H.R. 5300: Department of State Policy Provisions Act

Department of State Policy Provisions Act

This bill sets policy for the Department of State in the areas of departmental management, political affairs, international security affairs, economic affairs, foreign assistance, and public diplomacy.

Among other elements, the bill requires the State Department or organizations within the State Department to

• avoid or minimize use of certain buildings constructed, altered, maintained, repaired, owned, or controlled by an entity owned or controlled by China or its instrumentalities or agents;
• establish an initiative to increase two-way trade and investment between the United States and Africa;
• develop a strategy and implementation plan to enhance security in 13 specified Caribbean countries, including by promoting citizen safety and the rule of law;
• establish an initiative to assist foreign countries in screening foreign investments for national security risks to such countries, including by providing technical assistance, training, and advisory services regarding best practices;
• establish and maintain a program to recruit, train, and retain specialized disaster assistance professionals within the State Department; and
• provide Congress with a five-year strategy on leveraging major sporting events hosted in the United States to enhance U.S. soft power, diplomatic relationships, and global leadership. 

Additionally, the bill

• authorizes the President to provide certain types of assistance to foreign countries to enhance the ability of their intelligence and military personnel to deter international terrorism; and
• authorizes the extension of certain diplomatic immunities to the Pacific Islands Forum (a regional political and economic policy organization with 18 member nations).