#aacth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,h4 ,r4 #ddij ,,an ,,act ,to enhance the missions1 objectives1 and effectiveness of ,united ,states international communications1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,reform ,act of #bjad4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,sec4 #b4 ,findings and declarations4 ,sec4 #c4 ,purposes4 ,sec4 #d4 ,definitions4 ,sec4 #e4 ,broadcasting standards4 ,sec4 #f4 ,eligible broadcast areas4 ,title ,i--,,establishment1 ,,organization1 ,,and ,,management ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,,international ,,communications ,,agency ,subtitle ,a--,establishment of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency ,sec4 #aja4 ,existence within the ,executive ,branch4 ,sec4 #ajb4 ,establishment of the board of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency4 ,sec4 #ajc4 ,authorities and duties of the board of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency4 ,sec4 #ajd4 ,establishment of the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency4 ,sec4 #aje4 ,authorities and duties of the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency4 ,sec4 #ajf4 ,role of the ,secretary of ,state4 ,sec4 #ajg4 ,role of the ,inspector ,general4 ,sec4 #ajh4 ,enhanced coordination between ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency and the ,freedom ,news ,network2 program content sharing2 grantee independence4 ,sec4 #aji4 ,enhanced coordination among the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency1 the ,freedom ,news ,network1 and the ,department of ,state2 ,freedom ,news ,network independence4 ,sec4 #aaj4 ,grants to the ,freedom ,news ,network4 ,sec4 #aaa4 ,other personnel and compensation limitations4 ,sec4 #aab4 ,reporting requirements of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency4 ,subtitle ,b--,the ,voice of ,america ,sec4 #aba4 ,sense of ,congress4 ,sec4 #abb4 ,principles of the ,voice of ,america4 ,sec4 #abc4 ,duties and responsibilities of the ,voice of ,america4 ,sec4 #abd4 ,limitation on voice of ,america news1 programming1 and content2 exception for broadcasting to ,cuba4 ,sec4 #abe4 ,director of ,voice of ,america4 ,subtitle ,c--,general ,provisions ,sec4 #aca4 ,federal agency coordination in support of ,united ,states public diplomacy4 ,sec4 #acb4 ,federal agency assistance and coordination with the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency and the ,freedom ,news ,network during international broadcast surges4 ,sec4 #acc4 ,freedom ,news ,network right of first refusal in instances of ,federal disposal of radio or television broadcast transmission facilities or equipment4 ,sec4 #acd4 ,repeal of the ,united ,states ,international ,broadcasting ,act of #aiid4 ,sec4 #ace4 ,effective date4 ,title ,,ii--,,the ,,freedom ,,news ,,network ,sec4 #bja4 ,sense of ,congress4 ,subtitle ,a--,consolidation of ,existing ,grantee ,organizations ,sec4 #baa4 ,formation of the ,freedom ,news ,network from existing grantees4 ,sec4 #bab4 ,mission of the ,freedom ,news ,network4 ,sec4 #bac4 ,standards and principles of the ,freedom ,news ,network4 ,subtitle ,b--,organization of the ,freedom ,news ,network ,sec4 #bba4 ,governance of the ,freedom ,news ,network4 ,sec4 #bbb4 ,budget of the ,freedom ,news ,network4 ,sec4 #bbc4 ,assistance from other government agencies4 ,sec4 #bbd4 ,reports by the ,office of the ,inspector ,general of the ,department of ,state2 audits by ,,gao4 ,sec4 #bbe4 ,amendments to the ,united ,states ,information and ,educational ,exchange ,act of #aidh4 ,title ,,iii--,,miscellaneous ,,provisions ,sec4 #cja4 ,preservation of ,united ,states ,national ,security objectives4 ,sec4 #cjb4 ,requirement for authorization of appropriations4 #b4 ,findings and declarations ,congress finds and declares the following3 7#a7 ,united ,states international broadcasting exists to advance the ,united ,states interests and values by presenting accurate1 objective1 and comprehensive news and information1 which is the foundation for democratic governance1 to societies that lack a free media4 7#b7 ,article #ai of the ,universal ,declaration of ,human ,rights states that everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression1 and that this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek1 receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers4 7#c7 ,secretary of ,state ,hillary ,clinton testified before the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives on ,january #bc1 #bjac1 that the ,broadcasting ,board of ,governors 7,,bbg7 is practically a defunct agency in terms of its capacity to be able to tell a message around the world4 ,so we're abdicating the ideological arena and need to get back into it44 7#d7 ,the ,,bbg1 which was created by ,congress to oversee the ,united ,states international broadcasting in the wake of the ,cold ,war1 has1 because of structural and managerial issues1 had limited success to date in both coordinating the various components of the international broadcasting framework and managing the day-to-day operations of the ,federal components of the international broadcasting framework4 7#e7 ,the lack of regular attendance by board members and a periodic inability to form a quorum have plagued the ,,bbg and1 as a result1 it has been functionally incapable of running the agency4 7#f7 ,the board of governors has only achieved the full slate of all nine governors for seven of its #ag years of existence1 which highlights the difficulties of confirming and retaining governors under the current structure4 7#g7 ,both the ,department of ,state's ,office of ,inspector ,general and the ,government ,accountability ,office have issued reports which outline a severely dysfunctional organizational structure of the ,broadcasting ,board of ,governors4 7#h7 ,the ,inspector ,general of the ,department of ,state concluded in its ,january #bjac report that dysfunction of the ,,bbg stems from a flawed legislative structure and acute internal dissension4 7#i7 ,the ,inspector ,general of the ,department of ,state also found that the ,,bbg's structure of nine part-time members cannot effectively supervise all ,united ,states ,government-supported1 civilian international broadcasting1 and its involvement in day-to-day operations has impeded normal management functions4 7#aj7 ,the ,government ,accountability ,office report determined that there was significant overlap among the ,,bbg's languages services1 and that the ,,bbg did not systematically consider the financial cost of overlap4 7#aa7 ,according to the ,office of the ,inspector ,general1 the ,,bbg's ,office of ,contracts is not in compliance with the ,federal ,acquisition ,regulation1 lacks appropriate contract oversight1 and violates the ,anti-,deficiency ,act4 ,the ,office of the ,inspector ,general also determined that the ,broadcasting ,board of ,governors has not adequately performed full and open competitions or price determinations1 has entered into hundreds of personal service contracts without statutory authority1 and contractors regularly work without valid contracts in place4 7#ab7 ,the size and make-up of the ,,bbg workforce should be closely examined1 given the agency's broader broadcasting and technical mission1 as well as changing media technologies4 7#ac7 ,the ,,bbg should be structured to ensure that more taxpayer dollars are dedicated to the substantive1 broadcasting1 and information-related elements of the agency's mission4 7#ad7 ,the lack of a coherent and well defined mission of the ,voice of ,america has led to programming that duplicates the efforts of the ,office of ,cuba ,broadcasting1 ,radio ,free ,asia1 ,,rfe_/,,rl1 ,incorporated1 and the ,middle ,east ,broadcasting ,networks1 ,incorporated that results in inefficient use of tax-payer funding4 7#ae7 ,the annual survey conducted by the ,partnership for ,public ,service consistently ranks the ,broadcasting ,board of ,governors at or near the bottom of all ,federal agencies in terms of overall best places to work and the extent to which employees feel their skills and talents are used effectively4 ,the consistency of these low scores point to structural1 cultural1 and functional problems at the ,broadcasting ,board of ,governors4 7#af7 ,the ,federal and non-,federal organizations that comprise the ,united ,states international broadcasting framework have different1 yet complementary1 missions that necessitate coordination at all levels of management4 7#ag7 ,the ,broadcasting ,board of ,governors has an overabundance of senior civil service positions1 defined here as full-time employees encumbering ,,gs-#ad and ,,gs-#ae positions on the ,general ,schedule pay scale4 7#ah7 ,united ,states international broadcasting should seek to leverage public-private partnerships1 including the licensing of content and the use of technology owned or operated by non-governmental sources1 where possible to expand outreach capacity4 7#ai7 ,shortwave broadcasting has been an important method of communication that should be utilized in regions as a component of ,united ,states international broadcasting where a critical need for the platform exists4 7#bj7 ,congressional action is necessary at this time to improve international broadcasting operations1 strengthen the ,united ,states public diplomacy efforts1 enhance the grantee surrogate broadcasting effort1 restore focus to news1 programming1 and content1 and maximize the value of ,federal and non-,federal resources that are dedicated to public diplomacy and international broadcasting4 #c4 ,purposes ,the purposes of this ,act are as follows3 7#a7 ,to provide objective1 accurate1 credible1 and comprehensive news and information to societies that lack freedom of expression and information4 7#b7 ,to improve the