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PUBLIC DIPLOMACY AND THE U.S. CONGRESS
NOV 10, 2010 - 1:45PM PST
by Katherina Jawaharlal
Public Diplomacy Legislation: September 2008 – November 2010 Public diplomacy legislation has enjoyed several successes during the past two years. Congress has passed legislation and established precedents for public diplomacy (PD) and strategic communications (SC) within the U.S. government. International media coverage has been somewhat sparse and domestic coverage of public diplomacy legislation has not fared much better. However, the legislative measures have been successfully implemented and evaluated within PD academic and practitioner circles as well as in the PD blogosphere in the U.S. and abroad. Public diplomacy and strategic communication gained traction as Congress recognized the utility of these tools for global engagement. The Foreign Relations Authorization Act for FY 2010-2011 demonstrates Congress’ commitment to expanding and empowering Public Diplomacy for “global persistent engagement” over “persistent conflict.” HR 2410 establishes the Secretary of State as the head of public diplomacy and strategic communications, requires a majority of the U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy have substantial public diplomacy or related experience, improves accessibility to Libraries and Resource Centers and requires the Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy to report on the Libraries and Resource Centers. In addition, HR 2410 expands the Foreign Service for both State and USAID and requires members of the Service to obtain training and education. It also funds international documentary exchange programs. One could argue that one of the most innovative pieces of legislation is Section 212 of HR 2410 which establishes the Public Diplomacy Reserve Corps, which the Secretary of State may mobilize at any time. In the Spring of 2010 the Congressional Caucus on Strategic Communications and Public Diplomacy was created to encourage dialogue about current and future U.S. public diplomacy ventures. The purpose of the caucus is to "raise awareness of the challenges facing strategic communication and public diplomacy and provide multiple perspectives on proposed solutions." Domestic media, driven by think-tanks, foundations and the PD blogosphere will monitor the activities of the Caucus. Before the creation of the SC/PD Caucus, several other public diplomacy-related legislative measures were presented to the U.S. Congress. For example, a great victory for science and public diplomacy was the unanimous approval of the 2009 Science Envoys Initiative (S.838) by the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The bill highlights U.S. commitment to scientific research and education and “our willingness to collaborate with other countries to promote advancements in these fields throughout the world.” Shortly after the U.S. Science Envoys bill, in June 2009, Congress passed the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Bill. “The vision of the Simon Bill is to expand four-fold the number of American undergraduates who study abroad in quality programs across the globe, recognizing the urgent need to prepare the next generation of college graduates with critical language skills, cross-cultural competencies, and international knowledge.” While public diplomacy legislation and discussions in Congress gained attention and appreciation from think-tanks and academia, the international and domestic media focused on increased U.S. “Aid Diplomacy.” In September 2009, the House of Representatives approved legislation authorizing U.S. foreign assistance programs for…... FULL TEXT
Legislative Actions
A Reliance on Smart Power - Reforming the Public Diplomacy Bureaucracy
(hsgac.Senate.gov, 23 Sep 2008)
U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. The hearing examines the elements of the federal government responsible for coordinating our public diplomacy, including their respective missions, organizational structures, workforce, and management.
S. 3546: A bill to establish the National Center for Strategic Communication
(Govtrack.us, 23 Sep 2008)
A bill to establish the National Center for Strategic Communication to advise the President regarding public diplomacy and international broadcasting to promote democracy and human rights, and for other purposes. [this link provides tracking of the bill's progress through the legislative process)
My 2 Cents on the Brownback bill: Initial Language and Justifications
(Intermap (blog), 30 Sep 2008)
Senator Brownback’s latest piece of legislation, “the Strategic Communication Act of 2008” is a landmark proposal to reform U.S. public diplomacy efforts at the institutional level – by creating a new National Strategic Communication Center that fuses the responsibilities of the Broadcast Board of Governors with the public diplomacy functions managed by the State Department. There is a lot to digest in the bill’s language, in terms of language, strategy, institutional dynamics and policy implications. I will address these in a series of posts, starting with a discussion of the justificatory assumptions behind the bill. First and foremost – this bill effectively discards the term “public diplomacy” to name the institutional function of this center. Public diplomacy becomes what the “National Strategic Communication Center” does.
The Visa Waiver Program: Mitigating risks to ensure safety of all Americans
(Senate.gov, 24 Sep 2008)
The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Terrorism, Technology and Homeland Security, heard testimony on the visa waiver program (VWP). The VWP allows citizens in participating countries to enter the United States without obtaining a visa or being interviewed or screened in U.S. embassies and consulates. Bush administration officials are “moving aggressively” to expand the program to include 13 new countries before the end of the year, according to a General Accounting Office (GAO) report released in late September.
