DIVISION D- Committee on Foreign Affairs

DIVISION D: Committee on Foreign Affairs

DIVISION D: Committee on Foreign Affairs

Investing in American Competitiveness

Authorization to Assist United States Companies with Global Supply Chain Diversification and Management

The bill authorizes $90 million over six years for a State Department program that allows for U.S. embassies to hire contracts to assist interested U.S. persons and businesses with supply chain management issues related to China.

Report on National Technology and Industrial Base

Requires the State Department to submit a report to Congress describing the Department’s efforts to facilitate access among the National Technology and Industrial Base to defense articles and services subject to the U.S. Munitions List.

Supporting economic independence from the People’s Republic of China.

Directs the President to develop a strategy utilizing Federal agencies and resources to counteract Chinese assistance and financing to foreign governments. Authorizes the Secretary of State in coordination with the USAID Administrator to establish a new initiative or continue an existing one as the Infrastructure Transaction and Assistance Network to advance the development of sustainable, transparent, and high-quality infrastructure and to help boost the capacity of partner countries to evaluate contracts and assess the financial and environmental impacts of potential infrastructure projects. Authorizes $375M for the Infrastructure Transaction and Assistance Network.

Report on importance of American financial strength for global leadership.

Expresses the sense of Congress that the dominance of the dollar yields significant benefits, allowing the U.S. to maintain economic independence, better control its monetary policy, and finance government outlays. Requires the Secretary of State and Secretary of the Treasury to submit a report to the appropriate committees that lists and examines benefits from U.S. global financial leadership to American foreign policy and identifies steps the U.S. can take to preserve its status as the world’s leading financial center

Sense of Congress on the need to bolster American leadership in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation.

Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. has benefited from its participation in APEC and should announce its interest to host APEC in 2023.

Investing in Alliances and Partnerships

Establishment of Quad Intra-Parliamentary Working Group

• The bill directs the Secretary of State to enter negotiations with the governments of Japan, Australia, and India with the goal of establishing a Quad Intra-Parliamentary Working Group to facilitate closer cooperation on shared interests and values. Authorizes $4 million to the United States Group for the next four fiscal years.

Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative.

Directs the Secretary of State to submit a strategy for implementing the YSEALI program, an annual report on the program’s progress and an assessment of the metrics, goals, targets, and outcomes and recommendations for improvements or amendments to the YSEALI program and strategy, and a final assessment report that evaluates the program’s implementation and outcomes during the entire duration of its program operation

Provisions on Taiwan

Enhancing the United States-Taiwan Partnership: provides a statement of policy reiterating the U.S. commitment to Taiwan and recognizing Taiwan as a vital part of the U.S. approach to the Indo-Pacific.
Taiwan Peace and Stability Act: provides a statement of policy of U.S. interests in maintaining the peace and stability and deter military acts or other forms of coercive behavior in the Indo-Pacific.
Taiwan International Solidarity Act: amends the TAIPEI Act of 2019 by adding that the UN recognition of the PRC did not address the issue of Taiwan representation at the UN or any related organizations, nor take a position on the relationship between the PRC and Taiwan or Taiwan’s sovereignty, and that the U.S. opposes any initiative that seeks to change Taiwan’s status without the consent of the people.

Increasing Department of State Personnel and Resources Devoted to the Indo-Pacific Region

Presents a statement of policy that the U.S. shall increase funding and personnel dedicated to the IndoPacific region. Requires an action plan from the Secretary of State to increase budgetary and personnel resources. Authorizes $2 billion under the Foreign Assistance Act for the Indo-Pacific region and $1.25 billion for diplomatic engagement.

Report on Bilateral Efforts to Address Chinese Fentanyl Trafficking

The bill directs the Secretary of State and Attorney General to report on U.S. government efforts to gain a commitment from the Chinese government to submit unregulated fentanyl precursors to controls and a plan for future steps the U.S. Government will take to urge China to combat illicit fentanyl production and trafficking originating in China.

