Sec. 30252. Countering China’s educational and cultural diplomacy in Latin America
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/bill/117/hr/4521/pcs/section-30252·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
Congress finds the following: According to a report by the National Endowment for Democracy, China has spent the equivalent of billions of dollars to shape public opinion and perceptions around the world through thousands of people-to-people exchanges, cultural activities, educational programs, and the development of media enterprises and information initiatives with global reach. Educational and exchange programs are a core element of United States public diplomacy, elevating our culture, policies, and interests worldwide.
These programs provide students with access to international knowledge, an opportunity to learn foreign languages, and a unique environment for developing cultural understanding, all of which are valuable skills in today’s global economy. 90 percent of ECA’s appropriation is spent in the United States or invested directly in American citizens or American organizations. It is the sense of Congress that— China’s efforts to mold public opinion and influence educational institutions undermine United States’ influence in Latin America and the Caribbean and threaten democratic institutions and practices in the region; the United States Government should expand current educational and cultural exchange programs in Latin America and the Caribbean, which are cost-effective and strengthen people-to-people diplomacy, to promote national security and foreign policy interests of the United States; and educational exchanges foster linguistic, cultural, and educational skills that advance United States economic competitiveness, strengthen alliances, and support democracies worldwide.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, acting through the Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, and in coordination with the Assistant Administrator for the Bureau of Economic Growth, Education, and Environment at the United States Agency for International Development, shall devise a strategy— to evaluate and expand existing programs and, as necessary, design and implement new educational, professional, 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 interests and values, including through the expansion of exchange visitor programs such as international visitor leadership programs and the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative, as well as professional capacity building programs that prioritize building skills in entrepreneurship, promoting transparency, and technology; to ensure that exchange programs for Americans abroad and international visitors attract a diverse pool of participants, including from underrepresented, marginalized, and low-income communities; and to evaluate, expand, and strengthen existing programs, and, as necessary, design and implement new basic and higher education programs in Latin America and the Caribbean, in accordance with the United States Strategy on International Basic Education and the United States Agency for International Development Education Policy, to enable all young adults, youth, and children to acquire the quality education and skills needed to be productive members in society, which will lead to better individual and societal outcomes.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall, in coordination with the Director of National Intelligence, submit to the appropriate congressional committees (including the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate) a report that assesses the nature and impact of the People’s Republic of China’s educational and cultural sector activity in Latin America and the Caribbean, its impact on United States’ strategic interests, and recommendations for the United States Government to expand people-to-people ties.