§ 2151. Congressional findings and declaration of policy

Pub. L. 118–159, div. G, title LXXVIII, § 7810, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2563, provided that: “(a) Establishment of Coordinator.—The Secretary [of State] shall appoint a Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (in this section referred to as the ‘Coordinator’), who shall be responsible for—“(1) relocating and resettling eligible Afghan allies and facilitating the departure of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents who request United States assistance to leave Afghanistan; and “(2) working with other offices of the Department [of State], as well as with appropriate counterparts at other Federal departments and agencies, to ensure integrated United States support for such relocation efforts. “(b) Authorities.—The Coordinator is authorized—“(1) to enter into personal services contracts for a period ending not later than the date described in subsection (e); “(2) to extend and maintain through such date personal services contracts entered into pursuant to the authority provided by section 2401 of the Afghanistan Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117–43) [135 Stat. 375]; “(3) to hire temporary personnel who are United States citizens, except that to the extent possible the Coordinator should use Foreign Service limited appointments to fill such positions both in the United States and abroad in accordance with section 309 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3949); and “(4) subject to the availability of appropriations—“(A) to accept, in the form of reimbursement or transfer, amounts from other Federal departments or agencies as appropriate to carry out the duties described in subsection (a); and “(B) to reimburse such other departments or agencies as the Coordinator may determine appropriate to carry out such duties. “(c) Detailees and Assignees.—Any Federal Government employee may be detailed or assigned to the Office of the Coordinator, with or without reimbursement, consistent with applicable laws and regulations regarding such employee, and such detail or assignment shall be without interruption or loss of status or privilege. “(d) Notification With Respect to Transfers of Funds.—The Coordinator shall notify the appropriate congressional committees [Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives] and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives of each use of the transfer authority made available under subsection (b)(4)(A) not later than 15 days before the completion of such transfer. “(e) Sunset.—This section and the authorities provided by this section shall terminate on the date that is 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2024].”

