,,ii #aafth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,s4 #debh ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,august #ac1 #bjbj ,mr4 ,menendez introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations ,a ,,bill ,to strengthen the ,united ,states ties with ,latin ,american and ,caribbean countries through diplomatic1 economic1 and security cooperation1 to counter efforts by the ,people's ,republic of ,china to undermine ,united ,states interests and values in the ,americas1 and to promote economic development and competitiveness in the ,latin ,american and ,caribbean region4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,advancing ,competitiveness1 ,transparency1 and ,security in the ,americas ,act of #bjbj4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,sec4 #b4 ,findings4 ,sec4 #c4 ,sense of ,congress4 ,sec4 #d4 ,statement of policy4 ,sec4 #e4 ,definitions4 ,sec4 #f4 ,assessing the intentions of the ,people's ,republic of ,china in the ,western ,hemisphere4 ,,title ,i--,increasing competitiveness in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean ,sec4 #aja4 ,developing and implementing a strategy to increase economic competitiveness and promote the rule of law4 ,sec4 #ajb4 ,strengthening ,united ,states ,international ,development ,finance ,corporation engagement in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean4 ,sec4 #ajc4 ,advancing regulation of foreign investment in infrastructure projects to protect host countries' national interests4 ,sec4 #ajd4 ,strengthening infrastructure project selection and procurement processes4 ,sec4 #aje4 ,promoting the rule of law in digital governance4 ,sec4 #ajf4 ,investing in projects that strengthen the region's digital infrastructure4 ,sec4 #ajg4 ,countering foreign corrupt practices in the ,americas4 ,sec4 #ajh4 ,countering malign business practices4 ,sec4 #aji4 ,promoting greater energy security4 ,,title ,,ii--,promoting regional security and digital security1 and protecting human rights in the ,americas ,sec4 #bja4 ,ensuring the integrity of telecom and data networks and critical infrastructure4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,addressing the risks that pervasive surveillance and monitoring technologies pose to human rights4 ,sec4 #bjc4 ,revitalizing bilateral and multilateral military education programs4 ,,title ,,iii--,advancing the role of civil society in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean ,sec4 #cja4 ,counteracting growing ,chinese educational and cultural influence in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean4 ,sec4 #cjb4 ,advancing the role of civil society and the media to promote accountability4 ,,title ,,iv--,resourcing for success ,sec4 #dja4 ,appointment of ,china ,engagement ,officers at ,united ,states embassies in the ,western ,hemisphere4 ,sec4 #djb4 ,assessing staffing needs at ,united ,states embassies in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean4 #b4 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,the ,people's ,republic of ,china has dramatically increased engagement with ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean since #bjjd4 ,latin ,america is the second largest destination for ,chinese foreign direct investment4 ,china has become the top trading partner of ,brazil1 ,chile1 ,peru1 and ,uruguay4 ,china's trade with ,latin ,america has grown from #ag1jjj1jjj1jjj in #bjjb to #cjf1jjj1jjj1jjj in #bjah4 7#b7 ,between #bjje and #bjah1 the ,people's ,republic of ,china provided ,latin ,america with an estimated #ada1jjj1jjj1jjj in development loans and other assistance4 ,the annual amount of such loans and assistance consistently surpasses the annual sovereign lending to ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean from either the ,world ,bank or the ,inter-,american ,development ,bank4 7#c7 ,the ,people's ,republic of ,china-- 7,a7 is investing extensively across the region's extractive sector and agricultural supply chains to more effectively control raw materials supply and pricing2 7,b7 has acquired and built new port facilities and other transport and energy infrastructure in ,brazil1 ,panama1 ,costa ,rica1 ,el ,salvador1 and elsewhere in the region to expand its footprint in ,latin ,america2 and 7,c7 has developed strong partnerships and engaged in extensive deal-making in telecommunications and other technology-intensive sectors in the ,latin ,american and ,caribbean region4 7#d7 ,in #bjae1 the ,people's ,republic of ,china and countries of the ,community of ,latin ,american and ,caribbean ,states 7,,celac7 held the first meeting of the ,china-,,celac ,ministerial ,forum1 at which they agreed to a #e-year cooperation plan regarding politics1 security1 trade1 investment1 finance1 infrastructure1 energy1 resources1 industry1 agriculture1 science1 and people-to-people exchanges4 ,china is also active in other regional institutions1 including multilateral development banks4 7#e7 ,the ,united ,states ,southern ,command has warned that ,china's space and telecommunications ventures in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean have created ,united ,states commercial and security vulnerabilities4 7#f7 ,china has spent more than #bdd1jjj1jjj1jjj on energy projects worldwide since #bjjj1 #be percent of which was spent in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean4 ,although the majority of this spending was for oil1 gas1 and coal1 ,china has also been the largest investor in clean energy globally for almost a decade4 7#g7 ,china promotes the repressive use of technology-- 7,a7 by selling crowd control weapons and riot gear used against demonstrators2 and 7,b7 by developing tracking systems that can be used by governments to surveil and monitor their citizens4 7#h7 ,although ,china did not originally include the ,latin ,american and ,caribbean region in its ,belt and ,road ,initiative-- 7,a7 at a meeting with the ,community of ,latin ,american and ,caribbean ,states in ,january #bjah1 ,china invited ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean to participate in the ,belt and ,road ,initiative1 referring to the region as a natural fit for a program that aims to improve connectivity between land and sea through jointly built logistic1 electricity1 and information pathways2 and 7,b7 #ai ,latin ,american and ,caribbean countries have signed bilateral ,belt and ,road ,cooperation ,agreements since #bjag4 7#i7 ,the ,people's ,republic of ,china offers to finance projects in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean on deceptively easy terms that frequently lead recipient countries to become dependent on1 and deeply indebted to1 ,china4 ,chinese companies frequently engage in exploitative practices1 including predatory lending1 and project requirements that-- 7,a7 provide little or no benefit to the host country2 and 7,b7 facilitate corrupt practices4 7#aj7 ,the ,government of ,china expects that ,chinese companies will invest the equivalent of #bej1jjj1jjj1jjj in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean by #bjbe4 7#aa7 ,since #bjag1 ,china has used its increasing economic influence in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean to encourage countries1 including ,el ,salvador1 ,panama1 and the ,dominican ,republic1 to sever diplomatic relations with ,taiwan4 ,of the #ae countries that still maintain diplomatic relations with ,taiwan1 #i are in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean1 namely3 ,belize1 ,guatemala1 ,haiti1 ,honduras1 ,nicaragua1 ,paraguay1 ,st4 ,kitts and ,nevis1 ,st4 ,lucia1 and ,st4 ,vincent and the ,grenadines4 #c4 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the ,united ,states shares extensive economic and commercial relations1 democratic values1 cultural ties1 and geographic proximity with the nations of the ,western ,hemisphere2 7#b7 increased ,united ,states engagement with countries in the ,western ,hemisphere is essential to addressing initiatives by rival powers1 such as ,china1 to increase their presence and influence over governments in ,latin ,american and the ,caribbean at the expense of strategic economic and security interests of the ,united ,states2 7#c7 the ,united ,states is uniquely positioned to promote the rule of law and support the strengthening of democratic institutions and individual freedoms in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean1 while improving the