efficiency1 effectiveness1 and flexibility of ,united ,states international broadcasting to allow it to adapt to constantly changing political and media environments through clarification of missions1 improved coordination1 and organizational restructuring4 7#c7 ,to coordinate the complementary efforts of the ,department of ,state and ,united ,states international broadcasting4 7#d7 ,to create a ,united ,states international broadcasting framework that more effectively leverages the broadcasting tools available and creates specialization of expertise in mission oriented programming1 while minimizing waste and inefficiency4 7#e7 ,to improve ,united ,states international broadcasting workforce effectiveness1 security1 and satisfaction4 #d4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,appropriate congressional committees ,the term appropriate congressional committees means the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives1 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate1 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives1 and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate4 7#b7 ,grantee ,the term grantee means the non-,federal organization described in section #eja7;c77#c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf and exempt from tax under section #eja7;a7 of such ,code as of day before the date of the enactment of this ,act that receives ,federal funding from the ,broadcasting ,board of ,governors1 and includes ,radio ,free ,asia1 ,,rfe_/,,rl1 ,incorporated1 and the ,middle ,east ,broadcasting ,networks1 ,incorporated4 7#c7 ,freedom news network ,the term ,freedom ,news ,network refers to the non-,federal organization described in section #eja7;c77#c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf and exempt from tax under section #eja7;a7 of such ,code that would receive ,federal funding and be responsible for promoting democratic freedoms and free media operations for foreign audiences in societies that lack freedom of expression and information1 and consisting of the consolidation of the grantee in accordance with section #baa4 7#d7 ,public diplomacy ,the term public diplomacy means the effort to achieve broad ,united ,states foreign policy goals and objectives1 advance national interests1 and enhance national security by informing and influencing foreign publics and by expanding and strengthening the relationship between the people and ,government of the ,united ,states and citizens of other countries4 #e4 ,broadcasting standards ,united ,states international broadcasting shall incorporate the following standards into all of its broadcasting efforts3 7#a7 ,be consistent with the broad foreign policy objectives of the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,be consistent with the international telecommunications policies and treaty obligations of the ,united ,states4 7#c7 ,not duplicate the activities of private ,united ,states broadcasters4 7#d7 ,be conducted in accordance with the highest professional standards of broadcast journalism while remaining consistent with and supportive of the broad foreign policy objectives of the ,united ,states4 7#e7 ,be based on reliable1 research-based information1 both quantitative and qualitative1 about its potential audience4 7#f7 ,be designed so as to effectively reach a significant audience4 7#g7 ,promote freedom of expression1 religion1 and respect for human rights and human equality4 #f4 ,eligible broadcast areas 7a7 ,in general ,the ,board of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency and the ,board of the ,freedom ,news ,network1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,state1 shall ensure that ,united ,states international broadcasting is conducted only to countries and regions that-- 7#a7 lack democratic rule1 or the indicia of democratic rule1 such as demonstrable proof of free and fair elections2 7#b7 lack the legal and political environment that allows media organizations and journalists to operate free from government-led or permitted harassment1 intimidation1 retribution1 and from economic impediments to the development1 production1 and dissemination of news and related programming and content2 7#c7 lack established1 domestic1 and widely accessible media that provide accurate1 objective1 and comprehensive news and related programming and content2 and 7#d7 by virtue of the criteria described in this subsection1 would benefit the national security and related interests of the ,united ,states1 and the safety and security of ,united ,states citizens at home and abroad4 7b7 ,exception ,the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency and the ,freedom ,news ,network may broadcast to countries that fall outside of the criteria described in subsection 7a7 if the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,agency and the ,freedom ,news ,network1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,state1 determine it is in the national security interest of the ,united ,states1 or in the interests of preserving the safety and security of ,united ,states citizens at home and abroad1 to do so4 ,i ,,establishment1 ,,organization1 ,,and ,,management ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,,international ,,communications ,,agency ,a ,establishment of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency #aja4 ,existence within the ,executive ,branch ,there is hereby established a single ,federal organization consisting of the ,voice of ,america and the offices that constitute the ,international ,broadcasting ,bureau and referred to hereafter as the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency1 which shall exist within the executive branch of ,government as an independent establishment described in section #ajd of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 #ajb4 ,establishment of the board of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency 7a7 ,composition of the board of the united states international communications agency 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,board 7in this section referred to as the ,board7 of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency shall consist of nine members1 as follows3 7,a7 ,eight voting members who shall be appointed by the ,president1 by and with the advice and consent of the ,senate4 7,b7 ,the ,secretary of ,state1 who shall also be a voting member4 7#b7 ,chair ,the ,president shall appoint one member 7other than the ,secretary of ,state7 as ,chair of the ,board1 by and with the advice and consent of the ,senate4 7#c7 ,political affiliation ,exclusive of the ,secretary of ,state1 not more than four members of the ,board shall be of the same political party4 7#d7 ,retention of existing bbg members ,the presidentially-appointed and ,senate-confirmed members of the ,broadcasting ,board of ,governors serving as of the date of the enactment of this ,act shall constitute the ,board of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency and hold office the remainder of their original terms of office without reappointment to the ,board4 7b7 ,term of office ,the term of office of each member of the ,board shall be #c years1 except that the ,secretary of ,state shall remain a member of the ,board during the ,secretary's term of service4 ,of the other eight voting members1 the initial terms of office of two members shall be #a year1 and the initial terms of office of three other members shall be #b years1 as determined by the ,president4 ,the ,president shall appoint1 by and with the advice and consent of the ,senate1 ,board members to fill vacancies occurring prior to the expiration of a term1 in which case the members so appointed shall serve for the remainder of such term4 ,members may not serve beyond their terms4 ,when there is no ,secretary of ,state1 the ,acting ,secretary of ,state shall serve as a member of the ,board until a ,secretary is appointed4 7c7 ,selection of board ,members of the ,board shall be citizens of the ,united ,states who are not regular full-time employees of the ,united ,states ,government4 ,such members shall be selected by the ,president from among citizens distinguished in the fields of public diplomacy1 mass communications1 print1 broadcast media1 or foreign affairs4 7d7 ,compensation ,members of the ,board1 while attending meetings of the ,board or while engaged in duties relating to such meetings or in other activities of the ,board pursuant to this section 7including travel time7 shall be entitled to receive compensation equal to the daily equivalent of the compensation prescribed for level ,,iv of the ,executive ,schedule under section #ecae of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 ,while away from their homes or regular places of business1 members of the ,board may be allowed travel expenses1 including per diem in lieu of subsistence1 in accordance with section #egjc of such title for persons in the ,government service employed intermittently4 ,the ,secretary of ,state shall not be entitled to any compensation under this chapter4 7e7 ,decisions ,decisions of the ,board shall be made by majority vote1 a quorum being present4 ,a quorum shall consist of a majority of members then serving at the time a decision of the ,board is made4 7f7 ,transparency ,the ,board of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency shall adhere to the provisions specified in the ,government in the ,sunshine ,act 7,public ,law #id-dji74 #ajc4 ,authorities and duties of the board of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency ,the ,board of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency shall have the following authorities3 7#a7 ,to review and evaluate the mission and operation of1 and to assess the quality1 effectiveness1 and