United States-Ecuador Partnership

Pub. L. 117–263, div. E, title LV, subtitle B, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3335, provided that: “SEC. 5541. SHORT TITLE.“This subtitle may be cited as the ‘United States-Ecuador Partnership Act of 2022’. “SEC. 5542. SENSE OF CONGRESS.“It is the sense of Congress that—“(1) the United States should take additional steps to strengthen its bilateral partnership with Ecuador, including by providing for robust trade and investment, increasing law enforcement cooperation, renewing the activities of the United States Agency for International Development in Ecuador, and supporting Ecuador’s response to and recovery from the COVID–19 pandemic, as necessary and appropriate; and “(2) strengthening the United States-Ecuador partnership presents an opportunity to advance core United States national security interests and work with other democratic partners to maintain a prosperous, politically stable, and democratic Western Hemisphere that is resilient to malign foreign influence. “SEC. 5543. FACILITATING ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL TIES.“The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Commerce, the United States Trade Representative, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies, as appropriate, shall develop and implement a strategy to strengthen commercial and economic ties between the United States and Ecuador by—“(1) promoting cooperation and information sharing to encourage awareness of and increase trade and investment opportunities between the United States and Ecuador; “(2) supporting efforts by the Government of Ecuador to promote a more open, transparent, and competitive business environment, including by lowering trade barriers, implementing policies to reduce trading times, and improving efficiencies to expedite customs operations for importers and exporters of all sizes, in all sectors, and at all ports of entry in Ecuador; “(3) establishing frameworks or mechanisms to review the long term financial sustainability and security implications of foreign investments in Ecuador in strategic sectors or services; “(4) establishing competitive and transparent infrastructure project selection and procurement processes in Ecuador that promote transparency, open competition, financial sustainability, and robust adherence to global standards and norms; “(5) developing programs to help the Government of Ecuador improve efficiency and transparency in customs administration, including through support for the Government of Ecuador’s ongoing efforts to digitize its customs process and accept electronic documents required for the import, export, and transit of goods under specific international standards, as well as related training to expedite customs, security, efficiency, and competitiveness; “(6) spurring digital transformation that would advance—“(A) the provision of digitized government services with the greatest potential to improve transparency, lower business costs, and expand citizens’ access to public services and public information; and “(B) best practices to mitigate the risks to digital infrastructure by doing business with communication networks and communications supply chains with equipment and services from companies with close ties to or susceptible to pressure from governments or security services without reliable legal checks on governmental powers; and “(7) identifying, as appropriate, a role for the United States International Development Finance Corporation, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the United States Agency for International Development, and the United States private sector in supporting efforts to increase private sector investment and strengthen economic prosperity. “SEC. 5544. PROMOTING INCLUSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.“The Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, in coordination with the Secretary of State and the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies, as appropriate, shall develop and implement a strategy and related programs to support inclusive economic development across Ecuador’s national territory by—“(1) facilitating increased access to public and private financing, equity investments, grants, and market analysis for small and medium-sized businesses; “(2) providing technical assistance to local governments to formulate and enact local development plans that invest in Indigenous and Afro-Ecuadorian communities; “(3) connecting rural agricultural networks, including Indigenous and Afro-Ecuadorian agricultural networks, to consumers in urban centers and export markets, including through infrastructure construction and maintenance programs that are subject to audits and carefully designed to minimize potential environmental harm; “(4) partnering with local governments, the private sector, and local civil society organizations, including organizations representing marginalized communities and faith-based organizations, to provide skills training and investment in support of initiatives that provide economically viable, legal alternatives to participating in illegal economies; and “(5) connecting small scale fishing enterprises to consumers and export markets, in order to reduce vulnerability to organized criminal networks. “SEC. 5545. COMBATING ILLICIT ECONOMIES, CORRUPTION, AND NEGATIVE FOREIGN INFLUENCE.“The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall develop and implement a strategy and related programs to increase the capacity of Ecuador’s justice system and law enforcement authorities to combat illicit economies, corruption, transnational criminal organizations, and the harmful influence of malign foreign and domestic actors by—“(1) providing technical assistance and material support (including, as appropriate, radars, vessels, and communications equipment) to vetted specialized units of Ecuador’s national police and the armed services to disrupt, degrade, and dismantle organizations involved in illicit narcotics trafficking, transnational criminal activities, illicit mining, and illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing, among other illicit activities; “(2) providing technical assistance to address challenges related to Ecuador’s penitentiary and corrections system; “(3) strengthening the regulatory framework of mining through collaboration with key Ecuadorian institutions, such as the Interior Ministry’s Special Commission for the Control of Illegal Mining and the National Police’s Investigative Unit on Mining Crimes, and providing technical assistance in support of their law enforcement activities; “(4) providing technical assistance to judges, prosecutors, and ombudsmen to increase capacity to enforce laws against human smuggling and trafficking, illicit mining, illegal logging, illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing, and other illicit economic activities; “(5) providing support to the Government of Ecuador to prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, including through expanding detection and response capabilities, and the use of dark vessel tracing technology; “(6) supporting multilateral efforts to stem illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing with neighboring countries in South America and within the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation; “(7) assisting the Government of Ecuador’s efforts to protect defenders of internationally recognized human rights, including through the work of the Office of the Ombudsman of Ecuador, and by encouraging the inclusion of Indigenous and Afro-Ecuadorian communities and civil society organizations in this process; “(8) supporting efforts to improve transparency, uphold accountability, and build capacity within the Office of the Comptroller General; “(9) enhancing the institutional capacity and technical capabilities of defense and security institutions of Ecuador to conduct national or regional security missions, including through regular bilateral and multilateral cooperation, foreign military financing, international military education, and training programs, consistent with applicable Ecuadorian laws and regulations; “(10) enhancing port management and maritime security partnerships to disrupt, degrade, and dismantle transnational criminal networks and facilitate the legitimate flow of people, goods, and services; and “(11) strengthening cybersecurity cooperation—“(A) to effectively respond to cybersecurity threats, including state-sponsored threats; “(B) to share best practices to combat such threats; “(C) to help develop and implement information architectures that respect individual privacy rights and reduce the risk that data collected through such systems will be exploited by malign state and non-state actors; “(D) to strengthen resilience against cyberattacks; and “(E) to strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure. “SEC. 5546. STRENGTHENING DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE.“(a) Strengthening Democratic Governance.—The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, should develop and implement initiatives to strengthen democratic governance in Ecuador by supporting—“(1) measures to improve the capacity of national and subnational government institutions to govern through transparent, inclusive, and democratic processes; “(2) efforts that measurably enhance the capacity of political actors and parties to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law; “(3) initiatives to strengthen democratic governance, including combating political, administrative, and judicial corruption and improving transparency of the administration of public budgets; and “(4) the efforts of civil society organizations and independent media—“(A) to conduct oversight of the Government of Ecuador and the National Assembly of Ecuador; “(B) to promote initiatives that strengthen democratic governance, anti-corruption standards, and public and private sector transparency; and “(C) to foster political engagement between the Government of Ecuador, including the National Assembly of Ecuador, and all parts of Ecuadorian society, including women, indigenous communities, and Afro-Ecuadorian communities. “(b) Legislative Strengthening.—The Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, working through the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening or any equivalent or successor mechanism, shall develop and implement programs to strengthen the National Assembly of Ecuador by providing training and technical assistance to—“(1) members and committee offices of the National Assembly of Ecuador, including the Ethics Committee and Audit Committee; “(2) assist in the creation of entities that can offer comprehensive and independent research and analysis on legislative and oversight matters pending before the National Assembly, including budgetary and economic issues; and “(3) improve democratic governance and government transparency, including through effective legislation. “(c) Bilateral Legislative Cooperation.—To the degree practicable, in implementing the programs required under subsection (b), the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development should facilitate meetings and collaboration between members of the United States Congress and the National Assembly of Ecuador. “SEC. 5547. FOSTERING CONSERVATION AND STEWARDSHIP.“The Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, in coordination with the Secretary of State and the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies, shall develop and implement programs and enhance existing programs, as necessary and appropriate, to improve ecosystem conservation and enhance the effective stewardship of Ecuador’s natural resources by—“(1) providing technical assistance to Ecuador’s Ministry of the Environment to safeguard national parks and protected forests and protected species, while promoting the participation of Indigenous communities in this process; “(2) strengthening the capacity of communities to access the right to prior consultation, encoded in Article 57 of the Constitution of Ecuador and related laws, executive decrees, administrative acts, and ministerial regulations; “(3) supporting Indigenous and Afro-Ecuadorian communities as they raise awareness of threats to biodiverse ancestral lands, including through support for local media in such communities and technical assistance to monitor illicit activities; “(4) partnering with the Government of Ecuador in support of reforestation and improving river, lake, and coastal water quality; “(5) providing assistance to communities affected by illegal mining and deforestation; and “(6) fostering mechanisms for cooperation on emergency preparedness and rapid recovery from natural disasters, including by—“(A) establishing regional preparedness, recovery, and emergency management centers to facilitate rapid response to survey and help maintain planning on regional disaster anticipated needs and possible resources; and “(B) training disaster recovery officials on latest techniques and lessons learned from United States experiences. “SEC. 5548. AUTHORIZATION TO TRANSFER EXCESS COAST GUARD VESSELS.“(a) Sense of Congress.—It is the sense of Congress that the United States should undertake efforts to expand cooperation with the Government of Ecuador to—“(1) ensure protections for the Galápagos Marine Reserve; “(2) deter illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; and “(3) increase interdiction of narcotics trafficking and other forms of illicit trafficking. “(b) Authority to Transfer Excess Coast Guard Vessels to the Government of Ecuador.—The President shall conduct a joint assessment with the Government of Ecuador to ensure sufficient capacity exists to maintain Island class cutters. Upon completion of a favorable assessment, the President is authorized to transfer up to two ISLAND class cutters to the Government of Ecuador as excess defense articles pursuant to the authority of section 516 of the Foreign Assistance Act [of 1961] (22 U.S.C. 2321j). “(c) Grants Not Counted in Annual Total of Transferred Excess Defense Articles.—The value of a vessel transferred to another country on a grant basis pursuant to authority provided by subsection (b) shall not be counted against the aggregate value of excess defense articles transferred in any fiscal year under section 516 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321j). “(d) Costs of Transfers.—Any expense incurred by the United States in connection with a transfer authorized by this section shall be charged to the recipient notwithstanding section 516(e) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321j(e)). “(e) Repair and Refurbishment in United States Shipyards.—To the maximum extent practicable, the President shall require, as a condition of the transfer of a vessel under this section, that the recipient to which the vessel is transferred have such repair or refurbishment of the vessel as is needed, before the vessel joins the naval forces of that recipient, performed at a shipyard located in the United States. “(f) Expiration of Authority.—The authority to transfer a vessel under this section shall expire at the end of the 3-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022]. “SEC. 5549. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.“(a) Secretary of State.—The Secretary of State, in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies as described in sections 5543, 5545, and 5546(a), shall—“(1) not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, submit to the appropriate congressional committees a comprehensive strategy to address the requirements described in sections 5543, 5545, and 5546(a); and “(2) not later than 2 years and 4 years after submitting the comprehensive strategy under paragraph (1), submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report describing the implementation of the strategy. “(b) Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development.—The Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies as described in sections 5544, 5546(b), and 5547, shall—“(1) not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, submit to appropriate congressional committees a comprehensive strategy to address the requirements described in sections 5544, 5546(b) and 5547; and “(2) not later than 2 years and 4 years after submitting the comprehensive strategy under paragraph (1), submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report describing the implementation of the strategy. “(c) Submission.—The strategies and reports required under subsections (a) and (b) may be submitted to the appropriate congressional committees as joint strategies and reports. “(d) Appropriate Congressional Committees.—In this subtitle, the term ‘appropriate congressional committees’ means the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives. “SEC. 5550. SUNSET.“This subtitle shall terminate on the date that is 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.”

Statement of Policy on Engaging With Niger

Pub. L. 117–263, div. E, title LV, § 5597(a), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3396, provided that: “It is the policy of the United States to— “(1) continue to support Niger’s efforts to advance democracy, good governance, human rights, and regional security within its borders through bilateral assistance and multilateral initiatives; “(2) enhance engagement and cooperation with the Nigerien Government at all levels as a key component of stabilizing the Sahel, where frequent coups and other anti-democratic movements, food insecurity, violent extremism, and armed conflict threaten to further weaken governments throughout the region; and “(3) work closely with partners and allies throughout the international community to elevate Niger, which experienced its first democratic transition of power in 2021, as an example of transitioning from longstanding military governance and a cycle of coups to a democratic, civilian-led form of government.”