Schuker Testifies on Reforming Public Diplomacy
(Atlantic Council, 24 Sep 2008)
Jill A. Schuker, president of JAS International and a member of the Atlantic Council Board of Directors, testified 24 September before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee On Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia on “A Reliance on Smart Power--Reforming the Public Diplomacy Bureaucracy."
Public Diplomacy Resource Centers Act of 2007
(Congress.gov, 12 Sep 2008)
The Committee on Foreign Relations, having had under consideration the bill H.R. 2553, to amend the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to provide for the establishment and maintenance of existing libraries and resource centers at United States diplomatic and consular missions to provide information about American culture, society, and history, and for other purposes, reports favorably thereon with amendments and recommends that the bill do pass.
Reauthorization of United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy
(Congress.gov, 12 Apr 2008)
The Committee on Foreign Relations, having had under consideration a bill to amend the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 to reauthorize the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy, reports favorably thereon and recommends that the bill do pass.
A Thanksgiving Present and Reality Check
(Blogger News Network, 26 Nov 2008)
Ted Kaufman (Edward E. Kaufman) was appointed to the U.S. Senate seat from Delaware vacated by his former boss, Vice President elect Joe Biden. Ted Kaufman was the primary force behind the shutting down of many Voice of America radio broadcasts, including programs to Russia.
S: 1661 Travel Promotion Act of 2007
(govtrack.us, 10 Dec 2008)
A bill to communicate United States travel policies and improve marketing and other activities designed to increase travel in the United States from abroad.
Obama Administration's Policies on the Travel Industry
(BUCOM Beat, 4 Dec 2008)
Key meetings & travel industry professionals have come out in full support of the new administrations moves thus far. The main issues being considered include the value of the U.S. dollar, open sky agreements, modernizing air traffic control, airline bailouts & merger approvals, TSA overhaul, passenger rights, funding for rail transportation and infrastructure, visa waivers, and promotion of the U.S. as an international tourism destination. The Obama Administration does support the Travel Promotion Act, as he was one of the 51 Senators supporting S. 1661 on the Hill.
Getting Past Smith-Mundt
(Intermap, 7 Jan 2009)
Revisiting Smith-Mundt means acknowledging the context of its original passage - and how it central it was to establishing a capacity to inform global audiences at a time when arguably “good” U.S. policies like the Marshall Plan were being drowned out by Soviet propaganda...With an incoming administration - the possibilities for a revised Smith-Mundt and a renewed vision for U.S. public diplomacy are encouraging. Removing the ban won’t single-handedly revitalize U.S. public diplomacy - but serious legislative and executive attention to the broader process of communication and advocacy is a step in the right direction towards a coherent attitude about strategic communication.
Simon Study Abroad Act Included in Foreign Relations Authorization Bill
(PR Newswire , 15 May 2009)
The vision of the Simon bill is to expand four-fold the number of American undergraduates who study abroad in quality programs across the globe, recognizing the urgent need to prepare the next generation of college graduates with critical language skills, cross-cultural competencies, and international knowledge.
U.S. House of Representatives Passes Simon Study Abroad Bill
(PR Newswire, 11 Jun 2009)
The Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation Act gained significant momentum yesterday as it passed the U.S. House of Representatives as part of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011 (H.R. 2410). The Foreign Relations Act, introduced last month by Representative Howard Berman (D-Calif.), is a comprehensive piece of legislation to enhance the U.S. foreign policy efforts of the U.S. Department of State and the Peace Corps.
US House Of Representatives Approves State Department Funding Measure
(VOA, 11 Jun 2009)
The House of Representatives has approved legislation authorizing U.S foreign assistance programs and other spending for the 2010 and 2011 fiscal years. Lawmakers debated a range of global issues before the 235 to 187 vote approving the measure.
Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation Act
(NAFSA, 11 Jun 2009)
The Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation Act was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives as part of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011 (H.R. 2410) by a vote of 235-187. This broad foreign relations bill authorizes funding for the operations of the U.S. Department of State and the Peace Corps, and includes innovative new programs like the Simon Act that enhance U.S. capacity to engage with the world.
HR 2410: Public Diplomacy Requires Leadership, Training, Access, and Oversight
(MountainRunner Blog, 12 Jun 2009)
Yesterday, the House passed HR 2410, the Foreign Relations Authorization Act for FY 2010-2011, on a vote of 235-187. This bill is potentially the most important Foreign Relations Authorization bill in decades.
