US Codex
Pub. L.
Notes

Division F — Department of State Authorization Act of 2023

118th Congress · Approved Dec 22, 2023 · 137 Stat. 136

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:

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. Publication and updates of estimated time for processing of passport applications.

Sec. 6109. Authority to designate additional passport acceptance agents.

Sec. 6110. Notification of passport expiration.

Sec. 6111. Use of commercially available technology in online passport renewal program.

Sec. 6112. Electronic payment for passport application fees.

Sec. 6113. Agreements with foreign countries regarding passports nearing expiration.

Sec. 6114. Passport fee exception for search, rescue, and other related disaster relief operations.

Sec. 6115. Increased accountability in assignment restrictions and reviews.

Sec. 6116. Suitability reviews for Foreign Service Institute instructors.

Sec. 6117. 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. Efforts to improve retention and prevent retaliation.

Sec. 6212. National advertising campaign.

Sec. 6213. Expansion of diplomats in residence programs.

Subtitle B— Pay, Benefits, and Workforce Matters

Sec. 6221. Education allowance.

Sec. 6222. Improving mental health services for foreign and civil servants.

Sec. 6223. Emergency back-up care.

Sec. 6224. Exception for government-financed air transportation.

Sec. 6225. Internet at hardship posts.

Sec. 6226. Competitive local compensation plan.

Sec. 6227. Supporting tandem spouses in the Foreign Service.

Sec. 6228. Accessibility at diplomatic missions.

Sec. 6229. Report on breastfeeding accommodations overseas.

Sec. 6230. Determining the effectiveness of knowledge transfers between Foreign Service Officers.

Sec. 6231. Education allowance for dependents of Department of State employees located in United States territories.

Sec. 6232. Overtime pay exception for protective services.

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.

Sec. 6309. Implementation of GAO High Risk List recommendations.

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. Presidential Envoy for the Abraham Accords, Negev Forum, and Related Integration and Normalization Fora and Agreements.

Sec. 6408. Overseas placement of special appointment positions.

Sec. 6409. Resources for United States nationals unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad.

Sec. 6410. Establishment of fiscal responsibility award.

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. Direction to embassy deal teams.

Sec. 6504. 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. Report on Radio Free Africa and Radio Free Americas.

Sec. 6604. John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship program.

Sec. 6605. Domestic engagement and public affairs.

Sec. 6606. 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. Infrastructure projects and investments by the United States and People’s Republic of China.

Sec. 6704. Special envoys.

Sec. 6705. US-ASEAN Center.

Sec. 6706. Briefings on the United States-European Union Trade and Technology Council.

Sec. 6707. Modification and repeal of reports.

Sec. 6708. Art in embassies.

Sec. 6709. Institute for Transatlantic Engagement.

Sec. 6710. Notification of revocation of clearances.

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 division, the Secretary, 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 division, 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 division, the Department should make prominent 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 division, 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, or renewal of, a passport.
(c)
GAO Report.— Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this division, the Comptroller General of the United States shall initiate a review of National Passport Information Center (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 division, 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 passport applications, 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 division, the Secretary 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.— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this division, the Secretary shall submit an annual report for 5 years to the appropriate 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 to authenticate documents, broken down by month to show seasonal fluctuations in wait times;
(3)
how the Department 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 is authorized to hire additional, permanent, dedicated staff for the Office of Authentications.

SEC. 6108. Publication and Updates of Estimated Time for Processing of Passport Applications.

The Secretary shall publish and update on a quarterly basis on relevant websites of the Department the estimated time for processing of passport applications.

SEC. 6109. Authority to Designate Additional Passport Acceptance Agents.

(a)
Authority to Designate.— The Secretary may designate any person described in subsection (b) that meets such other requirements as the Secretary may prescribe pursuant to regulations to serve as a passport acceptance agent, unless the Secretary withdraws such authorization on a case-by-case basis with respect to a given person.
(b)
Authorized Persons.— A person described in this subsection is any of the following:
(1)
An employee of the clerk of any Federal court.
(2)
An employee of the clerk of any State court of record.
(3)
A postal employee at a United States post office that has been selected to accept passport applications.
(4)
An employee of the Department of Defense at a military installation that has been authorized to accept passport applications.
(5)
An employee of a Federal department or agency that has been selected to accept passport applications.
(6)
Any other person specifically designated by the Secretary.
(c)
Regulations.— The Secretary shall prescribe or revise such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this division.

SEC. 6110. Notification of Passport Expiration.

The Secretary shall take such steps as may be necessary to ensure that each individual holding a valid United States passport is notified of the upcoming expiration of such passport not later than one year before the date of such expiration.

SEC. 6111. Use of Commercially Available Technology in Online Passport Renewal Program.

The Secretary shall take such steps as may be necessary to compare and use the best commercially available technology in the private sector, as determined by the Secretary, in the development of the Department’s online passport renewal program or any successor program.

