S.Amdt. 6534

This amendment, submitted by Mr. Lee to bill S. 4784, aims to update how information about the United States is shared abroad and handled domestically. It specifically changes the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 and the Foreign Relations Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1986 and 1987.

Changes to Information Dissemination

• The USAGM CEO is authorized to prepare and share information about U.S. policies, people, and the country abroad using various media, including the Internet, radio, and press.
• Generally, this information cannot be shared within the U.S., its territories, or possessions, with these exceptions:
  • "Problems of Communism" and the "English Teaching Forum" can be sold by the Government Publishing Office.
  • English language versions can be examined at the Department of State by research students, scholars, and U.S. press representatives.
  • Materials must be made available for examination by Members of Congress upon request.

Domestic Distribution and Archives

• The USAGM CEO must provide materials prepared for abroad (video, audio, film, etc.) to the Archivist of the United States for domestic distribution.
• This happens 12 years after the material was prepared or first shared abroad.
• The USAGM CEO will be reimbursed for expenses related to this, and the Archivist will act as the official custodian.
• People seeking this material must have the necessary licenses and pay a fee to cover the Archivist's costs.

Restrictions on Domestic Activities

• Funds for the USAGM cannot be used to influence public opinion inside the United States.
• Program materials from the USAGM cannot be distributed within the U.S., except for programs under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961.
• USAGM employees are still allowed to answer public questions about their operations, programs, or policies.