[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 100 (Monday, July 22, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H5040-H5048]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
FREEDOM PROMOTION ACT OF 2002
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill
(H.R. 3969) to enhance United States public diplomacy, to reorganize
United States international broadcasting, and for other purposes, as
amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H.R. 3969
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Freedom Promotion Act of
2002''.
SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.
The table of contents is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.
Sec. 3. Definitions.
TITLE I--UNITED STATES PUBLIC DIPLOMACY
Sec. 101. Findings and purposes.
Sec. 102. Public diplomacy responsibilities of the Department of State.
Sec. 103. Annual plan on public diplomacy strategy.
Sec. 104. Public diplomacy training.
Sec. 105. United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy.
Sec. 106. Library program.
Sec. 107. Sense of Congress concerning public diplomacy efforts in sub-
Saharan Africa.
Sec. 108. Funding and authorization of appropriations.
TITLE II--UNITED STATES EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL PROGRAMS OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Sec. 201. Establishment of initiatives for predominantly Muslim
countries.
Sec. 202. Database of alumni of American and foreign participants in
exchange programs.
Sec. 203. Report on inclusion of freedom and democracy advocates in
educational and cultural exchange programs.
Sec. 204. Fulbright-Hays authorities.
Sec. 205. Supplemental authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 206. Supplemental authorization of appropriations for the National
Endowment for Democracy.
TITLE III--REORGANIZATION OF UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING
Sec. 301. Establishment of United States International Broadcasting
Agency.
Sec. 302. Authorities and functions of the agency.
Sec. 303. Role of the secretary of State.
Sec. 304. Administrative provisions.
Sec. 305. Broadcasting Board of Governors and International
Broadcasting Bureau.
Sec. 306. Transition.
Sec. 307. Conforming amendments.
Sec. 308. References.
Sec. 309. Broadcasting standards.
Sec. 310. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 311. Effective date.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
[[Page H5041]]
(1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term
``appropriate congressional committees'' means the Committee
on International Relations and the Committee on
Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on
Appropriations of the Senate.
(2) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the
Department of State.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of State.
TITLE I--UNITED STATES PUBLIC DIPLOMACY
SEC. 101. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--The Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The United States possesses strong and deep connections
with the peoples of the world separate from its relations
with their governments. These connections can be a major
asset in the promotion of United States interests and foreign
policy.
(2) Misinformation and hostile propaganda in these
countries regarding the United States and its foreign policy
endanger the interests of the United States. Existing efforts
to counter such misinformation and propaganda are inadequate
and must be greatly enhanced in both scope and substance.
(3) United States foreign policy has been hampered by an
insufficient consideration of the importance of public
diplomacy in the formulation and implementation of that
policy and by the underuse of modern communication
techniques.
(4) The United States should have an operational strategy
and a coordinated effort regarding the utilization of its
public diplomacy resources.
(5) The development of an operational strategy and a
coordinated effort by United States agencies regarding public
diplomacy would greatly enhance United States foreign policy.
(6) The Secretary of State has undertaken efforts to ensure
that of the new job positions established at the Department
of State after September 30, 2002, a significant proportion
of the positions is for public diplomacy.
(b) Purposes.--It is the purpose of this Act to enhance in
scope and substance, redirect, redefine, and reorganize
United States public diplomacy.
SEC. 102. PUBLIC DIPLOMACY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT
OF STATE.
(a) In General.--The State Department Basic Authorities Act
of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 265 et seq.) is amended by inserting after
section 56 the following new section:
``SEC. 57. PUBLIC DIPLOMACY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF STATE.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary of State shall make public
diplomacy an integral component in the planning and execution
of United States foreign policy. The Department of State, in
coordination with the United States International
Broadcasting Agency, shall develop a comprehensive strategy
for the use of public diplomacy resources and assume a
prominent role in coordinating the efforts of all Federal
agencies involved in public diplomacy. Public diplomacy
efforts shall be addressed to developed and developing
countries, to select and general audiences, and shall utilize
all available media to ensure that the foreign policy of the
United States is properly explained and understood not only
by the governments of countries but also by their peoples,
with the objective of enhancing support for United States
foreign policy. The Secretary shall ensure that the public
diplomacy strategy of the United States is cohesive and
coherent and shall aggressively and through the most
effective mechanisms counter misinformation and propaganda
concerning the United States. The Secretary shall endeavor to
articulate the importance in American foreign policy of the
guiding principles and doctrines of the United States,
particularly freedom and democracy. The Secretary, in
coordination with the Board of Governors of the United States
International Broadcasting Agency, shall develop and
articulate long-term measurable objectives for United States
public diplomacy. The Secretary is authorized to produce and
distribute public diplomacy programming for distribution
abroad in order to achieve public diplomacy objectives,
including through satellite communication, the Internet, and
other established and emerging communications technologies.
``(b) Information Concerning United States Assistance.--
``(1) Identification of assistance.--In cooperation with
the United States Agency for International Development
(USAID) and other public and private assistance organizations
and agencies, the Secretary shall ensure that information
concerning foreign assistance provided by the United States
Government, United States nongovernmental organizations and
private entities, and the American people is disseminated
widely and prominently, particularly, to the extent
practicable, within countries and regions that receive such
assistance. The Secretary shall ensure that, to the extent
practicable, projects funded by the United States Agency for
International Development (USAID) that do not involve
commodities, including projects implemented by private
voluntary organizations, are identified as being supported by
the United States of America, as American Aid or provided by
the American people.
``(2) Report to congress.--Not later than 120 days after
the end of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit a
report to the Committee on International Relations of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign
Relations of the Senate on efforts to disseminate information
concerning assistance described in paragraph (1) during the
preceding fiscal year. Each such report shall include
specific information concerning all instances in which the
United States Agency for International Development has not
identified projects in the manner prescribed in paragraph (1)
because such indentification was not practicable. Any such
report shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may
include a classified appendix.
``(c) Authority.-- Subject to the availability of
appropriations, the Secretary may contract with and
compensate government and private agencies or persons for
property and services to carry out this section.''.
(b) Establishment of Public Diplomacy Reserve Corps.--
(1) The Secretary of State shall establish a public
diplomacy reserve corps to augment the public diplomacy
capacity and capabilities of the Department in emergency and
critical circumstances worldwide. The Secretary shall develop
a detailed action plan for the temporary deployment and use
of the corps to bolster public diplomacy resources and
expertise. To the extent considered necessary and
appropriate, the Secretary may recruit experts in public
diplomacy and related fields from the private sector and
utilize the expertise of former employees of the Department
in implementing this subsection.
(2) While actively serving with the reserve corps,
individuals are prohibited from engaging in activities
directly or indirectly intended to influence public opinion
within the United States to the same degree that employees of
the Department engaged in public diplomacy are so prohibited.
(c) Technology and Equipment Upgrades.--
(1) The Secretary shall establish a fully capable
multimedia programming and distribution capacity including
satellite, Internet, and other services, and also including
the capability to acquire and produce audio and video feeds
and Internet streaming to foreign news organizations. The
technology and equipment upgrades under the first sentence
shall be fully implemented within 2 years of the date of the
enactment of this Act.
(2) To the extent practicable, activities under this
subsection shall utilize the facilities of the United States
International Broadcasting Agency established by title III
for the purpose of furthering the public diplomacy objectives
of the Department of state as enunciated in this section. The
Secretary shall reimburse the reasonable expenses of the
United States International Broadcasting Agency which are
incurred as a result of the Department's use of the Agency's
facilities.