professional integrity of1 all programming produced by the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency to ensure alignment with the broad foreign policy objectives of the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,to ensure that broadcasting of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency is conducted in accordance with the standards specified in section #e4 7#c7 ,to review1 evaluate1 and recommend to the ,chief ,executive of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency1 at least annually1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,state1 the necessity of adding or deleting of language services of the ,agency4 7#d7 ,to submit to the ,president and ,congress an annual report which summarizes and evaluates activities of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency described in this title4 #ajd4 ,establishment of the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency 7a7 ,in general ,there shall be a ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency1 appointed by the ,board of the ,agency for a five-year term1 renewable at the ,board's discretion1 and subject to the provisions of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 governing appointments1 classification1 and compensation4 7b7 ,qualifications ,the ,chief ,executive ,officer shall be selected from among ,united ,states citizens with two or more of the following qualifications3 7#a7 ,a distinguished career in managing a large organization or ,federal agency4 7#b7 ,experience in the field of mass communications1 print1 or broadcast media4 7#c7 ,experience in foreign affairs or international relations4 7#d7 ,experience in directing ,united ,states public diplomacy programs4 7c7 ,termination and transfer ,immediately upon appointment of the ,chief ,executive ,officer under subsection 7a71 the ,director of the ,international ,broadcasting ,bureau shall be terminated1 and all of the responsibilities and authorities of the ,director shall be transferred to and assumed by the ,chief ,executive ,officer4 7d7 ,removal of chief executive officer ,the ,chief ,executive ,officer under subsection 7a7 may be removed upon a two-thirds majority vote of the members of the ,board of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency then serving4 7e7 ,compensation of the chief executive officer ,any ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency hired after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 shall be eligible to receive compensation up to an annual rate of pay equivalent to level ,i of the ,executive ,schedule under section #ecae of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 #aje4 ,authorities and duties of the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency 7a7 ,duties ,the ,chief ,executive ,officer under section #ajd shall direct operations of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency and shall have the following non-delegable authorities1 subject to the supervision of the ,board of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency3 7#a7 ,to supervise all ,federal broadcasting activities conducted pursuant to title ,v of the ,united ,states ,information and ,educational ,exchange ,act of #aidh 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #adfa et seq47 and the ,voice of ,america as described in subtitle ,b of title ,i of this ,act4 7#b7 ,to make and ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of the grant agreement in accordance with section #aaj4 7#c7 ,to review engineering activities to ensure that all broadcasting elements receive the highest quality and cost-effective delivery services4 7#d7 ,to undertake such studies as may be necessary to identify areas in which broadcasting activities under the authority of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency could be made more efficient and economical4 7#e7 ,to the extent considered necessary to carry out the functions of the ,board1 procure supplies1 services1 and other personal property1 as well as procurement pursuant to section #aece of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code 7commonly referred to as the ,economy ,act71 of such goods and services from other ,federal agencies for the ,board as the ,board determines are appropriate4 7#f7 ,to appoint such staff personnel for the ,board as the ,board may determine to be necessary1 subject to the provisions of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 governing appointments in the competitive service1 and to fix their compensation in accordance with the provisions of chapter #ea and subchapter ,,iii of chapter #ec of such title relating to classification and ,general ,schedule pay rates4 7#g7 ,to obligate and expend1 for official reception and representation expenses1 such amounts as may be made available through appropriations ,acts4 7#h7 ,to make available in the annual reports required under section #ajc information on funds expended on administrative and managerial services by the ,board of the ,united ,states ,communications ,agency1 and the steps the ,board has taken to reduce unnecessary overhead costs for each of the broadcasting services4 7#i7 ,to provide for the use of ,united ,states ,government broadcasting capacity to the ,freedom ,news ,network4 7#aj7 7,a7 ,to procure temporary and intermittent personal services to the same extent as is authorized by section #caji of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 at rates not to exceed the daily equivalent of the rate provided for positions classified above grade ,,gs-#ae of the ,general ,schedule under section #eajh of such title4 7,b7 ,to allow those individuals providing such services1 while away from their homes or their regular places of business1 travel expenses 7including per diem in lieu of subsistence7 as authorized by section #egjc of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 for persons in the ,government service employed intermittently1 while so employed4 7#aa7 ,to utilize the provisions of titles ,,iii1 ,,iv1 ,v1 ,,vii1 ,,viii1 ,,ix1 and ,x of the ,united ,states ,information and ,educational ,exchange ,act of #aidh 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #adca et seq471 and section #f of ,reorganization ,plan ,number #b of #aigg1 as in effect on the day before the effective date of title ,,xiii of the ,foreign ,affairs ,agencies ,consolidation ,act of #aiih1 to the extent the ,board considers necessary to carry out the provisions and purposes of this ,act4 7#ab7 ,to utilize the authorities of any other statute1 reorganization plan1 ,executive order1 regulation1 agreement1 determination1 or other official document or proceeding that had been available to the ,director of the ,united ,states ,information ,agency1 the ,international ,broadcasting ,bureau1 or the ,board of the ,broadcasting ,board of ,governors before the date of the enactment of this ,act4 7#ac7 7,a7 ,to provide for the payment of primary and secondary school expenses for dependents of personnel stationed in the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands 7,,cnmi7 at a cost not to exceed expenses authorized by the ,department of ,defense for such schooling for dependents of members of the ,armed ,forces stationed in the ,commonwealth1 if the ,board determines that schools available in the ,commonwealth are unable to provide adequately for the education of the dependents of such personnel4 7,b7 ,to provide transportation for dependents of such personnel between their places of residence and those schools for which expenses are provided under subparagraph 7,a71 if the ,board determines that such schools are not accessible by public means of transportation4 7b7 ,consultations ,the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency shall regularly consult with the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,freedom ,news ,network and the ,secretary of ,state as described in sections #ajh and #aji4 #ajf4 ,role of the ,secretary of ,state ,to assist the ,board of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency in carrying out its functions1 the ,secretary of ,state shall provide to the ,board information in accordance with section #aji7;b71 as well as guidance on ,united ,states foreign policy and public diplomacy priorities1 as the ,secretary determines appropriate4 #ajg4 ,role of the ,inspector ,general 7a7 ,in general ,the ,inspector ,general of the ,department of ,state shall exercise the same authorities with respect to the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency and the ,freedom ,news ,network as the ,inspector ,general exercises with respect to the ,department4 7b7 ,journalist integrity ,the ,inspector ,general of the ,department of ,state shall respect the journalistic integrity of all the broadcasters covered by this ,act and may not evaluate the philosophical or political perspectives reflected in the content of the broadcasts of such broadcasters4 #ajh4 ,enhanced coordination between ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency and the ,freedom ,news ,network2 program content sharing2 grantee independence 7a7 ,meetings ,the chair of the ,board and ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency shall meet at least on a quarterly basis with the chair and ,chief ,executive ,officer1 as identified in section #bba1 of the ,freedom ,news ,network to discuss mutual issues of concern1 including the following3 7#a7 ,the strategic direction of their respective organizations1 including target audiences4 7#b7 ,languages of information transmission4 7#c7 ,prioritization of funding allocations4 7#d7 ,areas for greater collaboration4 7#e7 ,elimination of programming overlap4 7#f7 ,efficiencies that can be realized through best practices and lessons