Statement of Policy on Partnering with West African Governments

Pub. L. 117–263, div. E, title LV, § 5599A(a), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3399, provided that: “It is the policy of the United States to partner with West African governments where possible to mitigate and counter growing regional insecurity resulting from the spread of armed conflict and terrorism, including by providing assistance to train, equip, and mentor West African security services to counter threats to regional and national security through a whole-of-government approach.”

Assistance for Innocent Victims of Conflict

Pub. L. 117–103, div. K, title VII, § 7056, Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 669, provided that: “Not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act [Mar. 15, 2022], the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development shall establish a fund, which shall be referred to as the ‘Marla Ruzicka Fund for Innocent Victims of Conflict’ (the ‘Marla Fund’), to provide assistance to civilians harmed as a result of military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and Yemen: Provided, That of the funds appropriated under title III of this Act [title III of div. K of Pub. L. 117–103, 136 Stat. 575], not less than $10,000,000 shall be made available for the Marla Fund: Provided further, That the USAID [United States Agency for International Development] Administrator shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations not later than 60 days after enactment of this Act regarding the establishment and implementation of the Marla Fund.”

Haiti Development, Accountability, and Institutional Transparency Initiative

Pub. L. 117–103, div. V, §§ 102–106, 110, Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 834–836, 840, provided that: “SEC. 102. STATEMENT OF POLICY.“It is the policy of the United States to support the sustainable rebuilding and development of Haiti in a manner that—“(1) recognizes Haitian independence, self-reliance, and sovereignty; “(2) promotes efforts that are led by and support the people and Government of Haiti at all levels so that Haitians lead the course of reconstruction and development of Haiti; “(3) contributes to international efforts to facilitate conditions for broad, inclusive, and sustained political dialogue among the different actors in Haiti to restore democratic legitimacy and institutions in Haiti; “(4) builds the long-term capacity of the Government of Haiti, civil society, and the private sector to foster economic opportunities in Haiti; “(5) fosters collaboration between the Haitian diaspora in the United States, including dual citizens of Haiti and the United States, and the Government of Haiti and the business community in Haiti; “(6) supports anticorruption efforts, promotes press freedom, and addresses human rights concerns, including through the enforcement of sanctions imposed in accordance with the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (subtitle F of title XII of Public Law 114–328; 22 U.S.C. 2656 note [now 22 U.S.C. 10101 et seq.]) on individuals implicated in human rights violations and corruption; “(7) respects and helps restore the natural resources of Haiti and strengthens community-level resilience to environmental and weather-related impacts; “(8) promotes political stability through the holding of free, fair, transparent, and timely elections in accordance with democratic principles and the Constitution of Haiti; “(9) provides timely and comprehensive reporting on the goals and progress of the Government of Haiti and the United States Government, and transparent post-program evaluations and contracting data; and “(10) promotes the participation of Haitian women and youth in governmental and nongovernmental institutions and in economic development and governance assistance programs funded by the United States. “SEC. 103. DEFINITION OF APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES.“In this division [div. V of Pub. L. 117–103, see Short Title of 2022 Amendment note above], the term ‘appropriate congressional committees’ means—“(1) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and “(2) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives. “SEC. 104. STRENGTHENING HUMAN RIGHTS AND ANTICORRUPTION EFFORTS IN HAITI AND HOLDING PERPETRATORS OF THE LA SALINE MASSACRE ACCOUNTABLE.“(a) Prioritization by Secretary of State.—The Secretary of State shall prioritize the protection of human rights and anticorruption efforts in Haiti through the following methods:“(1) Fostering strong relationships with independent civil society groups focused on monitoring corruption and human rights abuses and promoting democracy in Haiti. “(2) Supporting the efforts of the Government of Haiti to identify persons involved in human rights violations and significant acts of corruption in Haiti, including public and private sector actors, and hold them accountable for their actions. “(3) Addressing concerns of impunity for the alleged perpetrators of and the individuals who organized and planned the massacre in La Saline that took place on November 13, 2018. “(4) Urging authorities to continue to investigate attacks in the neighborhoods of La Saline and Bel Air in 2018 and 2019 that left dozens dead in order to bring the perpetrators to justice. “(b) Briefing.—“(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Mar. 15, 2022], the Secretary shall brief the appropriate congressional committees on the events that took place on November 13, 2018, in the neighborhood of La Saline, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and the aftermath of those events. “(2) Elements.—The briefing required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:“(A) An examination of any links between the massacre in La Saline and mass protests that occurred concurrently in Haiti. “(B) An analysis of the reports on the massacre in La Saline authored by the United Nations, the European Union, and the Government of Haiti. “(C) A detailed description of all known perpetrators of and the individuals who organized and planned the massacre. “(D) An overview of efforts of the Government of Haiti to bring the perpetrators of and the individuals who organized and planned the massacre in La Saline to justice and to prevent other similar attacks. “(E) An assessment of the ensuing treatment and displacement of the survivors of the massacre in La Saline. “(3) Consultation.—In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with nongovernmental organizations in Haiti and the United States. “SEC. 105. PROMOTING FREEDOM OF THE PRESS AND ASSEMBLY IN HAITI.“The Secretary of State shall prioritize the promotion of freedom of the press and freedom of assembly and the protection of journalists in Haiti through the following methods:“(1) Advocating to Haitian authorities for increased protection for journalists and the press and for the freedom to peacefully assemble or protest in Haiti. “(2) Collaborating with officials of the Government of Haiti and representatives of civil society to increase legal protections for journalists in Haiti. “(3) Supporting efforts to strengthen transparency in the public and private sectors in Haiti and access to information in Haiti. “(4) Using United States foreign assistance for programs to strengthen capacity for independent journalists and increase support for investigative journalism in Haiti. “SEC. 106. SUPPORTING POST-EARTHQUAKE, POST-HURRICANE, AND POST-COVID–19 RECOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT IN HAITI.“The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, shall prioritize post-earthquake, post-hurricane, and post-COVID–19 recovery and development efforts in Haiti through the following methods:“(1) Collaborating with the Government of Haiti on a detailed and transparent development plan that includes clear objectives and benchmarks. “(2) Building the capacity of Haitian-led public, private, and nongovernmental sector institutions in Haiti through post-earthquake and post-hurricane recovery and development planning. “(3) Assessing the impact of the recovery efforts of the United States and the international community in Haiti since January 2010. “(4) Supporting disaster resilience and reconstruction efforts. “(5) Addressing the underlying causes of poverty and inequality. “(6) Improving access to—“(A) health resources; “(B) public health technical assistance; and “(C) clean water, food, and shelter. “(7) Assessing the impact of the COVID–19 pandemic on post-disaster recovery efforts and evaluating United States support needed to help with the pandemic response in Haiti. “(8) Supporting—“(A) the export of additional United States-produced COVID–19 vaccine doses to Haiti; and “(B) the safe storage, transport, and end-to-end distribution of United States-produced COVID–19 vaccines throughout Haiti, in light of ongoing humanitarian access challenges presented by Haiti’s security environment. “SEC. 110. TERMINATION.“This division shall terminate on December 31, 2025.”

Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership Program

Pub. L. 117–103, div. AA, Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 1063, provided that: “SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE.“This division may be cited as the [‘]Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership Program Act of 2022[’]. “SEC. 102. SENSE OF CONGRESS.“It is the sense of Congress that—“(1) terrorist and violent extremist organizations, such as Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, Boko Haram, the Islamic State of West Africa, and other affiliated groups, have killed tens of thousands of innocent civilians, displaced populations, destabilized local and national governments, and caused mass human suffering in the affected communities; “(2) poor governance, political and economic marginalization, and lack of accountability for human rights abuses by security forces are drivers of extremism; “(3) it is in the national security interest of the United States—“(A) to combat the spread of terrorism and violent extremism; and “(B) to build the capacity of partner countries to combat such threats in Africa; “(4) terrorist and violent extremist organizations exploit vulnerable and marginalized communities suffering from poverty, lack of economic opportunity (particularly among youth populations), corruption, and weak governance; and “(5) a comprehensive, coordinated, interagency approach is needed to develop an effective strategy—“(A) to address the security challenges in the Sahel-Maghreb; “(B) to appropriately allocate resources and de-conflict programs; and “(C) to maximize the effectiveness of United States defense, diplomatic, and development capabilities. “SEC. 103. STATEMENT OF POLICY.“It is the policy of the United States to assist countries in North Africa and West Africa, and other allies and partners that are active in those regions, in combating terrorism and violent extremism through a coordinated, interagency approach with a consistent strategy that appropriately balances security activities with diplomatic and development efforts to address the political, socioeconomic, governance, and development challenges in North Africa and West Africa that contribute to terrorism and violent extremism. “SEC. 104. TRANS-SAHARA COUNTERTERRORISM PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.“(a) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.—In this section, the term ‘appropriate congressional committees’ means—“(1) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; “(2) the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; “(3) the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; “(4) the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; “(5) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives; “(6) the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives; “(7) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and “(8) the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives. “(b) In General.—“(1) Establishment.—The President shall establish a partnership program, which shall be known as the ‘Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership Program’ (referred to in this section as the ‘Program’), to coordinate the programs, projects, and activities of the Program in countries in North Africa and West Africa that are conducted—“(A) to improve governance and the capacities of countries in North Africa and West Africa to deliver basic services, particularly to at-risk communities, as a means of countering terrorism and violent extremism by enhancing state legitimacy and authority and countering corruption; “(B) to address the factors that make people and communities vulnerable to recruitment by terrorist and violent extremist organizations, including economic vulnerability and mistrust of government and government security forces, through activities such as—“(i) supporting strategies that increase youth employment opportunities; “(ii) promoting girls’ education and women’s political participation; “(iii) strengthening local governance and civil society capacity; “(iv) improving government transparency and accountability; “(v) fighting corruption; “(vi) improving access to economic opportunities; and “(vii) other development activities necessary to support community resilience; “(C) to strengthen the rule of law in such countries, including by enhancing the capability of the judicial institutions to independently, transparently, and credibly deter, investigate, and prosecute acts of terrorism and violent extremism; “(D) to improve the ability of military and law enforcement entities in partner countries—“(i) to detect, disrupt, respond to, and prosecute violent extremist and terrorist activity, while respecting human rights; and “(ii) to cooperate with the United States and other partner countries on counterterrorism and counter-extremism efforts; “(E) to enhance the border security capacity of partner countries, including the ability to monitor, detain, and interdict terrorists; “(F) to identify, monitor, disrupt, and counter the human capital and financing pipelines of terrorism; or “(G) to support the free expression and operations of independent, local-language media, particularly in rural areas, while countering the media operations and recruitment propaganda of terrorist and violent extremist organizations. “(2) Assistance framework.—Program activities shall—“(A) be carried out in countries in which the President—“(i) determines that there is an adequate level of partner country commitment; and “(ii) has considered partner country needs, absorptive capacity, sustainment capacity, and efforts of other donors in the sector; “(B) have clearly defined outcomes; “(C) be closely coordinated among relevant participating departments and agencies; “(D) have specific plans with robust indicators to regularly monitor and evaluate outcomes and impact; “(E) complement and enhance efforts to promote democratic governance, the rule of law, human rights, and economic growth; “(F) in the case of train and equip programs, complement longer-term security sector institution-building; and “(G) have mechanisms in place to track resources and routinely monitor and evaluate the efficacy of relevant programs. “(3) Congressional notification.—Not later than 15 days before obligating amounts for an activity conducted pursuant to the Program under paragraph (1), the Secretary of State shall notify the appropriate congressional committees, in accordance with section 634A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2394–1), of—“(A) the foreign country and entity, as applicable, whose capabilities are to be enhanced in accordance with the purposes described in paragraph (1); “(B) the amount, type, and purpose of support to be provided; “(C) the absorptive capacity of the foreign country to effectively implement the assistance to be provided; “(D) the extent to which state security forces of the foreign country have been implicated in gross violations of human rights and the risk that obligated funds may be used to perpetrate further abuses; “(E) the anticipated implementation timeline for the activity; and “(F) the plans to sustain any military or security equipment provided beyond the completion date of such activity, if applicable, and the estimated cost and source of funds to support such sustainment. “(4) Exception.—The requirement under paragraph (1) does not apply to activities conducted by the Department of Defense pursuant to title 10, United States Code. “(c) International Coordination.—Efforts carried out under this section—“(1) shall take into account partner country counterterrorism, counter-extremism, and development strategies; “(2) shall be aligned with such strategies, to the extent practicable; and “(3) shall be coordinated with counterterrorism and counter-extremism activities and programs in the areas of defense, diplomacy, and development carried out by other like-minded donors and international organizations in the relevant country. “(d) Strategies.—“(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Mar. 15, 2022], the President and other relevant Federal Government agencies, shall submit the strategies described in paragraphs (2) and (3) to the appropriate congressional committees. “(2) Comprehensive, 5-year strategy for the sahel-maghreb.—The President shall develop a comprehensive, 5-year strategy for the Sahel-Maghreb, including details related to interagency efforts conducted pursuant to the Program in the areas of security, diplomacy, and development to advance the national security, economic, and humanitarian interests of the United States, including—“(A) efforts to ensure coordination with multilateral and bilateral partners, such as the Joint Force of the Group of Five of the Sahel, and with other relevant assistance frameworks; “(B) a public diplomacy strategy and actions to ensure that populations in the Sahel-Maghreb are aware of the development activities of the United States Government, especially in countries with a significant United States Government presence or engagement through train and equip programs; “(C) activities aimed at supporting democratic institutions and countering violent extremism with measurable goals and transparent benchmarks; “(D) plans to help each partner country address humanitarian and development needs and to help prevent, respond to, and mitigate intercommunal violence; “(E) a comprehensive plan to support security sector reform in each partner country that includes a detailed section on programs and activities being undertaken by relevant stakeholders and other international actors operating in the sector; and “(F) a specific strategy for Mali that includes plans for sustained, high-level diplomatic engagement with stakeholders, including countries in Europe and the Middle East with interests in the Sahel-Maghreb, regional governments, relevant multilateral organizations, signatory groups of the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, done in Algiers July 24, 2014, and civil society actors. “(3) Comprehensive 5-year strategy for program counterterrorism efforts.—The President shall develop a comprehensive 5-year strategy for the Program that includes—“(A) a clear statement of the objectives of United States counterterrorism efforts in North Africa and West Africa with respect to the use of assistance to combat terrorism and counter violent extremism, including efforts—“(i) to build military and civilian law enforcement capacity; “(ii) to strengthen the rule of law; “(iii) to promote responsive and accountable governance; and “(iv) to address the root causes of terrorism and violent extremism; “(B) a plan for coordinating programs through the Program pursuant to subsection (b)(1), including identifying the agency or bureau of the Department of State, as applicable, that will be responsible for leading and coordinating each such program; “(C) a plan to monitor, evaluate, and share data and learning about the Program in accordance with monitoring and evaluation provisions under sections 3 and 4 of the Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act of 2016 (22 U.S.C. 2394c note and 2394c); and “(D) a plan for ensuring coordination and compliance with related requirements in United States law, including the Global Fragility Act of 2019 (22 U.S.C. 9801 et seq.). “(4) Consultation.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall consult with the appropriate congressional committees regarding the progress made towards developing the strategies required under paragraphs (2) and (3). “(e) Supporting Material in Annual Budget Request.—“(1) In general.—The Secretary of State shall include a description of the requirements, activities, and planned allocation of amounts requested by the Program in the budget materials submitted to Congress in support of the President’s annual budget request pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, for each fiscal year beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act [Mar. 15, 2022] and annually thereafter for the following 5 years. “(2) Exception.—The requirement under paragraph (1) shall not apply to activities of the Department of Defense conducted pursuant to authorities under title 10, United States Code. “(f) Monitoring and Evaluation of Programs and Activities.—Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Mar. 15, 2022], and annually thereafter for the following 5 years, the President shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that describes—“(1) the progress made in meeting the objectives of the strategies required under paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (d), including any lessons learned in carrying out Program activities and any recommendations for improving such programs and activities; “(2) the efforts taken to coordinate, de-conflict, and streamline Program activities to maximize resource effectiveness; “(3) the extent to which each partner country has demonstrated the ability to absorb the equipment or training provided in the previous year under the Program, and as applicable, the ability to maintain and appropriately utilize such equipment; “(4) the extent to which each partner country is investing its own resources to advance the goals described in subsection (b)(1) or is demonstrating a commitment and willingness to cooperate with the United States to advance such goals; “(5) the actions taken by the government of each partner country receiving assistance under the Program to combat corruption, improve transparency and accountability, and promote other forms of democratic governance; “(6) the extent to which state security forces in each partner country have been implicated in gross violations of human rights during the reporting period, including how such gross violations of human rights have been addressed and or will be addressed through Program activities; “(7) the assistance provided in each of the 3 preceding fiscal years under the Program, broken down by partner country, including the type, statutory authorization, and purpose of assistance provided to the country; and “(8) any changes or updates to the Comprehensive 5-Year Strategy for the Program required under subsection (d)(3) necessitated by the findings in this annual report. “(g) Reporting Requirement Related to Audit of Bureau of African Affairs Monitoring and Coordination of the Trans-sahara Counterterrorism Partnership Program.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Mar. 15, 2022], and every 120 days thereafter until the earlier of the date on which all 13 recommendations in the September 2020 Department of State Office of Inspector General audit entitled ‘Audit of the Department of State Bureau of African Affairs Monitoring and Coordination of the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership Program’ (AUD–MERO–20–42) are closed or the date that is 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that identifies—“(1) which of the 13 recommendations in AUD–MERO–20–42 have not been closed; “(2) a description of progress made since the last report toward closing each recommendation identified under paragraph (1); “(3) additional resources needed, including assessment of staffing capacity, if any, to complete action required to close each recommendation identified under paragraph (1); and “(4) the anticipated timeline for completion of action required to close each recommendation identified under paragraph (1), including application of all recommendations into all existing security assistance programs managed by the Department of State under the Program. “(h) Program Administration.—Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Mar. 15, 2022], the Secretary of State shall submit a report to Congress that describes plans for conducting a written review of a representative sample of each of the security assistance programs administered by the Bureau of African Affairs that—“(1) identifies potential waste, fraud, abuse, inefficiencies, or deficiencies; and “(2) includes an analysis of staff capacity, including human resource needs, available resources, procedural guidance, and monitoring and evaluation processes to ensure that the Bureau of African Affairs is managing programs efficiently and effectively.“(i) Form.—The strategies required under paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (d) and the report required under subsection (f) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. “SEC. 105. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.“Nothing in this division may be construed as authorizing the use of military force.”