quality of life of citizens throughout the ,western ,hemisphere2 7#d7 ,china's growing presence in the ,western ,hemisphere-- 7,a7 has contributed to the survival of autocratic and anti-democratic regimes1 such as the ,maduro regime and the ,government of ,cuba1 by acting as a lender of last resort and providing other forms of economic support2 7,b7 has assisted such regimes in undermining democratic norms through weapons sales and the proliferation of surveillance technology2 and 7,c7 has provided governments with the resources to implement irresponsible economic policies to the detriment of its citizens4 7#e7 the ,united ,states ,government should continue to assert a positive presence in the ,western ,hemisphere based upon-- 7,a7 supporting the rule of law1 combating corruption1 and advancing digital security as a means to improve prospects for regional growth and development and mitigate the unfair advantage accrued to those that engage in unfair and illegal practices2 7,b7 facilitating technical assistance and knowledge-sharing programs that strengthen regional governments' and businesses' capacity for engaging in sound negotiations and contracts1 protect their economic interests1 and protect the economic interests of their citizens2 7,c7 engaging in development investments that strengthen ,united ,states public and private sector ties to ,western ,hemisphere governments and businesses1 promote shared conviction that open markets and fair competition are critical to sustained economic growth1 enhance regional businesses' ability to move up the value chain1 and are environmentally sustainable2 7,d7 raising awareness regarding how the proliferation of ,chinese economic largesse and the increased adoption of ,chinese surveillance technology can harm ,western ,hemisphere economies and undermine democratic institutions2 7,e7 empowering local and international media and civil society to carefully monitor investment activity in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean to ensure accountability and uncover the malign effects of greater ,chinese engagement1 including a lack of transparency1 facilitation of corruption1 unsustainable debt1 environmental damage1 opaque labor and business practices of ,chinese firms1 and the increased likelihood of projects that leave host countries in unsustainable debt2 and 7,f7 promoting greater economic engagement between the ,united ,states and other countries of the ,western ,hemisphere to spur economic development in the region and increase economic opportunities for the ,united ,states private sector4 #d4 ,statement of policy ,it is the policy of the ,united ,states-- 7#a7 to expand ,united ,states engagement in the ,western ,hemisphere through economic and public diplomacy that strengthens political and economic relations1 reinforces shared democratic values1 and facilitates economic development in the ,western ,hemisphere2 and 7#b7 to promote ,united ,states economic prosperity through increased engagement with ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean4 #e4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,caribbean ,the term ,caribbean does not include ,cuba1 unless it is specifically named4 7#b7 ,latin america and the caribbean ,the term ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean does not include ,cuba1 unless ,cuba is specifically named4 7#c7 ,rule of law ,the term rule of law refers to a durable system of institutions and processes founded on the universal principles of-- 7,a7 accountability2 7,b7 just laws that protect fundamental freedoms2 7,c7 open and transparent government processes2 and 7,d7 accessible and impartial dispute resolution4 #f4 ,assessing the intentions of the ,people's ,republic of ,china in the ,western ,hemisphere 7a7 ,defined term ,in this section1 the term appropriate congressional committees means-- 7#a7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate2 7#b7 the ,select ,committee on ,intelligence of the ,senate2 7#c7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7#d7 the ,permanent ,select ,committee on ,intelligence of the ,house of ,representatives4 7b7 ,reporting requirement ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state1 working through the ,assistant ,secretary of ,state for the ,bureau of ,intelligence and ,research1 and in coordination with the ,director of ,national ,intelligence and the ,director of the ,central ,intelligence ,agency1 shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that assesses the nature1 intent1 and impact to ,united ,states strategic interests of-- 7#a7 ,chinese economic activity in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean1 such as foreign direct investment1 development financing1 oil-for-loans deals1 other preferential trading arrangements1 and projects related to ,china's ,belt and ,road ,initiative2 7#b7 the involvement of ,chinese government entities and state-owned enterprises in infrastructure projects in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean1 such as-- 7,a7 the building1 renovating1 and operating of port facilities1 including the ,margarita ,port of ,panama1 ,posorja ,deepwater ,port in ,ecuador1 and the ,port of ,paranagu in ,brazil2 7,b7 the building and maintenance of the region's telecom infrastructure1 including the bidding and construction of fiber optic submarine cables and the installation of #e;,g technologies1 by ,chinese companies1 including ,huawei1 ,,zte1 and possibly others1 and the likelihood that these companies will be the dominant providers of telecommunications infrastructure and associated products and services in the region1 with great influence over ,latin ,american government telecom entities2 7,c7 the building of government facilities in the region2 and 7,d7 the building of ,ecuador's ,coca ,codo ,sinclair ,dam and other energy infrastructure projects in the region2 7#c7 ,chinese military activity in the region1 including military education and training programs1 weapons sales1 and space-related activities in the military or civilian spheres1 such as the major satellite and space control station ,china recently constructed in ,argentina2 7#d7 ,chinese security activity in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean1 including sales of surveillance and monitoring technology to regional governments such as ,venezuela1 ,cuba1 and ,ecuador1 and the potential use of such technology as tools of ,chinese intelligence2 7#e7 ,chinese intelligence engagement in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean1 and the development of dual-use platforms2 7#f7 the nature of the ,people's ,republic of ,china's presence in the region1 and whether it is competitive1 threatening1 or benign to the ,united ,states national interests2 and 7#g7 ,chinese diplomatic activity aimed at influencing the decisions1 procedures1 and programs of multilateral organizations1 including the ,organization of ,american ,states 7,,oas7 and the ,inter-,american ,development ,bank 7,,idb71 as well the work in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean of the ,world ,bank and ,international ,monetary ,fund 7,,imf74 7c7 ,coordination ,in preparing the report required under subsection 7b71 the ,secretary of ,state shall coordinate with the ,secretary of the ,treasury and the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 as feasible4 7d7 ,form ,the report required under subsection 7b7 shall be submitted in unclassified form and shall include classified annexes4 ,i ,increasing competitiveness in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean #aja4 ,developing and implementing a strategy to increase economic competitiveness and promote the rule of law 7a7 ,strategy requirement ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 the ,secretary of ,commerce1 the ,attorney ,general1 the ,united ,states ,trade ,representative1 the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 and the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,development ,finance ,corporation1 shall submit a multi-year strategy for increasing ,united ,states economic competitiveness and promoting the rule of law in ,latin ,american and ,caribbean countries1 particularly in the areas of investment1 sustainable development1 commercial relations1 anti-corruption activities1 and infrastructure projects1 to-- 7#a7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate2 7#b7 the ,committee on ,finance