learned4 7#g7 ,sharing of program content4 7b7 ,information sharing ,the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,broadcasting ,agency and the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,freedom ,news ,network shall share all strategic planning documents1 including the following3 7#a7 ,results monitoring and evaluation4 7#b7 ,annual planning documents4 7#c7 ,audience surveys conducted4 7#d7 ,budget formulation documents4 7c7 ,program content sharing ,the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency and the ,freedom ,news ,network shall make all original content available to each other through a shared platform in accordance with section #aab7;a77#c74 7d7 ,independence of freedom news network ,the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency1 while conducting management of the grant described in section #aaj1 shall avoid even the appearance of involvement in daily operations1 decisions1 and management of the ,freedom ,news ,network1 and ensure that the distinctions between the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency and ,freedom ,news ,network remain in accordance with this ,act4 #aji4 ,enhanced coordination among the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency1 the ,freedom ,news ,network1 and the ,department of ,state2 ,freedom ,news ,network independence 7a7 ,coordination meetings ,the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency and the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,freedom ,news ,network shall meet1 at least on a quarterly basis1 with the ,secretary of ,state to-- 7#a7 review and evaluate broadcast activities2 7#b7 eliminate overlap of programming2 and 7#c7 determine long-term strategies for international broadcasting to ensure such strategies are in accordance with the broad foreign policy interests of the ,united ,states4 7b7 ,strategic planning documents ,the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency1 the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,freedom ,news ,network1 and the ,secretary of ,state shall share all relevant unclassified strategic planning documents produced by the ,agency1 the ,freedom ,news ,network1 and the ,department of ,state4 7c7 ,freedom news network independence ,the ,department of ,state1 while coordinating with the ,freedom ,news ,network in accordance with subsection 7a71 shall avoid even the appearance of involvement in the daily operations1 decisions1 and management of the ,freedom ,news ,network4 #aaj4 ,grants to the ,freedom ,news ,network 7a7 ,in general ,the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency shall make grants to ,,rfe_/,,rl1 ,incorporated1 ,radio ,free ,asia1 or the ,middle ,east ,broadcasting ,networks1 ,incorporated only after the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,agency and the ,chief ,executive ,officer of ,freedom ,news ,network certify to the appropriate congressional committees that the headquarters of the ,freedom ,news ,network and its senior administrative and managerial staff are in a location which ensures economy1 operational effectiveness1 and accountability1 and the following conditions have been satisfied3 7#a7 ,,rfe_/,,rl1 ,incorporated1 ,radio ,free ,asia1 and the ,middle ,east ,broadcasting ,networks1 ,incorporated have submitted to the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency a plan for consolidation and reconstitution as described in section #baa under the new corporate name ,freedom ,news ,network with a single organizational structure and management framework1 as described in section #bba4 7#b7 ,the necessary steps towards the consolidation described in paragraph 7#a7 have been completed1 including the selection of a ,board1 ,chair1 and ,chief ,executive ,officer for the ,freedom ,news ,network1 the establishment of bylaws to govern the ,freedom ,news ,network1 and the filing of articles of incorporation4 7#c7 ,a plan for content sharing has been developed in accordance with section #aab7;a77#c74 7#d7 ,a strategic plan for programming implementation has been developed in accordance with section #bbb7;c74 7b7 ,report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,board of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency shall submit to ,congress a report on the status of any grants made to the ,freedom ,news ,network4 7c7 ,alternative grantee ,if the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency1 after consultation with the ,board of the ,agency and the appropriate congressional committees1 determines at any time that the ,freedom ,news ,network is not carrying out the mission described in section #bab and adhering to the standards and principles described in section #bac in an effective and economical manner for which a grant has been awarded1 the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,agency1 upon approval of the ,board1 may award to another entity the grant at issue to carry out such functions after soliciting and considering applications from eligible entities in such manner and accompanied by such information as the ,board may require4 7d7 ,not a ,federal entity ,nothing in this ,act may be construed to make the ,freedom ,news ,network a ,federal agency or instrumentality4 7e7 ,authority ,grants authorized under this section for the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency shall be available to make annual grants to the ,freedom ,news ,network for the purpose of carrying out the mission described in section #bab and adhering to the standards and principles described in section #bac4 7f7 ,grant agreement ,grants authorized under this section to the ,freedom ,news ,network by the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency shall only be made in accordance with a grant agreement4 ,such grant agreement shall include the following provisions3 7#a7 ,a grant shall be used only for activities in accordance with carrying out the mission described in section #bab and adhering to the standards and principles described in section #bac4 7#b7 ,the ,freedom ,news ,network shall comply with the requirements of this section4 7#c7 ,failure to comply with the requirements of this section may result in suspension or termination of a grant without further obligation by the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency or the ,united ,states4 7#d7 ,use of broadcasting technology owned and operated by the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency shall be made available through an ,international ,cooperative ,administrative ,support ,service 7,,icass7 agreement or memorandum of understanding4 7#e7 ,the ,freedom ,news ,network shall1 upon request1 provide to the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency documentation which details the expenditure of any grant funds4 7#f7 ,a grant may not be used to require the ,freedom ,news ,network to comply with any requirements other than the requirements specified in this ,act4 7#g7 ,a grant may not be used to allocate resources within the ,freedom ,news ,network in a manner that is inconsistent with the ,freedom ,news ,network strategic plan described in section #bbb7;c74 7g7 ,prohibitions on the use of grants ,grants authorized under this section may not be used for the following purposes3 7#a7 7,a7 ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,b7 or 7,c71 to pay any salary or other compensation1 or enter into any contract providing for the payment of salary or compensation1 in excess of the rates established for comparable positions under title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 or the foreign relations laws of the ,united ,states1 except that no employee may be paid a salary or other compensation in excess of the rate of pay payable for level ,,ii of the ,executive ,schedule under section #ecae of such title4 7,b7 ,salary and other compensation limitations under subparagraph 7,a7 shall not apply with respect to any employee covered by a union agreement requiring a salary or other compensation in excess of such limitations before the date of the enactment of this ,act4 7,c7 ,notwithstanding the limitations specified in subparagraph 7,a71 grants authorized under this section may be used by the ,freedom ,news ,network to pay up to six employees employed in the ,washington1 ,d4,c4 area1 salary or other compensation not to exceed the rate of pay payable for level ,i of the ,executive ,schedule under section #ecad of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 except that such shall not apply to the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,freedom ,news ,network in accordance with section #bba7;d74 7#b7 ,for any activity intended to influence the passage or defeat of legislation being considered by ,congress4 7#c7 ,to enter into a contract or obligation to pay severance payments for voluntary separation for employees hired after ,december #a1 #aiij1 except as may be required by ,united ,states law or the laws of the country where such an employee is stationed4 7#d7 ,for first class travel for any employee of the ,freedom ,news ,network1 or the relative of any such employee4 #aaa4 ,other personnel and compensation limitations 7a7 ,in general ,subject to the organizational and personnel restrictions described in subsection 7c71 the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency shall have the discretion to determine the distribution of all personnel within the ,agency1 subject to the approval of the ,board of the ,agency4 7b7 ,limitation on compensation 7#a7 ,in general ,no employee of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency1 other than the ,chief ,executive ,officer or ,director of the ,voice of ,america1 shall be eligible to receive compensation at a rate in excess of step #aj of ,,gs-#ae