Supporting Independent Media and Countering Misinformation

The bill authorizes $500 million for the United States Agency for Global Media for ongoing and new programs to support local media, build independent media, combat PRC disinformation inside and outside of China, invest in technology to subvert censorship, and monitor and evaluate these programs.

Report on origins of the COVID–19 pandemic.

Directs the President to submit a report that assesses the most likely source or origin of the SARS–CoV–2 virus, the level of confidence in the assessment, and challenges identified to the USG’s ability to make such an assessment.

Liu Xiaobo Fund for Study of the Chinese Language

Establishes the Liu Xiaobo Fund for Study of the Chinese Language to fund alternatives to Confucius Institutes at U.S. universities.

International Security Matters

Additional Funding for International Military Education and Training in the Indo-Pacific

Authorizes $225 million over five years for State Department international military education and training (IMET) assistance.

Statement of policy on maritime freedom of operations in the South China Sea.

Expresses the sense of Congress that Congress condemns the use of force to impede freedom of navigation operations in the Indo-Pacific region and presents a statement of policy with respect to PRC claims in the South China Sea.

Report on Capability Development of Indo-Pacific Allies and Partners

Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State should expand measures under the U.S. Conventional Arms Transfer Policy to provide capabilities to allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. Also requires a report from the Secretary of State on U.S. priorities for building more capable security partners in the Indo-Pacific.

Multilateral Strategies to Bolster American Power

Support for Americans at the United Nations

Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish an Office for American Citizens, which will advocate for the employment of U.S. citizens by all international organizations of which the U.S. is a member, coordinate the interagency support of non-American candidates for leadership roles when no American candidate has been nominated and when it is in the U.S. interest, and establish and implement a standard operating procedure for the promotion and efficient tracking of U.S. citizen employment at international organizations.

Junior Professional Officers

Calls on the Secretary of State to increase the number of Junior Professional Officer positions sponsored by the U.S. within the UN system to compete with the PRC’s growing influence at the UN.

Regional Strategies

Part 1 – Western Hemisphere

Strategy to Strengthen Economic Competitiveness, Governance, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The bill instructs the Secretary of State, in consultation with relevant agencies, to submit a multi-year strategy for increasing U.S. economic competitiveness and promoting good governance, human rights, and the rule of law in Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Caribbean Energy Initiative As Alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative

Requires the Department of State in coordination with USAID to submit a multi-year strategy to Congress to promote regional cooperation with Caribbean countries for improving energy security, grid reliability, and energy efficiency, as well as reforming energy markets and investing in cleaner energy technologies.

U.S.-Caribbean Resilience Partnership

Seeks to promote long-term resilience in the Caribbean to natural disasters, severe weather events, and a changing ocean environment by authorizing appropriations in support of the U.S. Caribbean Resilience Partnership

Countering China’s Educational and Cultural Diplomacy in Latin America

Directs the Secretary of State, acting through the Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, to devise a strategy that evaluates and expands existing people-to-people programs and creates new exchanges and people-to-people programs that advance U.S. foreign policy goals and promote U.S. national security interests and values.

Part 2 – Transatlantic Relationships

Enhancing Transatlantic Cooperation on Promoting Private Sector Finance

Calls for the President to work with transatlantic development partners to foster private sector-led development and provide market-based alternatives to the PRC’s state-directed financing in emerging markets, particularly as it pertains to the Belt and Road Initiative. Calls for a joint United States – European Union strategy to enhance cooperation with the OECD and Paris Club to ensure the highest possible standards on Belt and Road Initiative contracts with developing countries.

Part 3 – South and Central Asia

Indian Ocean region strategic review

Directs the Secretary of State, in coordination with Defense and USAID, to develop a multi-year strategy for U.S. engagement in the Indian Ocean region, including describing challenges to U.S. interests in the region, efforts to improve cooperation in the Quad, efforts to support economic connectivity, proposed U.S. engagement in regional intergovernmental organizations and entities, an assessment of U.S. diplomatic presence and agreements in the region, and a security assistance strategy.

