II 111th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 3503 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES June 17, 2010 Mr. Cardin introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations A BILL To authorize grants for an international documentary exchange program.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the International Documentary Exchange Act of 2010.

2.

Grants for international documentary exchange programs

(a)

Assistance

The Secretary of State may award grants, on such terms and conditions as the Secretary may determine, to United States film makers and nongovernmental organizations that use independently produced documentary films to promote better understanding of the United States among individuals in other countries. (b)

Use of grant funds

Grants awarded under subsection (a) shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be used— (1)to fund, distribute, and promote documentary films that convey a diversity of views about life in the United States to foreign audiences; (2)to support the production of documentaries described in paragraph (1) that are made by independent foreign and domestic producers, selected through a peer review process; and (3)to develop a network of overseas partners to produce, distribute, and broadcast such documentaries according to the allowable rights of each program. (c)

Preference factors

In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give preference to nongovernmental organizations that— (1)are as cost effective as possible; and (2)have experience supporting independently produced documentary films. (d)

Report

Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to Congress that describes in detail the implementation of this section. (e)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of State such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2010 and 2011 to carry out this section.