S.Amdt. 3291

SA 3291, submitted by Mr. Lee, aims to add a new section (Sec. 1265) to bill S. 2296. This amendment focuses on the dissemination abroad of information about the United States by amending the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 and the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1986 and 1987.

The amendment seeks to change and add the following:

• Information Dissemination Abroad: It authorizes the CEO of the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) to prepare and share information about U.S. people, policies, and the United States abroad using media such as the Internet, radio, publications, and press.

• Domestic Restrictions: Generally, this information cannot be shared within the U.S., its territories, or possessions, with some exceptions:

  • Certain materials like the 'English Teaching Forum' and 'Problems of Communism' may be sold by the Government Publishing Office.
  • English language materials may be available at the Department of State for examination by research students, scholars, and U.S. press representatives.
  • Members of Congress may examine these materials upon request.

• Domestic Distribution via Archivist: The USAGM CEO must provide materials (such as video, audio, and films) to the Archivist of the United States for domestic distribution starting 12 years after the material was prepared or first shared abroad. The USAGM CEO must be reimbursed for expenses, and the Archivist will act as the official custodian.

• Ban on Domestic Activities: It specifies that funds for USAGM cannot be used to influence public opinion within the U.S., and USAGM program materials cannot be distributed domestically, except for programs under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961.

• Public Inquiries: The amendment clarifies that USAGM employees are still allowed to respond to public questions regarding USAGM programs, policies, or operations.