of the ,senate2 7#c7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7#d7 the ,committee on ,ways and ,means of the ,house of ,representatives4 7b7 ,additional elements ,the strategy submitted pursuant to subsection 7a7 shall include a plan of action to-- 7#a7 assist ,latin ,american and ,caribbean countries with the sustainable development of their economies2 7#b7 promote the rule of law as a means to ensure fair competition1 combat corruption1 and strengthen legal structures critical to robust democratic governance2 7#c7 identify and mitigate obstacles to economic growth in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean2 7#d7 maintain free and transparent access to the internet and digital infrastructure in the ,western ,hemisphere2 and 7#e7 facilitate a more competitive environment for ,united ,states businesses in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean4 7c7 ,reporting requirement ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and annually thereafter1 the ,secretary of ,state1 in consultation with the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 the ,secretary of ,commerce1 the ,attorney ,general1 the ,united ,states ,trade ,representative1 and the leadership of the ,united ,states ,international ,development ,finance ,corporation1 shall brief the congressional committees listed in subsection 7a7 on the implementation of this title1 including examples of successes and challenges4 #ajb4 ,strengthening ,united ,states ,international ,development ,finance ,corporation engagement in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 ,united ,states support for the development of competitive industries in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean1 which are necessary for workforce development1 increased wages1 and further economic development1 will provide an opportunity to strengthen ,united ,states competitiveness2 7#b7 the reliance of the ,,build ,act of #bjah on the ,gini coefficient to measure eligibility for development financing from the ,united ,states ,international ,development ,finance ,corporation would exclude the ,caribbean's #ab countries from qualifying for development financing2 and 7#c7 given the geographic proximity of ,caribbean countries to the ,united ,states1 the economic stability of ,caribbean nations is important to ,united ,states national security interests4 7b7 ,eligibility of ,caribbean countries for financing through the ,united ,states international development finance corporation ,section #adab7;c7 of the ,,build ,act of #bjah 7division ,f of ,public ,law #aae-bed7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 ,inclusion of caribbean countries ,notwithstanding paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b71 ,caribbean countries 7excluding ,cuba7 shall be included among the countries receiving prioritized support under title ,,ii during the #aj-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of the ,advancing ,competitiveness1 ,transparency1 and ,security in the ,americas ,act of #bjbj4 4 7c7 ,prioritizing engagement in the ,western ,hemisphere ,section #adab of the ,,build ,act of #bjah1 as amended by subsection 7b71 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 7d7 ,foreign policy guidance ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in accordance with the priorities identified in subsection 7c71 shall provide foreign policy guidance to the ,corporation to prioritize development financing to ,latin ,american and ,caribbean countries 7excluding ,cuba7 by dedicating not less than #ce percent of development financing and equity investments to countries in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean during the #aj-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of the ,advancing ,competitiveness1 ,transparency1 and ,security in the ,americas ,act of #bjbj4 4 #ajc4 ,advancing regulation of foreign investment in infrastructure projects to protect host countries' national interests 7a7 ,finding ,congress finds that the ,committee on ,foreign ,investment in the ,united ,states 7referred to in this subsection as ,,cfius71 as set forth in section #gba of the ,defense ,production ,act of #aiej 7#ej ,u4,s4,c4 #defe7-- 7#a7 protects ,united ,states national security interests that are related to foreign direct investment in the ,united ,states economy2 and 7#b7 provides a mechanism by which the ,united ,states ,government can respond to concerns that investments may be driven by political1 rather than economic1 motives4 7b7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state1 working through the ,assistant ,secretary of ,state for ,economic and ,business ,affairs and the ,assistant ,secretary of ,state for ,international ,narcotics and ,law ,enforcement ,affairs1 in coordination with the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 shall offer to provide technical assistance to partner governments in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean to assist members of national legislatures and executive branch officials in establishing legislative and regulatory frameworks that are similar to the frameworks set forth in section #gba of the ,defense ,production ,act of #aiej 7#ej ,u4,s4,c4 #defe74 7c7 ,purposes ,in carrying out subsection 7b71 the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 shall actively encourage partner governments-- 7#a7 to protect their respective country's national security interests2 7#b7 to protect the national security interests of their allies2 and 7#c7 to review and approve1 suspend1 or prohibit investments and projects1 on a case-by-case basis and in the aggregate1 to evaluate and assess their potential risk to such national security interests4 7d7 ,diplomatic engagement ,in providing the technical assistance described in subsection 7b71 the ,secretary of ,state shall conduct diplomatic engagement with legislators from countries vital to the interests of the ,united ,states to encourage them to adopt legislation described in subsections 7b7 and 7c7 to regulate infrastructure development projects 7e7 ,strategy ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state shall submit a strategy for carrying out the activities described in subsections 7b7 through 7d7 to-- 7#a7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate2 7#b7 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate2 7#c7 the ,committee on ,banking1 ,housing1 and ,urban ,affairs of the ,senate2 7#d7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives2 7#e7 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7#f7 the ,committee on ,financial ,services of the ,house of ,representatives4 7f7 ,semiannual briefing requirement ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and every #ahj days thereafter1 the ,secretary of ,state shall provide a briefing regarding the activities described in subsections 7b7 through 7d7 and the strategy submitted under subsection 7e7 to-- 7#a7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate2 and 7#b7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives4 7g7 ,authorization of appropriations 7#a7 ,in general ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary of ,state #aj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj to carry out the activities set forth in subsections 7b7 through 7d74 7#b7 ,notification requirements ,amounts appropriated pursuant to paragraph 7#a7 are subject to the notification requirements applicable to expenditures from the ,economic ,support ,fund under section #eca7;c7 of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #bcdf7;c77 and the ,international ,narcotics and ,law ,enforcement ,fund under section #dhi of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #bbia;h71 to the extent that such funds are expended4 #ajd4 ,strengthening infrastructure project selection and procurement processes 7a7 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,corruption1 as evidenced by the ,odebrecht construction scandal and the ,panama ,papers1 creates significant obstacles to doing business in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean4 7#b7 ,china further exacerbates the levels of corruption in the region by engaging in corrupt practices when pursuing secure infrastructure contracts and procurement agreements4 7#c7 ,procurement agreements not based exclusively on cost1 quality1 and necessity can lead to projects that do not serve the best interests of the