[Functions and authorities of President under section 104(b) of div. AA of Pub. L. 117–103, set out above, with respect to the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership Program; section 104(d), with respect to the comprehensive 5-year strategies for the Sahel-Maghreb and the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership Program counterterrorism efforts; and section 104(f), with respect to submitting the reports, delegated to Secretary of State by Memorandum of President of the United States, Aug. 12, 2022, 87 F.R. 51235.]

Joint Cooperative Program Related to Innovation and High-Tech for the Middle East Region

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title XII, § 1279, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3981, provided that: “(a) Sense of Congress.—It is the sense of Congress that—“(1) the United States should help foster cooperation in the Middle East region by financing and, as appropriate, cooperating in projects related to innovation and advanced technologies; and “(2) projects referred to in paragraph (1) should—“(A) contribute to development and the quality of life in the Middle East region through the application of research and advanced technology; and “(B) contribute to Arab-Israeli cooperation by establishing strong working relationships that last beyond the life of such projects. “(b) Establishment.—The Secretary of State, acting through the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, is authorized to seek to establish a program between the United States and appropriate regional partners to provide for cooperation in the Middle East region by supporting projects related to innovation and advanced technologies. “(c) Project Requirements.—Each project carried out under the program established pursuant to subsection (b)—“(1) shall include the participation of at least one entity from Israel and one entity from another regional partner; and “(2) shall be conducted in a manner that appropriately protects sensitive information, intellectual property, the national security interests of the United States, and the national security interests of Israel.”

Statement of Policy Relating to the Conflict in Yemen

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title XIII, § 1340(a), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2016, provided that: “It is the policy of the United States— “(1) to continue to support and further efforts to bring an end to the conflict in Yemen; “(2) to support efforts so that United States defense articles and services are not used for military operations resulting in civilian casualties; and “(3) to work with allies and partners to address the ongoing humanitarian needs of Yemeni civilians.”

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title XII, § 1295(a), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3994, provided that: “It is the policy of the United States— “(1) to protect United States citizens and strategic interests in the Middle East region; “(2) to support United Nations-led efforts to end violence in Yemen and secure a comprehensive political settlement to the conflict in Yemen that results in protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and alleviates the humanitarian crisis including by facilitating unfettered access for all Yemenis to food, fuel, and medicine; “(3) to encourage all parties to the conflict in Yemen to participate in good faith in the United Nations-led process and to uphold interim agreements as part of that process to end the conflict, leading to reconstruction in Yemen; “(4) to support United States allies and partners in defending their borders and territories in order to maintain stability and security in the Middle East region and encourage burden sharing among such allies and partners; “(5) to assist United States allies and partners in countering destabilization of the Middle East region; “(6) to oppose Iranian arms transfers in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions, including transfers to the Houthis; “(7) to encourage the Government of Saudi Arabia and the Government of the United Arab Emirates to assist significantly in the economic stabilization and eventual reconstruction of Yemen; and “(8) to encourage all parties to the conflict to comply with the law of armed conflict, including to investigate credible allegations of war crimes and provide redress to civilian victims.”

