22 U.S.C. § 8201: Findings

The United States Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights declare that all human beings are created equal and possess certain rights and freedoms, including the fundamental right to participate in the political life and government of their respective countries. The development of democracy constitutes a long-term challenge that goes through unique phases and paces in individual countries as such countries develop democratic institutions such as a thriving civil society, a free media, and an independent judiciary, and must be led from within such countries, including by nongovernmental and governmental reformers. Individuals, nongovernmental organizations, and movements that support democratic principles, practices, and values are under increasing pressure from some governments of nondemocratic countries (as well as, in some cases, from governments of democratic transition countries), including by using administrative and regulatory mechanisms to undermine the activities of such individuals, organizations, and movements. Democratic countries have a number of instruments available for supporting democratic reformers who are committed to promoting effective, nonviolent change in nondemocratic countries and who are committed to keeping their countries on the path to democracy. United States efforts to promote democracy and protect human rights can be strengthened to improve assistance for such reformers, including through an enhanced role for United States diplomats when properly trained and given the right incentives. The promotion of democracy requires a broad-based effort with cooperation between all democratic countries, including through the Community of Democracies. The Secretary of State is authorized to establish the Institute for Transatlantic Engagement (referred to in this section as the ‘Institute’). The purpose of any Institute established pursuant to subsection (a) shall be to strengthen national security by highlighting, to a geographically diverse set of populations from the United States, Canada, and European nations, the importance of the transatlantic relationship and the threats posed by adversarial countries, such as the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China, to democracy, free-market economic principles, and human rights. Any Institute established pursuant to subsection (a) shall be headed by a Director, to be appointed by the Secretary [of State], who shall have expertise in transatlantic relations and diverse populations in the United States and Europe. strengthen knowledge among participants of the formation and implementation of transatlantic policies critical to national security, including the threats posed by the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China; increase awareness among participants of the roles of government and nongovernmental actors, such as multilateral organizations, businesses, civil society actors, academia, think tanks, and philanthropic institutions, in transatlantic policy development and execution; increase understanding among participants of the manner in which diverse backgrounds and perspectives affect the development of transatlantic policies; enhance the skills, abilities, and effectiveness of participating government officials; increase awareness among participants of the importance of, and interest in, international public service careers; not less than 3 times annually, convene representatives of the United States Government, the Government of Canada, and of governments of European nations for a program offered by the Institute; and develop metrics to track the success and efficacy of the program which shall be reported to the appropriate congressional committees [Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives] and prior to the convening of the first program described in paragraph (6). serving at national, regional, or local levels in the United States, Canada, and European nations; and who represent geographically diverse backgrounds or constituencies in the United States, Canada, and Europe. the chairpersons and ranking members of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives; the majority leader of the Senate and the minority leader of the Senate; and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the minority leader of the House of Representatives. the chairpersons and ranking members of the appropriate congressional committees; the majority leader of the Senate and the minority leader of the Senate; and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the minority leader of the House of Representatives. Participants in the Institute may not be paid a salary for such participation. The Institute may pay or reimburse participants for reasonable travel, lodging, and food in connection with participation in the program. No funds authorized to be appropriated under subsection (h) may be used for travel for members of Congress to participate in Institute activities. There is authorized to be appropriated up to $750,000 for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 to carry out this section. The authority provided by this section terminates on December 31, 2025 .”