(d) Functions of the Under Secretary for Public
Diplomacy.--
(1) Section 1(b)(3) of the State Department Basic
Authorities Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2651a(b)(3)) is amended by
striking ``formation'' and all that follows through the
period at the end and inserting ``formation, supervision, and
implementation of United States public diplomacy policies,
programs, and activities, including the provision of guidance
to Department personnel in the United States and overseas who
conduct or implement such policies, programs, and activities.
The Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy shall assist the
United States Agency for International Broadcasting in
presenting the policies of the United States clearly and
effectively, shall submit statements of United States policy
and editorial material to the Agency for broadcast
consideration in addition to material prepared by the Agency,
and shall ensure that editorial material created by the
Agency for broadcast is reviewed expeditiously by the
Department.''.
(2) The Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy, in carrying
out the functions under the last sentence of section 1(b)(3)
of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 (as
added by paragraph (1), shall consult public diplomacy
officers operating at United States overseas posts and in the
regional bureaus of the Department of State.
SEC. 103. ANNUAL PLAN ON PUBLIC DIPLOMACY STRATEGY.
The Secretary of State, in coordination with all
appropriate Federal agencies, shall prepare an annual review
and analysis of the impact of public diplomacy efforts on
target audiences. Each review shall assess the United States
public diplomacy strategy worldwide and by region, including
the allocation of resources and an evaluation and assessment
of the progress in, and barriers to, achieving the goals set
forth under previous plans submitted under this section. On
the basis of such review, the Secretary of State, in
coordination with all appropriate Federal agencies shall
develop and submit to the appropriate congressional
committees an annual plan for the implementation of a public
diplomacy strategy which specifies goals, agency
responsibilities, and necessary resources and mechanisms for
achieving such goals during the next fiscal year. The plan
may be submitted in classified form.
SEC. 104. PUBLIC DIPLOMACY TRAINING.
(a) Findings.--The Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The Foreign Service should recruit individuals with
expertise and professional experience in public diplomacy.
(2) Ambassadors should have a prominent role in the
formulation of public diplomacy
[[Page H5042]]
strategies for the countries and regions to which they are
assigned and be accountable for the operation and success of
public diplomacy efforts at their posts.
(3) Initial and subsequent training of Foreign Service
officers should be enhanced to include information and
training on public diplomacy and the tools and technology of
mass communication.
(b) Personnel.--
(1) In the recruitment, training, and assignment of members
of the Foreign Service, the Secretary shall emphasize the
importance of public diplomacy and of applicable skills and
techniques. The Secretary shall consider the priority
recruitment into the Foreign Service, at middle-level entry,
of individuals with expertise and professional experience in
public diplomacy or mass communications, especially
individuals with language facility and experience in
particular countries and regions.
(2) The Secretary of State shall seek to increase the
number of Foreign Service officers proficient in languages
spoken in predominantly Muslim countries. Such increase shall
be accomplished through the recruitment of new officers and
incentives for officers in service.
SEC. 105. UNITED STATES ADVISORY COMMISSION ON PUBLIC
DIPLOMACY.
(a) Study and Report by United States Advisory Commission
on Public Diplomacy.--Section 604(c)(2) of the United States
Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 (22 U.S.C.
1469(c)) is amended to read as follows:
``(2)(A) Not less often than every two years, the
Commission shall undertake an indepth review of United Sttes
public diplomacy programs, policies, and activities. Each
study shall assess the effectiveness of the various
mechanisms of United States public diplomacy, in light of
factors including public and media attitudes around the world
toward the United States, Americans, and United States
foreign policy, and make appropriate recommendations.
``(B) A comprehensive report of each study under
subparagraph (A) shall be submitted to the Secretary of State
and the appropriate congressional committees. At the
discretion of the Commission, any report under this
subsection may be submitted in classified form or with a
classified appendix.
(b) Information and Support From Other Agencies.--Upon
request of the United States Advisory Commission on Public
Diplomacy, the Secretary of State, the Director of the United
States International Broadcasting Agency, and the head of any
other Federal agency that conducts public diplomacy programs
and activities shall provide information to the Advisory
Commission to assist in carrying out the responsibilities
under section 604(c)(5) of the United States Information and
Educational Exchange Act of 1948 (as amended by subsection
(a)).
(c) Enhancing the Expertise of United States Advisory
Commission on Public Diplomacy.--
(1) Qualifications of members.--Section 604(a)(2) of the
United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of
1948 (22 U.S.C. 1469(a)(2)) is amended by adding at the end
the following: ``At least 4 members shall have substantial
experience in the conduct of public diplomacy or comparable
activities in the private sector. No member shall be an
officer or employee of the United States.''.
(2) Application of amendment.--The amendments made by
paragraph (1) shall not apply to individuals who are members
of the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy
on the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 106. LIBRARY PROGRAM.
The Secretary of State shall develop and implement a
demonstration program to assist foreign governments to
establish or upgrade their public library systems to improve
literacy and support public education. The program should
provide training in the library sciences. The purpose of the
program shall be to advance American values and society,
particularly the importance of freedom and democracy.
SEC. 107. SENSE OF CONGRESS CONCERNING PUBLIC DIPLOMACY
EFFORTS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA.
(a) Findings.--The Congress makes the following findings:
(1) A significant number of sub-Saharan African countries
have predominantly Muslim populations, including such key
countries as Nigeria, Senegal, Djibouti, Mauritania, and
Guinea.
(2) In several of these countries, groups with links to
militant religious organizations are active among the youth,
primarily young men, promoting a philosophy and practice of
intolerance and radical clerics are effectively mobilizing
public sentiment against the United States.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of the Congress
that the Secretary should include countries in sub-Saharan
Africa with predominantly Muslim populations in the public
diplomacy activities authorized by this Act and the
amendments made by this Act.
SEC. 108. FUNDING AND AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) Limitation on Use of Funds.--Of the amounts authorized
to be appropriated for each of the fiscal years 2002 and 2003
for the Diplomatic and Consular Programs of the Department of
State, $297,759,000 for the fiscal year 2002 and $305,693,000
for the fiscal year 2003 shall be available only for public
diplomacy programs and activities as carried out prior to the
Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998, other
than programs of educational and cultural exchange.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations for Improvements in
Public Diplomacy Programs.--
(1) In addition to amounts otherwise authorized to be
appropriated, there are authorized to be appropriated
$20,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2002 and 2003 for
Diplomatic and Consular Programs of the Department of State
which shall be available only for improvements and
modernization of public diplomacy programs and activities of
the Department of State as carried out prior to the Foreign
Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998, other than
programs of educational and cultural exchange.
(2) Limitations.--
(A) Translation services.--Of the amounts authorized to be
appropriated by paragraph (1), $4,000,000 for each of the
fiscal years 2002 and 2003 is authorized to be appropriated
only for translation services available to public affairs
officers in overseas posts.
(B) Broadcast services.--Of the amounts authorized to be
appropriated by paragraph (1), $7,500,000 for each of the
fiscal years 2002 and 2003 is authorized to be appropriated
only for the Office of Broadcast Services to carry out
section 102(c).
TITLE II--UNITED STATES EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL PROGRAMS OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
SEC. 201. ESTABLISHMENT OF INITIATIVES FOR PREDOMINANTLY
MUSLIM COUNTRIES.
(a) Findings.--The Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Surveys indicate that, in countries of predominantly
Muslim population, opinions of the United States and American
foreign policy among the general public and select audiences
are significantly distorted by highly negative and hostile
beliefs and images and that many of these beliefs and images
are the result of misinformation and propaganda by
individuals and organizations hostile to the United States.