Senate Resolution 838
(The Library of Congress, 8 May 2009)
A bill to provide for the appointment of United States Science Envoys.
H.R. 2410: Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011
(GovTrack.us, 11 Jun 2009)
Authorizes the Secretary of State (Secretary) to establish in the Foreign Service a Public Diplomacy Reserve Corps consisting of mid- and senior-level former Foreign Service officers and other individuals to serve for a period of six months to two years abroad.
Senate Resolution 49
(The Library of Congress, 20 May 2009)
To express the sense of the Senate regarding the importance of public diplomacy.
US Congressional Staffers Meet With Burma Opposition Leaders
(VOA, 28 Aug 2009)
The U.S. embassy in Rangoon says the committee staffers are visiting Burma as part of a regional tour to assess U.S. public diplomacy and assistance programs.
Defense and Strategic Communication: what did Congress ask for before the recess?
(Mountainrunner.us, 15 Sep 2009)
Much has been made of made of Congressional concerns over the Defense Department's role in strategic communication and as the de facto leading public diplomat in policy, engagement, and personnel. At first the lack of informed media coverage - and shallow or error-filled when it exists - is ironic considering the subject, but there it is part of a trend when considering that in general public diplomacy and the laws governing it are also subject to misinformation and misinterpretation
Congress to Vote on Bill to Triple Aid to Pak
(Outlookindia.com, 1 Oct 2009)
The US House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on a bill to triple non-military aid to Pakistan to USD7.5 billion in the next five years with riders demanding strong counter-terrorism measures and preventing attacks on the West or its neighbours like India.
As Obama Scores an Iran Breakthrough, Congress Fumbles
(The Huffington Post, 7 Oct 2009)
As the pressure built early last week for President Obama to forgo diplomacy with Iran in favor of imposing new sanctions, Iran's top opposition leader posed a piercing question to the world. "Which one of [Iran's leaders] can be expected to care about the agony their behavior imposes on people?" Mir-Hossein Mousavi asked. By belying the bankruptcy of the alternatives, his question underscored the importance of President Obama's diplomatic engagement with Iran.
Congress passes green-card bill for spouses of deceased U.S. citizens
(The Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct 2009)
Congress passed a bill Tuesday that would make widows and widowers of U.S. citizens eligible for green cards even if their spouses died before their applications were approved...Now, surviving spouses can apply for a green card for themselves and their children regardless of when the U.S. citizen died or how long they were married.
U.S. Senate Bill S.838: To Provide for the Appointment of U.S. Science Envoys
(U.S. Government Printing Office, 8 Dec 2009)
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar proposed the creation of a Science Envoy program in April 2009. His legislation was soon passed by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. On November 3rd, Secretary Clinton announced the creation of a U.S. Science Envoy Program.
U.S. Senate Approves Stronger Penalties Against Iran
(The New York Times (Reuters), 29 Jan 2010)
The United States Senate approved legislation on Thursday that would let President Obama impose sanctions on Iran’s gasoline suppliers and penalize some of Tehran’s elites, a move aimed at pressing Tehran to give up its nuclear program.
Congress steps up: a caucus for strategic communication and public diplomacy
(Mountainrunner.us, 6 Mar 2010)
In the US House of Representatives, non-partisan group to share information on issues related to global engagement is now active. The purpose of the Strategic Communication and Public Diplomacy Caucus is to "raise awareness of the challenges facing strategic communication and public diplomacy and provide multiple perspectives on proposed solutions."
Senior Military Leaders Urge Congress to Boost Non-Military Tools
(PR Newswire, 10 Mar 2010)
"Our military works hand-in-hand with diplomats and development experts in meeting the challenges and responsibilities we face around the world," said General Hagee.
Berman Introduces Legislation to Boost U.S. Science Diplomacy
(Frontier India, 10 Mar 2010)
Congressman Howard L. Berman (D-CA), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today introduced bipartisan legislation to enhance U.S. efforts at science diplomacy.
What's Past is Prologue: A Senate Foreign Relations Committee Review of the Future of U.S. PD
(CPD Blog, 18 Mar 2010)
Last week, members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee convened a hearing entitled “The Future of U.S. Public Diplomacy”. The stated objective of the hearing was to assess how U.S. public diplomacy initiatives of the past could be used to inform U.S. public diplomacy activities of the future.
