Sec. 108. Public diplomacy and combating disinformation and misinformation about COVID–19
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Congress finds that the United States Agency for Global Media (referred to in this section as USAGM ) broadcasting entities and grantees have proven valuable in providing timely and accurate information, particularly in countries in which the free press is under threat. It is the sense of Congress that— accurate, investigative, and scientific journalism is critical for societies to effectively combat global health threats; and Congress supports— accurate and objective investigative and scientific reporting by USAGM networks and grantees regarding COVID–19; and platforms that help dispel and combat misinformation about the COVID–19 pandemic.
It is the sense of Congress that amounts authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available to Voice of America should be used— to expand programs such as POLYGRAPH.info; to provide critical tools for combating propaganda associated with COVID–19; and to assist journalists in providing accurate information to local media outlets. It is the sense of Congress that Radio Televisión Martí and Digital Martí should continue to broadcast programs that detect, highlight, and dispel disinformation.
Congress finds that Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (referred to in this section as RFE/RL ) operate in media markets in which authoritarian state and nonstate actors, including Russia, heavily invest in misinformation and disinformation campaigns designed to promote confusion and mistrust. It is the sense of Congress that RFE/RL should— increase investigative reporting regarding the impacts of COVID–19, the political and social responses governments are taking in response to COVID–19, and the lasting impacts such actions will have on key political freedoms; and expand its digital first strategy.
Congress finds that Radio Free Asia
(RFA)operates in a media market dominated by powerful state-run media that have invested heavily in media distortion and disinformation, including about COVID–19. It is the sense of Congress that RFA should— commission technical experts to bolster efforts to counter social media tools, including bots used by some countries to promote misinformation; expand digital programming and local coverage to expose China’s media manipulation techniques; and increase English language content to help counter China’s propaganda directed toward English-speaking audiences. Congress finds that the Middle East Broadcasting Networks operate largely in closed media markets in which malign state and nonstate actors remain active. It is the sense of Congress that the Middle East Broadcasting Networks should— continue plans to expand an investigative news unit; and work to ensure that reporting continues amidst operational challenges on the ground. Congress finds that the Open Technology Fund works to advance internet freedom in repressive environments by supporting technologies that— provide secure and uncensored access to USAGM’s content and the broader internet; and counter attempts by authoritarian governments to control the internet and restrict freedom online. It is the sense of Congress that the Open Technology Fund should— support a broad range of technologies to respond to increasingly aggressive and sophisticated censorship and surveillance threats and provide more comprehensive and tailored support to USAGM’s networks; and provide direct assistance to USAGM’s networks to improve the digital security of reporting operations and journalists. Congress finds the following: The Department of State’s public diplomacy programs build global networks that can address shared challenges, such as the COVID–19 pandemic, including through exchanges of researchers, public health experts, and scientists. The programs referred to in subparagraph
(A)play a critical role in creating open and resilient information environments where democracies can thrive, as articulated in the 2020 Public Diplomacy Strategic Plan, including by— improving media quality with journalist training and reporting tours; conducting media literacy programs; and supporting media access activities. The International Visitor Leadership Program and Digital Communications Network engaged journalists around the world to combat COVID–19 disinformation, promote unbiased reporting, and strengthen media literacy. More than 12,000 physicians holding J–1 visas from 130 countries— are engaged in residency or fellowship training at approximately 750 hospitals throughout the United States, the majority of whom are serving in States that have been the hardest hit by COVID–19; and throughout the pandemic, have served on the front lines of the medical workforce and in United States university labs researching ways to detect and treat the virus. Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs shall brief the appropriate congressional committees by providing— a timeline for increasing visa processing capacities at embassies around the world, notably where there are— many American citizens, including dual nationals; and many visa applicants for educational and cultural exchange programs that promote United States foreign policy objectives and economic stability to small businesses, universities, and communities across the United States; and a detailed plan for using existing authorities to waive in-person appointments and interviews. Congress finds that since the beginning of the COVID–19 pandemic, publications, websites, and platforms associated with China, Russia, and Iran have sponsored disinformation campaigns related to the COVID–19 pandemic, including falsely blaming the United States for the disease. It is the sense of Congress that the Global Engagement Center should continue its efforts to expose and counter state and non-state-sponsored disinformation related to COVID–19, the origins of COVID–19, and COVID–19 vaccinations.