SEC. 6112. Electronic Payment for Passport Application Fees.

The Secretary shall develop a process to accept electronic payment for all fees associated with the processing of passport applications, including for applications submitted by regular mail.

SEC. 6113. Agreements with Foreign Countries Regarding Passports Nearing Expiration.

The President, acting through the Secretary, shall seek to reach agreements with the governments of foreign countries that do not accept United States passports that are at or within 6 months of expiration to allow for the use of such United States passports.

SEC. 6114. Passport Fee Exception for Search, Rescue, and Other Related Disaster Relief Operations.

(a)
Short Title.— This section may be cited as the “First Responders Passport Act”.
(b)
In General.— Section 1(a) of the Passport Act of June 4, 1920 (22 U.S.C. 214(a) is amended—
(1)
by inserting “ (1)” before “ There shall be collected”;
(2)
by striking “ No passport fee shall be collected from an officer” and inserting the following:

“(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), no passport fee shall be collected from—

“(A) an officer”

(3)
by striking “ or from members of his immediate family; from an American seaman who requires a passport in connection with his duties aboard an American flag-vessel; from a widow” and inserting the following:

“(B) an American sailor who requires a passport in connection with assigned duties aboard an American flag-vessel;

“(C) a widow”

(4)
by striking “ memorial service for such member; or from an individual” and inserting the following:

“(D) an individual”

; and

(5)
by striking “ law enforcement purposes. No execution fee” and inserting

“(E) at the discretion of the Secretary, an individual who—

“(i) is operating under a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement with the United States Government to participate in search, rescue, and other related disaster relief operations within a foreign country following a natural disaster; or

“(ii) is required pursuant to such contract, grant, or cooperative agreement to be available to travel abroad to assist in search, rescue, or other related disaster relief efforts immediately upon notice from the United States Government.

“(3) No execution fee”

SEC. 6115. 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 division, the Secretary shall—
(1)
provide a status update for all Department personnel who, prior to such date of enactment, were subject to a prior assignment restriction, assignment review, or preclusion for whom a review or decision related to assignment is pending; and
(2)
on an ongoing basis, provide a status update for any Department personnel who has been the subject of a pending assignment restriction or pending assignment review for more than 30 days.
(c)
Notification Content.— The notification required under subsection (b) shall inform relevant personnel, as of the date of the notification—
(1)
whether any prior assignment restriction has been lifted;
(2)
if their assignment status is subject to ongoing review, and an estimated date for completion; and
(3)
if they are subject to any other restrictions on their ability to serve at posts abroad.
(d)
Adjudication of Ongoing Assignment Reviews.—
(1)
Time limit.— The Department shall establish a reasonable time limit for the Department to complete an assignment review and establish a deadline by which it must inform personnel of a decision related to such a review.
(2)
Appeals.— For any personnel the Department determines are ineligible to serve in an assignment due to an assignment restriction or assignment review, a Security Appeal Panel shall convene not later than 120 days of an appeal being filed.
(3)
Entry-level bidding process.— The Department shall include a description of the assignment review process and critical human intelligence threat posts in a briefing to new officers as part of their entry-level bidding process.
(4)
Points of contact.— The Department shall designate points of contact 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 division, 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 division, the Secretary shall amend all relevant provisions of the Foreign Affairs Manual, and any associated or related policies of the Department, to comply with this section.

SEC. 6116. Suitability Reviews for Foreign Service Institute Instructors.

The Secretary shall take reasonable steps to 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 periodic background checks or reinvestigations to the extent consistent with Department and Executive policy for other Department personnel.

SEC. 6117. 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 post-secondary 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 where applicable and 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)
other 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 division, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate, and the Committee on Oversight and Accountability 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 division, 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.

(a)
In General.— 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.
(b)
Report.— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this division, and annually thereafter for 3 years, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees, the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee of the Senate, and the Committee on Oversight and Accountability of the House of Representatives a report listing which undergraduate and post-secondary institutions the interns offered employment under subsection (a) attended, where available.

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 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”) to assist in the retention of, and to decrease mid-career attrition of, employees, including those who have demonstrated potential for advancement and may be at risk of leaving the Department.
(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 division, 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 division, 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 in comparison with Language Designated Position (LDP) requirements, disaggregated by language during the 5-year period immediately preceding the date of the enactment of this division;
(2)
the number of Department employees and contractors who are 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, employment/contractor status, 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;
(5)
any plans to increase pass rates for languages with high failure rates; and
(6)
a list of all outside entities with which the Foreign Service Institute partners or contracts in order to hire or obtain foreign language instructors, including the duration of any relevant agreements, and an indication of how agreements are evaluated by the Department for potential renewal, where available.