Public Diplomacy and Strategic Communications Review: Key Issues for Congressional Oversight
(The Heritage Foundation, 23 Mar 2010)
Today, new informational and ideological challenges to American leadership have arisen. Furthermore, the media environment has become far more competitive and diverse. If there was ever a time that called out for a new and sophisticated U.S. public diplomacy doctrine, this is it.
Senate: U.S. broadcasts to Cuba failed
(Cuba Headlines, 4 May 2010)
Radio and TV Marti, the U.S. government-sponsored broadcasts to Cuba, have failed to make an impact on the communist-led island and sometimes show a pro-Cuban bias in news reporting, a new Senate report said on Monday.
US Congress recognizes Nanjing City as 'Model for International Cooperation'
(Global Times, 11 Jun 2010)
The US House of Representatives has passed a bill to recognise Nanjing City of China as a "Model for International Cooperation" in order to award the city's active involvement in cooperation with the United States in education, innovation and entrepreneurship, and this was the first Chinese city to win such an award, Li Jiansheng, executive chairman of the US-China Partnership Committee said.
Alhurra’s Effectiveness, Expense Criticized in New Senate Report
(ProPublica, 22 Jun 2010)
Findings in a new U.S. Senate report that questions the effectiveness and costs of continuing Alhurra are leading to renewed calls for congressional hearings on the government-run satellite channel and the broadcasting agency that oversees its work.
Smith-Mundt Modernization Act of 2010
(MountainRunner.us, 16 Jul 2010)
On July 13, US Congressmen Mac Thornberry (TX-13) and Adam Smith (D-WA), both members of the House Intelligence and Armed Services Committees, introduced “The Smith-Mundt Modernization Act of 2010” (H.R. 5729), a bipartisan bill to revise an outdated restriction that interferes with the United States’ diplomatic and military efforts.
Updating Smith-Mundt for the 21st Century
(The Heritage Foundation (blog), 19 Jul 2010)
Since 1948, Cold War legislation has been tying the hands of practitioners of U.S. public diplomacy and international broadcasting. The law in question is the Smith-Mundt Act, which was intended to allow the State Department to counter Soviet propaganda in foreign media...
Tackling the Challenges of the Broadcasting Board of Governors
(The Foundry , 15 Jul 2010)
The new Broadcasting Board of Governors, announced on Friday by the Obama White House, have their work cut out for them.
Peace Corps Needs Senator Mikulski Tomorrow
(The Huffington Post (blog), 28 Jul 2010)
There is a lot of talk on Capitol Hill about "smart power" and "soft power" but when it comes to funding programs like the Peace Corps, lawmakers hesitate, or they do not understand how an extra $10 or $20 million dollars is transformative...
Recalling History: Advisory Commission tells Congress to Expand VOA
(MountainRunner.us, 17 Aug 2010)
On March 30, 1949, in its first semi-annual report by the US Advisory Commission on Information, the predecessor to today's Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy, recommended an "immediate and broad expansion of the world-wide information program being conducted by the State Department, including the activities of the Voice of America."
A notional model for evaluating public diplomacy
(MountainRunner, 8 Oct 2010)
The U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy met last week to discuss its biennial report to appraise U.S. Government activities intended to understand, inform, and influence foreign publics. In 2008, the Commission come out with a report on the human resource aspect of public diplomacy.
Public Diplomacy and the U.S. Congress
(, 10 Nov 2010)
The folly of trading an updated budget for a ‘robo budget’ (Sen. Pat Leahy)
(The Hill (Blog), 23 Dec 2010)
Last week, Republican members who had pledged to support the fiscal year 2011 Omnibus Appropriations Bill changed their minds and chose instead to walk in lockstep with the House and Senate Republican leaders who believe that freezing spending at the fiscal year 2010 level is good politics.
US must 'ramp up' fight on Internet censorship
(AFP, 14 Feb 2011)
Faced with aggressive public outreach by China, the United States must ramp up its own efforts and do a better job fighting Internet censorship, a Senate committee report says.
Nominations to the Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy sent to the Senate
(Mountain Runner, 18 Feb 2011)
The White House announced last night that they sent four nominations for the U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy to the Senate. This includes the two the White House announced an intent to nominate in November, Ambassador Ryan Crocker and Mr. Sim Farar.
Rethinking Our Policy on Religious Freedom
(Center for American Progress, 18 Mar 2011)
As recent events have unfolded throughout the Middle East, it is increasingly clear that an in-depth understanding of the role of religious freedom—and the cultural and political role of religion itself—is crucial to advancing American foreign policy interests especially in that region.