of the ,general ,schedule under section #eccb of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,exception ,the limitation described in paragraph 7#a7 does not apply in the case of members of the ,board in accordance with section #ajb7;d7 or affect the rights of employees covered under the ,fair ,labor ,standards ,act of #aich4 7c7 ,prohibition on certain new employment 7#a7 ,in general ,beginning on the date of the enactment of this ,act and ending on the date that is #e years after such date1 the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency may not fill any currently unfilled full-time or part-time position compensated at an annual rate of basic pay for grade ,,gs-#ad or ,,gs-#ae of the ,general ,schedule under section #eccb of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 including any currently filled position in which the incumbent resigns1 retires1 or otherwise leaves such position during the such #e-year period4 7#b7 ,waiver ,the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency may waive the prohibition specified in paragraph 7#a7 if the position is determined essential to the functioning of the ,agency and documented as such in the report required under section #aab7;a71 or necessary for the acquisition of skills or knowledge not sufficiently represented in the current workforce of the ,agency4 ,the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,agency shall consult with the appropriate congressional committees before issuing a waiver under this paragraph4 7d7 ,continuation of federal status ,nothing in this ,act may be interpreted to change the ,federal status or rights of employees of the ,voice of ,america or the ,international ,broadcasting ,bureau by the consolidation and establishment of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency4 #aab4 ,reporting requirements of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency 7a7 ,reorganization report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency shall submit to the appropriate ,congressional committees a report that includes the following3 7#a7 ,a plan to assess and provide recommendations on the appropriate size and necessity of all current offices and positions 7also referred to as a staffing pattern7 within the ,agency1 including full-time employee positions rated at the ,senior ,executive ,service 7,,ses7 level or at ,,gs-#ad or ,,gs-#ae on the ,general ,schedule under section #eccb of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 ,such plan shall include a detailed organizational structure that delineates lines of authority and reporting between junior staff1 management1 and leadership4 7#b7 ,a plan to consolidate the ,voice of ,america and the ,international ,broadcasting ,bureau into a single ,federal entity identified as the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency1 and how the structure and alignment of resources support the fulfillment of the ,agency's mission and standards and principles as described in sections #e and #abb4 7#c7 ,a plan for developing a platform to share all programming content between the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency and the ,freedom ,news ,network1 including making available for distribution all programming content licensed or produced by the ,agency and the ,freedom ,news ,network1 and expanding the functionality of the platforms already in existence1 such as the web content management system ,pangea4 7#d7 ,a joint plan written with the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,freedom ,news ,network to coordinate the transition of language services between the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency and the ,freedom ,news ,network in accordance with sections #f1 #abc1 #abd1 #bab1 and #bad4 7b7 ,contracting report ,the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency shall annually submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the ,agency's compliance with the ,federal ,acquisition ,regulation 7the ,,far7 and the ,anti-,deficiency ,act1 including a review of contracts awarded on a non-competitive basis1 compliance with the ,,far requirement for publicizing contract actions1 the use of any personal service contracts without explicit statutory authority1 and processes for contract oversight in compliance with the ,,far4 7c7 ,listenership report ,the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency shall annually submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that details the transmission capacities1 market penetration1 and audience listenership of all mediums of international communication deployed by the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency1 including a plan for how target audiences can be reached if the first medium of delivery is unavailable4 7d7 ,gao report ,every #e years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that reviews the effectiveness of content sharing between the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency and the ,freedom ,news ,network and makes recommendations on how content sharing can be improved4 7e7 ,language report ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency and the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,freedom ,news ,network shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a joint report detailing-- 7#a7 information outlining the criteria and analysis used to determine broadcast recipient countries and regions2 and 7#b7 an initial list of broadcast countries and regions4 ,b ,the ,voice of ,america #aba4 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,voice of ,america has been an indispensable element of ,united ,states foreign policy and public diplomacy efforts since #aidb1 and should remain the flagship brand of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency2 7#b7 the ,voice of ,america has been a reliable source of accurate1 objective1 and comprehensive news and related programming and content for the millions of people around the world who cannot obtain such news and related programming and content from indigenous media outlets2 7#c7 the ,voice of ,america's success over more than seven decades has created valuable brand identity and international recognition that justifies the maintenance of the ,voice of ,america2 7#d7 the ,voice of ,america's public diplomacy mission remains essential to broader ,united ,states ,government efforts to communicate with foreign populations2 and 7#e7 despite its tremendous historical success1 the ,voice of ,america would benefit substantially from a recalibration of ,federal international broadcasting agencies and resources1 which would provide the ,voice of ,america with greater mission focus and flexibility in the deployment of news1 programming1 and content4 #abb4 ,principles of the ,voice of ,america ,the ,voice of ,america shall adhere to the following principles in the course of fulfilling its duties and responsibilities3 7#a7 ,serving as a consistently reliable and authoritative source of news on the ,united ,states1 its policies1 its people1 and the international developments that affect the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,providing accurate1 objective1 and comprehensive information1 with the understanding that these three values provide credibility among global news audiences4 7#c7 ,presenting the official policies of the ,united ,states1 and related discussions and opinions about those policies1 clearly and effectively4 7#d7 ,representing the whole of the ,united ,states1 and shall accordingly work to produce programming and content that presents a balanced and comprehensive projection of the diversity of thought and institutions of the ,united ,states4 #abc4 ,duties and responsibilities of the ,voice of ,america ,the ,voice of ,america shall have the following duties and responsibilities3 7#a7 ,producing accurate1 objective1 and comprehensive news and related programming that is consistent with and promotes the broad foreign policies of the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,producing news and related programming and content that accurately represents the diversity of thoughts and institutions of the ,united ,states as a whole4 7#c7 ,presenting the law and policies of the ,united ,states clearly and effectively4 7#d7 ,promoting the civil and responsible exchange of information and differences of opinion regarding policies1 issues1 and current events4 7#e7 ,making all of its produced news and related programming and content available to the ,freedom ,news ,network for use and distribution4 7#f7 ,producing or otherwise allowing editorials1 commentary1 and programming1 in consultation with the ,department of ,state1 that present the official views of the ,united ,states ,government and its officials4 7#g7 ,maximizing foreign national information access through both the use of existing broadcasting tools and resources and the development and dissemination of circumvention technology4 7#h7 ,providing training and technical support for independent indigenous media and journalist enterprises in order to facilitate or enhance independent media environments and outlets abroad4 7#i7 ,reaching identified foreign audiences in local languages and dialects when possible1 particularly when such audiences form a distinct ethnic1 cultural1 or religious group within a country critical to ,united ,states national security interests4 7#aj7 ,being capable of providing a broadcasting surge capacity under circumstances where overseas disasters1 crises1 or other events require increased or heightened international public diplomacy engagement4 #abd4 ,limitation on voice of ,america news1 programming1 and content2 exception for broadcasting to ,cuba 7a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subsection 