Ending Neglected Tropical Diseases

Pub. L. 116–94, div. J, title III, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3055, provided that: “SEC. 301. SHORT TITLE.“This title may be cited as the ‘End Neglected Tropical Diseases Act’. “SEC. 302. STATEMENT OF POLICY.“It is the policy of the United States to support a broad range of implementation and research and development activities that work toward the achievement of cost-effective and sustainable treatment, control, and, where possible, elimination of neglected tropical diseases for the economic and social well-being of all people. “SEC. 303. DEFINITION.“In this title, the terms ‘neglected tropical diseases’ and ‘NTDs’—“(1) mean infections caused by pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and helminths that disproportionately impact individuals living in extreme poverty, especially in developing countries; and “(2) include—“(A) Buruli ulcer (Mycobacterium Ulcerans infection); “(B) Chagas disease; “(C) dengue or severe dengue fever; “(D) dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease); “(E) echinococcosis; “(F) foodborne trematodiases; “(G) human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness); “(H) leishmaniasis; “(I) leprosy; “(J) lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis); “(K) onchocerciasis (river blindness); “(L) scabies; “(M) schistosomiasis; “(N) soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) (roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm); “(O) taeniasis/cysticercosis; “(P) trachoma; and “(Q) yaws (endemic treponematoses). “SEC. 304. EXPANSION OF UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES PROGRAM.“(a) Sense of Congress.—It is the sense of Congress that the Neglected Tropical Diseases Program, as in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2019], should—“(1) provide integrated drug treatment packages to as many individuals suffering from NTDs or at risk of acquiring NTDs, including individuals displaced by manmade and natural disasters, as logistically feasible; “(2) better integrate NTD control and treatment tools and approaches into complementary development and global health programs by coordinating, to the extent practicable and appropriate, across multiple sectors, including those relating to HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, education, nutrition, other infectious diseases, maternal and child health, and water, sanitation, and hygiene; “(3) establish low-cost, high-impact community- and school-based NTD programs to reach large at-risk populations, including school-age children, with integrated drug treatment packages, as feasible; “(4) as opportunities emerge and resources allow, engage in research and development of new tools and approaches to reach the goals relating to the elimination of NTDs as set forth by the 2012 World Health Organization publication ‘Accelerating Work to Overcome the Global Impact of Neglected Tropical Diseases: A Roadmap for Implementation’, including for Chagas disease, Guinea worm, human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), leprosy, and visceral leishmaniasis; and “(5) monitor research on and developments in the prevention and treatment of other NTDs so breakthroughs can be incorporated into the Neglected Tropical Diseases Program, as practicable and appropriate. “(b) Program Priorities.—The Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (referred to in this section as the ‘Administrator’) should incorporate the following priorities into the Neglected Tropical Diseases Program (as in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act):“(1) Planning for and conducting robust monitoring and evaluation of program investments in order to accurately measure impact, identify and share lessons learned, and inform future NTD control and elimination strategies. “(2) Coordinating program activities with complementary development and global health programs of the United States Agency for International Development, including programs relating to water, sanitation, and hygiene, food and nutrition security, and education (both primary and secondary), in order to advance the goals of the London Declaration on Neglected Tropical Diseases (2012). “(3) Including morbidity management in treatment plans for high-burden NTDs. “(4) Incorporating NTDs included in the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010 into the program as opportunities emerge, to the extent practicable and appropriate. “(5) Continuing investments in the research and development of new tools and approaches that complement existing research investments and ensure that new discoveries make it through the pipeline and become available to individuals who need them most. “SEC. 305. ACTIONS BY DEPARTMENT OF STATE.“(a) Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator.—It is the sense of Congress that the Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally should fully consider evolving research on the impact of NTDs on efforts to control HIV/AIDS when making future programming decisions, as necessary and appropriate. “(b) Global Programming.—“(1) In general.—The Secretary of State should encourage the Global Fund to take into consideration evolving research on the impact of NTDs on efforts to control HIV/AIDS when making programming decisions, particularly with regard to female genital schistosomiasis, which studies suggest may be one of the most significant cofactors in the AIDS epidemic in Africa, as necessary and appropriate. “(2) Global fund.—In this subsection, the term ‘Global Fund’ means the public-private partnership known as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria established pursuant to Article 80 of the Swiss Civil Code. “(c) G–20 Countries.—The Secretary of State, acting through the Office of Global Health Diplomacy, should encourage G–20 countries to significantly increase their role in the control and elimination of NTDs. “SEC. 306. MULTILATERAL DEVELOPMENT AND HEALTH INSTITUTIONS.“(a) Finding.—Congress finds that the treatment of NTDs, including community- and school-based deworming programs, can be a highly cost-effective intervention, and schools can serve as an effective delivery mechanism for reaching large numbers of children with safe treatment for soil-transmitted helminthiases (roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm) in particular. “(b) United Nations.—The President should direct the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations to use the voice, vote, and influence of the United States to urge the World Health Organization and the United Nations Development Programme to—“(1) ensure the dissemination of best practices and programming on NTDs to governments and make data accessible to practitioners in an open and timely fashion; “(2) highlight impacts of community- and school-based deworming programs on children’s health and education, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of such programs; “(3) encourage governments to implement deworming campaigns at the national level; “(4) consider the designation of a portion of grant funds of the institutions to deworming initiatives and cross-sectoral collaboration with water, sanitation, and hygiene efforts and nutrition or education programming, as practicable and appropriate; “(5) encourage accurate monitoring and evaluation of NTD programs, including deworming programs; and “(6) engage governments in cross-border initiatives for the treatment, control, prevention, and elimination of NTDs, and assist in developing transnational agreements, when and where necessary. “SEC. 307. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.“Nothing in this title may be construed to increase authorizations of appropriations for the United States Agency for International Development.”

References to Tropical Forest Conservation Act of 1998

Pub. L. 115–440, § 2(b), Jan. 14, 2019, 132 Stat. 5580, provided that: “Any reference in any other provision of law, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the ‘Tropical Forest Conservation Act of 1998’ shall be deemed to be a reference to the ‘Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation Act of 1998’.”