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 division, 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 division, the Secretary shall identify not less than 20 positions in United States embassies for the program established under this section and offer 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 granted approval by the Under Secretary of State for Management to be outside a country of assignment 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 Officer 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. Efforts to Improve Retention and Prevent Retaliation.

(a)
Streamlined Reporting.— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this division, the Secretary shall establish a single point of initial reporting for allegations of discrimination, 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)
Required Annual Surveys.—
(1)
In general.— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this division, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall conduct an annual employee satisfaction survey to assess the level of job satisfaction, work environment, and overall employee experience within the Department.
(2)
Open-ended responses.— The survey required under paragraph (1) shall include options for open-ended responses.
(3)
Survey questions.— The survey shall include questions regarding—
(A)
work-life balance;
(B)
compensation and benefits;
(C)
career development opportunities;
(D)
the performance evaluation and promotion process, including fairness and transparency;
(E)
communication channels and effectiveness;
(F)
leadership and management;
(G)
organizational culture;
(H)
awareness and effectiveness of complaint measures;
(I)
accessibility and accommodations;
(J)
availability of transportation to and from a work station;
(K)
information technology infrastructure functionality and accessibility;
(L)
the employee’s understanding of the Department’s structure, mission, and goals;
(M)
alignment and relevance of work to the Department’s mission;
(N)
sense of empowerment to affect positive change; and
(O)
experiences with harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other events that contribute to attrition and negatively impact work culture and productivity.
(c)
Required Exit Surveys.—
(1)
In general.— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this division, 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.
(2)
Scope.— The exit surveys conducted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall—
(A)
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, or retaliation;
(ii)
their overall experience with the Department; and
(iii)
any suggestions for improvement; and
(B)
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.
(3)
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.
(d)
Pilot Surveys.— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this division, the Secretary shall conduct a Department-wide survey for Locally Employed Staff regarding retention, training, promotion, and other matters, including harassment, discrimination, and retaliation, that includes workforce perspectives on the accessibility and effectiveness of complaint measures.
(e)
Report.— Not later than 60 days after the conclusion of each survey conducted pursuant to this section, the Secretary shall make the key findings available to the Department workforce and shall submit them to the appropriate congressional committees.
(f)
Retaliation Prevention Efforts.—
(1)
Employee evaluation.—
(A)
In general.— If there is a pending investigation of discrimination 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 or other Department employee as appropriate.
(B)
Effective date.— This paragraph shall take effect 90 days after the date of the enactment of this division.
(2)
Retaliation prevention guidance.— Any Department employee against whom an allegation of discrimination 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. 6212. National Advertising Campaign.

Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this division, 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 to the Civil Service and the Foreign Service by raising public awareness of the important accomplishments of the Department.

SEC. 6213. Expansion of Diplomats in Residence Programs.

(a)
In General.— Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this division—
(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.
(b)
Report.— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this division, and every year for three years thereafter, the Secretary shall report to the appropriate congressional committees whether additional Diplomats in Residence have been established, and, if so, what regions or colleges or universities such diplomats are assigned to, with an explanation as to why those regions or schools were chosen as most in need of additional Department recruiting personnel.

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. 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 division, the Secretary shall seek to employ not fewer than 10 additional personnel in the Bureau of Medical Services, compared to the number of personnel employed as of the date of the enactment of this division.
(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;
(6)
hesitancy to seek out mental health services, due to perceptions and realities regarding the degree to which employees’ use of mental health services could impact their career trajectory, including security clearances; and
(7)
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 division, the Secretary shall submit to appropriate congressional committees a report containing the findings of the study under subsection (b).

SEC. 6223. 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 dependent child and 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. 6224. 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. 6225. 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. 6226. 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 division, 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. 6227. Supporting Tandem Spouses 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 spouses posted together and consider family member employment needs when assigning tandem officers; and
(4)
common sense steps providing more flexibility in the assignments process would improve outcomes for tandem officers without disadvantaging other Foreign Service Officers.
(b)
Definitions.— In this section:
(1)
Family togetherness.— The term “family togetherness” means facilitating the placement of Foreign Service personnel at the same United States diplomatic post when both spouses are members of a tandem couple of Foreign Service personnel.
(2)
Tandem foreign service personnel; tandem.— The terms “tandem Foreign Service personnel” and “tandem” mean a member of a couple of which one spouse is a career or career candidate employee of the Foreign Service and the other spouse is a career or career candidate employee of the Foreign Service or an employee of one of the agencies authorized to use the Foreign Service Personnel System under section 202 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3922).
(c)
Family Togetherness in Assignments.— Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this division, 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 tandem spouses 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 division, 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 spouses currently serving;
(2)
the number of Foreign Service tandems currently serving in separate locations, or, to the extent possible, that are on leave without pay (LWOP); and
(3)
an estimate of the cost savings that would result if all Foreign Service tandem spouses were placed at a single post.

SEC. 6228. Accessibility at Diplomatic Missions.

