additional staffing and resource needs including— (A) domestic positions within the Bureau of Global Public Affairs to focus on engagement with the American people as outlined in paragraph (1); (B) positions within the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to enhance program and reach the widest possible audience; (C) increasing the number of fellowship and detail programs that place Foreign Service and civil service employees outside the Department for a limited time, including Pearson Fellows, Reta Joe Lewis Local Diplomats, Brookings Fellows, and Georgetown Fellows; and (D) recommendations for increasing participation in the Hometown Diplomats program and evaluating this program as well as other opportunities for Department officers to engage with American audiences while traveling within the United States. 607. Extension of Global Engagement Center Section 1287 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 ( 22 U.S.C. 2656 note) is amended by striking subsection (j). 608. Paperwork Reduction Act Section 5603(d) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 ( Public Law 117–81 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (4) United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 ( Public Law 80–402 ). . 609. Expansion of Diplomats in Residence Programs (a) Not later than two year after the date of the enactment of this Act— (1) the Secretary shall increase the number of diplomats in the Diplomats in Residence Program from seventeen to at least twenty; and (2) the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development shall increase the number of development diplomats in the Diplomats in Residence Program from one to at least three. VII Other matters 701. Expanding the use of DDTC licensing fees Section 45 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2717 ) is amended— (1) by striking 100 percent of the registration fees collected by the Office of Trade Controls of the Department of State and inserting 100 percent of the defense trade control registration fees collected by the Department of State ; (2) by inserting management, licensing, compliance, and policy activities in the defense trade controls function, including after expenses incurred for ; (3) in paragraph (1), by striking contract personnel to assist in ; (4) in paragraph (2), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (5) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (6) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: (4) the facilitation of defense trade policy development and implementation, review of commodity jurisdiction determinations, public outreach to industry and foreign parties, and analysis of scientific and technological developments as they relate to the exercise of defense trade control authorities; and (5) contract personnel to assist in such activities. . 702. Waiver authority related to prohibition on certain semiconductor products and services Section 5949(b) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 ( Public Law 117–263 ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (7) as paragraphs (4) through (8), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph: (3) Secretary of State The Secretary of State may provide a waiver on a date later than the effective date described in subsection (c) if the Secretary determines the waiver is in the critical national security interests of the United States. . 703. Prohibition on entry of officials of foreign governments involved in significant corruption or gross violations of human rights (a) Ineligibility (1) In general Officials of foreign governments, and their immediate family members, about whom the Secretary has credible information have been involved, directly or indirectly, in significant corruption, including corruption related to the extraction of natural resources, or a gross violation of human rights, including the wrongful detention of locally employed staff of a United States diplomatic mission or a United States citizen or national, shall be ineligible for entry into the United States. (2) Additional sanctions Concurrent with the application of paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, as appropriate, refer the matter to the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury to determine whether to apply sanctions authorities in accordance with United States law to block the transfer of property and interests in property, and all financial transactions, in the United States involving any person described in such paragraph. (3) Designation The Secretary shall also publicly or privately designate or identify the officials of foreign governments about whom the Secretary has such credible information, and their immediate family members, without regard to whether the individual has applied for a visa. (b) Exceptions (1) Specific purposes Individuals shall not be ineligible for entry into the United States pursuant to subsection (a) if such entry would further important United States law enforcement objectives or is necessary to permit the United States to fulfill its obligations under the United Nations Headquarters Agreement. (2) Rule of construction regarding international obligations Nothing in subsection (a) shall be construed to derogate from United States obligations under applicable international agreements. (c) Waiver The Secretary may waive the application of subsection (a) if the Secretary determines that the waiver would serve a compelling national interest or that the circumstances that caused the individual to be ineligible have changed sufficiently. (d) Report (1) In general Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees, the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives a report, including a classified annex if necessary, that includes— (A) a description of information related to corruption or violation of human rights concerning each of the individuals found ineligible in the previous 12 months pursuant to subsection (a)(1) as well as the individuals who the Secretary designated or identified pursuant to subsection (a)(3), or who would be ineligible but for the application of subsection (b); and (B) a list of any waivers provided under subsection (c), together with a justification for each waiver. (2) Form and publication (A) Form Each report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex. (B) Public availability The Secretary shall make available to the public on a publicly accessible internet website of the Department the unclassified portion of each report required under paragraph (1). (e) Clarification For purposes of subsections (a) and (d), the records of the Department and of diplomatic and consular offices of the United States pertaining to the issuance or refusal of visas or permits to enter the United States shall not be considered confidential. 