United States–Caribbean Strategic Engagement

Pub. L. 114–291, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1497, provided that: “SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.“This Act may be cited as the ‘United States–Caribbean Strategic Engagement Act of 2016’. “SEC. 2. STATEMENT OF POLICY.“Congress declares that it is the policy of the United States to increase engagement with the governments of the Caribbean region and with civil society, including the private sector, in both the United States and the Caribbean, in a concerted effort to—“(1) enhance diplomatic relations between the United States and the Caribbean region; “(2) increase economic cooperation between the United States and the Caribbean region; “(3) support regional economic, political, and security integration efforts in the Caribbean region; “(4) encourage enduring economic development and increased regional economic diversification and global competitiveness; “(5) reduce levels of crime and violence, curb the trafficking of illicit drugs, strengthen the rule of law, and improve citizen security; “(6) improve energy security by increasing access to diverse, reliable, and affordable power; “(7) advance cooperation on democracy and human rights at multilateral fora; “(8) continue support for public health advances and cooperation on health concerns and threats to the Caribbean region; and “(9) expand Internet access throughout the region, especially to countries lacking the appropriate infrastructure. “SEC. 3. STRATEGY.“Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 16, 2016], the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a multi-year strategy for United States engagement to support the efforts of interested nations in the Caribbean region that—“(1) identifies Department of State and USAID priorities, in coordination with other executive branch agencies, for United States policy towards the Caribbean region; “(2) outlines an approach to partner with governments of the Caribbean region to improve citizen security, reduce the trafficking of illicit drugs, strengthen the rule of law, and improve the effectiveness and longevity of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative; “(3) establishes a comprehensive, integrated, multi-year strategy to encourage efforts of the Caribbean region to implement regional and national strategies that improve energy security, by increasing access to all available sources of energy, including by taking advantage of the indigenous energy sources of the Caribbean and the ongoing energy revolution in the United States; “(4) outlines an approach to improve diplomatic engagement with the governments of the Caribbean region, including with respect to human rights and democracy; “(5) Describes [sic] how the United States can develop an approach to supporting Caribbean countries in efforts they are willing to undertake with their own resources to diversify their economies; “(6) describes ways to ensure the active participation of citizens of the Caribbean in existing program[s] and initiatives administered by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs; and “(7) reflects the input of other executive branch agencies, as appropriate. “SEC. 4. BRIEFINGS.“The Secretary of State shall offer to the appropriate congressional committees annual briefings that review Department of State efforts to implement the strategy for United States engagement with the Caribbean region in accordance with section 3. “SEC. 5. PROGRESS REPORT.“Not later than 2 years after the submission of the strategy required under section 3, the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on progress made toward implementing the strategy. “SEC. 6. REPORTING COST OFFSET. [Amended section 4001 of this title.] “SEC. 7. DEFINITIONS.“In this Act:“(1) Appropriate congressional committees.—The term ‘appropriate congressional committees’ means the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate. “(2) Caribbean region.—The term ‘Caribbean region’ means the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative beneficiary countries. “(3) Security assistance.—The term ‘security assistance’ has the meaning given such term in section 502B(d)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2304(d)(2)).”

Support to Certain Governments for Border Security Operations

Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title XII, § 1226, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 1056, as amended by Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title XII, § 1294, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2561; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XII, § 1279F, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1704; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title XII, § 1213, Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 2025; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title XII, § 1210, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3915; Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title XII, § 1207, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2831; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XII, § 1207, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 448; Pub. L. 119–60, div. A, title XII, § 1225, Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1091, provided that: “(a) Authority to Provide Support.—“(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, is authorized to provide support on a reimbursement basis as follows:“(A) To the Government of Jordan for purposes of supporting and enhancing efforts of the armed forces of Jordan to increase security and sustain increased security along the border of Jordan with Syria and Iraq. “(B) To the Government of Lebanon for purposes of supporting and enhancing efforts of the armed forces of Lebanon to increase security and sustain increased security along the border of Lebanon with any other country. “(C) To the Government of Egypt for purposes of supporting and enhancing efforts of the armed forces of Egypt to increase security and sustain increased security along the border of Egypt with Libya and along the border of Egypt with Sudan. “(D) To the Government of Tunisia for purposes of supporting and enhancing efforts of the armed forces of Tunisia to increase security and sustain increased security along the border of Tunisia with Libya. “(E) To the Government of Oman for purposes of supporting and enhancing efforts of the armed forces of Oman to increase security and sustain increased security along the border of Oman with Yemen. “(F) To the Government of Pakistan for purposes of supporting and enhancing efforts of the armed forces of Pakistan to increase security and sustain increased security along the border of Pakistan with Afghanistan. “(G) To the Government of Tajikistan for purposes of supporting and enhancing efforts of the armed forces of Tajikistan to increase security and sustain increased security along the border of Tajikistan and Afghanistan. “(H) To the Government of Uzbekistan for purposes of supporting and enhancing efforts of the armed forces of Uzbekistan to increase security and sustain increased security along the border of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. “(I) To the Government of Turkmenistan for purposes of supporting and enhancing efforts of the armed forces of Turkmenistan to increase security and sustain increased security along the border of Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. “(2) Frequency.—Support may be provided under this subsection on a quarterly basis. “(b) Funds Available for Support.—Amounts to provide support under the authority of subsection (a) may be derived only from amounts authorized to be appropriated and available for operation and maintenance, Defense-wide. “(c) Limitations.—“(1) Limitation on amount.—The total amount of support provided under the authority of subsection (a) may not exceed $150,000,000 for any country specified in subsection (a) in any fiscal year. “(2) Support to the government of lebanon.—Support provided under the authority of subsection (a) to the Government of Lebanon may be used only for the armed forces of Lebanon, and may not be used for or to reimburse Hezbollah or any forces other than the armed forces of Lebanon. Such support may be used only to promote the ability of the armed forces of Lebanon to counter the threat posed by Lebanese Hezbollah and any other terrorist organization that threatens the security of Lebanon and its neighbors. “(3) Prohibition on contractual obligations.—The Secretary of Defense may not enter into any contractual obligation to provide support under the authority of subsection (a). “(4) Determination required.—The Secretary of Defense may not provide support to a country specified in subsection (a) if the Secretary determines that the government of such country fails to increase security and sustain increased security along the border of the country as specified in subsection (a)(1). “(d) Notice and Certification Before Exercise.—Not later than 15 days before providing support under the authority of subsection (a) to a country that has not previously received such support, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall submit to the specified congressional committees a report that—“(1) sets forth a full description of the support to be provided, including—“(A) the purpose of such support; “(B) the amount of support to be provided; and “(C) the anticipated duration of the provision of such support; and “(2) includes a certification that—“(A) the recipient country has taken demonstrable steps to increase security along the border specified for such country in subsection (a); and “(B) the provision of such support is in the interest of United States national security. “(e) Limitation on Reimbursement of Pakistan Pending Certification.—No amount of reimbursement support under subsection (a)(1)(F) is authorized to be disbursed to the Government of Pakistan unless the Secretary of Defense certifies to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] that the following conditions are met:“(1) The military and security operations of Pakistan pertaining to border security and ancillary activities for which reimbursement is sought have been coordinated with United States military representatives in advance of the execution of such operations and activities. “(2) The goals and desired outcomes of each such operation or activity have been established and agreed upon in advance by the United States and Pakistan. “(3) A process exists to verify the achievement of the goals and desired outcomes established in accordance with paragraph (2). “(f) Quarterly Reports.—Not later than 30 days after the end of each fiscal quarter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the specified congressional committees a report on reimbursements pursuant to subsection (a) during the preceding fiscal quarter that includes—“(1) an identification of each country reimbursed; “(2) the date of each reimbursement; “(3) a description of any partner nation border security efforts for which reimbursement was provided; “(4) an assessment of the value of partner nation border security efforts for which reimbursement was provided; “(5) the total amounts of reimbursement provided to each partner nation in the preceding four fiscal quarters; and “(6) such other matters as the Secretary considers appropriate. “(g) Specified Congressional Committees.—In the section, the term ‘specified congressional committees’ means—“(1) the congressional defense committees; and “(2) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives. “(h) Expiration of Authority.—No support may be provided under the authority of subsection (a) after December 31, 2026.”