public4 7b7 ,engagement initiatives ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 the ,chief ,executive ,officer of ,united ,states ,international ,development ,finance ,corporation1 the ,director of the ,united ,states ,trade ,development ,agency1 and representatives of the ,department of the ,treasury's ,office of ,technical ,assistance1 shall plan and carry out initiatives to engage with governments in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean for the purpose of strengthening infrastructure project selection processes and procurement processes1 including-- 7#a7 discussing1 devising1 and disseminating best practices1 frameworks1 and tools that-- 7,a7 ensure greater adherence to the rule of law2 7,b7 promote greater transparency in infrastructure1 trade1 and development projects2 and 7,c7 more effectively regulate tender processes to minimize opportunities for corrupt practices2 7#b7 strengthening legal structures as needed to ensure business agreements are transparent1 clear1 and enforceable2 7#c7 increasing the capacity of ,latin ,american and ,caribbean governments to effectively assess and negotiate investment opportunities in accordance with applicable laws1 including commercial and public infrastructure projects2 7#d7 promoting legislation that codifies best practices in applying the rule of law to infrastructure1 trade1 and development projects2 7#e7 promoting the adoption of infrastructure project selection processes that include environmental impact studies that prioritize minimal environmental impact1 strong environmental standards1 and social safeguards for vulnerable and marginalized populations1 including indigenous and ,afro-,latino populations2 7#f7 emphasizing differences in business practices between the ,united ,states and ,china1 particularly those relating to the rule of law1 transparency1 and financing2 and 7#g7 fostering and enabling economic and technical data sharing relating to contract costs1 structuring1 and terms1 including loan terms1 cost overruns1 and quality assurance1 among regional governments and the ,united ,states4 7c7 ,consultation ,during the planning of the initiatives described in subsection 7b71 the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,international ,development ,finance ,corporation1 the ,director of the ,united ,states ,trade ,development ,agency's ,global ,procurement ,initiative1 and representatives of the ,department of the ,treasury's ,office of ,technical ,assistance1 shall consult with representatives of the private sector and nongovernmental organizations in the ,united ,states1 ,latin ,america1 and the ,caribbean4 7d7 ,briefing requirement ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and every #ahj days thereafter1 the ,secretary of ,state shall provide a briefing regarding the initiatives described in subsection 7b7 to-- 7#a7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate2 and 7#b7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives4 7e7 ,baseline assessment ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state shall submit a report to the congressional committees referred to in subsection 7d7 that assesses1 based on credible indices of the performance of the rule of law 7including the ,world ,justice ,project's ,rule of ,law ,index71 the progress made by ,latin ,american and ,caribbean governments toward strengthening the rule of law1 reducing corruption1 and creating greater transparency in business practices1 including through-- 7#a7 standardizing and regulating procurement practices2 and 7#b7 streamlining1 modernizing1 and digitizing records for public procurement and customs duties4 7f7 ,authorization of appropriations 7#a7 ,in general ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary of ,state for fiscal year #bjba1 #e1jjj1jjj to carry out the activities set forth in subsections 7b7 and 7c74 7#b7 ,notification requirements ,amounts appropriated pursuant to paragraph 7#a7 are subject to the notification requirements applicable to expenditures from the ,economic ,support ,fund under section #eca7;c7 of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #bcdf7;c77 to the extent that such funds are expended4 #aje4 ,promoting the rule of law in digital governance 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that ,united ,states engagement with ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean regarding digital infrastructure and security should-- 7#a7 help protect privacy1 civil liberties1 and human rights2 and 7#b7 strengthen institutions aimed at fighting cybercrimes4 7b7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the ,department of ,justice1 shall conduct diplomatic engagement to encourage and facilitate ,latin ,american and ,caribbean governments' adoption of standards to address cybercrimes1 such as institutionalizing the recommendations of the ,organization of ,american ,states ,ninth ,meeting of ,ministers of ,justice or ,other ,ministers or ,attorneys ,general of the ,americas ,working ,group on ,cybercrime 7,december #bjaf3 ,,oea_/,ser4 ,k_/,,xxxiv71 including-- 7#a7 adopting or updating procedural measures and legislation necessary to ensure the collection and safe custody of all forms of electronic evidence and their admissibility in criminal proceedings and trials and to enable ,states to assist one another in matters involving electronic evidence1 with due regard for rights to privacy and due process2 7#b7 developing and implementing national strategies to deter1 investigate1 and prosecute cybercrime as part of a broader and more coordinated effort to protect the information technology systems and networks of citizens1 businesses1 and governments2 7#c7 continuing to develop partnerships among ,latin ,american and ,caribbean officials responsible for preventing1 investigating1 and prosecuting such crimes1 and the private sector1 in order to streamline and improve the procurement of information in the context of mutual assistance proceedings2 and 7#d7 working1 in cooperation with like-minded democracies in international organizations1 to advance standards for digital governance and promote a free and open internet4 7c7 ,semiannual briefing requirement ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and every #ahj days thereafter until the date that is #e years after such date of enactment1 the ,secretary of ,state shall brief the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives regarding the diplomatic engagement described in subsection 7b74 #ajf4 ,investing in projects that strengthen the region's digital infrastructure 7a7 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,according to a #bjaf report by the ,organization for ,economic ,cooperation and ,development1 ,working ,paper ,no4 #ccd3 ,harnessing the ,digital ,economy for ,developing ,countries-- 7,a7 the digital economy fosters growth and productivity and supports inclusive development by improving accessibility for previously marginalized groups2 7,b7 access to digital infrastructure can provide these groups with a whole range of markets and services1 including education1 peer-to-peer lending1 e-government1 the sharing economy1 crowdfunding1 and online job matching services2 and 7,c7 adoption and usage of digital technologies raises the productivity of capital and labor1 enables the participation in global value chains1 and contributes to greater inclusion by lowering transaction costs and expanding access to information4 7#b7 ,according to the ,inter-,american ,development ,bank1 the combination of high rates of financial exclusion and high mobile penetration and technological innovation represents a great opportunity to use technology to enable financial services to reach a part of the population in ,latin ,america that has been underserved by traditional financial services4 7b7 ,digital infrastructure access and security strategy ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with relevant ,federal agencies1 shall submit to ,congress a strategy and implementation plan for leveraging ,united ,states expertise to help ,latin ,american and ,caribbean governments-- 7#a7 develop and secure their digital infrastructure2 7#b7 protect technological assets1 including data privacy2 7#c7 advance cybersecurity to protect against cybercrime and cyberespionage2 and 7#d7 create more equal access to economic opportunities for their citizens4 7c7 ,challenges ,the strategy described in