704. Protection of cultural heritage during crises Notwithstanding the limitations specified in section 304(c) of the Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act ( 19 U.S.C. 2603(c) ) and without regard to whether a country is a State Party to the Convention (as defined in sections 302 of such Act ( 19 U.S.C. 2601 )), the Secretary may exercise the authority under section 304 of such Act ( 19 U.S.C. 2603 ) to impose import restrictions set forth in section 307 of such Act ( 19 U.S.C. 2606 ) if the Secretary determines that— (1) imposition of such restrictions is in the national interest of the United States; and (2) an emergency condition (as defined in section 304 of such Act ( 19 U.S.C. 2603 )) applies. 705. National Museum of American Diplomacy Title I of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2651a et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 64. National Museum of American Diplomacy (a) Activities (1) Support authorized The Secretary of State is authorized to provide, by contract, grant, or otherwise, for the performance of appropriate museum visitor and educational outreach services and related events, including organizing programs and conference activities, creating, designing, and installing exhibits, and conducting museum shop services and food services in the public exhibition and related physical and virtual space utilized by the National Museum of American Diplomacy. (2) Recovery of costs The Secretary of State is authorized to recover any revenues generated under the authority of paragraph (1) for visitor and educational outreach services and related events referred to in such paragraph, including fees for use of facilities at the National Museum for American Diplomacy. Any such revenues may be retained as a recovery of the costs of operating the museum, credited to any Department of State appropriation, and shall remain available until expended. (b) Disposition of documents, artifacts, and other articles (1) Property All historic documents, artifacts, or other articles permanently acquired by the Department of State and determined by the Secretary of State to be suitable for display by the National Museum of American Diplomacy shall be considered to be the property of the United States Government and shall be subject to disposition solely in accordance with this subsection. (2) Sale, trade, or transfer Whenever the Secretary of State makes a determination described in paragraph (3) with respect to a document, artifact, or other article under paragraph (1), taking into account considerations such as the museum’s collections management policy and best professional museum practices, the Secretary may sell at fair market value, trade, or transfer such document, artifact, or other article without regard to the requirements of subtitle I of title 40, United States Code. The proceeds of any such sale may be used solely for the advancement of the mission of the National Museum of American Diplomacy and may not be used for any purpose other than the acquisition and direct care of the collections of the Museum. (3) Determinations prior to sale, trade, or transfer The determination described in this paragraph with respect to a document, artifact, or other article under paragraph (1) is a determination that— (A) the document, artifact, or other article no longer serves to further the purposes of the National Museum of American Diplomacy as set forth in the collections management policy of the Museum; (B) the sale, trade, or transfer of the document, artifact, or other article would serve to maintain the standards of the collection of the Museum; or (C) the sale, trade, or transfer of the document, artifact, or other article would be in the best interests of the United States. (4) Loans In addition to the authorization under paragraph (2) relating to the sale, trade, or transfer of documents, artifacts, or other articles under paragraph (1), the Secretary of State may loan the documents, artifacts, or other articles, when not needed for use or display by the National Museum of American Diplomacy, to the Smithsonian Institution or a similar institution for repair, study, or exhibition. . 706. Extraterritorial offenses committed by United States nationals serving with international organizations (a) Jurisdiction Whoever, while a United States national or lawful permanent resident serving with the United Nations, its specialized agencies, or other international organization the Secretary has designated for purposes of this section and published in the Federal Register, or while accompanying such an individual, engages in conduct, or conspires or attempts to engage in conduct, outside the United States that would constitute an offense punishable by imprisonment for more than one year if the conduct had been engaged in within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, shall be subject to United States jurisdiction in order to be tried for that offense. (b) Definitions In this section: (1) Accompanying such individual The term accompanying such individual means— (A) being a dependent, or family member of a United States national or lawful permanent resident serving with the United Nations, its specialized agencies, or other international organization designated under subsection (a); (B) residing with such United States national or lawful permanent resident serving with the United Nations, its specialized agencies, or other international organization designated under subsection (a); and (C) not being a national of or ordinarily resident in the country where the offense is committed. (2) Serving with the United Nations, its specialized agencies, or other international organization as the Secretary of State may designate The term serving with the United Nations, its specialized agencies, or other international organization as the Secretary of State may designate under subsection (a) means— (A) being a United States national or lawful permanent resident employed as an employee, a contractor (including a subcontractor at any tier), an employee of a contractor (or a subcontractor at any tier), an expert on mission, or an unpaid intern or volunteer of the United Nations, including any of its funds, programs or subsidiary bodies, or any of the United Nations specialized agencies, or of any international organization designated under subsection (a)(1); and (B) being present or residing outside the United States in connection with such employment. (3) United States national The term United States national has the meaning given the term national of the United States in section 101(a)(22) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(22) ). (c) Rules of construction Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or affect the application of extraterritorial jurisdiction related to any other Federal law. 707. Extension of certain privileges and immunities to the international energy forum The International Organizations Immunities Act ( 22 U.S.C. 288 et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 20. Under such terms and conditions as the President shall determine, the President is authorized to extend the provisions of this subchapter to the International Energy Forum Secretariat in the same manner, to the same extent, and subject to the same conditions, as they may be extended to a public international organization in which the United States participates pursuant to any treaty or under the authority of any Act of Congress authorizing such participation or making an appropriation for such participation. . 