Girls Count

Pub. L. 114–24, June 12, 2015, 129 Stat. 314, established the Girls Count Act of 2015, which stated the policy of the United States regarding birth certifications and registries and authorized Secretary of State and Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development to provide assistance to support counting of girls in the developing world, and provided that the Act would expire five years after June 12, 2015.

Military-to-Military Engagement With the Government of Burma

Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title XII, § 1253, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3571, provided that: “(a) Authorization.—The Department of Defense is authorized to provide the Government of Burma the following:“(1) Consultation, education, and training on human rights, the laws of armed conflict, civilian control of the military, rule of law, and other legal matters. “(2) Consultation, education, and training on English-language, humanitarian and disaster relief, and improvements to medical and health standards. “(3) Courses or workshops on defense institution reform. “(4) Observer status to bilateral or multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercises. “(5) Aid or support in the event of a humanitarian crisis or natural disaster. “(b) Annual Reports.—“(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 19, 2014], and each March 1 thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall, in consultation with the Secretary of State, submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on military-to-military engagement between the United States Armed Forces and the Burmese military. “(2) Elements.—Each report under paragraph (1) shall include the following:“(A) A description of the military-to-military activities between the United States and Burma, and how engagement with the Burmese military supports the United States national security strategy and promotes reform in Burma. “(B) A description of the objectives of the United States for developing the military-to-military relationship with the Burmese military, how the United States measures progress toward such objectives, and the implications of failing to achieve such objectives. “(C) A description and assessment of the political, military, economic, and civil society reforms being undertaken by the Government of Burma, including those affecting—“(i) individual freedoms and human rights of the Burmese people, including those of ethnic and religious minorities and internally displaced populations; “(ii) the peaceful settlement of armed conflicts between the Government of Burma and ethnic minority groups in Burma; “(iii) civilian control of the armed forces; “(iv) constitutional and electoral reforms; “(v) access for the purposes of human rights monitoring and humanitarian assistance to all areas in Burma, and cooperation with civilian authorities to investigate and resolve cases of human rights violations; “(vi) governmental transparency and accountability; and “(vii) respect for the laws of armed conflict and human rights, including with respect to child soldiers. “(D) A description and assessment of relationships of the Government of Burma with unlawful or sanctioned entities. “(3) Form.—Each report under this subsection shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. “(4) Sunset.—The requirement to submit additional reports under this subsection shall terminate at the end of the 5-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 19, 2014]. “(c) Rule of Construction.—No Department of Defense assistance to the Government of Burma is authorized by this Act [Pub. L. 113–291, see Tables for classification] except as provided in this section. “(d) Appropriate Committees of Congress Defined.—In this section, the term ‘appropriate committees of Congress’ means—“(1) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and “(2) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.”

Assessing Progress in Haiti

Pub. L. 113–162, Aug. 8, 2014, 128 Stat. 1858, known as the Assessing Progress in Haiti Act of 2014, was repealed by Pub. L. 117–103, div. V, § 109, Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 840.

United States Security and Assistance Strategies in Africa

Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XII, § 1206, Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 899, required (1) the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to develop a strategic framework for United States counterterrorism assistance and cooperation in the Sahel and Maghreb regions of Africa, and submit a report to Congress not later than 180 days after Dec. 26, 2013; (2) the President to submit a strategy to support consolidation of security and governance gains in Somalia to Congress not later than 180 days after Dec. 26, 2013; (3) the Director of National Intelligence to submit a classified intelligence assessment of al-Shabaab to Congress not later than 90 days after Dec. 26, 2013; and (4) the President to designate a Government official for Africa export policy not later than 60 days after Dec. 26, 2013, and for the following three years, designate an existing senior United States Government official with existing interagency authority for export policy for Africa to coordinate among various United States Government agencies existing export strategies with the goal of significantly increasing United States exports to Africa in real dollar value.

Assistance to the Government of Jordan for Border Security Operations

Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XII, § 1207, Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 902, provided for assistance to the Government of Jordan for border security operations, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title XII, § 1241(d)(5)(B)(ii), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2504, effective 270 days after Dec. 23, 2016.

Support of Foreign Forces Participating in Operations To Disarm the Lord’s Resistance Army

Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XII, § 1208(a)–(f), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 903, 904, provided for support of foreign forces participating in operations to disarm the Lord’s Resistance Army and expired on Sept. 30, 2017.

Reports on Responsibility Within Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development for Contract Support for Overseas Contingency Operations

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title VIII, § 850, Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1854, provided that: “(a) DoS and USAID Reports Required.—Not later than six months after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 2, 2013], the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development shall, in consultation with the Chief Acquisition Officer of the Department of State and the Chief Acquisition Officer of the United States Agency for International Development, respectively, each submit to the appropriate committees of Congress an assessment of Department of State and United States Agency for International Development policies governing contract support in overseas contingency operations. “(b) Elements.—Each report under subsection (a) shall include the following:“(1) A description and assessment of the roles and responsibilities of the officials, offices, and components of the Department of State or the United States Agency for International Development, as applicable, within the chain of authority and responsibility for policy, planning, and execution of contract support for overseas contingency operations. “(2) Procedures and processes of the Department or Agency, as applicable, on the following in connection with contract support for overseas contingency operations:“(A) Collection, inventory, and reporting of data. “(B) Acquisition planning. “(C) Solicitation and award of contracts. “(D) Requirements development and management. “(E) Contract tracking and oversight. “(F) Performance evaluations. “(G) Risk management. “(H) Interagency coordination and transition planning. “(3) Strategies and improvements necessary for the Department or the Agency, as applicable, to address reliance on contractors, workforce planning, and the recruitment and training of acquisition workforce personnel, including the anticipated number of personnel needed to perform acquisition management and oversight functions and plans for achieving personnel staffing goals, in connection with overseas contingency operations. “(c) Comptroller General Report.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 2, 2013], the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the progress of the efforts of the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development in implementing improvements and changes identified under paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (b) in the reports required by subsection (a), together with such additional information as the Comptroller General considers appropriate to further inform such committees on issues relating to the reports required by subsection (a). “(d) Appropriate Committees of Congress Defined.—In this section, the term ‘appropriate committees of Congress’ means—“(1) the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and “(2) the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform [now Committee on Oversight and Accountability], and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.”

Global Security Contingency Fund

Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title XII, § 1207, Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1625, as amended by Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XII, § 1202, Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 893; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title XII, § 1201, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3529; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, § 1051(q)(2), title XII, § 1206, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1565, 1645; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title XII, § 1209, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1624, established the Global Security Contingency Fund (the Fund) that would be available to either the Secretary of State or the Secretary of Defense to enhance the capabilities of a country’s national military forces, or other national security forces that conduct border and maritime security, internal defense, and counterterrorism operations and to carry out rule of law programs and stabilization efforts. Such assistance could include equipment, supplies, small-scale construction, and training. The amounts in the Fund would remain available until Sept. 30, 2021, except for amounts appropriated or transferred to the Fund for activities under programs commenced before Sept. 30, 2019.

Lord’s Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery

Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title XII, § 1206, Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1624, which related to logistic support, supplies, and services for foreign forces in operations against the Lord’s Resistance Army, was repealed by Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XII, § 1208(g), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 904.