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this division, 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 division, 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. 6229. Report on Breastfeeding Accommodations Overseas.

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this division, 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 spaces 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. 6230. 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 division, 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 division, submitting to the appropriate congressional committees 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. 6231. 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.

SEC. 6232. Overtime Pay Exception for Protective Services.

(a)
Covered Employee Defined.— In this section, the term “covered employee” means any individual employed by, and conducting protective services on behalf of, the Diplomatic Security Service for an individual.
(b)
Exception to the Limitation on Premium Pay for Protective Services.— Notwithstanding the restrictions contained in section 5547 of title 5, United States Code, any covered employee may receive premium pay for overtime officially ordered or approved and performed while conducting protective security functions in excess of the annual equivalent of the limitation on the rate of pay contained in section 5547(a) of such title, except that such premium pay shall not be payable to an employee to the extent that such aggregate amount would exceed the rate of basic pay payable for a position at level II of the Executive Schedule under section 5313 of such title.
(c)
Treatment of Additional Pay.— If the application of subsection (b) results in the payment of additional premium pay to a covered employee of a type that is normally creditable as basic pay for retirement or any other purpose, that additional pay shall not—
(1)
be considered to be basic pay of the covered employee for any purpose; or
(2)
be used in computing a lump-sum payment to the covered employee for accumulated and accrued annual leave under section 5551 or section 5552 of title 5, United States Code.
(d)
Aggregate Limit.— With respect to the application of section 5307 of title 5, United States Code, the payment of any additional premium pay to a covered employee as a result of subsection (b) shall not be counted as part of the aggregate compensation of the covered employee.
(e)
Report.—
(1)
In general.— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this division, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report describing the steps the Department is taking to address the increased protective service demands placed upon individuals by the Diplomatic Security Service.
(2)
Elements.— The report required under paragraph (1) shall include the following elements:
(A)
An analysis of the current operational demands and staffing levels.
(B)
Recommended strategies for reducing overtime requirements, including—
(i)
hiring additional personnel;
(ii)
solutions such that sufficient resources are available throughout each year without the need for waivers of premium pay limitations;
(iii)
redistribution of workload; and
(iv)
other improvements in operational efficiency.
(3)
Appropriate committees of congress defined.— In this subsection, the term “appropriate committees of Congress” means—
(A)
the appropriate congressional committees;
(B)
the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and
(C)
the Committee on Oversight and Accountability and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
(f)
Effective Date.— This section shall take effect as if enacted on Jan 1, 2023.
(g)
Sunset.— This section shall terminate on December 31, 2025.

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.—
(1)
In general.— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this division, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress an implementation plan that outlines strategies for—
(A)
advancing the goals described in subsection (a)(2);
(B)
hiring Bureau Chief Data Officers at the GS-14 or GS-15 grade or a similar rank;
(C)
assigning at least one Bureau Chief Data Officer to each bureau of the Department; and
(D)
allocation of necessary resources to sustain the Program.
(2)
Appropriate committees of congress defined.— In this subsection, the term “appropriate committees of Congress” means—
(A)
the appropriate congressional committees;
(B)
the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and
(C)
the Committee on Oversight and Accountability and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
(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 division, 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 division, 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 division, 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 subsection.
(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 division, 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 division, 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, determines 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, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate, and the Committee on Oversight and Accountability of the House of Representatives.
(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 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 imports from the People’s Republic of China;
(6)
promote best practices and common standards for a national approach to cybersecurity; and
(7)
advance other priorities consistent with paragraphs (1) through (6), as determined by the Secretary.
(b)
Use of Funds.— Funds made available to carry out this section 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 division, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate, and the Committee on Oversight and Accountability of the House of Representatives 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.— For the purposes of carrying out this section, funds authorized to be appropriated to carry out chapter 4 of part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2346 et seq.) 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 to international organizations and international financial institutions of which the United States is a member. 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, and for contributions to international organizations and international financial institutions of which the United States is a member, 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 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 Oversight and Accountability of the House of Representatives a report 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—
(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 Department personnel 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.—
(1)
In general.— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this division, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report regarding the provision of cyber protection support pursuant to subsection (b), which shall include—
(A)
a description of the methodology used to make the determination under subsection (a)(1); and
(B)
guidance for the use of cyber protection support and tracking of support requests for personnel receiving cyber protection support pursuant to subsection (b).
(2)
Appropriate committees of congress defined.— In this subsection, the term “appropriate committees of Congress” means—
(A)
the appropriate congressional committees;
(B)
the Select Committee on Intelligence and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; and
(C)
the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the Committee on Oversight and Accountability of the House of Representatives.

SEC. 6309. Implementation of Gao High Risk List Recommendations.