708. Extension of certain privileges and immunities to the Conseil Européen pour la recherche nucléaire (CERN; the European Organization for Nuclear Research) The International Organizations Immunities Act ( 22 U.S.C. 288 et seq. ), as amended by section 707 is further amended by adding at the end the following new section: 21. Under such terms and conditions as the President shall determine, the President is authorized to extend the provisions of this title to the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in the same manner, to the same extent, and subject to the same conditions, as it may be extended to a public international organization in which the United States participates pursuant to any treaty or under the authority of any Act of Congress authorizing such participation or making an appropriation for such participation. . 709. Internships of United States nationals at international organizations (a) In general The Secretary of State is authorized to bolster efforts to increase the number of United States citizens representative of the American people occupying positions in the United Nations system, agencies, and commissions, and in other international organizations, including by awarding grants to educational institutions and students. (b) Report Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that identifies— (1) the number of United States citizens who are involved in internship programs at international organizations; (2) the distribution of the individuals described in paragraph (1) among various international organizations; and (3) grants, programs, and other activities that are being utilized to recruit and fund United States citizens to participate in internship programs at international organizations. (c) Eligibility An individual referred to in subsection (a) is an individual who— (1) is enrolled at or received their degree withvin two years from— (A) an institution of higher education; or (B) an institution of higher education based outside the United States, as determined by the Secretary of State; and (2) is a citizen of the United States. (d) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated $1,500,000 for the Department of State for fiscal year 2024 to carry out the grant program authorized under subsection (a). 710. Training for international organizations (a) Training programs Section 708 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 ( 22 U.S.C. 4028 ) is amended by adding at the end of the following new subsection: (e) Training in multilateral diplomacy (1) In general The Secretary, in consultation with other senior officials as appropriate, shall establish training courses on— (A) the conduct of diplomacy at international organizations and other multilateral institutions; and (B) broad-based multilateral negotiations of international instruments. (2) Required training Members of the Service, including appropriate chiefs of mission and other officers who are assigned to United States missions representing the United States to international organizations and other multilateral institutions or who are assigned in other positions that have as their primary responsibility formulation of policy related to such organizations and institutions, or participation in negotiations of international instruments, shall receive specialized training in the areas described in paragraph (1) prior to the beginning of service for such assignment or, if receiving such training at that time is not practical, within the first year of beginning such assignment. . (b) Training for Department employees The Secretary of State shall ensure that employees of the Department of State who are assigned to positions described in paragraph (2) of subsection (e) of section 708 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (as added by subsection (a) of this section), including members of the civil service or general service, or who are seconded to international organizations for a period of at least one year, receive training described in such subsection and participate in other such courses as the Secretary may recommend to build or augment identifiable skills that would be useful for such Department officials representing United States interests at these institutions and organizations. 711. Modification to transparency on international agreements and non-binding instruments Section 112b of title 1, United States Code, as most recently amended by section 5947 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 ( Public Law 117–263 ; 136 Stat. 3476), is further amended— (1) by redesignating subsections (h) through (l) as subsections (i) through (m), respectively; and (2) by inserting after subsection (g) the following: (h) (1) If the Secretary is aware or has reason to believe that the requirements of subsection (a), (b), or (c) have not been fulfilled with respect to an international agreement or qualifying non-binding instrument, the Secretary shall— (A) immediately bring the matter to the attention of the office or agency responsible for the agreement or qualifying non-binding instrument; and (B) request the office or agency to provide within 7 days the text or other information necessary to fulfill the requirements of the relevant subsection. (2) Upon receiving the text or other information requested pursuant to paragraph (1), the Secretary shall— (A) fulfill the requirements of subsection (a), (b), or (c), as the case may be, with respect to the agreement or qualifying non-binding instrument concerned— (i) by including such text or other information in the next submission required by subsection (a)(1); (ii) by providing such information in writing to the Majority Leader of the Senate, the Minority Leader of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, and the appropriate congressional committees before provision of the submission described in clause (i); or (iii) in relation to subsection (b), by making the text of the agreement or qualifying non-binding instrument and the information described in subparagraphs (A)(iii) and (B)(iii) of subsection (a)(1) relating to the agreement or instrument available to the public on the website of the Department of State within 15 days of receiving the text or other information requested pursuant to paragraph (1); and (B) provide to the Majority Leader of the Senate, the Minority Leader of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, and the appropriate congressional committees, either in the next submission required by subsection (a)(1) or before such submission, a written statement explaining the reason for the delay in fulfilling the requirements of subsection (a), (b), or (c), as the case may be. . 