(2) These negative opinions and images are highly
prejudicial to the interests of the United States and to its
foreign policy.
(3) As part of a broad and long-term effort to enhance a
positive image of the United States in the Muslim world, a
key element should be the establishment of programs to
promote a greater familiarity with American society and
values among the general public and select audiences in
countries of predominantly Muslim population.
(b) Establishment of Initiatives.--The Secretary of State
shall establish the following programs with countries with
predominantly Muslim populations as part of the educational
and cultural exchange programs of the Department of State for
the fiscal years 2002 and 2003:
(1) Journalism program.--A program for foreign journalists,
editors, and postsecondary students of journalism which, in
cooperation with private sector sponsors to include
universities, shall sponsor workshops and professional
training in techniques, standards, and practices in the field
of journalism to assist the participants to achieve the
highest standards of professionalism.
(2) English language teaching.--The Secretary shall
establish a program to provide grants to United States
citizens to work in middle and secondary schools as English
language teaching assistants for not less than an academic
year. If feasible, the host government or local educational
agency shall share the salary costs of the assistants.
(3) Sister city partnerships.--The Secretary shall expand
and enhance sister-city partnerships between United States
and international municipalities in an effort to increase
global cooperation at the community level. Such partnerships
shall encourage economic development, municipal cooperation,
health care initiatives, youth and educational programs,
disability advocacy, emergency preparedness, and humanitarian
assistance.
(4) Youth ambassadors.--The Secretary shall establish a
program for visits by middle and secondary school students to
the United States during school holidays in their home
country for periods not to exceed 4 weeks. Participating
students shall reflect the economic and geographic diversity
of their countries. Activities shall include cultural and
educational activities designed to familiarize participating
students with American society and values. To the extent
practicable, such visits shall be coordinated with middle and
secondary schools in the United States to provide for school-
based activities and interactions. The Secretary shall
encourage the establishment of direct school-to-school
linkages under the program.
(5) Fulbright exchange program.--The Secretary shall seek
to substantially increase the number of awards under the J.
William Fulbright Educational Exchange Program to graduate
students, scholars, professionals, teachers, and
administrators from the United States who are applying for
such awards to study, teach, conduct research, or pursue
scholarship in predominantly Muslim countries. Part of such
increase shall include awards for scholars and teachers who
plan to teach subjects relating to American studies.
(6) Hubert h. humphrey fellowships.--The Secretary shall
seek to substantially increase the number of Hubert H.
Humphrey Fellowships awarded to candidates from predominantly
Muslim countries.
[[Page H5043]]
(7) Library training exchange program.--The Secretary shall
develop an exchange program for postgradute students seeking
additional training in the library sciences and related
fields.
(c) General Provision.--Programs established under this
section shall be carried out under the provisions of the
United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of
1948 and the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of
1961.
SEC. 202. DATABASE OF ALUMNI OF AMERICAN AND FOREIGN
PARTICIPANTS IN EXCHANGE PROGRAMS.
To the extent practicable, the Secretary of State, in
coordination with the heads of other agencies that conduct
international exchange and training programs, shall establish
and maintain a database listing all American and foreign
alumni of such programs in order to encourage networking,
interaction, and communication with alumni.
SEC. 203. REPORT ON INCLUSION OF FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY
ADVOCATES IN EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE
PROGRAMS.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to the Congress
a report concerning the implementation of section 102 of the
Human Rights, Refugee, and Other Foreign Relations Provisions
Act of 1996. The report shall include information concerning
the number of grants to conduct exchange programs to
countries described in such section that have been submitted
for competitive bidding, what measures have been taken to
ensure that willingness to include supporters of freedom and
democracy in such programs is given appropriate weight in the
selection of grantees, and an evaluation of whether United
States exchange programs in the countries described in such
section are fully open to supporters of freedom and
democracy, and, if not, what obstacles remain and what
measures are being taken to implement such policy.
SEC. 204. FULBRIGHT-HAYS AUTHORITIES.
Section 112(d) of the Mutual Educational and Cultural
Exchange Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2460) is amended by striking
``operating under the authority of this Act and consistent
with'' and inserting ``which operate under the authority of
this Act or promote''.
SEC. 205. SUPPLEMENTAL AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
In addition to such amounts as are otherwise authorized to
be appropriated, for each of the fiscal years 2002 and 2003
there are authorized to be appropriated $35,000,000 for
educational and cultural exchange programs of the Department
of State.
SEC. 206. SUPPLEMENTAL AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR
THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR DEMOCRACY.
In addition to amounts otherwise authorized to be
appropriated for the fiscal years 2002 and 2003, there are
authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000 for the fiscal year
2002 and $5,000,000 for the fiscal year 2003 for the National
Endowment for Democracy to fund programs that promote
democracy, good governance, the rule of law, independent
media, religious tolerance, the rights of women, and
strengthening of civil society in countries of predominantly
Muslim population within the jurisdiction of the Bureau of
Near Eastern Affairs of the Department of State.
SEC. 207. SENSE OF THE CONGRESS CONCERNING EDUCATIONAL AND
CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM FOR FOREIGN
JOURNALISTS.
It is the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of State
should work toward the establishment of a program for foreign
journalists from regions of conflict that will provide
professional training in techniques, standards, and practices
in the field of journalism.
TITLE III--REORGANIZATION OF UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING
SEC. 301. ESTABLISHMENT OF UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL
BROADCASTING AGENCY.
(a) In General.--Section 304 of the United States
International Broadcasting Act of 1994 (22 U.S.C. 6203) is
amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 304. ESTABLISHMENT OF UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL
BROADCASTING AGENCY.
``(a) Establishment.--There is established as an
independent agency in the executive branch the United States
International Broadcasting Agency (hereinafter in this Act
referred to as the `Agency').
``(b) Board of Governors of the Agency.--
``(1) Head of agency.--The Agency shall be headed by the
Board of Governors of the United States International
Broadcasting Agency (hereinafter in this Act referred to as
the `Board of Governors').
``(2) Authorities and functions.--The Board of Goverors
shall--
``(A) carry out the authorities and functions of the Agency
under section 305; and
``(B) be responsible for the exercise of all authorities
and powers and the discharge of all duties and functions of
the Agency.
``(3) Composition of the board of governors.--
``(A) The Board of Governors shall consist of 9 members, as
follows:
``(i) Eight voting members who shall be appointed by the
President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
``(ii) The Secretary of State who shall also be a voting
member.
``(B) The President shall appoint one member (other than
the Secretary of State) as Chair of the Board of Governors,
subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
``(C) Exclusive of the Secretary of State, not more than 4
of the members of the Board of Governors appointed by the
President shall be of the same political party.
``(4) Term of office.--The term of office of each member of
the Board of Governors shall be three years, except that the
Secretary of State shall remain a member of the Board of
Governors during the Secretary's term of service. The
President shall appoint, by and with the advice and consent
of the Senate, board members to fill vacancies occurring
prior to the expiration of a term, in which case the members
so appointed shall serve for the remainder of such term. Any
member whose term has expired may serve until a successor has
been appointed and qualified. When there is no Secretary of
State, the Acting Secretary of State shall serve as a member
of the board until a Secretary is appointed.
``(5) Selection of board of governors.--Members of the
Board of Governors appointed by the President shall be
citizens of the United States who are not regular full-time
employees of the United States Government. Such members shall
be selected by the President from among Americans
distinguished in the fields of mass communications, print,
broadcast media, or foreign affairs.