Media Coverage
Brownback Introduces Public Diplomacy Legislation
(The Fort Scott Tribune, 24 Sep 2008)
U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today introduced legislation that would establish the National Center for Strategic Communications, an agency similar to the now defunct U.S. Information Agency...In addition to establishing a new public diplomacy agency, Brownback's proposal would abolish the existing Undersecretary for Public Diplomacy at the State Department and the Broadcasting Board of Governors.
Hearing Assesses State of Public Diplomacy
(Alliance for International Educational and Cultural Exchange, 30 Sep 2008)
At a Congressional hearing last week, a senior U.S. Senator described U.S. public diplomacy as being 'arguably at its lowest point in history.' To address that problem, a former Member of Congress testified that what is needed is 'a Marshall Plan for international exchange'. [membership required]
A Proposed Strategy for Public Diplomacy
(The Washington Independent, 19 Feb 2009)
The White Oak signatories are critical of the "war of ideas" approach but definitely reject the public-relations model.
Science Envoy, Public Diplomacy Bills Clear Committee
(American Chronicle, 6 May 2009)
The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee today unanimously passed S.838, U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar´s bill establishing "United States Science Envoys." The bill would highlight our nation´s commitment to scientific research and education, as well as our willingness to collaborate with other countries to promote advancements in these fields throughout the world.
H.R. 2410 Public Diplomacy Takes Center Stage
(Diplopundit, 15 Jun 2009)
This House resolution authorizes the Secretary of State (Secretary) to establish in the Foreign Service a Public Diplomacy Reserve Corps consisting of mid- and senior-level former Foreign Service officers and other individuals to serve for a period of six months to two years abroad. It provides for the enhancement of U.S. diplomatic outreach worldwide.
Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation Act
(NAFSA, 11 Jun 2009)
The Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation Act was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives as part of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011 (H.R. 2410) by a vote of 235-187. This broad foreign relations bill authorizes funding for the operations of the U.S. Department of State and the Peace Corps, and includes innovative new programs like the Simon Act that enhance U.S. capacity to engage with the world.
Congress to Vote on Bill to Triple Aid to Pak
(Outlookindia.com, 1 Oct 2009)
The US House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on a bill to triple non-military aid to Pakistan to USD7.5 billion in the next five years with riders demanding strong counter-terrorism measures and preventing attacks on the West or its neighbours like India.
As Obama Scores an Iran Breakthrough, Congress Fumbles
(The Huffington Post, 7 Oct 2009)
As the pressure built early last week for President Obama to forgo diplomacy with Iran in favor of imposing new sanctions, Iran's top opposition leader posed a piercing question to the world. "Which one of [Iran's leaders] can be expected to care about the agony their behavior imposes on people?" Mir-Hossein Mousavi asked. By belying the bankruptcy of the alternatives, his question underscored the importance of President Obama's diplomatic engagement with Iran.
Senate: U.S. broadcasts to Cuba failed
(Cuba Headlines, 4 May 2010)
Radio and TV Marti, the U.S. government-sponsored broadcasts to Cuba, have failed to make an impact on the communist-led island and sometimes show a pro-Cuban bias in news reporting, a new Senate report said on Monday.
US Congress recognizes Nanjing City as 'Model for International Cooperation'
(Global Times, 11 Jun 2010)
The US House of Representatives has passed a bill to recognise Nanjing City of China as a "Model for International Cooperation" in order to award the city's active involvement in cooperation with the United States in education, innovation and entrepreneurship, and this was the first Chinese city to win such an award, Li Jiansheng, executive chairman of the US-China Partnership Committee said.
Alhurra’s Effectiveness, Expense Criticized in New Senate Report
(ProPublica, 22 Jun 2010)
Findings in a new U.S. Senate report that questions the effectiveness and costs of continuing Alhurra are leading to renewed calls for congressional hearings on the government-run satellite channel and the broadcasting agency that oversees its work.
Private sector’s role in reducing the use of ‘conflict minerals’
(Reuters, 9 Aug 2010)
But for those of us who are working with corporations to tackle big global problems, the financial reform bill’s provisions raise three important questions: 1. What change are we seeking to achieve? 2. How can we achieve that change? 3. What is the responsible role of the private sector?
U.S. Press Wants its Al Jazeera English!
(Media Research Center, 10 May 2011)
The "Arab Spring" that's swept the Middle East over the last few months has brought to prominence a new news source: Al Jazeera English. The fortunes of AJE got a boost when U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sang its praises in a Senate committee hearing...
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