(a)
In General.— The Secretary shall implement the Government Accountability Office’s High Risk List recommendations as applicable to the Department for the following activities:
(1)
Improving the management of IT acquisitions and operations.
(2)
Improving strategic human capital management.
(3)
Managing Federal real property.
(4)
Ensuring the cybersecurity of the nation.
(5)
Managing government-wide personnel security clearance process.
(b)
Report.— Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this division, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the Department’s progress in implementing all of the Government Accountability Office’s High Risk List recommendations as applicable to the Department described in subsection (a).
(c)
High Risk List Defined.— In this section, the term “High Risk List” refers to GAO–23–106203, the April 20, 2023, report by the Government Accountability Office titled, “High-Risk Series: Efforts Made to Achieve Progress Need to Be Maintained and Expanded to Fully Address All Areas”.

TITLE LXIV Organization and Operations

SEC. 6401. Personal Services Contractors.

(a)
Sense of Congress.— It is the sense of Congress that the Department should seek to ensure it has sufficient full-time equivalent positions allotted to carry out its current mission, working with the Office of Personnel Management and appropriate congressional committees to that end, and that the use of personal services contractors should not be relied upon to perform core Department functions indefinitely.
(b)
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.
(c)
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).
(d)
Employing and Allocation of Personnel.— To meet the needs described in subsection (b) and subject to the requirements in subsection (e), 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.
(e)
Limitation.— Employment authorized by this section shall not exceed two calendar years.
(f)
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, an indication of how many personal services contractors were previously employees of the Department, and the justification, including the exigent circumstances requiring such use.
(2)
Annual reporting.— Not later than December 1, 2024, and annually thereafter for two years, 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, an indication of how many personal services contractors were previously employees of the Department, 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 division, 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 division, 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 division, 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 division, 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, natural disasters, significant political or military upheaval, and emergency evacuations.
(2)
The Department’s crisis response efforts shall be led by an individual with significant experience responding to prior crises, who shall be so designated by the Secretary.
(3)
The Department’s crisis response efforts shall provide at least quarterly updates to the Secretary and other relevant senior officials, including a plan and schedule to develop contingency planning for identified posts and regions consistent with paragraph (1).
(4)
The decision to develop contingency planning for any particular post or region shall be made independent of any regional bureau.
(5)
The crisis response team shall develop and maintain best practices for evacuations, closures, and emergency conditions.
(b)
Updates.—
(1)
In general.— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this division, 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 6303, 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 division, 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 the United States Embassy in Minsk, Belarus have been suspended;
(4)
shall oversee the operations and personnel of the Belarus Affairs Unit; and
(5)
shall have a duty station that is co-located with the Belarus Affairs Unit.
(e)
Report on Activities.— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this division, 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 and the authorities provided by this section shall terminate 5 years after the date of the enactment of this division.

SEC. 6407. Presidential Envoy for the Abraham Accords, Negev Forum, and Related Integration and Normalization Fora and Agreements.

Title I of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2651a et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

“SEC. 64. PRESIDENTIAL ENVOY FOR THE ABRAHAM ACCORDS, NEGEV FORUM, AND RELATED INTEGRATION AND NORMALIZATION FORA AND AGREEMENTS.

“(a) Office.—There is established within the Department of State the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for the Abraham Accords, Negev Forum, and Related Integration and Normalization Fora and Agreements (referred to in this section as the ‘Regional Integration Office’).

“(b) Leadership.—

“(1) Special envoy.—The Regional Integration Office shall be headed by the Special Presidential Envoy for the Abraham Accords, Negev Forum, and Related Normalization Agreements, who shall—

“(A) be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; and

“(B) report directly to the Secretary of State.

“(c) Rank and Status of Ambassador.—The Special Envoy shall have the rank and status of ambassador.

“(d) Duties.—The Special Envoy shall—

“(1) lead diplomatic engagement—

“(A) to strengthen and expand the Negev Forum, the Abraham Accords, and related normalization agreements with Israel, including promoting initiatives that benefit the people of key partners in regional integration or other regional actors in order to encourage such expansion; and

“(B) to support the work of regional integration;

“(2) implement the policy of the United States to expand normalization and support greater regional integration—

“(A) within the Middle East and North Africa; and

“(B) between the Middle East and North Africa and other key regions, including sub-Saharan Africa, the Indo-Pacific region, and beyond;

“(3) work to deliver tangible economic and security benefits for the citizens of Abraham Accords countries, Negev Forum countries, and countries that are members of other related normalization agreements;

“(4) serve as the ministerial liaison for the United States to the Negev Forum and other emerging normalization and integration fora, as necessary, and provide senior representation at events, steering committee meetings, and other relevant diplomatic engagements relating to the Negev Forum or other regional integration bodies;

“(5) coordinate all cross-agency engagements and strategies in support of normalization efforts with other relevant officials and agencies;

“(6) ensure that the appropriate congressional committees are regularly informed about the work of the Regional Integration Office;