subsection 7b7 shall address-- 7#a7 the severe digital divides between more wealthy urban centers and rural districts2 7#b7 the need for protection of citizens' privacy2 and 7#c7 the need to expand existing initiatives to allow public-private partnerships to increase access to micro-grids and decentralized electronic systems4 7d7 ,consultation ,in creating the strategy described in subsection 7b71 the ,secretary of ,state shall consult with-- 7#a7 leaders of the ,united ,states telecommunication industry2 7#b7 other technology experts from nongovernmental organizations and academia2 and 7#c7 representatives from relevant ,united ,states ,government agencies4 7e7 ,semiannual briefing requirement ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and every #ahj days thereafter until the date that is #e years after such date of enactment1 the ,secretary of ,state shall brief the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives regarding the implementation of the strategy described in subsection 7b74 #ajg4 ,countering foreign corrupt practices in the ,americas 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state1 working through the ,assistant ,secretary of ,state for ,economic and ,business ,affairs and the ,assistant ,secretary of ,state for ,international ,narcotics and ,law ,enforcement ,affairs1 shall offer to provide technical assistance to partner governments in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean to assist members of national legislatures and executive branch officials in establishing legislative and regulatory frameworks that are similar to those set forth in-- 7#a7 section #cj;,a of the ,securities ,exchange ,act of #aicd 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #gh;dd-#a72 and 7#b7 section #ajd of the ,foreign ,corrupt ,practices ,act of #aigg 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #gh;dd-#b74 7b7 ,purposes ,in carrying out subsection 7a71 the ,secretary of ,state shall actively encourage partner governments-- 7#a7 to adopt standards similar to those in the ,foreign ,corrupt ,practices ,act of #aigg 7title ,i of ,public ,law #ie-bac7 that deter fraudulent business practices and increase government and private sector accountability in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean2 and 7#b7 to strengthen the investigative and prosecutorial capacity of government institutions in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean to combat fraudulent business practices involving public officials4 7c7 ,strategy requirement ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state shall submit a strategy for carrying out the activities described in subsections 7a7 and 7b7 to-- 7#a7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate2 7#b7 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate2 7#c7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7#d7 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives4 7d7 ,consultation ,in formulating the strategy described in subsection 7c71 the ,secretary of ,state shall consult with the ,secretary of the ,treasury and the ,attorney ,general4 7e7 ,semiannual briefing requirement ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and every #ahj days thereafter until the date that is #e years after such date of enactment1 the ,secretary of ,state shall provide a briefing regarding the activities described in subsections 7a7 and 7b7 and the strategy submitted under subsection 7c7 to-- 7#a7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate2 and 7#b7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives4 7f7 ,authorization of appropriations 7#a7 ,in general ,there is authorized to be appropriated #aj1jjj1jjj to the ,department of ,state for fiscal year #bjba-- 7,a7 to carry out the activities set forth in subsections 7a7 and 7b72 and 7,b7 to develop the strategy submitted under subsection 7c74 7#b7 ,notification requirements ,amounts appropriated pursuant to paragraph 7#a7 are subject to the notification requirements applicable to expenditures from the ,economic ,support ,fund under section #eca7;c7 of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #bcdf7;c77 and the ,international ,narcotics and ,law ,enforcement ,fund under section #dhi of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #bbia;h71 to the extent that such funds are expended4 #ajh4 ,countering malign business practices 7a7 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,china has demonstrated a pattern of exploiting international norms and domestic laws in foreign states to its benefit1 while ignoring such laws and norms when they interfere with ,china's perceived national interests4 7#b7 ,china has demonstrated a pattern of bribing foreign government officials to ensure that it receives favorable terms on infrastructure deals and overstates the benefits or underplays the risks of proposed infrastructure projects4 7b7 ,aliens ineligible for visas1 admission1 or parole ,an alien described in this subsection is an alien whom the ,secretary of ,state or the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security 7or a designee of either ,secretary7 knows1 or has reason to believe1 is engaging or has engaged in acts of significant corruption in a country in ,latin ,america or the ,caribbean with representatives of1 or on behalf of1 the ,government of ,china1 a ,chinese state-owned entity1 or a ,chinese private sector entity4 7c7 ,visas1 admission1 or parole ,an alien described in subsection 7b7 is-- 7#a7 inadmissible to the ,united ,states2 7#b7 ineligible to receive a visa or other documentation to enter the ,united ,states2 and 7#c7 otherwise ineligible to be admitted or paroled into the ,united ,states or to receive any benefit under the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja et seq474 7d7 ,current visas revoked 7#a7 ,in general ,an alien described in subsection 7b7 is subject to revocation of any visa or other entry documentation regardless of when the visa or other entry documentation is or was issued4 7#b7 ,immediate effect ,a revocation under paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 shall take effect immediately2 and 7,b7 shall automatically cancel any other valid visa or entry documentation that is in the alien's possession4 7e7 ,exceptions ,sanctions under subsections 7c7 and 7d7 shall not apply with respect to an alien if admitting or paroling the alien into the ,united ,states is necessary-- 7#a7 to permit the ,united ,states to comply with the ,agreement regarding the ,headquarters of the ,united ,nations1 signed at ,lake ,success ,june #bf1 #aidg1 and entered into force ,november #ba1 #aidg1 between the ,united ,nations and the ,united ,states1 or other applicable international obligations2 or 7#b7 to carry out or assist law enforcement activity in the ,united ,states4 7f7 ,national security ,the ,president may waive the application of this section with respect to an alien if the ,president-- 7#a7 determines that such a waiver is in the national security interest of the ,united ,states2 and 7#b7 submits a notice of1 and justification for1 such waiver to the appropriate congressional committees4 #aji4 ,promoting greater energy security 7a7 ,policy statement ,it is the policy of the ,united ,states to help ,caribbean countries-- 7#a7 achieve greater energy security2 and 7#b7 lower their dependence on imported fuels4 7b7 ,strategy requirement ,not later than #abj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state shall submit a multi-year strategy to the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives for regional cooperation with ,caribbean countries-- 7#a7 to lower the region's dependence on imported fuels1 grow the region's domestic energy production for the generation of electricity1 and strengthen regional energy security2 7#b7 to lower the region's dependence on oil in the transportation sector2 7#c7 to increase the region's energy efficiency1 energy conservation1 and investment in alternatives to imported fuels2 7#d7 to improve grid reliability and modernize electricity transmission networks2 7#e7 to advance deployment of innovative solutions to expand community and individuals' access to electricity2 and 7#f7 to help reform the region's energy markets to encourage good regulatory governance and to promote a climate of private sector investment4 7c7 ,elements ,the strategy required under subsection 7b7 shall include-- 7#a7 a thorough