7b71 the ,voice of ,america shall be limited to providing reporting in accordance with the principles specified in section #abb4 ,nothing in this section may preclude the ,voice of ,america from broadcasting programming content produced by the ,freedom ,news ,network4 7b7 ,exception for broadcasting to cuba ,radio ,marti and ,television ,marti1 which constitute the ,office of ,cuba ,broadcasting1 shall continue programming and content production consistent with the mission and activities as described in the ,radio ,broadcasting to ,cuba ,act 7,public ,law #ih-aaa7 and the ,television ,broadcasting to ,cuba ,act 7,public ,law #aja-bdf71 and continue existing within the ,voice of ,america of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency1 established in section #aja4 #abe4 ,director of ,voice of ,america 7a7 ,establishment ,there shall be a ,director of the ,voice of ,america1 who shall be responsible for executing the duties and responsibilities of the ,voice of ,america described in subsection 7b74 7b7 ,duties and responsibilities ,the ,director of the ,voice of ,america shall1 subject to the final approval of the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency carry out the following duties and responsibilities3 7#a7 ,determine the organizational structure of1 and personnel allocation or relocation within1 the ,voice of ,america1 subject to section #aje4 7#b7 ,make recommendations to the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency regarding the production1 development1 and termination of ,voice of ,america news programming and content4 7#c7 ,make recommendations to the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency about the establishment1 termination1 prioritization1 and adjustments of language services utilized by the ,voice of ,america to reach its international audience4 7#d7 ,allocate funding and material resources under the jurisdiction of the ,voice of ,america for the furtherance of the other duties and responsibilities established under this subsection4 7#e7 ,oversee the daily operations of the ,voice of ,america1 including programming content4 7c7 ,appointment and qualifications of director 7#a7 ,in general ,the position of ,director of the ,voice of ,america shall be filled by a person who shall serve at the pleasure of the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency4 7#b7 ,eligibility ,to be eligible to be appointed ,director of the ,voice of ,america1 a person shall have at least two of the following qualifications3 7,a7 ,prior1 extensive experience managing or operating a private-sector media or journalist enterprise4 7,b7 ,prior1 extensive experience managing or operating a large organization4 7,c7 ,prior1 extensive experience engaged in mass media or journalist program development1 including the development of circumvention technologies4 7,d7 ,prior1 extensive experience engaged in international journalism or other related activities1 including the training of international journalists and the promotion of democratic institutional reforms abroad4 7#c7 ,compensation ,any ,director who is hired after the date of the enactment of this ,act shall be entitled to receive compensation at a rate equal to the annual rate of basic pay for level ,,iii of the ,executive ,schedule under section #ecae of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 ,c ,general ,provisions #aca4 ,federal agency coordination in support of ,united ,states public diplomacy 7a7 ,in general ,the ,board of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency and the ,freedom ,news ,network shall conduct periodic1 unclassified consultations with the ,department of ,state1 the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 the ,department of ,defense1 and the ,office of the ,director of ,national ,intelligence1 for the purpose of assessing the following3 7#a7 ,progress toward democratization1 the development of free and independent media outlets1 and the free flow of information in countries that receive programming and content from the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency and the ,freedom ,news ,network4 7#b7 ,foreign languages that have increased or decreased in strategic importance1 and the factors supporting such assessments4 7#c7 ,any other international developments1 including developments with regional or country-specific significance1 that might be of value in assisting the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency and the ,freedom ,news ,network in the development of their programming and content4 7b7 ,guidance ,the ,board of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency shall use the unclassified consultations required under subsection 7a7 as guidance for its distribution and calibration of ,federal resources in support of ,united ,states public diplomacy4 #acb4 ,federal agency assistance and coordination with the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency and the ,freedom ,news ,network during international broadcast surges 7a7 ,in general ,subject to a formal request from the ,chair of the ,board of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency1 ,federal agency heads shall assist and coordinate with the ,agency to facilitate a temporary broadcasting surge or enhance transmission capacity for such a temporary broadcasting surge for the ,agency1 the ,freedom ,news ,network1 or both4 7b7 ,actions ,in accordance with subsection 7a71 ,federal agency heads shall assist or coordinate with the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency by-- 7#a7 supplying or facilitating access to1 or use of-- 7,a7 ,united ,states ,government-owned transmission capacity1 including the use of transmission facilities1 equipment1 resources1 and personnel2 and 7,b7 other non-transmission-related ,united ,states ,government-owned facilities1 equipment1 resources1 and personnel2 7#b7 communicating and coordinating with foreign host governments on behalf of1 or in conjunction with1 the ,agency or the ,freedom ,news ,network2 7#c7 providing1 or assisting in the obtaining of1 in-country security services for the safety and protection of ,agency or ,freedom ,news ,network personnel2 and 7#d7 providing or facilitating access to any other ,united ,states ,government-owned resources4 7c7 ,prohibition ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 neither ,federal agency heads nor their agencies shall receive any reimbursement or compensatory appropriations for complying with implementing this section4 #acc4 ,freedom ,news ,network right of first refusal in instances of ,federal disposal of radio or television broadcast transmission facilities or equipment 7a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 it shall be the policy of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency to1 in the event it intends to dispose of any radio or television broadcast transmission facilities or equipment1 provide the ,freedom ,news ,network with the right of first refusal with respect to the acquisition of such facilities and equipment4 7b7 ,transfer and disposal ,pursuant to subsection 7a7-- 7#a7 in the event the ,freedom ,news ,network is willing to accept the facilities and equipment referred to in such subsection1 the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency shall transfer to the ,freedom ,news ,network such facilities and equipment at no cost to the ,freedom ,news ,network2 or 7#b7 in the event the ,freedom ,news ,network opts to not accept such facilities and equipment1 the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency may sell such facilities and equipment at market price1 and retain any revenue from such sales4 7c7 ,rules regarding certain funds ,pursuant to subsections 7b7 and 7c71 any revenues that the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency shall derive from such sales shall be used entirely for the purposes or research1 development1 and deployment of innovative broadcasting or circumvention technology4 #acd4 ,repeal of the ,united ,states ,international ,broadcasting ,act of #aiid ,the ,united ,states ,international ,broadcasting ,act of #aiid 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #fbja et seq42 title ,,iii of ,public ,law #ajc-bcf7 is repealed 7and the items relating to title ,,iii in the table of contents of such ,public ,law are struck74 #ace4 ,effective date ,this title shall take effect on the date that is #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 ,,ii ,,the ,,freedom ,,news ,,network #bja4 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that ,,rfe_/,,rl1 ,incorporated1 ,radio ,free ,asia1 and the ,middle ,east ,broadcasting ,networks1 ,incorporated share a common mission with distinct geographic foci1 and should therefore be merged into a single organization1 with distinct marketing brands to provide the news and related programming and content in countries where free media are not established4 ,a ,consolidation of ,existing ,grantee ,organizations #baa4 ,formation of the ,freedom ,news ,network from existing grantees 7a7 ,in general ,when the conditions specified in section #aaj are satisfied1 the ,freedom ,news ,network1 comprised of the consolidation of ,,rfe_/,,rl ,incorporated1 ,radio ,free ,asia1 and the ,middle ,east ,broadcasting ,networks1 ,incorporated1 shall exist to carry out all international broadcasting activities supported by the ,united ,states ,government1 in accordance with sections #bab and #bac4 7b7 ,maintenance of the existing individual grantee brands ,,rfe_/,,rl1 ,incorporated1 ,radio ,free ,asia1 and the ,middle ,east ,broadcasting ,networks1 ,incorporated shall remain brand names under which news and related programming and content may be disseminated by the ,freedom ,news ,network4 ,additional