Bill · H.R. 5704· House(119-HR-5704)

Repeal the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act of 2013

Age: 55 years

Kentucky

Introduced: 10/8/2025
Last activity: 10/8/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Sponsored by: Thomas Massie
Cosponsors: - 10 - 0

International Affairs

Introduced
In Committee

What this bill would do

This bill, titled the "Repeal the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act of 2013," seeks to prohibit the Federal Government from engaging in domestic propagandization. It amends the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 to restrict how the Secretary of State and the USAGM disseminate information. The legislation prohibits the use of funds to influence public opinion or propagandize within the United States. It also establishes specific rules for the archival and domestic release of materials produced for foreign dissemination. Furthermore, it updates the Foreign Relations Authorization Act of 1986 and 1987 to include a ban on the domestic distribution of certain program materials.

Yes

Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+6
The bill mandates that specific materials be made available for examination by the press and Members of Congress to increase oversight.
Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?+5
The bill prohibits government-funded domestic propagandization and ensures transparency of information used for foreign dissemination.
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?+4
The bill limits the government's ability to influence public opinion through specialized media programs.

The opposite

Would people in cities be better off under this?-1
The bill imposes a 20-year delay on the domestic distribution of certain historical government information.
Does this make trade with other countries easier?-1
The bill restricts how the US government can promote its interests through media dissemination if that material is intended for domestic viewing.