[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 123 (Tuesday, July 18, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3095-S3113]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

  SA 932. Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself and Mr. Risch) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 2226, to 
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2024 for military activities 
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for 
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military 
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which 
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end, add the following:

       DIVISION F--DEPARTMENT OF STATE AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2023

     SEC. 6001. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This division may be cited as the 
     ``Department of State Authorization Act of 2023''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this 
     division is as follows:

       DIVISION F--DEPARTMENT OF STATE AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2023

Sec. 6001. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 6002. Definitions.

          TITLE LXI--DIPLOMATIC SECURITY AND CONSULAR AFFAIRS

Sec. 6101. Special hiring authority for passport services.
Sec. 6102. Quarterly report on passport wait times.
Sec. 6103. Passport travel advisories.
Sec. 6104. Strategy to ensure access to passport services for all 
              Americans.
Sec. 6105. Strengthening the National Passport Information Center.
Sec. 6106. Strengthening passport customer visibility and transparency.
Sec. 6107. Annual Office of Authentications report.
Sec. 6108. Increased accountability in assignment restrictions and 
              reviews.
Sec. 6109. Suitability reviews for Foreign Service Institute 
              instructors.
Sec. 6110. Diplomatic security fellowship programs.

                     TITLE LXII--PERSONNEL MATTERS

             Subtitle A--Hiring, Promotion, and Development

Sec. 6201. Adjustment to promotion precepts.
Sec. 6202. Hiring authorities.
Sec. 6203. Extending paths to service for paid student interns.
Sec. 6204. Lateral Entry Program.
Sec. 6205. Mid-Career Mentoring Program.
Sec. 6206. Report on the Foreign Service Institute's language program .
Sec. 6207. Consideration of career civil servants as chiefs of 
              missions.
Sec. 6208. Civil service rotational program.
Sec. 6209. Reporting requirement on chiefs of mission.
Sec. 6210. Report on chiefs of mission and deputy chiefs of mission.
Sec. 6211. Protection of retirement annuity for reemployment by 
              Department.
Sec. 6212. Efforts to improve retention and prevent retaliation.
Sec. 6213. National advertising campaign.
Sec. 6214. Expansion of diplomats in residence programs.

            Subtitle B--Pay, Benefits, and Workforce Matters

Sec. 6221. Education allowance.
Sec. 6222. Per diem allowance for newly hired members of the Foreign 
              Service.
Sec. 6223. Improving mental health services for foreign and civil 
              servants.
Sec. 6224. Emergency back-up care.
Sec. 6225. Authority to provide services to non-chief of mission 
              personnel.
Sec. 6226. Exception for government-financed air transportation.
Sec. 6227. Enhanced authorities to protect locally employed staff 
              during emergencies.
Sec. 6228. Internet at hardship posts.
Sec. 6229. Competitive local compensation plan.
Sec. 6230. Supporting tandem couples in the Foreign Service.
Sec. 6231. Accessibility at diplomatic missions.
Sec. 6232. Report on breastfeeding accommodations overseas.
Sec. 6233. Determining the effectiveness of knowledge transfers between 
              Foreign Service Officers.
Sec. 6234. Education allowance for dependents of Department of State 
              employees located in United States territories.

         TITLE LXIII--INFORMATION SECURITY AND CYBER DIPLOMACY

Sec. 6301. Data-informed diplomacy.
Sec. 6302. Establishment and expansion of the Bureau Chief Data Officer 
              Program.
Sec. 6303. Establishment of the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer 
              of the Department of State.
Sec. 6304. Strengthening the Chief Information Officer of the 
              Department of State.
Sec. 6305. Sense of Congress on strengthening enterprise governance.
Sec. 6306. Digital connectivity and cybersecurity partnership.
Sec. 6307. Establishment of a cyberspace, digital connectivity, and 
              related technologies (CDT) fund.
Sec. 6308. Cyber protection support for personnel of the Department of 
              State in positions highly vulnerable to cyber attack.

                TITLE LXIV--ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS

Sec. 6401. Personal services contractors.
Sec. 6402. Hard-to-fill posts.
Sec. 6403. Enhanced oversight of the Office of Civil Rights.
Sec. 6404. Crisis response operations.
Sec. 6405. Special Envoy to the Pacific Islands Forum.
Sec. 6406. Special Envoy for Belarus.
Sec. 6407. Overseas placement of special appointment positions.
Sec. 6408. Resources for United States nationals unlawfully or 
              wrongfully detained abroad.

                     TITLE LXV--ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY

Sec. 6501. Report on recruitment, retention, and promotion of Foreign 
              Service economic officers.
Sec. 6502. Mandate to revise Department of State metrics for successful 
              economic and commercial diplomacy.
Sec. 6503. Chief of mission economic responsibilities.
Sec. 6504. Direction to embassy deal teams.
Sec. 6505. Establishment of a ``Deal Team of the Year'' award.

