H.R. 9524 — Introduced in House

I 118th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 9524 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES September 10, 2024Mr. Lieu (for himself, Mr. Wilson of South Carolina, and Mr. Meeks) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs A BILL To enhance subnational diplomacy efforts within the Department of State, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Enhancing Subnational Diplomacy Act. 2. Subnational Diplomacy Unit Authorities To enable its work with states, counties, cities and other municipalities in the United States, the State Department is authorized to provide assistance to elected officials at the state, county and city level in the United States (including their staff) to participate in international activities that the Secretary determines align with the United States government’s interests in promoting subnational engagement in foreign policy, including providing assistance in attracting or bidding for hosting of major international events, capacity building around internationally-oriented staff, funding travel of United States elected officials at the state, county and city level in the United States to participate in meetings, conferences, workshops and other gatherings with foreign officials, and funding the costs associated with memberships in United States and internationally based organizations. 3. Grant Assistance The Secretary of State may, in consultation with the heads of relevant agencies, award grants to eligible subnational United States government entities to carry out technical assistance, public diplomacy, and commercial diplomacy projects in collaboration with interagency partners to better augment United States government service delivery and/or support United States foreign policy goals.