“(7) initiate and advance negotiations on a framework for an economic and security partnership with the Negev Forum countries, other key partners in regional integration, and other regional actors;

“(8) oppose efforts to delegitimize Israel and legal barriers to normalization with Israel;

“(9) initiate negotiations with Abraham Accords countries and Negev Forum countries, observers, and key partners in regional integration on an economic framework that includes—

“(A) improving supply chain security and resiliency;

“(B) aligning common regulatory and financial standards;

“(C) attracting foreign investment;

“(D) diversification of energy resources, including renewable sources of energy, and the development and deployment of emerging and advanced technologies that promote energy security; and

“(E) digital economy, cybersecurity, and cross-border data flow;

“(10) lead interagency efforts to reach an international agreement on the comprehensive economic framework described in paragraph (9);

“(11) endeavor to embed already established standards on countering money laundering and terrorist financing into the regional economic framework described in paragraph (9); and

“(12) promote regional integration and broader interconnectivity among the Abraham Accords countries, Negev Forum countries, observers, key partners in regional integration, and other regional actors by promoting and supporting targeted investment in regional infrastructure and other critical sectors that broaden and deepen interconnectivity, increase economic growth and resilience, create benefits for citizens of Abraham Accords countries and Negev Forum countries, and advance the national security, economic, and development interests of the United States.

“(e) Limitation.—The Special Envoy shall not be a dual-hatted official with other responsibilities within the Department of State or the executive branch.

“(f) Sense of Congress.—It is the sense of Congress that whole-of-government resources should be harnessed to ensure the successful performance by the Special Envoy of the duties described in subsection (d).

“(g) Report.—

“(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the Special Envoy 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 actions taken by all relevant Federal agencies—

“(A) to strengthen and expand the Abraham Accords and the work of the Negev Forum and future structures and organizations; and

“(B) towards the objectives of regional integration.

“(2) Form of report.—The report required by paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may contain a separate, classified annex.

“(h) Strategy.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall submit to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives an interagency strategy to use the economic tools of the Federal Government to promote regional integration through targeted investment as described in subsection (d)(12).

“(i) Termination.—This section shall terminate on the date that is 6 years after date of the enactment of the section.

“(j) Rule of Construction.—If, on the date of the enactment of this section, an individual has already been designated, consistent with the requirements and responsibilities described in subsections (b), (c), and (d) and section 1 of this Act (22 U.S.C. 2651a), the requirements under subsection (b) shall be considered to be satisfied with respect to such individual until the date on which such individual no longer serves as the Special Envoy.

“(k) Definitions.—In this section:

“(1) Abraham accords.—The term ‘Abraham Accords’ means—

“(A) the Abraham Accords Declaration, done at Washington September 15, 2020;

“(B) the Abraham Accords Peace Agreement: Treaty of Peace, Diplomatic Relations and Full Normalization Between the United Arab Emirates and Israel, done at Washington September 15, 2020;

“(C) the Abraham Accords: Declaration of Peace, Cooperation, and Constructive Diplomatic and Friendly Relations, done at Washington September 15, 2020, between Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain; and

“(D) the Joint Declaration of the Kingdom of Morocco, the United States, and Israel, done at Rabat December 22, 2020.

“(2) Expand.—The term ‘expand’, with respect to the Abraham Accords, means to increase the number of regional, Arab, or Muslim-majority countries that seek to normalize relations with the State of Israel.

“(3) Key partners in regional integration.—The term ‘key partners in regional integration’ means—

“(A) any Abraham Accords country;

“(B) Egypt;

“(C) Jordan;

“(D) the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; and

“(E) any other active and constructive country that supports cooperation—

“(i) to normalize relations between countries in the Middle East and North Africa and Israel; and

“(ii) to advance regional integration.

“(4) Negev forum.—The term ‘Negev Forum’ means the regional grouping known as the Negev Forum Regional Cooperation Framework that was adopted on November 10, 2022, or any successor group.

“(5) Observer.—The term ‘observer’—

“(A) means any country, particularly inside the Middle East and North Africa region, or political entity that—

“(i) directly supports the objectives and processes of the Negev Forum;

“(ii) expresses serious interest in participating in certain projects determined by the Negev Forum that benefit normalization with Israel and greater regional integration; and

“(iii) is not an official member of the Negev Forum Steering Committee or any working group of the Negev Forum; and

“(B) includes 3+1 format members Cyprus and Greece.

“(6) Other regional actors.—The term ‘other regional actors’ means the Palestinian Authority or a credible future political entity that serves as the interlocutor for the Palestinian people.

“(7) Strengthen.—The term ‘strengthen’, with respect to the Abraham Accords and the Negev Forum, means to engage in efforts that improve the diplomatic relations between Abraham Accords countries and broaden the breadth and scope of issues on which Abraham Accords countries cooperate.”

SEC. 6408. Overseas Placement of Special Appointment Positions.

Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this division, 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. 6409. 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 and from 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.

“(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), United States assistance, as necessary, for return travel to the United States upon release of such United States national.

“(3) Support.—

“(A) In general.—The Secretary shall seek to make available physical health services, mental health services, and other support as appropriate, including providing information on available legal or financial resources, to—

“(i) any United States national unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad; and

“(ii) any family member of such United States national.

“(B) Limitations.—

“(i) In general.—For any support described in subparagraph (A) for an individual described in clause (i) or (ii) of such subparagraph that commences following the return of a United States national who was unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad, such support shall be made available for up to 5 years from the date on which any individual identified in subparagraph (A) chooses to avail themselves of the support described in that subparagraph, unless the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs determines that circumstances warrant extending such support.

“(ii) Exception.—The time limitation under clause (i) does not apply to any support provided during the pendency of the detention of a United States national unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad.

“(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) Funding.—Funds authorized to be appropriated for the Department of State, which may include funds made available for unforeseen emergencies arising in the diplomatic and consular service, may be used to provide the support authorized by this section.

“(6) 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 types of support provided pursuant to paragraph (3), provided that such description does not identify any individuals receiving any physical or mental health support, in order to protect their privacy; 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.

“(7) Sunset.—The authority and requirements under paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and (5) shall terminate on December 31, 2027.

“(8) 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.”

SEC. 6410. Establishment of Fiscal Responsibility Award.

The Under Secretary of State for Management shall establish, in consultation with the Director of the Budget and Planning Bureau and the Director of Global Talent, an annual departmental award for any exemplary employee who recommends, identifies, or adopts significant cost-saving measures for program implementation or through the reallocation of resources.

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 division, 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 (a) 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);
(2)
the report required under subsection (c); and
(3)
a report on the status of and actions taken to implement section 708 of the Championing American Business through Diplomacy Act of 2019 (title VII of division J of Public Law 116–94; 22 U.S.C. 9904).

SEC. 6503. Direction to Embassy Deal Teams.

(a)
Purposes.— The purposes of deal teams at United States embassies and consulates are—
(1)
to promote a private sector-led approach—
(A)
to advance economic growth and job creation that is tailored, as appropriate, to specific economic sectors; and
(B)
to advance strategic partnerships;
(2)
to prioritize efforts—
(A)
to identify commercial and investment opportunities;
(B)
to advocate for improvements in the business and investment climate;
(C)
to engage and consult with private sector partners; and
(D)
to report on the activities described in subparagraphs (A) through (C), in accordance with the applicable requirements under sections 706 and 707 of the Championing American Business Through Diplomacy Act of 2019 (22 U.S.C. 9902 and 9903);
(3)
(A)
(i)
to identify trade and investment opportunities for United States companies in foreign markets; or
(ii)
to assist with existing trade and investment opportunities already identified by United States companies; and
(B)
to deploy United States Government economic and other tools to help such United States companies to secure their objectives;
(4)
to identify and facilitate opportunities for entities in a host country to increase exports to, or investment in, the United States in order to grow two-way trade and investment;
(5)
to modernize, streamline, and improve access to resources and services designed to promote increased trade and investment opportunities;
(6)
to identify and secure United States or allied government support of strategic projects, such as ports, railways, energy production and distribution, critical minerals development, telecommunications networks, and other critical infrastructure projects vulnerable to predatory investment by an authoritarian country or entity in such country where support or investment serves an important United States interest;
(7)
to coordinate across the Unites States Government to ensure the appropriate and most effective use of United States Government tools to support United States economic, commercial, and investment objectives; and
(8)
to coordinate with the multi-agency DC Central Deal Team, established in February 2020, on the matters described in paragraphs (1) through (7) and other relevant matters.
(b)
Clarification.— A deal team may be composed of the personnel comprising the mission economic team formed pursuant to section 207 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980.
(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 division.

SEC. 6504. 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 to the appropriate congressional committees, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate, and the Committee on Oversight and Accountability of the House of Representatives a report 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. Report on Radio Free Africa and Radio Free Americas.

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this division, the Chief Executive Officer of the United States Agency for Global Media shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees, the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, 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 that are likely to produce a range of qualified applicants, 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 a 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 the 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;

“(3) a plan for factoring such lessons learned into future programming, and

“(4) 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.”

(c)
Sunset.— The authority to carry out the John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship Program established under section 115 of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2451 et seq.), as added by subsection (a), shall expire on the date that is 10 years after the date of the enactment of this division.

SEC. 6605. Domestic Engagement and Public Affairs.

(a)
Strategy Required.— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this division, the Secretary shall develop a strategy to explain to the American people the value of the work of the Department and the importance that United States foreign policy plays in 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 programs 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 Jo 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. Modernization and Enhancement Strategy.

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this division, 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 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 division, 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; 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 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. 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 division, 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. 6704. Special Envoys.