Part 4 – Africa

Assessment of Political, Economic, and Security Activity of the People’s Republic of China in Africa

Requires the Secretary of State, in coordination with DNI, to submit a report to Congress that assesses the nature and impact of Chinese political, economic, sociocultural, and security sector activity in Africa and its impact on U.S. strategic interests.

Increasing the Competitiveness of the United States in Africa

Requires the Secretary of State, in consultation with other top federal government officials to submit a report to Congress setting forth a multi-year strategy for increasing U.S. economic competitiveness and promoting improvements in the investment climate in Africa, including through support for democratic institutions, the rule of law and improved transparency.

Part 5 – Middle East and North Africa

Strategy to Counter Chinese Influence in, and Access to, the Middle East and North Africa

Expresses the sense of Congress that the PRC is upgrading its influence in the region through energy and infrastructure investments, technology transfer, and arms sales, and seeks to establish military or dual use facilities in strategic locations. Also requires the Secretary of State to submit to Congress a strategy for countering and limiting Chinese influence in, and access to, the Middle East and North Africa.

Part 6 – Arctic Region

Arctic diplomacy

Requires the United States to conduct periodic comprehensive evaluations of present and ongoing disruptions to the global climate system and account for global climate disruptions in National Security Planning. Directs the United States to develop a strategy for protecting national interests in the Arctic and establishes an Ambassador at Large for Arctic Affairs appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, who would coordinate United States policies related to the Arctic and Chair the Arctic Council when the United States holds such Chairmanship.

Part 7 – Oceania

Statement of Policy on United States Engagement in Oceania

Establishes that it shall be the policy of the U.S. to elevate the countries of Oceania as a strategic national security and economic priority; to promote civil society, rule of law, and democratic governance in the region, and deepen the U.S. relationship with Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Micronesia.

Part 8 – Pacific Islands

Blue Pacific Act

The bill requires specified departments and agencies to develop and implement strategies in the region to expand the coverage of the International Law Enforcement Academies program; help build the capacity of local civilian and national security institutions; assist in preparing for natural disasters and other emergencies; assist in building public health capacity and improving outcomes, including in response to COVID-19; address climate change, with a focus on improving critical infrastructure and supporting ecosystem conservation efforts; and provide expanded media content to the Pacific Islands and partner with journalists; and more. The bill also requires the Department of State to prioritize efforts to help the Pacific Islands ratify and implement international legal conventions related to transnational crime.

Investing in Our Values

Sense of Congress on the Continued Violation of Rights and Freedoms of the People of Hong Kong

Puts forward findings on the PRC’s abrogation of its obligations and commitments under international law and agreements and the erosion of Hong Kong’s autonomy, undermining the democratic norms and human rights, and the use of violence and excessive force after the imposition of the national security law.

Authorization of Appropriations for Promotion of Democracy in Hong Kong

Authorizes $10 million for the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and labor to promote democracy in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong people’s freedom and choice

Provides temporary protected status and refugee status for qualifying Hong Kong residents for the 18- month period beginning after enactment. Stipulates that Hong Kong continue to be considered a foreign state separate and apart from the PRC for purposes of the numerical limitations on immigrant visas. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide special immigrant status admission for certain priority highly skilled Hong Kong residents, not to exceed 5,000 per year for each of the 5 FYs.

Sense of Congress on Treatment of Uyghurs and Other Ethnic Minorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region

Expresses the sense of Congress that the ongoing atrocities in Xinjiang must be condemned; the President, Secretary of State, and the U.S. Ambassador to the UN should speak publicly about the ongoing human rights abuses and appeal to the UN Secretary General to take a more proactive and public stance on the situation in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

Uyghur Human Rights Protection

Designates aliens who were Chinese nationals and Xinjiang residents on January 1, 2021; aliens who fled Xinjiang after June 30, 2009, and reside in other Chinese provinces or a third country where they are not firmly resettled; and the spouses, children, and parents as Priority 2 refugees of special humanitarian concern. Directs the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit a report on the applications submitted under this section.