                      TITLE LXVI--PUBLIC DIPLOMACY

Sec. 6601. Public diplomacy outreach.
Sec. 6602. Modification on use of funds for Radio Free Europe/Radio 
              Liberty.
Sec. 6603. International broadcasting.
Sec. 6604. John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship program.
Sec. 6605. Domestic engagement and public affairs.
Sec. 6606. Extension of Global Engagement Center.
Sec. 6607. Paperwork Reduction Act.
Sec. 6608. Modernization and enhancement strategy.

                       TITLE LXVII--OTHER MATTERS

Sec. 6701. Internships of United States nationals at international 
              organizations.
Sec. 6702. Training for international organizations.
Sec. 6703. Modification to transparency on international agreements and 
              non-binding instruments.
Sec. 6704. Report on partner forces utilizing United States security 
              assistance identified as using hunger as a weapon of war.

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Sec. 6705. Infrastructure projects and investments by the United States 
              and People's Republic of China.
Sec. 6706. Special envoys.
Sec. 6707. US-ASEAN Center.
Sec. 6708. Briefings on the United States-European Union Trade and 
              Technology Council.
Sec. 6709. Modification and repeal of reports.
Sec. 6710. Modification of Build Act of 2018 to prioritize projects 
              that advance national security.
Sec. 6711. Permitting for international bridges.

                      TITLE LXVIII--AUKUS MATTERS

Sec. 6801. Definitions.

              Subtitle A--Outlining the AUKUS Partnership

Sec. 6811. Statement of policy on the AUKUS partnership.
Sec. 6812. Senior Advisor for the AUKUS partnership at the Department 
              of State.

         Subtitle B--Authorization for AUKUS Submarine Training

Sec. 6823. Australia, United Kingdom, and United States submarine 
              security training.

  Subtitle C--Streamlining and Protecting Transfers of United States 
                  Military Technology From Compromise

Sec. 6831. Priority for Australia and the United Kingdom in Foreign 
              Military Sales and Direct Commercial Sales.
Sec. 6832. 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. 6833. Export control exemptions and standards.
Sec. 6834. Expedited review of export licenses for exports of advanced 
              technologies to Australia, the United Kingdom, and 
              Canada.
Sec. 6835. United States Munitions List.

                    Subtitle D--Other AUKUS Matters

Sec. 6841. Reporting related to the AUKUS partnership.

     SEC. 6002. DEFINITIONS.

       In this division:
       (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.

          TITLE LXI--DIPLOMATIC SECURITY AND CONSULAR AFFAIRS

     SEC. 6101. 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 up to 80 
     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.

     SEC. 6102. 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.

     SEC. 6103. 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.

     SEC. 6104. 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.

     SEC. 6105. 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.

     SEC. 6106. 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 6103; 
     and
       (3) passport wait times.

     SEC. 6107. 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.

     SEC. 6108. 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--

[[Page S3097]]

       (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 Appeal 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.

     SEC. 6109. 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.

     SEC. 6110. 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, is 
     authorized to 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 is authorized to 
     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.

                     TITLE LXII--PERSONNEL MATTERS

             Subtitle A--Hiring, Promotion, and Development

     SEC. 6201. 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;''.

     SEC. 6202. 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 to the 
     appropriate congressional committees, the Committee on 
     Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate, and 
     the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of 
     Representatives a report 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, up to 80 candidates directly to positions in the 
     competitive service at the Department, as defined in section 
     2102 of that title, in the following occupational series: 25 
     candidates under 1560 Data Science, 25 candidates under 2210 
     Information Technology Management, and 30 candidates under 
     0201 Human Resources Management.

     SEC. 6203. EXTENDING PATHS TO SERVICE FOR PAID STUDENT 
                   INTERNS.

       For up to 2 years following the end of a compensated 
     internship at the Department, the Department 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.

     SEC. 6204. 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

[[Page S3098]]

     skill sets in key areas such as cyberspace, emerging 
     technologies, economic statecraft, multilateral diplomacy, 
     and data and other sciences.''.

     SEC. 6205. 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 is authorized to 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.

     SEC. 6206. 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.

     SEC. 6207. 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.''.

     SEC. 6208. 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.

     SEC. 6209. 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.

     SEC. 6210. 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.

     SEC. 6211. 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.).

     SEC. 6212. 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) 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

[[Page S3099]]

     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.
       (c) 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.

     SEC. 6213. 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.

     SEC. 6214. EXPANSION OF DIPLOMATS IN RESIDENCE PROGRAMS.

       Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act--
       (1) the Secretary is authorized to 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 is authorized to increase the 
     number of development diplomats in the Diplomats in Residence 
     Program from 1 to at least 3.