brands may be created as necessary4 #bab4 ,mission of the ,freedom ,news ,network ,the ,freedom ,news ,network established under section #baa shall-- 7#a7 provide uncensored local and regional news and analysis to people in societies where a robust1 indigenous1 independent1 and free media does not exist2 7#b7 strengthen civil societies by promoting democratic values and promoting equality and the rights of the individual1 including for marginalized groups1 such as women and minorities2 7#c7 help countries improve their indigenous capacity to enhance media professionalism and independence1 and develop partnerships with local media outlets1 as appropriate2 and 7#d7 promote access to uncensored sources of information1 especially via the internet1 and use all effective and efficient mediums of communication to reach target audiences4 #bac4 ,standards and principles of the ,freedom ,news ,network ,the broadcasting of the ,freedom ,news ,network shall-- 7#a7 be consistent with the broad foreign policy objectives of the ,united ,states2 7#b7 be consistent with the international telecommunications policies and treaty obligations of the ,united ,states2 7#c7 be conducted in accordance with the highest professional standards of broadcast journalism2 7#d7 be based on reliable information about its potential audience2 7#e7 be designed so as to effectively reach a significant audience2 and 7#f7 prioritize programming to populations in countries without independent indigenous media outlets4 ,b ,organization of the ,freedom ,news ,network #bba4 ,governance of the ,freedom ,news ,network 7a7 ,board of the ,freedom ,news ,network ,a board shall oversee the ,freedom ,news ,network and consist of nine individuals with a demonstrated background in media or the promotion of democracy and experience in measuring media impact4 7b7 ,composition of first board of the ,freedom ,news ,network ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,presidents of ,,rfe_/,,rl ,incorporated1 ,radio ,free ,asia1 and the ,middle ,east ,broadcasting ,networks shall-- 7#a7 identify1 in consultation with the appropriate congressional committees1 candidates for the first board of the ,freedom ,news ,network2 7#b7 direct the appointment of board members2 and 7#c7 select the first chair of the board of the ,freedom ,news ,network4 7c7 ,congressional consultation regarding the first board of the ,freedom ,news ,network ,the individuals appointed pursuant to subsection 7b7 shall serve as members of the first board of the ,freedom ,news ,network unless a joint resolution of disapproval is enacted4 7d7 ,operations of the first board of the ,freedom ,news ,network 7#a7 ,in general ,the board of the ,freedom ,news ,network shall have nine members charged with the sole responsibility to operate the ,freedom ,news ,network within the legal jurisdiction of its state of incorporation4 ,the board of the ,freedom ,new ,network shall exercise due diligence1 and execute its fiduciary duties to the corporation without conflict of interests and consistent with section #bab4 ,at no time may the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency add requirements to a grant agreement with the ,freedom ,news ,network that could be construed as inappropriate supervision1 oversight1 or management under chapter #fc of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code4 ,nothing in this title may be construed to make the ,freedom ,news ,network an agency1 establishment1 or instrumentality of the ,united ,states ,government1 or to make the members of the board of ,freedom ,news ,network1 or the officers or employees of ,freedom ,news ,network1 officers of employees of the ,united ,states ,government4 7#b7 ,bylaws ,the first board of the ,freedom ,news ,network shall write the bylaws of the organization4 7#c7 ,oversight ,the ,freedom ,news ,network shall be subject to the appropriate oversight procedures of ,congress4 7#d7 ,term limits ,the board members of the first board of the ,freedom ,news ,network may not serve more than a #c-year term1 and shall be replaced in accordance with the bylaws referred to in paragraph 7#b7 and the succession process described in paragraph 7#e74 7#e7 ,succession of board members ,the board members of the first board of the ,freedom ,news ,network and all subsequent boards shall fill vacancies on the board due to death1 resignation1 removal1 or term expiration through an election process described in the bylaws referred to in paragraph 7#b7 and in accordance with the principle of a self-replenishing body4 7#f7 ,selection of board members ,the board members of the ,freedom ,news ,network may not be current employees or officers of ,,rfe_/,,rl ,incorporated1 ,radio ,free ,asia1 the ,middle ,east ,broadcasting ,networks1 or the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency4 7e7 ,compensation of board and officers of the ,freedom ,news ,network ,members of the board of the ,freedom ,news ,network may not receive any fee1 salary1 or remuneration of any kind for their service as members1 except that such members may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses1 such as board-related travel1 incurred with approval of the board upon presentation of vouchers4 ,no officers of the ,freedom ,news ,network1 other than the ,chief ,executive ,officer1 shall be eligible to receive compensation at a rate in excess of the annual rate of basic pay for level ,,ii on the ,executive ,schedule under section #ecae of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 7f7 ,abolishment of existing boards ,the boards of directors of ,,rfe_/,,rl1 ,incorporated1 ,radio ,free ,asia1 and the ,middle ,east ,broadcasting ,networks1 ,incorporated in existence on the day before the date of the enactment of this ,act shall be abolished on the date of the first official meeting of the first board of the ,freedom ,news ,network4 7g7 ,chief executive officer ,the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,freedom ,news ,network shall serve at the pleasure of the board of the ,freedom ,news ,network1 and be responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of the ,freedom ,news ,network1 including the selection of individuals for management positions1 ensuring compliance with all applicable rules1 regulations1 laws1 and circulars1 providing strategic vision for the execution of its mission as specified in section #bab1 and carrying out such other responsibilities as set forth in the laws of the ,state of its incorporation4 7h7 ,plan for consolidation of existing individual grantees 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the first official meeting of the first board of the ,freedom ,news ,network1 the chair of the board of the ,freedom ,news ,network shall submit a report to1 and consult with1 the appropriate congressional committees on the plan to consolidate ,,rfe_/,,rl1 ,incorporated1 ,radio ,free ,asia1 and the ,middle ,east ,broadcasting ,networks1 ,incorporated into a single non-,federal grantee organization4 7#b7 ,components ,the consolidation plan referred to in paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following components3 7,a7 ,the location and distribution of employees1 including administrative1 managerial1 and technical staff1 of the ,freedom ,news ,network that will be located within and outside the metropolitan area of ,washington1 ,d4,c4 7,b7 ,an organizational chart identifying the managerial and supervisory lines of authority among all employees of the ,freedom ,news ,network1 including the members of the board and chair4 7#c7 ,time for implementation ,not later than #c years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the chair of the board of the ,freedom ,news ,network shall fully implement the consolidation plan referred to in paragraph 7#a7 after consultation with the appropriate congressional committees4 7#d7 ,report ,not later than #e years after the date on which initial funding is provided for the purpose of operating the ,freedom ,news ,network1 the chair of the board of the ,freedom ,news ,network shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that details the following3 7,a7 ,whether the ,freedom ,news ,network is technically sound and cost-effective4 7,b7 ,whether the ,freedom ,news ,network consistently meets the standards for quality and impact established by this title4 7,c7 ,whether the ,freedom ,news ,network is receiving a sufficient audience to warrant its continued operation4 7,d7 ,the extent to which the ,freedom ,news ,network's programming and content is already being received by the target audience from other credible indigenous or external sources4 7,e7 ,the extent to which the broad foreign policy and national security interests of the ,united ,states are being served by maintaining operations of the ,freedom ,news ,network4 #bbb4 ,budget of the ,freedom ,news ,network 7a7 ,in general ,the annual budget of the ,freedom ,news ,network shall consist of the following3 7#a7 ,a grant described in section #aaj1 consisting of the total grants to ,,rfe_/,,rl1 ,incorporated1 ,radio ,free ,asia1 and the ,middle ,east ,broadcasting ,networks1 ,incorporated before the date of the enactment of this ,act4 7#b7 ,any grants or transfers from other ,federal agencies4 7#c7 ,other funds described in subsection 7b74 7b7 ,other sources of funding ,the ,freedom ,news ,network may1 to the extent authorized by its board and in accordance with applicable laws and the mission of the ,freedom ,news ,network under section #bab and eligible broadcast areas under section #f1 collect and utilize non-,federal funds1 except that the ,freedom ,news ,network may not accept funds from the following3 7#a7 ,any foreign governments or foreign government officials4 7#b7 ,any agents1 representatives1 or surrogates of