``(6) Compensation.--Members of the Board of Governors,
while attending meetings of the board or while engaged in
duties relating to such meetings or in other activities of
the board pursuant to this section (including travel time)
shall be entitled to receive compensation equal to the daily
equivalent of the compensation prescribed for level IV of the
Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United
States Code. While away from their homes or regular places of
business, members of the board may be allowed travel
expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as
authorized by law for persons in the Government service
employed intermittently. The Secretary of State shall not be
entitled to any compensation under this title, but may be
allowed travel expenses as provided under this subsection.
``(7) Decisions.--Decisions of the Board of Governors shall
be made by majority vote, a quorum being present. A quorum
shall consist of 5 members.
``(8) Immunity From civil liability.--Notwithstanding any
other provision of law, any and all limitations on liability
that apply to the members of the Board of Governors also
shall apply to such members when acting in their capacities
as members of the boards of directors of RFE/RL, Incorporated
and Radio Free Asia.
``(c) Director.--
``(1) Appointment.--The Board of Governors shall appoint a
Director of the Agency. The Director shall receive basic pay
at the rate payable for level IV of the Executive Schedule
under section 5313 of title 5, United States Code. The
Director may be removed through a majority vote of the Board.
``(2) Functions and duties.--The Director shall have the
following functions and duties:
``(A) To exercise the authorities delegated by the Board of
Governors pursuant to section 305(b).
``(B) To carry out all broadcasting activities conducted
pursuant to this title, the Radio Broadcasting to Cuba Act,
and the Television Broadcasting to Cuba Act.
``(C) To examine and make recommendations to the Board of
Governors on long-term strategies for the future of
international broadcasting, including the use of new
technologies.
``(D) To review engineering activities to ensure that all
broadcasting elements receive the highest quality and cost-
effective delivery services.
``(E) To procure supplies, services, and other personal
property to carry out the functions of the Agency.
``(F) To obligate and expend, for official reception and
representation expenses, such amounts as may be made
available through appropriations.
``(G) To provide for the use of United States Government
transmitter capacity for relay of broadcasting by grantees.
``(H) To procure temporary and intermittent personal
services to the same extent as is authorized by section 3109
of title 5, United States Code, at rates not to exceed the
daily equivalent of the rate provided for positions
classified above grade GS-15 of the General Schedule under
section 5108 of title 5, United States Code.
``(I) To procure for the Agency, pursuant to section 1535
of title 31, United States Code goods and services from other
departments or agencies.
``(J) To the extent funds are available, to lease space and
acquire personal property for the Agency.
``(d) Inspector General Authorities.--
``(1) In general.--The Inspector General of the Department
of State shall exercise the same authorities with respect to
the Agency as the Inspector General exercises under the
Inspector General Act of 1978 and section 209 of the Foreign
Service Act of 1980 with respect to the Department of State.
``(2) Respect for journalistic integrity of broadcasters.--
The Inspector General of the Department of State and the
Foreign Service shall respect the journalistic integrity of
all the broadcasters covered by this
[[Page H5044]]
title and may not evaluate the philosophical or political
perspectives reflected in the content of broadcasts.''.
(b) Retention of Existing Board Members.--The members of
the Broadcasting Board of Governors appointed by the
President pursuant to section 304 of the United States
International Broadcasting Act of 1994 on the day before the
effective date of this title and holding office as of that
date may serve the remainder of their terms of office as
members of the Board of Governors established under
subsection (b) without reappointment, or if their term has
expired may serve until a successor is appointed and
qualified.
SEC. 302. AUTHORITIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE AGENCY.
Section 305 of the United States International Broadcasting
Act of 1994 (22 U.S.C. 6204) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 305. AUTHORITIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE AGENCY.
``(a) The Agency shall have the following authorities and
functions:
``(1) To supervise all broadcasting activities conducted
pursuant to this title, the Radio Broadcasting to Cuba Act,
and the Television Broadcasting to Cuba Act.
``(2) To review and evaluate the mission and operation of,
and to assess the quality, effectiveness, and professional
integrity of, all such activities within the context of the
broad foreign policy objectives of the United States and the
guiding principles and doctrines of the United States,
particularly freedom and democracy.
``(3) To develop strategic goals after reviewing human
rights reporting and other reliable assessments to assist in
determining programming and resource allocation.
``(4) To ensure that United States international
broadcasting is conducted in accordance with the standards
and principles contained in section 303.
``(5) To review, evaluate, and determine, at least
annually, after consultation with the Secretary of State, the
addition or deletion of language services.
``(6) To make and supervise grants for broadcasting and
related activities in accordance with sections 308 and 309.
``(7) To allocate funds appropriated for international
broadcasting activities among the various elements of the
Agency and grantees, subject to the limitations in sections
308 and 309 and subject to reprogramming notification
requirements in law for the reallocation of funds.
``(8) To undertake such studies as may be necessary to
identify areas in which broadcasting activities under its
authority could be made more efficient and economical.
``(9) To submit to the President and the Congress an annual
report which summarizes and evaluates activities under this
title, the Radio Broadcasting to Cuba Act, and the Television
Broadcasting to Cuba Act, placing special emphasis on the
assessment described in paragraph (2).
``(10) To make available in the annual report required by
paragraph (9) information on funds expended on administrative
and managerial services by the Agency and by grantees and the
steps the Agency has taken to reduce unnecessary overhead
costs for each of the broadcasting services.
``(11) To utilize the provisions of titles III, IV, V, VII,
VIII, IX, and X of the United States Information and
Educational Exchange Act of 1948, and section 6 of
Reorganization Plan Number 2 of 1977, as in effect on the day
before the effective date of title XIII of the Foreign
Affairs Agencies Consolidation Act of 1998, to the extent the
Director considers necessary in carrying out the provisions
and purposes of this title.
``(12) To utilize the authorities of any other statute,
reorganization plan, Executive order, regulation, agreement,
determination, or other official document or proceeding that
had been available to the Director of the United States
Information Agency, the Bureau, or the Board before the
effective date of title XIII of the Foreign Affairs
Consolidation Act of 1998 for carrying out the broadcasting
activities covered by this title.
``(b) Delegation of Authority.--The Board of Governors may
delegate to the Director of the Agency, or any other officer
or employee of the United States, the authorities provided in
this section, except those authorities provided in paragraph
(1), (2), (4), (5), (6), (7), or (9) of subsection (a).
``(c) Broadcasting Budgets.--Director and the grantees
identified in sections 308 and 309 shall submit proposed
budgets to the Board. The Board shall forward its
recommendations concerning the proposed budget for the Board
and broadcasting activities under this title, the Radio
Broadcasting to Cuba Act, and the Television Broadcasting to
Cuba Act to the Office of Management and Budget.''.
SEC. 303. ROLE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE.
Section 306 of the United States International Broadcasting
Act of 1994 (22 U.S.C. 6205) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 306. ROLE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE.
``To assist the Agency in carrying out its functions, the
Secretary of State shall provide such information and
guidance on foreign policy and public diplomacy issues to the
Agency as the Secretary considers appropriate.''.
SEC. 304. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.
The United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994 is
amended by striking section 307 and inserting the following
new section:
``SEC. 307. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.
``(a) Officers and Employees.--The Board of Governors may
appoint and fix the compensation of such officers and
employees as may be necessary to carry out the functions of
the Agency. Except as otherwise provided by law, such
officers and employees shall be appointed in accordance with
the civil service laws and their compensation shall be fixed
in accordance with title 5, United States Code.
