S.Amdt. 6478

This amendment, submitted by Mrs. Shaheen, aims to create a more comprehensive strategy for the U.S. to fight transnational crime. It adds two new sections (1270A and 1270B) to the bill to expand how the government handles anti-crime programs and how it reports those activities to the public and Congress.

Key Changes and Additions:

• Strategic Planning and Funding: It requires the Secretary of State to create a 5-year strategic plan to expand anti-crime programs. This includes focusing on things like citizen security, the rule of law, and preventing violence. The amendment authorizes $100,000,000 per year from 2027 through 2031 to fund these efforts.

• Expanded Scope: The amendment widens the focus of anti-crime efforts to include:

  • Cyber-scam centers and cybercrime.
  • Fentanyl and synthetic opioid demand reduction.
  • Environmental and natural resource crimes (such as illegal mining, fishing, and logging).
  • Human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and arms trafficking.
  • Anti-corruption, money laundering, and gender-based violence.

• Public-Private Partnerships: It encourages the government to work with private companies and research partners to strengthen security and reduce violence, provided they follow international best practices and notify Congress.

• Increased Accountability: The amendment mandates strict reporting requirements to hold officials accountable, including:

  • A public strategic plan for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
  • An Annual Program and Budget Accountability Report that breaks down exactly where money is spent by region, program type, and recipient (such as NGOs or contractors).
  • Detailed evaluations of the effectiveness of rewards programs and training academies.
  • Reports on human rights monitoring issues and how they were resolved.