            Subtitle B--Pay, Benefits, and Workforce Matters

     SEC. 6221. 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:

     ``SEC. 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''.

     SEC. 6222. 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.

     SEC. 6223. 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).

     SEC. 6224. 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.

     SEC. 6225. 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.--

[[Page S3100]]

       ``(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.''.

     SEC. 6226. 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.

     SEC. 6227. 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.

     SEC. 6228. 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.''.

     SEC. 6229. 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 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) 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.

     SEC. 6230. 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.

[[Page S3101]]

       (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.

     SEC. 6231. 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.

     SEC. 6232. 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.

     SEC. 6233. 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).

     SEC. 6234. 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.

         TITLE LXIII--INFORMATION SECURITY AND CYBER DIPLOMACY

     SEC. 6301. 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.

     SEC. 6302. 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 their respective Bureau leadership.
       (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

[[Page S3102]]

     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).

     SEC. 6303. 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).''.

     SEC. 6304. 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.
       (e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be 
     construed--
       (1) to alter the authorities of the United States Office of 
     Management and Budget, Office of the National Cyber Director, 
     the Department of Homeland Security, or the Cybersecurity and 
     Infrastructure Security Agency with respect to Federal 
     information systems; or
       (2) to alter the responsibilities and authorities of the 
     Chief Information Officer of the Department of State as 
     described in titles 40 or 44, United States Code, or any 
     other law defining or assigning responsibilities or 
     authorities to Federal Chief Information Officers.

     SEC. 6305. 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.

     SEC. 6306. 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.

[[Page S3103]]

       (b) Use of Funds.--Funds made available to carry out this 
     section 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.

     SEC. 6307. 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:

      ``CHAPTER 10--CYBERSPACE, DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY, AND RELATED 
                        TECHNOLOGIES (CDT) FUND

     ``SEC. 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.

     ``SEC. 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.

     ``SEC. 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).

     ``SEC. 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.''.

     SEC. 6308. 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--

[[Page S3104]]

       (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 Secretary of Homeland 
     Security and the Director of National Intelligence, as 
     appropriate--
       (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 pursuant to this section from 
     accessing or retrieving any information from any personal 
     technology device or personal account of Department employees 
     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).

                TITLE LXIV--ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS

     SEC. 6401. 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.

     SEC. 6402. 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.

     SEC. 6403. 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.

     SEC. 6404. 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.

[[Page S3105]]

       (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.

     SEC. 6405. 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 6304, 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.

     SEC. 6406. 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.

     SEC. 6407. 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.

     SEC. 6408. RESOURCES FOR UNITED STATES NATIONALS UNLAWFULLY 
                   OR WRONGFULLY DETAINED ABROAD.

       Section 302(d) of the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and 
     Hostage-Taking Accountability Act (22 U.S.C. 1741(d)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Resource 
     Guidance'' and inserting ``Resources for United States 
     Nationals Unlawfully or Wrongfully Detained Abroad'';
       (2) in paragraph (1), by striking the paragraph heading and 
     all that follows through ``Not later than'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) Resource guidance.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than'';
       (3) in paragraph (2), by redesignating subparagraphs (A), 
     (B), (C), (D), and (E) and clauses (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), 
     and (v), respectively, and moving such clauses (as so 
     redesignated) 2 ems to the right;
       (4) by redesignating paragraph (2) as subparagraph (B) and 
     moving such subparagraph (as so redesignated) 2 ems to the 
     right;
       (5) in subparagraph (B), as redesignated by paragraph (4), 
     by striking ``paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``subparagraph 
     (A)''; and
       (6) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Travel assistance.--
       ``(A) Family advocacy.--For the purpose of facilitating 
     meetings between the United States Government and the family 
     members of United States nationals unlawfully or wrongfully 
     detained abroad, the Secretary shall provide financial 
     assistance to cover the costs of travel to Washington, D.C., 
     including travel by air, train, bus, or other transit as 
     appropriate, to any individual who--
       ``(i) is--

       ``(I) a family member of a United States national 
     unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad as determined by the 
     Secretary under subsection (a); or
       ``(II) an appropriate individual who--

       ``(aa) is approved by the Special Presidential Envoy for 
     Hostage Affairs; and
       ``(bb) does not represent in any legal capacity a United 
     States national unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad or 
     the family of such United States national;
       ``(ii) has a permanent address that is more than 50 miles 
     from Washington, D.C.; and
       ``(iii) requests such assistance.