Modifications to and Reauthorization of Sanctions with Respect to Human Rights Violations

Amends the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act to express the sense of Congress that the President should establish and regularize information sharing and sanctions-related decision making with like-minded governments possessing human rights and anti-corruption sanctions programs, to make modifications to the President’s sanctions authority, to add additional criteria to the reporting requirements to Congress, and to repeal the sunset.

Review and controls on exports with critical capabilities to enable human rights abuses

Requires periodic Commerce Department-led interagency review of export control lists to ensure that items are included that would provide China with a critical capability for surveillance or repression.

Imposition of Sanctions for Certain Offenses in Xinjiang

The bill amends the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 to impose sanctions based on systematic rape, coercive abortion, forced sterilization, or involuntary contraceptive implantation policies and practices in Xinjiang.

Investing in Our Economic Statecraft

Sense of Congress Regarding the People’s Republic of China’s Industrial Policy

Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. must adopt policies to expose the detrimental aspects of the PRC’s nonmarket policies, provide options for those affected by unreasonable and discriminatory industrial policies, ensure that PRC companies face costs and consequences for anticompetitive behavior, and strengthen the protection of critical technology and sensitive data.

Countering Overseas Kleptocracy

Establishes an Anti-Corruption Action Fund at the Department of the Treasury in furtherance of these objectives to be funded from fines and penalties pursuant to criminal prosecutions under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Creates an interagency anti-corruption task force at the Department of State to improve government coordination in promoting overseas good governance and countering public corruption. Requires USAID to consolidate existing reports having anti-corruption components into a single online, public platform.

Investing in A Sustainable Future

Balancing Accountability and Cooperation with China

Expresses the sense of Congress that climate change requires global cooperation, especially between the United States and China and that both countries should work together to undertake parallel initiatives to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, develop and deploy clean energy generation technologies, and integrate sustainable adaptation solutions. Instructs the United States and its allies to work together to hold China accountable for increasing its emissions targets, eliminating greenhouse gas intensive projects from its Belt and Road Initiative, and avoiding efforts that undermine the Paris Agreement’s underlying framework.

Promoting Responsible Development Alternatives to The People’s Republic of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Calls on the President to partner with multilateral development finance institutions to develop financing tools based on shared development finance criteria and mechanisms to support investments in developing countries that support clean energy development, resiliency, and adaptation to environmental changes and natural disasters. Authorizes the Secretary of State, USAID and other relevant agency heads to co-finance infrastructure, resilience, and environmental adaptation projects that advance the development objectives of the United States overseas and provide viable alternatives to projects that would otherwise be included within China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Allows the International Development Finance Corporation to partner with other multilateral development finance institutions in furtherance of these objectives.

Using Climate Diplomacy to Better Serve National Security and Economic Interests.

Charges the Secretary of State to ensure each mission has a climate diplomacy strategy and to utilize resources within the bureau. Specifically, creates Climate Change Officer positions within the Foreign Service responsible for convening stakeholders and supporting U.S. engagement on climate change and requires corresponding curriculum at the Foreign Service Institute. Additionally, requires Chiefs of Mission to have a strategy on addressing climate change and to certify that, to the extent practicable, they have integrated climate considerations into mission activities, management, and operations.

Reducing The Negative Impacts from Black Carbon, Methane, and High-GWP Hydrofluorocarbons

Establishes a policy and instructs U.S. representatives to multilateral institutions, and other U.S. diplomats, to advance international efforts to control highly potent environmental pollutants consisting of or deriving from black carbon, methane, and high-GWP hydrofluorocarbons.

Building United States Economic Growth and Technological Innovation Through the Green Climate Fund.

Two-year authorization of contributions to the Green Climate Fund. $4 billion each for FY 2022 and FY2023, which will further international efforts in assisting developing countries with mitigating and adapting to climate change. Calls for the United States to lead efforts to ensure the Fund uses best practices for environmental and social safeguards and respects human rights.