review and inventory of ,united ,states ,government activities to promote energy security in the ,caribbean region and to reduce the region's reliance on oil for electricity generation that are being carried out bilaterally1 regionally1 and in coordination with multilateral institutions2 7#b7 opportunities for marshaling regional cooperation-- 7,a7 to overcome market barriers resulting from the small size of ,caribbean energy markets2 7,b7 to address the high transportation and infrastructure costs faced by ,caribbean countries2 7,c7 to ensure greater donor coordination between governments1 multilateral institutions1 multilateral banks1 and private investors2 and 7,d7 to expand regional financing opportunities to allow for lower cost energy entrepreneurship2 7#c7 measures to encourage each ,caribbean government to ensure that it has-- 7,a7 an independent utility regulator or equivalent2 7,b7 affordable access by third-party investors to its electrical grid with minimal regulatory interference2 7,c7 effective energy efficiency and energy conservation2 7,d7 programs to address technical and nontechnical issues2 7,e7 a plan to eliminate major market distortions2 7,f7 cost-reflective tariffs2 and 7,g7 no tariffs or other taxes on clean energy solutions2 and 7#d7 recommendations for how ,united ,states policy1 technical1 and economic assistance can be used in the ,caribbean region-- 7,a7 to advance renewable energy development and the incorporation of renewable technologies into existing energy grids and the development and deployment of micro-grids where appropriate and feasible2 7,b7 to create regional financing opportunities to allow for lower cost energy entrepreneurship2 7,c7 to deploy transaction advisors in the region to help attract private investment and break down any market or regulatory barriers2 and 7,d7 to establish a mechanism for each host government to have access to independent legal advice-- 7i7 to speed the development of energy-related contracts2 and 7ii7 to better protect the interests of ,caribbean governments and their citizens4 ,,ii ,promoting regional security and digital security1 and protecting human rights in the ,americas #bja4 ,ensuring the integrity of telecom and data networks and critical infrastructure 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 allegations of espionage1 intellectual property theft1 hacking1 and unscrupulous business practices often accompany the entrance of ,chinese companies into a region2 7#b7 the ,united ,states ,government should assist ,latin ,american and ,caribbean governments and businesses in developing their own digital telecommunications networks to render them less susceptible to ,chinese malfeasance2 and 7#c7 strengthening and implementing intellectual property and cyber governance laws will boost innovation in the ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean4 7b7 ,technical assistance ,the ,secretary of ,state1 working through the ,office of the ,coordinator for ,cyber ,issues of the ,department of ,state1 and in consultation with the ,attorney ,general1 the ,director of the ,federal ,bureau of ,investigation1 and the ,chief of the ,international ,bureau of the ,federal ,communications ,commission shall offer to provide technical assistance to partner governments in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean to strengthen their capacity to promote digital security1 including-- 7#a7 defending the integrity of digital infrastructure and digital assets1 including data storage systems1 such as ,cloud computing1 proprietary data1 personal information1 and proprietary technologies2 7#b7 detecting1 identifying1 and investigating cybercrimes1 including the collection of digital forensic evidence2 7#c7 developing appropriate enforcement mechanisms for cybercrimes2 7#d7 detecting and identifying perpetrators2 and 7#e7 prosecuting cybercrimes and holding perpetrators accountable for such crimes4 7c7 ,prioritization ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in providing the technical assistance described in subsection 7b71 shall prioritize working with national and regional law enforcement entities1 including-- 7#a7 police forces2 7#b7 public prosecutors2 7#c7 attorneys general 7#d7 courts2 and 7#e7 other law enforcement and civilian intelligence entities1 as appropriate4 7d7 ,cyber defense assistance ,the ,secretary of ,state1 in coordination with the ,commander of the ,united ,states ,cyber ,command and the ,director of ,national ,intelligence1 shall offer to provide technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of partner governments in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean-- 7#a7 to protect the integrity of their telecom and data networks and their critical infrastructure2 7#b7 to build and monitor secure telecom and data networks2 7#c7 to identify cyber threats and detect and deter cyber attacks2 7#d7 to investigate cyber crimes1 including the collection of digital forensic evidence2 7#e7 to protect the integrity of digital infrastructure and digital assets1 including data storage systems 7including ,cloud computing71 proprietary data1 personal information1 and proprietary technologies2 7#f7 to plan maintenance1 improvements1 and modernization in a coordinated and regular fashion so as to ensure continuity and safety2 and 7#g7 to protect the digital systems that manage roads1 bridges1 ports1 and transportation hubs4 7e7 ,briefing requirement ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and every #ahj days thereafter1 the ,secretary of ,state shall provide a briefing regarding the technical assistance described in subsection 7b7 and 7d7 to-- 7#a7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate2 7#b7 the ,committee on the ,judiciary of the ,senate2 7#c7 the ,committee on ,armed ,services of the ,senate2 7#d7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives2 7#e7 the ,committee on the ,judiciary of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7#f7 the ,committee on ,armed ,services of the ,house of ,representatives4 #bjb4 ,addressing the risks that pervasive surveillance and monitoring technologies pose to human rights 7a7 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,according to a #bjah report by ,freedom ,house-- 7,a7 ,china has stepped up efforts to use digital media to increase its own power1 both inside and outside of ,china2 7,b7 in #bjah1 for the second year in a row1 ,china was the worst abuser of internet freedom1 and during that year1 the ,government of ,china hosted media officials from dozens of countries for #b- and #c-week seminars on its sprawling system of censorship and surveillance2 7,c7 ,chinese companies have supplied telecommunications hardware1 advanced facial-recognition technology1 and data analytics tools to a variety of governments with poor human rights records1 which could benefit ,chinese intelligence services and repressive local authorities2 and 7,d7 ,china's ,belt and ,road ,initiative includes a ,digital ,silk ,road of ,chinese-built fiber-optic networks that could expose internet traffic to greater monitoring by local and ,chinese intelligence agencies1 given that ,china is determined to set the technical standards for how the next generation of traffic is coded and transmitted4 7#b7 ,as part of its engagement with ,latin ,american and ,caribbean governments1 ,china has begun promoting the installation of pervasive surveillance camera systems1 under the pretext of citizen security1 in ,bolivia1 ,ecuador1 and ,venezuela1 to be financed1 designed1 installed1 and maintained by companies linked to the ,government of ,china4 7b7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 ,china is exporting its model for internal security and state control of society through advanced technology and artificial intelligence2 and 7#b7 the adoption of surveillance systems can lead to breaches of citizens' private information1 increased censorship1 violations of civil rights1 and harassment of political opponents4 7c7 ,diplomatic engagement ,the ,secretary of ,state shall conduct diplomatic engagement with governments in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean-- 7#a7 to help officials identify and mitigate the risks to civil liberties posed by pervasive surveillance and monitoring technologies2 and 7#b7 to offer recommendations on ways to mitigate such risks4 7d7 ,internet freedom programs ,the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,global ,media1 working through the ,open ,technology ,fund1 and the ,secretary of ,state1 working through the ,bureau of ,democracy1 ,human ,rights1 and ,labor's office of ,internet ,freedom and ,business and ,human ,rights1 shall expand and prioritize efforts to provide anti-censorship technology and services to journalists and citizens in ,latin ,america1 in order to enhance their ability to safely access or share digital news and information without fear of repercussions or surveillance4 7e7 ,support for civil society ,the ,secretary of ,state1 acting through the ,assistant ,secretary of ,state for ,democracy1 ,human ,rights1 and ,labor1 and in coordination with the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 shall work through nongovernmental organizations-- 7#a7 to support and promote programs that support internet freedom and the free flow of information online in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean2 7#b7 to protect open1 secure1 and reliable access to the internet in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean2 7#c7 to provide integrated support to civil society for technology1 digital safety1 policy and advocacy1 and applied research programs in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean2 7#d7 to train journalists and civil society leaders in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean on investigative techniques necessary to ensure public accountability and prevent government overreach in the digital sphere2 and 7#e7 to assist independent media outlets and journalists in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean to build their own capacity and develop high-impact1 in-depth news reports covering governance and human rights topics4 7f7 ,briefing requirement ,not more than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and every #ahj days thereafter1 the ,secretary of ,state1 the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 and the ,chief ,executive ,officer of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,global ,media shall provide a briefing regarding the efforts described in subsections 7c71 7d71 and 7e7 to-- 7#a7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate2 7#b7 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate2 7#c7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7#d7 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives4 7g7 ,authorization of appropriations 7#a7 ,in general ,there are authorized to be appropriated #aj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjba to carry out the activities set forth in subsection 7e74 7#b7 ,notification requirements ,amounts appropriated pursuant to paragraph 7#a7 are subject to the notification requirements applicable to expenditures from-- 7,a7 the ,economic ,support ,fund under section #eca7;c7 of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #bcdf7;c772 and 7,b7 the ,development ,assistance ,fund under section #fec7;a7 of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #bdac7;a774 #bjc4 ,revitalizing bilateral and multilateral military education programs 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state shall dedicate not less than #ag percent of the amounts appropriated to bilateral and multilateral military education programs1 such as the ,international ,military ,education and ,training program1 for ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean during the #e-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this ,act4 7b7 ,modernization ,the ,secretary of ,state shall take steps to modernize and strengthen the programs receiving funding under subsection 7a7-- 7#a7 to ensure that such programs are vigorous1 substantive1 and the preeminent choice for international military education and training for ,latin ,american and ,caribbean partners4 7c7 ,required elements ,the programs referred to under subsection 7a7 shall-- 7#a7 provide training and capacity-building opportunities to ,latin ,american and ,caribbean security services2 7#b7 provide practical skills and frameworks for-- 7,a7 improving the functioning and organization of security services in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean2 7,b7 creating a better understanding of the ,united ,states and its values2 and 7,c7 using technology for maximum efficiency and organization2 and 7#c7 promote and ensure that security services in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean operate in compliance with international norms1 standards1 and rules of engagement1 including a respect for human rights1 democracy1 and civilian control4 7d7 ,limitation ,security assistance under this section is subject to the limitations set forth in section #fbj,m of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #bcgh;d74 ,,iii ,advancing the role of civil society in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean #cja4 ,counteracting growing ,chinese educational and cultural influence in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean 7a7 ,finding ,according to a report by the ,national ,endowment for ,democracy-- 7#a7 ,china has spent the equivalent of billions of dollars to shape public opinion and perceptions around the world through thousands of people-to-people exchanges1 cultural activities1 educational programs1 and the development of media enterprises and information initiatives with global reach2 7#b7 the aim of ,chinese influence efforts is intended to distract and manipulate the political and information environments in targeted countries2 and 7#c7 the countries most vulnerable to ,chinese efforts are those in which democratic institutions are weak4 7b7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that ,china's efforts to mold public opinion and influence educational institutions on the issues described in subsection 7a7 undermines ,united ,states influence in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean and threaten democratic institutions and practices in the region4 7c7 ,strategy ,the ,secretary of ,state1 acting through the ,assistant ,secretary of ,state for ,educational and ,cultural ,affairs1 and in coordination with the ,assistant ,administrator for the ,bureau of ,economic ,growth1 ,education1 and ,environment at the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 shall devise a strategy-- 7#a7 to expand existing programs and1 as necessary1 design and implement educational1 professional1 and cultural exchanges and other programs to create and sustain mutual understanding with other countries necessary to advance ,united ,states foreign policy goals by cultivating people-to-people ties among current and future global leaders that build enduring networks and personal relationships and promote ,united ,states national security and values1 including the expansion of exchange visitor programs1 such as international visitor leadership programs and professional capacity building programs that prioritize building skills in entrepreneurship1 promoting transparency1 and technology2 7#b7 to expand and strengthen existing programs1 and1 as necessary1 design and implement basic and higher education programs in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean1 in accordance with the ,united ,states ,strategy on ,international ,basic ,education and the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development ,education ,policy1 to enable all young adults1 youth1 and children to acquire the quality education and skills needed to be productive members in society1 which will lead to better health1 economic growth1 a sustainable environment1 and peaceful1 democratic societies2 7#c7 to dedicate not less than #ah percent of the budget of the ,bureau of ,educational and ,cultural ,affairs of the ,department of ,state to carry out the activities described in paragraph 7#a72 and 7#d7 to dedicate not less than #h percent of the budget of the ,education ,office of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development to carry out the activities described in paragraph 7#b74 7d7 ,briefing requirement ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and every #ahj days thereafter1 the ,secretary of ,state1 the ,assistant ,secretary of ,state for ,educational and ,cultural ,affairs1 and the ,assistant ,administrator for the ,bureau of ,economic ,growth1 ,education1 and ,environment at the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development