``(b) Experts and Consultants.--The Board of Governors, as
may be provided in appropriation Acts, may obtain the
services of experts and consultants in accordance with
section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, and may
compensate such experts and consultants at rates not to
exceed the daily rate prescribed for level IV of the
Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United
States Code.
``(c) Acceptance of Voluntary Services.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding section 1342 of title
31, United States Code, the Board of Governors may accept,
subject to regulations issued by the Office of Personnel
Management, voluntary services if such services--
``(A) are to be uncompensated; and
``(B) are not used to displace any employee.
``(2) Treatment.--Any individual who provides voluntary
services under this section shall not be considered a Federal
employee for any purpose other than for purposes of chapter
81 of title 5, United States Code (relating to compensation
for injury) and sections 2671 through 2680 of title 28,
United States Code (relating to tort claims).
``(d) Delegation.--Except as otherwise provided in this
Act, the Board of Governors may delegate any function to the
Director and such other officers and employees of the Agency
as the Board of Governors may designate, and may authorize
such successive redelegations of such functions within the
Agency as may be necessary or appropriate.
``(e) Contracts.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to the Federal Property and
Administrative Services Act of 1949 and other applicable
Federal law, the Board of Governors may make, enter into, and
perform such contracts, grants, leases, cooperative
agreements, and other similar transactions with Federal or
other public agencies (including State and local governments)
and private organizations and persons, and to make such
payments, by way of advance or reimbursement, as the Board of
Governors may determine necessary or appropriate to carry out
functions of the Board of Governors or the Agency.
``(2) Appropriation authority required.--No authority to
enter into contracts or to make payments under this title
shall be effective except to such extent or in such amounts
as are provided in advance under appropriation Acts.
``(f) Regulations.--The Director may prescribe such rules
and regulations as the Board of Governors considers necessary
or appropriate to administer and manage the functions of the
Agency, in accordance with chapter 5 of title 5, United
States Code.
``(g) Seal.--The Director shall cause a seal of office to
be made for the Agency of such design as the Board of
Governors shall approve. Judicial notice shall be taken of
such seal.''.
SEC. 305. BROADCASTING BOARD OF GOVERNORS AND INTERNATIONAL
BROADCASTING BUREAU.
The Broadcasting Board of Governors and the International
Broadcasting Bureau are abolished.
SEC. 306. TRANSITION.
(a) Transfer of Functions.--Except as otherwise provided in
this title or an amendment made by this title, all functions
that on the day before the effective date specified in
section 311 are authorized to be performed by the
Broadcasting Board of Governors and the International
Broadcasting Bureau and any officer, employee, or component
of such entities, under any statute, reorganization plan,
Executive order, or other provision of law, are transferred
to the Agency established under this title effective on that
date.
(b) Determination of Certain Functions.--If necessary, the
Office of Management and Budget shall make any determination
of the functions that are transferred under this title.
(c) Transition Provisions.--
(1) Exercise of authorities.--Except as otherwise provided
by law, the Board of Governors may, for purposes of
performing a function that is transferred to the Agency by
this title, exercise all authorities under any other
provision of law that were available with respect to the
performance of that function to the official responsible for
the performance of that function on the day before the
effective date specified in section 310.
(2) Authorities to wind up affairs.--
(A) The Director of the Office of Management and Budget may
take such actions as the Director of the Office of Management
and Budget considers necessary to wind up any outstanding
affairs of the Broadcasting Board of Governors and the
International Broadcasting Bureau associated with the
functions that are transferred pursuant to subsection (a).
(B) The Director of the Office of Management and Budget may
take such actions as the Director of the Office of Management
and Budget considers necessary to wind up any outstanding
affairs of the Broadcasting Board of Governors and the
International Broadcasting Bureau associated with the
functions that are transferred pursuant to subsection (a).
[[Page H5045]]
(3) Transfer of assets.--Any property, records, unexpended
balances of appropriations, allocations, and other funds
employed, used, held, available, or to be made available in
connection with a function transferred to the Agency by this
Act are transferred on the effective date specified in
section 310.
SEC. 307. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
(a) United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994.--
The United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994 is
amended as follows:
(1) Section 308 (22 U.S.C. 6207) is amended--
(A) in subsection (a)--
(i) by striking ``The Board'' and inserting ``The Agency'';
and
(ii) in paragraph (1) by striking ``Broadcasting Board of
Governors'' and inserting ``Board Governors of the
International Broadcasting Agency'';
(B) in subsection (b)--
(i) by striking paragraph (2);
(ii) by striking ``(1)''; and
(iii) by striking ``Board'' both places it appears and
inserting ``Agency'';
(C) in subsections (c), (d), (g), (h), and (i) by striking
``Board'' each place it appears and inserting ``Agency'';
(D) in subsection (g)(4) by striking ``International
Broadcasting Bureau'' and inserting ``Agency''; and
(E) in subsections (i) and (j) by striking ``and the
Foreign Service'' each place it appears.
(2) Section 309 (22 U.S.C. 6208) is amended--
(A) in subsection (c)(1) by striking ``Board'' both places
it appears and inserting ``Agency'';
(B) by striking subsection (e);
(C) in subsections (f) and (g) by striking ``Board'' each
place it appears and inserting ``Agency''; and
(D) in subsection (g) by striking ``Chairman of the Board''
and inserting ``Agency''.
(3) By striking section 311 (22 U.S.C. 6210).
(4) In section 313 (22 U.S.C. 6212) by striking ``Board''
and inserting ``Agency''.
(5) In section 314 (22 U.S.C. 6213) by striking paragraph
(2).
(6) By striking section 315.
(b) Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act
of 1996.--Section 107 of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic
Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 (22 U.S.C. 6037) is amended
in subsections (a) and (b) by striking ``International
Broadcasting Bureau'' each place it appears and inserting
``United States International Broadcasting Agency''.
(c) Radio Broadcasting to Cuba Act.--The Radio Broadcasting
to Cuba Act (22 U.S.C. 1465 et seq.) is amended as follows:
(1) In section 3 (22 U.S.C. 1465a) as follows:
(A) In the section heading by striking ``BROADCASTING BOARD
OF GOVERNORS'' and inserting ``UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL
BROADCASTING AGENCY''.
(B) In subsection (a) by striking ``the `Board')'' and
inserting ``the `Agency')''.
(C) In subsections (a), (d), and (f) by striking
``Broadcasting Board of Governors'' and inserting ``United
States International Broadcasting Agency''.
(3) In section 4 (22 U.S.C. 1465b) as follows:
(A) In the first sentence by striking ``The'' and all that
follows through ``Bureau'' and inserting: ``The Board of
Governors of the United States International Broadcasting
Agency shall establish within the Agency''.
(B) In the third sentence by striking ``Broadcasting Board
of Governors'' and inserting ``Board of Governors of the
United States International Broadcasting Agency''.
(C) In the fourth sentence by striking ``Board of the
International Broadcasting Bureau'' and inserting ``Board of
Governors of the United States International Broadcasting
Agency''.
(4) In section 5 (22 U.S.C. 1465c) as follows:
(A) In subsection (b) by striking ``Broadcasting Board of
Governors'' and inserting ``Board of Governors of the United
States International Broadcasting Agency''.
(B) By striking ``Board'' each place it appears and
inserting ``Advisory Board''.
(5) In section 6 (22 U.S.C. 1465d) as follows:
(A) In subsection (a) by striking ``Broadcasting Board of
Governors'' and inserting ``United States International
Broadcasting Agency'' and by striking ``Board'' and inserting
``Board of Directors of the United States International
Broadcasting Agency''.
(B) In subsection (b) by striking ``Board'' and inserting
``United States International Broadcasting Agency''.