(a)
Review.— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this division, 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. 6705. 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.
(d)
Parameters.— In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall ensure that the activities of the US-ASEAN Center do not duplicate current lines of effort being conducted by the United States Government or its grantees.

SEC. 6706. 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 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. 6707. 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)
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).
(3)
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).
(4)
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. 6708. Art in Embassies.

Section 5112(c) of the Department of State Authorization Act of 2021 (division E of Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat, 2350) is amended by striking “ 2 years after” and inserting “ 4 years after”.

SEC. 6709. Institute for Transatlantic Engagement.

(a)
Establishment.— The Secretary of State is authorized to establish the Institute for Transatlantic Engagement (referred to in this section as the “Institute”).
(b)
Purpose.— The purpose of any Institute established pursuant to subsection (a) shall be to strengthen national security by highlighting, to a geographically diverse set of populations from the United States, Canada, and European nations, the importance of the transatlantic relationship and the threats posed by adversarial countries, such as the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China, to democracy, free-market economic principles, and human rights.
(c)
Director.— Any Institute established pursuant to subsection (a) shall be headed by a Director, to be appointed by the Secretary, who shall have expertise in transatlantic relations and diverse populations in the United States and Europe.
(d)
Scope and Activities.— Any Institute established pursuant to subsection (a) shall—
(1)
strengthen knowledge among participants of the formation and implementation of transatlantic policies critical to national security, including the threats posed by the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China;
(2)
increase awareness among participants of the roles of government and nongovernmental actors, such as multilateral organizations, businesses, civil society actors, academia, think tanks, and philanthropic institutions, in transatlantic policy development and execution;
(3)
increase understanding among participants of the manner in which diverse backgrounds and perspectives affect the development of transatlantic policies;
(4)
enhance the skills, abilities, and effectiveness of participating government officials;
(5)
increase awareness among participants of the importance of, and interest in, international public service careers;
(6)
not less than 3 times annually, convene representatives of the United States Government, the Government of Canada, and of governments of European nations for a program offered by the Institute; and
(7)
develop metrics to track the success and efficacy of the program which shall be reported to the appropriate congressional committees and prior to the convening of the first program described in paragraph (6).
(e)
Eligibility to Participate.— Participants in the programs of the Institute shall include elected government officials—
(1)
serving at national, regional, or local levels in the United States, Canada, and European nations; and
(2)
who represent geographically diverse backgrounds or constituencies in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
(f)
Selection of Participants.—
(1)
United states participants.— Participants from the United States shall be appointed in an equally divided manner by—
(A)
the chairpersons and ranking members of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives;
(B)
the majority leader of the Senate and the minority leader of the Senate; and
(C)
the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the minority leader of the House of Representatives.
(2)
European and canadian participants.— Participants from Europe and Canada shall be appointed by the Secretary of State, in consultation with—
(A)
the chairpersons and ranking members of the appropriate congressional committees;
(B)
the majority leader of the Senate and the minority leader of the Senate; and
(C)
the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the minority leader of the House of Representatives.
(g)
Restrictions.—
(1)
Unpaid participation.— Participants in the Institute may not be paid a salary for such participation.
(2)
Reimbursement.— The Institute may pay or reimburse participants for reasonable travel, lodging, and food in connection with participation in the program.
(3)
Travel.— No funds authorized to be appropriated under subsection (h) may be used for travel for members of Congress to participate in Institute activities.
(h)
Authorization of Appropriations.— There is authorized to be appropriated up to $750,000 for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 to carry out this section.
(i)
Sunset.— The authority provided by this section terminates on December 31, 2025.

SEC. 6710. Notification of Revocation of Clearances.

(a)
In General.— With respect to any covered official whose security clearance is suspended or revoked, the Secretary shall—
(1)
submit to the Chair and Ranking Member of the appropriate congressional committees, the Majority Leader of the Senate, the Minority Leader of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives a notification not later than 15 days after the suspension or revocation of such clearance; and
(2)
brief the Chair and Ranking Member of the appropriate congressional committees, the Majority Leader of the Senate, the Minority Leader of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives not later than 30 days after such suspension or revocation on the present employment status of such individual and whether the job duties of such individual have changed since such suspension or revocation.
(b)
Form.— The notification and briefing required by subsection (a) may be provided in classified form, if necessary.
(c)
Covered Official Defined.— For purposes of this section, the term “covered official” means any of the following:
(1)
Any individual holding a position at or higher than the level of Assistant Secretary or its equivalent in the Department of State.
(2)
Any individual holding the position of chief of mission or principal officer at any diplomatic or consular post.
(3)
Any individual holding the rank and status of an ambassador or otherwise holding a position that reports directly to the Secretary, such as a special envoy.
(d)
Sunset.— This section shall terminate not later than three years after the date of the enactment of this division.