shall provide a briefing regarding the efforts described in subsection 7c7 to-- 7#a7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate2 7#b7 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate2 7#c7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7#d7 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives4 #cjb4 ,advancing the role of civil society and the media to promote accountability 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state1 acting through the ,assistant ,secretary of ,state for ,democracy1 ,human ,rights1 and ,labor1 the ,assistant ,secretary of ,state for ,education and ,cultural ,affairs1 and the ,coordinator of the ,global ,engagement ,center1 shall expand existing initiatives and1 as necessary1 develop and implement new initiatives that facilitate and strengthen the capacity of civil society and independent media outlets to increase transparency and accountability among government and business leaders4 7b7 ,program elements ,the initiatives under subsection 7a7 shall include-- 7#a7 training for journalists and civil society leaders on investigative techniques necessary to improve transparency and accountability in government and the private sector2 7#b7 training on investigative reporting relating to incidents of corruption and unfair trade1 business and commercial practices1 including the role of the ,government of ,china in such practices2 7#c7 training on investigative reporting relating to efforts the use of misinformation1 disinformation1 and state media to influence public opinion in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean1 including the role of the ,government of ,china in such practices2 and 7#d7 assistance for nongovernmental organizations to strengthen their capacity to monitor the activities described in paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c74 7c7 ,consultation ,in developing and implementing the initiatives under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary of ,state shall consult with-- 7#a7 nongovernmental organizations focused on transparency and combating corruption1 such as ,transparency ,international1 the ,latin ,american and ,caribbean chapters of ,transparency ,international1 and similar organizations2 and 7#b7 media organizations that promote investigative journalism and train organizations in investigative techniques necessary to ensure public accountability1 such as ,pro,publica1 the ,center for ,public ,integrity1 and the ,international ,consortium of ,investigative ,journalists4 7d7 ,semiannual briefing requirement ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and every #ahj days thereafter1 the ,secretary of ,state shall provide a briefing regarding the initiatives under subsection 7a7 to-- 7#a7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate2 and 7#b7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives4 7e7 ,authorization of appropriations 7#a7 ,in general ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary of ,state #aj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjba to carry out the initiatives under subsection 7a74 7#b7 ,notification requirements ,amounts appropriated pursuant to paragraph 7#a7 are subject to the notification requirements applicable to expenditures from the ,economic ,support ,fund under section #eca7;c7 of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #bcdf7;c77 and the ,international ,narcotics and ,law ,enforcement ,fund under section #dhi of the ,foreign ,assistance ,act of #aifa 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #bbia;h71 to the extent that such funds are expended4 ,,iv ,resourcing for success #dja4 ,appointment of ,china ,engagement ,officers at ,united ,states embassies in the ,western ,hemisphere 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state shall direct the ,chiefs of ,mission at ,united ,states ,embassies and ,consulates in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean1 including ,cuba1 to designate a ,china ,engagement ,officer1 from among existing staff at the ,post1 to monitor and report on ,chinese activities related to diplomatic engagement1 economic investment1 critical infrastructure1 cybersecurity1 surveillance technology1 digital infrastructure1 military and security presence and trainings1 intelligence activities1 educational and cultural exchanges1 education1 and corruption in the respective countries4 7b7 ,annual meeting ,the ,assistant ,secretary for ,western ,hemisphere ,affairs shall convene an annual meeting 7either in person or by video conference call7 of all of the ,china ,engagement ,officers designated pursuant to subsection 7a7-- 7#a7 to discuss and compare developments in their individual countries2 7#b7 to identify trends in ,chinese activities in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean and its subregions2 and 7#c7 to recommend potential strategies to mitigate or compete with ,chinese activities in the region4 7c7 ,briefing requirement ,concurrent with the annual meeting described in subsection 7b71 ,china ,engagement ,officers serving in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean1 including ,cuba1 shall brief-- 7#a7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate2 and 7#b7 the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives4 7d7 ,consultation ,the ,assistant ,secretary for ,western ,hemisphere ,affairs and the ,china ,engagement ,officers designated pursuant to subsection 7a7 shall be available for consultations with the staff of the congressional committees referred to in subsection 7c74 #djb4 ,assessing staffing needs at ,united ,states embassies in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean 7a7 ,staffing assessment ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,state shall submit the assessments and accompanying reports1 if necessary1 described in subsections 7b7 and 7c7 to the ,committee on ,foreign ,relations of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,foreign ,affairs of the ,house of ,representatives4 7b7 ,foreign commercial service assessment 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state1 the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 and the ,secretary of ,commerce shall prepare a written assessment that-- 7,a7 determines whether the current staffing levels of the ,united ,states ,foreign ,commercial ,service at all ,united ,states embassies1 diplomatic1 and development offices in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean are sufficient to successfully advance ,united ,states economic policy in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean2 and 7,b7 specifically details the results for each ,united ,states embassy1 diplomatic1 and development office in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean4 7#b7 ,accompanying report ,if the assessment under paragraph 7#a7 reveals insufficient staffing levels1 the ,secretary of ,state1 the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 and the ,secretary of ,commerce shall submit an accompanying report that-- 7,a7 identifies the costs associated with increasing the overseas presence of ,united ,states ,foreign ,commercial ,service officers in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean2 and 7,b7 includes a timeline and strategy for increasing such staffing levels4 7c7 ,public diplomacy assessment 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,state shall prepare a written assessment that-- 7,a7 determines whether the current staffing levels of ,foreign ,service public diplomacy officers at all ,united ,states embassies and diplomatic offices in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean are sufficient-- 7i7 to successfully advance ,united ,states national interests2 and 7ii7 to counter misinformation and disinformation efforts by the ,government of ,china and the ,government of ,russia2 and 7,b7 specifically details the results for each ,united ,states embassy and diplomatic office in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean4 7#b7 ,accompanying report ,if the assessment under paragraph 7#a7 reveals insufficient staffing levels1 the ,secretary of ,state shall submit an accompanying report that-- 7,a7 identifies the costs associated with increasing the overseas presence of ,foreign ,service public diplomacy officers in ,latin ,america and the ,caribbean2 and 7,b7 includes a timeline and strategy for increasing such staffing levels4