(6) In section 7 (22 U.S.C. 1465e) by striking ``Board'' in
subsections (b) and (d) and inserting ``United States
International Broadcasting Agency''.
(7) In section 8(a) (22 U.S.C. 1465f(a)), by striking
``Broadcasting Board of Governors'' and inserting ``United
States International Broadcasting Agency''.
(d) Television Broadcasting to Cuba Act.--The Television
Broadcasting to Cuba Act (22 U.S.C. 1465aa note) is amended
as follows:
(1) Section 243(a) (22 U.S.C. 1465bb) is amended by
striking ``Broadcasting Board of Governors'' and inserting
``United States International Broadcasting Agency''.
(2) Section 244 (22 U.S.C. 1465cc) is amended as follows:
(A) In subsection (a) by amending the third sentence to
read as follows: ``The Board of Governors of the United
States International Broadcasting Agency shall appoint a head
of the Service who shall report directly to the Board of
Governors.''.
(B) In subsection (b) by striking ``Board'' and inserting
``United States International Broadcasting Agency''.
(C) In subsection (c) by striking ``The Board'' and
inserting ``The Agency'' and by striking ``Board determines''
and inserting ``Board of Governors of the United States
International Broadcasting Agency determines''.
(3) In section 246 (22 U.S.C. 1465dd) by striking ``United
States Information Agency'' and inserting ``United States
International Broadcasting Agency'' and by striking ``Board''
and inserting ``Board of Governors of the United States
International Broadcasting Agency''.
(e) United States Information and Educational Exchange Act
of 1948.--The United States Information and Educational
Exchange Act of 1948 (22 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 505 (22 U.S.C. 1464a), by striking
``Broadcasting Board of Governors'' each place it appears and
inserting ``United States International Broadcasting
Agency''; and
(2) in section 506(c) (22 U.S.C. 1464b(c))--
(A) by striking ``Broadcasting Board of Governors'' and
inserting ``United States International Broadcasting
Agency''; and
(B) by striking ``Board'' and inserting ``Agency''.
(e) Foreign Service Act of 1980.--The Foreign Service Act
of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3901 et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 202(a)(1) (22 U.S.C. 3922(a)(1)), by
striking ``Broadcasting Board of Governors'' and inserting
``United States International Broadcasting Agency'';
(2) in section 210 (22 U.S.C. 3930), by striking
``Broadcasting Board of Governors'' and inserting ``United
States International Broadcasting Agency'';
(3) in section 1003(a) (22 U.S.C. 4103(a)), by striking
``Broadcasting Board of Governors'' and inserting ``United
States International Broadcasting Agency''; and
(4) in section 1101(c) (22 U.S.C. 4131(c)), by striking
``Broadcasting Board of Governors,'' and inserting ``the
United States International Broadcasting Agency,''.
(f) State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956.--The
State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C.
2651a et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 23(a) (22 U.S.C. 2695(a)), by striking
``Broadcasting Board of Governors,'' and inserting ``United
States International Broadcasting Agency,'';
(2) in section 25(f) (22 U.S.C. 2697(f)--
(A) by striking ``Broadcasting Board of Governors'' and
inserting ``United States International Broadcasting
Agency''; and
(B) by striking ``the Board and the Agency'' and inserting
``their respective agencies'';
(3) in section 26(b) (22 U.S.C. 2698(b))--
(A) by striking `Broadcasting Board of Governors,'' and
inserting ``United States International Broadcasting
Agency''; and
(B) by striking ``the Board and the Agency'' and inserting
``their respective agencies''; and
(4) in section 32 (22 U.S.C. 2704), by striking
``Broadcasting Board of Governors'' and inserting ``United
States International Broadcasting Agency''.
(g) Title 5, United States Code.--Section 5315 of title 5,
United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``Director of the International
Broadcasting Bureau.''.
(2) by adding at the end the following: ``Director, United
States International Broadcasting Agency.''.
SEC. 308. REFERENCES.
Except as otherwise provided in this title or an amendment
made by this title, any reference in any statute,
reorganization plan, Executive order, regulation, agreement,
determination, or other official document or proceeding to
the Broadcasting Board of Governors and the International
Broadcasting Bureau or any other officer or employee of the
Broadcasting Board of Governors or the International
Broadcasting Bureau shall be deemed to refer to the United
States International Broadcasting Agency or the Board of
Governors of the United States International Broadcasting
Agency established under this title.
SEC. 309. BROADCASTING STANDARDS.
Section 303(a) of the United States International
Broadcasting Act of 1994 (22 U.S.C. 6202(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (6) by striking ``and'';
(2) in paragraph (8) by striking the period and inserting
``; and''; and
(3) by adding after paragraph (8) the following new
paragraph:
``(9) seek to ensure that resources are allocated to
broadcasts directed at people whose governments deny freedom
of expression or who are otherwise in special need of honest
and professional broadcasting, commensurate with the need for
such broadcasts.''.
SEC. 310. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--In addition to such
amounts as are otherwise authorized to be appropriated for
the fiscal year 2003, there are authorized to be appropriated
$135,000,000 for the fiscal year 2003 for the Broadcasting
Board of Governors to expand television and radio
broadcasting to countries with predominantly Muslim
populations and to support audience development.
(b) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the
date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 311. EFFECTIVE DATE.
Except as otherwise provided, this title and the amendments
made by this title shall
[[Page H5046]]
take effect on the last day of the 6-month period beginning
on the date of the enactment of this Act.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Hyde) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Berman) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde).
General Leave
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3969, the Freedom Promotion
Act of 2002. As Americans, we are justly proud of our country. If any
Nation has been a greater force for good in the long and tormented
history of this world, I am unaware of it. We have guarded whole
continents from conquests, showered aid on distant lands, sent
thousands of youthful idealists to remote and often inhospitable areas
to help the world's forgotten.
Why then when we read or listen to descriptions of Americans in
foreign press, do we so often seem to be entering a fantasyland of
hatred?
{time} 1915
Much of the popular press overseas, often including the government-
owned media, daily depict the United States as a force for evil,
accusing this country of an endless number of malevolent plots against
the world. As we battle the terrorists who masterminded the murder of
thousands of Americans, our actions are widely depicted in the Muslim
world as a war against Islam. Our efforts at self-defense, which should
be supported by every decent person on this planet, instead spark riots
that threaten governments that dare to cooperate with us.
How is it that the country that invented Hollywood and Madison Avenue
has such trouble promoting a positive image of itself overseas? Over
the years, the images of mindless hatred directed at us have become
familiar fixtures on our television screens. All this time, we have
heard calls that ``something must be done.'' Clearly, whatever has been
done has not been enough.
I believe that the problem is too great and too entrenched to be
solved by tweaking an agency here or reshuffling a program there. We
must rethink our entire approach and seek out new perspectives and
methods. We must both address our immediate needs and also lay the
groundwork for long-term changes, changes that must include utilizing
the full range of modern media and tapping into the private sector's
vast expertise in the creation and promotion of compelling messages and
images.
To begin this process, with the assistance of my cosponsors, the
gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) and the gentleman from
California (Mr. Berman), I have introduced the bipartisan bill now
before us, H.R. 3969, the Freedom Promotion Act of 2002. This
legislation is designed to meet a number of pressing needs by
reorienting and reinvigorating our approach to public diplomacy.