[[Page S3106]]

       ``(B) Travel and lodging.--
       ``(i) In general.--For each such United States national 
     unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad, the financial 
     assistance described in subparagraph (A) shall be provided 
     for not more than 2 trips per fiscal year, unless the Special 
     Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs determines that a 
     third trip is warranted.
       ``(ii) Limitations.--Any trip described in clause (i) 
     shall--

       ``(I) consist of not more than 2 family members or other 
     individuals approved in accordance with subparagraph 
     (A)(i)(II), unless the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage 
     Affairs determines that circumstances warrant an additional 
     family member or other individual approved in accordance with 
     subparagraph (A)(i)(II) and approves assistance to such third 
     family member or other individual; and
       ``(II) not exceed more than 2 nights lodging, which shall 
     not exceed the applicable government rate.

       ``(C) Return travel.--If other United States Government 
     assistance is unavailable, the Secretary may provide to a 
     United States national unlawfully or wrongfully detained 
     abroad as determined by the Secretary under subsection (a), 
     compensation and assistance, as necessary, for return travel 
     to the United States upon release of such United States 
     national.
       ``(3) Support.--The Secretary shall seek to make available 
     operational psychologists and clinical social workers, to 
     support the mental health and well-being of--
       ``(A) any United States national unlawfully or wrongfully 
     detained abroad; and
       ``(B) any family member of such United States national, 
     with regard to the psychological, social, and mental health 
     effects of such unlawful or wrongful detention.
       ``(4) Notification requirement.--The Secretary shall notify 
     the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, the 
     Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, 
     and the Committees on Appropriations of the Senate and the 
     House of Representatives of any amount spent above $250,000 
     for any fiscal year to carry out paragraphs (2) and (3).
       ``(5) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the end of each 
     fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on 
     Foreign Relations and Appropriations of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Foreign Affairs and Appropriations of the House 
     of Representatives a report that includes--
       ``(A) a detailed description of expenditures made pursuant 
     to paragraphs (2) and (3);
       ``(B) a detailed description of support provided pursuant 
     to paragraph (3) and the individuals providing such support; 
     and
       ``(C) the number and location of visits outside of 
     Washington, D.C., during the prior fiscal year made by the 
     Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs to family 
     members of each United States national unlawfully or 
     wrongfully detained abroad.
       ``(6) Sunset.--The authority and requirements under 
     paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and (5) shall terminate on December 
     31, 2027.
       ``(7) Family member defined.--In this subsection, the term 
     `family member' means a spouse, father, mother, child, 
     brother, sister, grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, 
     nephew, niece, cousin, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-
     law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, 
     stepfather, stepmother, stepson, stepdaughter, stepbrother, 
     stepsister, half brother, or half sister.''.

                     TITLE LXV--ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY

     SEC. 6501. 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.

     SEC. 6502. 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).

     SEC. 6503. 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.''.

     SEC. 6504. 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

[[Page S3107]]

       (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 6503.
       (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.

     SEC. 6505. 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.

                      TITLE LXVI--PUBLIC DIPLOMACY

     SEC. 6601. 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.

     SEC. 6602. 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.

     SEC. 6603. 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 to 
     the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on 
     Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and 
     the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on 
     Homeland Security of the House of Representatives a plan 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

[[Page S3108]]

     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.

     SEC. 6604. 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:

     ``SEC. 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.''.

     SEC. 6605. 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.

     SEC. 6606. 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, 
     2026''.

     SEC. 6607. 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).''.

[[Page S3109]]

  


     SEC. 6608. 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.

                       TITLE LXVII--OTHER MATTERS

     SEC. 6701. 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).

     SEC. 6702. 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.

     SEC. 6703. 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.''.

     SEC. 6704. 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''; and
       (3) 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.

[[Page S3110]]

       (e) Form.--The report required under subsection (c) shall 
     be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a 
     classified annex.

     SEC. 6705. 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 and the Chief Executive Officer of the 
     Development Finance Corporation, 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 
     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.

     SEC. 6706. 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.

     SEC. 6707. 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.

     SEC. 6708. 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

     SEC. 6709. 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.

     SEC. 6710. 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.''.

[[Page S3111]]

  


     SEC. 6711. 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:

     ``SEC. 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.''.

                      TITLE LXVIII--AUKUS MATTERS

     SEC. 6801. 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).

              Subtitle A--Outlining the AUKUS Partnership

     SEC. 6811. 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, if implemented appropriately, 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.

     SEC. 6812. 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

[[Page S3112]]

     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.

         Subtitle B--Authorization for AUKUS Submarine Training

     SEC. 6823. 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.).

  Subtitle C--Streamlining and Protecting Transfers of United States 
                  Military Technology From Compromise

     SEC. 6831. 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 AUKUS 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.

     SEC. 6832. 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 except unmanned 
     aerial or hypersonic systems.

     SEC. 6833. 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

[[Page S3113]]

     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.

     SEC. 6834. 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 
     agreement must be approved, returned, or denied within 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.

     SEC. 6835. 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).

                    Subtitle D--Other AUKUS Matters

     SEC. 6841. 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.

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