Sec. 3. Program prioritization and democracy strategy
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As the global leader in promoting and advancing democratic principles, the United States Government should prioritize democracy programs that— align and are coordinated with diplomatic and security strategies for a given country or region; advance democracy worldwide, including during a country’s transition to democracy and the consolidation of democracy following such a transition, and address democratic backsliding in a country; support democracy and democratic voices in closed and repressive societies, including those defending the exercise of civil and political rights; counter the malign influence of the People’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation, and other authoritarian governments; counter corruption and kleptocracy, including by enhancing transparent, accountable, and responsive governance; promote and protect independent media, civil society activists, writers, artists, and intellectuals; counter misinformation and disinformation, but especially in the digital domain; counter authoritarian abuse of technology, and prevent manipulation—especially through digital means—of elections, electoral data, and critical electoral infrastructure; combat digital authoritarianism, including the use of the internet and other digital technologies to restrict the exercise of civil and political rights; promote internet freedom and the use of technology that furthers democracy and the exercise of civil and political rights; counter transnational repression and the extra-territorial extension of repressive measures, as well as the increasing use of arbitrary detention; respond rapidly to democratic openings or backsliding, and adapt to evolving dynamics on the ground; promote civic education, voter education, and enhanced citizen participation in democratic processes; protect the civil and political rights of religious and ethnic minorities; seek to ensure the integrity of elections abroad; and establish and promote democracy partnerships to maximize support to a country where a democratic opening is underway or the respective government is a genuine partner for democratic reform.
Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to Congress a comprehensive strategy to promote democracy abroad that is informed by extensive consultations with the local actors impacted by such programs. The strategy shall encompass a whole of government approach to such efforts, and include detailed information on funding, goals and objectives, and oversight.