The bill is divided into three titles. The major provisions of title
I elevate the role and prominence of public diplomacy in the State
Department's programs and decision-making and include a requirement
that the Secretary of State prepare an annual strategic plan for the
use of public diplomacy along with an operational plan for its
implementation. Title II establishes a series of initiatives focused on
the Muslim world, the goal of which is to increase those people's
direct contact with the American people for the purpose of enhancing
their understanding of the United States and its values. Title III
reorganizes our international broadcasting operations in order to
ensure greater clarity and responsibility in decisionmaking. All
sources agree that the current organizational structure produces great
confusion. Our purpose, however, is not merely to rationalize
decisionmaking but to create the conditions needed to design and
implement fundamental reforms throughout our broadcasting efforts.
Mr. Speaker, these are the broad goals of this legislation. I have
prepared a section-by-section description of the bill that I insert in
the Record.
Legislation Summary
Title I: Department of State
Specific authorizing language. The legislation gives shape
to the direction and manner in which public diplomacy is
carried out by defining the statutory authorization; defines
the role of the Secretary of State in public diplomacy more
specifically in terms of standards, technologies, and target
audiences:
Requires the Secretary of State to ensure that there is a
``cohesive and coherent'' strategy to ``aggressively . . .
counter misinformation and hostile propaganda concerning the
United States.''
In coordination with the reconstituted International
Broadcasting Agency, the Secretary of State ``shall develop
and articulate long-term measurable objectives for United
States public diplomacy.
Mandates development of an annual strategic communications
plan by the Department of State to advance U.S. foreign
policy goals including a tactical communications plan for
implementation at the embassy level. The development of this
plan must be coordinated with the many federal agencies
active in international programs. Although the State
Department is not given operational control over programs and
activities conducted by other agencies, it is designated as
the lead agency.
Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy--Created in
1999 with the consolidation of the Department of State and
the United Information Agency (USIA), the Under Secretary is
given new authority over public diplomacy directors serving
in the department's six regional bureaus to improve
coordination of public diplomacy activities.
The legislation creates a firewall around the budget for
public diplomacy and authorizes an additional $70 million for
exchange and cultural programs and $40 million for other
public diplomacy programs over two years.
The legislation also provides $7.5 million annually to the
Office of Broadcast Services at the Department of State to
accelerate its outreach to the world. A key objective is to
equip the State Department with the requisite facilities,
including studios and satellite capability, to enable it to
act as a command center for a public diplomacy operations
globally and in real time.
Development of programming. The State Department is
authorized to develop programming in coordination with U.S.
Agency for International Development for foreign audiences
separate from the renamed International Broadcasting Agency.
State is encouraged to work with foreign television
broadcasters and other media to produce and distribute
programming.
Establishment of the Public Diplomacy Reserve Corps.
Includes a database of eligible experts in foreign policy and
mass communication for temporary assignments to augment the
Department during ``emergency and critical circumstances
worldwide.''
Enhanced training in media and advocacy skills for the
Foreign Service and Ambassadors. The Foreign Service is
encouraged to recruit individuals with experience in public
diplomacy and to emphasize to all incoming officers that
public diplomacy is an important part of their job. Training
for Ambassadors and Foreign Service officers should include a
component on public diplomacy and the tools and technology of
mass communication. In particular, Ambassadors should take a
prominent role in the formulation of public diplomacy
strategies for the country and regions to which they are
assigned and be formally held accountable for the operation
and success of the public diplomacy efforts at their posts.
Translation services. To assist Public Affairs Offices in
embassies worldwide, the legislation adds an additional $4
million annually for document translation services.
Mandates in-depth research on public and media attitudes in
regions chosen at the discretion of the Department of State.
This includes a requirement that analyses of the comparative
effectiveness of the various efforts undertaken in the area
of public diplomacy be provided annually, including the use
of the private sector in the U.S. and overseas.
Alumni program. A database of international alumni of U.S.
exchange programs will be created in order to expand and
utilize the connections established.
American Library initiative. A demonstration program will
examine the most effective way to augment resources in local
public library systems to improve literacy and to
``familiarize participants with American values and society,
particularly the importance of freedom and democracy.''
Reform of the U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy.
Mandates a comprehensive biennial study by the Commission of
the State Department's public diplomacy and requires that at
least four of the seven Commission members have ``substantial
experience in the conduct of public diplomacy or comparable
activities in the private sector.''
title ii: initiatives aimed at the muslim world
Youth Ambassadors--Authorizes a summer youth exchange
program for young individuals from countries with a
predominantly
[[Page H5047]]
Muslim population. (Short-term exchanges of 3-4 weeks in
length) to familiarize participants with the United States.
Jouralism program--Authorizes an initiative to work with
foreign journalists to increase their familiarity with
appropriate practices and techniques and to enhance
international standards of quality and objectivity. This
program will be established and operated in cooperation with
private sector sponsors, including universities and exchange
programs.
English language training. Creates a pilot program to
increase English language skills by sending Americans to
middle schools in the Muslim world to provide English
language instruction.
Sister Cities Initiative: Authorizes funds for an expanded
``sister cities'' program to increase the number of US-sister
city partnerships in countries with a predominantly Muslim
population. (Currently there are 42 such partnerships). These
partnerships are aimed at community level development and
volunteer action and include non-federal support.
Fulbright Exchange Programs: Requires new emphasis on
exchanges of U.S. professionals seeking to study, teach,
conduct research or pursue scholarship in predominately
Muslim countries.
National Endowment for Democracy: Provides an additional
$10 million over two years to fund programs ``that promote
democracy, media, religious tolerance, the rights of women
and strengthening of civil society'' in predominately Muslim
countries.
title iii: international broadcasting
Establishment of the International Broadcasting Agency--The
legislation reorganizes U.S. international broadcasting
programs, now headed by a part-time Board of Broadcasting
Governors, into an agency headed by a director appointed by
the Board. The reorganization is designed to ensure
accountability by an identified decision maker while causing
minimal disruption to broadcasting operations and preserving
the strengths of the Board. The present Board of Governors
will be reconstituted as the Board of International
Broadcasting of the U.S. International Broadcasting Agency
and will retain operational control of grants to entities
including Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, and Radio Free
Europe.
Development of television services to the Middle East and
elsewhere. The legislation provides an initial $135 million
to the Board of International Broadcasting (formerly known as
the BBG) to expand television and radio broadcasting to
countries with predominately Muslim populations, in order to
dramatically expand access to mass audiences of uncensored
news and entertainment.
There is a manager's amendment that includes a few changes from the
bill as reported. We have made a number of accommodations to the
concerns expressed by the State Department and others, and the bill now
enjoys State Department support. These changes include reducing the
authorization for the 2003 fiscal year for State Department's operating
account for public diplomacy programs; providing a 2-year authorization
for the initiatives focused on countries with predominantly Muslim
populations for the 2002 and 2003 fiscal years; and adding a sense of
Congress to establish a training program for journalists from regions
of conflict.
The measures in this bill are long overdue, but they represent only
the first steps in what must become an ongoing effort to ensure that
the truth about our country rises above the cacophony of hate and
misinformation that often passes for discourse in many areas of the
world. Our goal should not merely be to talk to the governments and
elites of the world but to engage people at all levels and in every
country and do so on a permanent basis. We must do so not as an adjunct
to our foreign policy but as a central component of that policy.
America's story is a compelling one, but it is up to us to tell it.
We have much to do, but we must never forget that beyond the islands of
hatred populated by vocal enemies, there is an enormous reservoir of
good will and that legions of silent allies await.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I
rise in strong support of H.R. 3969, the Freedom Promotion Act of 2002.