any foreign government or foreign government official4 7#c7 ,any foreign-owned corporations or any subsidiaries of any foreign-owned corporation1 regardless of whether such subsidiary is ,united ,states-owned4 7#d7 ,any foreign national or individual who is not either a citizen or a legal permanent resident of the ,united ,states4 7c7 ,annual strategic plan of the freedom news network ,the ,freedom ,news ,network shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees and the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency an annual strategic plan to satisfy the requirements specified in section #aaj4 ,each such strategic plan shall outline the following3 7#a7 ,the strategic goals and objectives of the ,freedom ,news ,network for the upcoming fiscal year4 7#b7 ,the alignment of the ,freedom ,news ,network's resources with the strategic goals and objectives referred to in paragraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,clear benchmarks that establish the progress made towards achieving the strategic goals and objectives referred to in paragraph 7#a74 7#d7 ,a plan to monitor and evaluate the success of the ,freedom ,news ,network's broadcasting efforts4 7#e7 ,a reflective analysis on the activities on the past fiscal year4 7#f7 ,any changes to facility leases1 contracts1 or ownership that would result in the relocation of staff or personnel4 7d7 ,sense of congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that administrative and managerial costs for operation of the ,freedom ,news ,network should be kept to a minimum and1 to the maximum extent feasible1 should not exceed the costs that would have been incurred if ,,rfe_/,,rl1 ,incorporated1 ,radio ,free ,asia1 and the ,middle ,east ,broadcasting ,networks1 ,incorporated had been operated as independent grantees or as a ,federal entity within the ,voice of ,america4 #bbc4 ,assistance from other government agencies 7a7 ,surplus properties ,in order to assist the ,freedom ,news ,network in carrying out the provisions of this title1 any agency or instrumentality of the ,united ,states may sell1 loan1 lease1 or grant property 7including interests therein7 to the ,freedom ,news ,network as necessary4 7b7 ,facilities and broadcasting infrastructure ,the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency and the ,freedom ,news ,network shall negotiate an ,international ,cooperative ,administrative ,support ,service 7,,icass7 agreement or memorandum of understanding permitting the continued use of technological infrastructure for broadcasting and information dissemination1 except that the ,freedom ,news ,network may choose to procure such services through negotiated contracts with private-sector providers4 #bbd4 ,reports by the ,office of the ,inspector ,general of the ,department of ,state2 audits by ,,gao 7a7 ,,ig reports ,the ,inspector ,general of the ,department of ,state shall1 as appropriate1 submit to the appropriate congressional committees reports on management practices of the ,freedom ,news ,network1 including financial reports on unobligated balances4 7b7 ,,gao audits 7#a7 ,in general ,financial transactions of the ,freedom ,news ,network1 as such relate to functions carried out under this ,act1 may be audited by the ,government ,accountability ,office in accordance with such principles and procedures and under such rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states4 ,any such audit shall be conducted at the place or places where accounts of the ,freedom ,news ,network are normally kept4 7#b7 ,access ,representatives of the ,government ,accountability ,office shall have access to all books1 accounts1 records1 reports1 files1 papers1 and property belonging to or in use by the ,freedom ,news ,network pertaining to the financial transactions referred to in paragraph 7#a7 and necessary to facilitate an audit in accordance with such paragraph4 ,all such books1 accounts1 records1 reports1 files1 papers1 and property of the ,freedom ,news ,network shall remain in the possession and custody of the ,freedom ,news ,network4 7c7 ,transfer of funds ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 #a percent of the funds made available by the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency shall be transferred to the ,inspector ,general of the ,department of ,state to cover the expenses of carrying out the activities of the ,inspector ,general under this section4 #bbe4 ,amendments to the ,united ,states ,information and ,educational ,exchange ,act of #aidh ,the ,united ,states ,information and ,educational ,exchange ,act of #aidh is amended-- 7#a7 in title ,v 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #adfa et seq471 by striking ,broadcasting ,board of ,governors and inserting ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency each place it appears2 7#b7 by amending paragraph 7#a7 of section #eja7;b7 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #adfa7;b77 to read as follows3 7#a7 ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 the ,secretary and the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency may1 upon request and reimbursement of the reasonable costs incurred in fulfilling such a request1 make available1 in the ,united ,states1 motion pictures1 films1 video1 audio1 and other materials disseminated abroad pursuant to this ,act4 ,any reimbursement pursuant to this paragraph shall be credited to the applicable appropriation account of the ,department of ,state or the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency1 as appropriate4 ,the ,secretary and the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency shall issue necessary regulations4 2 7#c7 by repealing sections #ejd and #eje 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #adfd and #adfd;a72 7#d7 by redesignating section #ejf 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #adfd;b7 as section #ejd2 7#e7 in section #ejd1 as so redesignated1 in subsection 7c71 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking ,board each place it appears and inserting ,agency2 7#f7 in clause 7iii7 of section #fjd7;d77#a77;,a7 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #adfi7;d77#a77;,a771 by striking ,broadcasting ,board of ,governors and inserting ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency2 7#g7 in paragraph 7#c7 of section #hja 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #adga71 by striking ,director of the ,united ,states ,information ,agency and inserting ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency2 7#h7 in subsection 7b7 of section #hjb 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #adgb7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a77;,b71 by striking ,director of the ,united ,states ,information ,agency and inserting ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency2 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#d77;,a71 by striking ,broadcasting ,board of ,governors and inserting ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency2 7#i7 in paragraph 7#a7 of section #hjd 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #adgd71 by striking ,director of the ,united ,states ,information ,agency and inserting ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency2 7#aj7 in section #haj7;b7 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #adge;e7b77-- 7,a7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking ,united ,states ,information ,agency and inserting ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency2 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#d71 by striking ,international ,broadcasting ,bureau and inserting ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency2 and 7#aa7 in subsection 7a7 of section #ajaa 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #addb71 by striking ,director of the ,united ,states ,information ,agency and inserting ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency4 ,,iii ,,miscellaneous ,,provisions #cja4 ,preservation of ,united ,states ,national ,security objectives ,the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency and the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,freedom ,news ,network shall each establish procedures to vet and monitor employees of each such agency for affiliations to terrorist organizations1 foreign governments1 or agents of foreign governments to protect against espionage1 sabotage1 foreign propaganda messaging1 and other subversive activities that undermine ,united ,states national security objectives4 #cjb4 ,requirement for authorization of appropriations 7a7 ,limitation on obligation and expenditure of funds ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 for the fiscal year #bjae and for each subsequent fiscal year1 any funds appropriated for the purposes of broadcasting subject to supervision of the ,board of the ,united ,states ,international ,communications ,agency shall not be available for obligation or expenditure-- 7#a7 unless such funds are appropriated pursuant to an authorization of appropriations2 or 7#b7 in excess of the authorized level of appropriations4 7b7 ,subsequent authorization ,the limitation under subsection 7a7 of this section shall not apply to the extent that an authorization of appropriations is enacted after such funds are appropriated4 7c7 ,application ,the provisions of this section-- 7#a7 may not be superseded1 except by a provision of law which specifically repeals1 modifies1 or supersedes the provisions of this section2 and 7#b7 shall not apply to1 or affect in any manner1 permanent appropriations1 trust funds1 and other similar accounts which are authorized by law and administered under or pursuant to this ,act4 ,passed the ,house of ,representatives ,july #bh1 #bjad4;,clerk4