712. Congressional oversight, quarterly review, and authority relating to concurrence provided by chiefs of mission for support of certain Government operations (a) Notification required Not later than 30 days after the date on which a chief of mission concurs with providing United States Government support to entities or individuals engaged in facilitating or supporting United States Government military- or security-related operations within the area of responsibility of the chief of mission, the Secretary shall notify the appropriate congressional committees of such concurrence. (b) Semiannual review, determination, and briefing required Not less frequently than semiannually, the Secretary, in order to ensure that the support described in subsection (a) continues to align with United States foreign policy objectives and the objectives of the Department, shall— (1) conduct a review of any concurrence described in subsection (a) that is in effect; (2) determine, based on such review, whether to revoke any such concurrence pending further study and review; and (3) brief the appropriate congressional committees regarding the results of such review. (c) Revocation of concurrence If the Secretary determines, pursuant to a review conducted under subsection (b), that any concurrence described in subsection (a) should be revoked, the Secretary may revoke such concurrence. (d) Annual report required Not later than January 31 of each year, the Secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that includes— (1) a description of any support described in subsection (a) that was provided with the concurrence of a chief of mission during the calendar year preceding the calendar year in which the report is submitted; and (2) an analysis of the effects of such support on diplomatic lines of effort, including with respect to— (A) nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining, and related Programs and associated anti-terrorism assistance programs; (B) international narcotics control and law enforcement programs; and (C) foreign military sales, foreign military financing, and associated training programs. 713. Modification and repeal of reports (a) Country reports on human rights practices The Secretary shall examine the production of the 2023 and subsequent annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices by the Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor as required under sections 116(d) and 502B(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 ( 22 U.S.C. 2151n(d) , 2304(b)) to maximize— (1) cost and personnel efficiencies; (2) the potential use of data and analytic tools and visualization; and (3) advancement of the modernization agenda for the Department announced by the Secretary on October 27, 2021. (b) Elimination of obsolete reports (1) Reports relating to Afghanistan and the Taliban (A) Quarterly reports Notwithstanding sections 7019(e) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 2021 (division K of Public Law 116–260 ), the following reports are not required to be submitted after the date of the enactment of this Act: (i) Quarterly report detailing the number of personnel present in Afghanistan under Chief of Mission authority under section ( 22 U.S.C. 2927 ), as described in House Report 116–444. (ii) Quarterly report detailing the status of intra-Afghan peace negotiations. (B) Bimonthly report detailing the activities of the Taliban Section 7044(a)(4) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 2021 (division K of Public Law 116–260 ) is amended by striking the following purposes and all that follows through (B) . (2) Annual reports relating to funding mechanisms for telecommunications security and semiconductors Division H of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act fo Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 116–283 ) is amended— (A) in section 9202(a)(2) ( 47 U.S.C. 906(a)(2) )— (i) by striking subparagraph (C); and (ii) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (C); and (B) in section 9905 ( 15 U.S.C. 4655 )— (i) by striking subsection (c); and (ii) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (c). (3) Reports relating to foreign assistance to counter Russian influence and media organizations controlled by Russia The Countering Russian Influence in Europe and Eurasia Act of 2017 (title II of Public Law 115–44 ) is amended— (A) in section 254(e)— (i) in paragraph (1)— (I) by striking In general .— ; (II) by redesignating subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) as paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), respectively, and moving such paragraphs 2 ems to the left; and (ii) by striking paragraph (2); and (B) by striking section 255. (4) Annual report on promoting the rule of law in the Russian Federation Section 202 of the Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal and Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012 ( Public Law 112–208 ) is amended by striking subsection (a). (5) Annual report on advancing freedom and democracy Section 2121 of the Advance Democratic Values, Address Nondemocratic Countries, and Enhance Democracy Act of 2007 (title XXI of Public Law 110–53 ) is amended by striking subsection (c). (6) Annual reports on United States-Vietnam human rights dialogue meetings Section 702 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 ( 22 U.S.C. 2151n note) is repealed. (c) Modification of reporting requirements (1) Changing the frequency of the report on the use of Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability Fund Notwithstanding section 7010 of House of Representatives Report 112–331, the Secretary of State shall provide to the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives a written report on the use of funds made available under the heading Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability Fund on an annual basis. (2) Report on democratization in Burma Section 570(d) of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1997 (titles I through V of Public Law 104–208 ) is amended by striking Every six months following the enactment of this Act, the President shall report to and inserting The President shall submit an annual report to .