Let me begin, Mr. Speaker, by applauding Chairman Hyde for his
tireless work on this bill. It is his push, his creativity, and his
efforts that have brought this bill into introduction, through passage
in committee and now to the floor. He has a strong personal commitment
to enhancing our public diplomacy programs and he is showing tremendous
leadership on that critical issue. I would also like to commend my
ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), for his
great dedication to public diplomacy. As both of these distinguished
Members are well aware, winning the information war is critical to
winning the war on terrorism. Helping prevent one key element in the
prevention of future terrorist attacks must be the enhancement of
international understanding of U.S. policies and values and a response
to the hateful anti-American propaganda that often fuels terrorism.
This can only be done through strong public diplomacy, including
expanded international broadcasting and enhanced educational and
cultural exchanges, particularly in the Middle East and in other
countries with large Muslim populations.
Mr. Speaker, in the struggle against international terrorism, the
United States must not be afraid to proclaim the universal values we
espouse, democracy, free markets, human rights and social justice.
These ideals represent the strongest weapons in America's arsenal and
are the ultimate guarantors of our victory in this struggle.
Disseminating these values more broadly and more effectively is the
purpose and the promise of this legislation.
This compromise bill represents the best in bipartisanship in pursuit
of U.S. national security interests. In the Committee on International
Relations, we worked together to craft an amendment that streamlines
the management of our international broadcasting operations while at
the same time maintaining a bipartisan board as a firewall to shield
broadcasting from inappropriate political influence. This structure is
key to preserving journalistic integrity and the credibility of our
broadcasts.
We also adopted important amendments to increase funding for the
National Endowment for Democracy's activities in the Middle East, to
more systematically advertise our foreign assistance to overseas
audiences, and to ensure that the predominantly Muslim countries of
Africa are not overlooked.
Finally, we adopted an amendment that I offered with the gentleman
from Virginia (Mr. Cantor) to provide additional resources for a 24-
hour Arabic language satellite television service in the Middle East,
as well as new television services and expanded radio broadcasts to
countries with large Muslim populations in Central, South and East
Asia. It is critical that we offer people in these countries a balanced
alternative to al-Jazeera and other media sources that have contributed
to growing anti-Americanism in the Muslim world.
Mr. Speaker, Congress has a responsibility to ensure that the brave
men and women fighting for freedom in Afghanistan and beyond are the
best trained, best equipped, and best led in the world. We also have a
duty to provide our diplomatic corps and our broadcasting personnel,
who are on the front lines of our public diplomacy efforts, with the
same moral and material support. The funds authorized in this bill are
a drop in the bucket compared to the amount we have already spent in
the war on terrorism, but they will make a difference in our public
diplomacy efforts.
Mr. Speaker, in the wake of last September's horrific events, this
Chamber has united to take bold and courageous action in support of our
war against international terrorism. The legislation before us is an
integral part of that war effort and deserves the same strong
bipartisan show of support.
I urge all my colleagues to support the resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I would not want this opportunity to pass without commending my
friend and colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Berman), who
has made his usual indispensable contribution to good legislation. He
is a very valuable and contributing Member. I am delighted to have him
as an active cosponsor on this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Freedom Promotion
Act. This important legislation is designed to enhance public diplomacy
in countries with predominantly Muslim populations.
During the 1990's, the United States fought in four military
conflicts in support of countries with majority Muslim areas. We
liberated Kuwait, saved 250,000 people in Somalia, ended
[[Page H5048]]
the Bosnia genocide, and halted Milosevic's ethnic cleansing in Kosova.
With that record, it is almost inconceivable to me that we need to
enhance our nation's image in the Middle East and other areas with
large Muslim populations. Nevertheless, for a variety of reasons we do.
This bill is an important first step toward telling the world the story
of America and the values for which we stand.
I particularly support this legislation because it includes my
amendment authorizing funding for the promotion of democracy, good
governance, the rule of law, independent media, religious tolerance,
the rights of women, and strengthening civil society in Middle Eastern
states. For too long, America has tolerated Arab dictatorships because
of our need for secure oil supplies. September 11th demonstrated that
our country needs true friends in the region--democracies which respect
the rights of their people--not petty autocracies which trample civil
and political rights to perpetuate their rule. The funding to promote
democracy in the Middle East will be coordinated by the National
Endowment for Democracy, which does such excellent work around the
world to promote America's democratic values.
My amendment passed prior to the recent release of the Arab Human
Development Report 2002 written by Arab scholars and experts with the
support of the United Nations Development Program. Yet, this report,
which found a ``freedom deficit'' in the Arab world, only adds to the
importance of democracy promotion in the Middle East. As stated in a
July 7 New York Times Editorial, ``For too long, America embraced
corrupt and autocratic Arab leaders, asking only that they accommodate
Western oil needs and not make excessive trouble for Israel. As a
result, too many young Arabs now identify the United States more
readily with repressive dictators it supports in the Middle East than
with the tolerant democracy it practices at home.'' My amendment is
designed to turn back that tide.
Once again, I strongly support H.R. 3969, the Freedom Promotion Act
and urge my colleagues to support the bill.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3969, the Freedom
Promotion Act.
Mr. Speaker, Chairman Hyde has crafted a superb bill and I am proud
of him and of our Committee. The bill, as our Committee report states,
is intended to ``enhance in scope and substance, redirect, redefine,
and reorganize United States public diplomacy.'' It is clear that we
have not been getting the desired results from our public diplomacy
efforts. Even with the major reorganization of the last decade, our
efforts have not met the challenge of the post-September 11 world.
The team assembled by the President, including Under Secretary Beers
and, of course, Secretary Powell, a most formidable communicator in his
own right, are working overtime. But they need the tools and resources
that this bill provides them.
I am especially interested in the special authorities for outreach to
the Muslim world that are incorporated in this bill. The governments of
too many Muslim states have been directing the energies of their people
at the United States, or at Israel, in the search for an excuse for
mismanagement at home. We need to tell our story and deflect this
improperly-placed blame, which can only lead to hatred, terrorism, and
war.
Mr. Speaker, I applaud the work of Chairman Hyde and my colleagues
and urge them to support the bill.
Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3969, the
Freedom Promotion Act of 2002. I would like to thank Chairman Hyde and
Ranking Member Lantos of the House International Relations Committee
for their leadership on this very important issue.
Mr. Speaker, American leadership and generosity have made the United
States the leading international donor. Each year, the United States
provides billions of dollars in foreign aid. Unfortunately, despite our
efforts to improve the daily lives of people around the world, anti-
American sentiment exists and is--quite alarmingly--on the rise. Often,
the recipients of our aid do not know that it comes from the United
States.
I was pleased to offer an amendment to H.R. 3969 during the
International Relations Committee markup ensuring that the positive
work and support the United States provides to troubled regions around
the world be properly identified. U.S. assistance funded by the
American taxpayer should be clearly identified, and the extent of
American generosity for purposes of poverty reduction and development
should be well known.
Foreign aid is a potentially powerful tool in our public diplomacy
campaign. Broadcasting this fact abroad can help in building support
for U.S. foreign policy and generate good will. Directing the Secretary
of State to take advantage of this untapped resource, and requiring him
to report to Congress on his efforts to do so, ensures that U.S.
foreign assistance becomes an integral component of public diplomacy.
My amendment to H.R. 3969 was only the first step in the effort to
effectively promote U.S. assistance abroad. Now more than ever, this
bill is vital to shaping an effective foreign policy that ensures
America's security interests in the aftermath of September 11, and
advances America's enduring principles of justice, democracy and human
rights.
Thank you and I urge an `aye' vote.
Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Isakson). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) that the House
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3969, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________