Sec. 7. Investing in democracy research and development
232 words·~1 min read·
/bill/118/s/3854/is/section-7·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, shall establish a program for democracy research and development that— supports research and development by the Department of State, the United States Agency for International Development, and the National Endowment for Democracy on policies and programs relating to democracy efforts; drives innovation within such agencies regarding the response to complex, multidimensional challenges to democracy, including— combating transnational kleptocracy; mitigating hyperpolarization; countering malign authoritarian influence; and leveraging emerging technology for democracy; incentivizes collaboration among governments, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector to identify and mitigate threats to global democracy; identifies lessons learned and best practices for democracy programs and diplomatic approaches to create feedback loops and shape future evidence-based programming and diplomacy; encourages private sector actors to establish and implement business practices that will— strengthen democratic institutions; bolster democratic processes; and support democracy activists and human rights defenders; and strengthens the resilience of democratic actors and institutions.
Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, shall submit a report to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives that describes the efforts and results of the program established pursuant to subsection (a).