Repeal the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act of 2013
Sponsored By: Representative Massie, Thomas [R-KY-4]
Introduced
Summary
Prevents federal domestic propaganda. This bill would repeal the Smith‑Mundt Modernization Act of 2013 and sharply limit how information the U.S. government produces for foreign audiences can be shown or used inside the United States, while keeping narrow review and archival access.
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- Families and the general public would no longer see U.S. government program material meant for foreign audiences. Materials could be publicly examined only after 20 years and then in a view‑only format with a clear identifier or watermark.
- Reporters and Members of Congress could review English‑language materials at reasonable times after foreign release. Members may use those materials for official oversight but cannot distribute them broadly.
- The Department of State and the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) would be banned from using appropriated funds to influence public opinion in the United States. Social media, websites, and podcasts would be limited to official foreign‑facing platforms for dissemination.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Blocks federal propaganda in the U.S.
This bill would bar the State Department and the U.S. Agency for Global Media from using federal money to sway opinion inside the United States. Their program content could not be distributed in the U.S., except as allowed under separate oversight and archival rules. They could still share factual information about their operations when other law allows it. Programs under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act would not be affected. Staff could answer public questions about agency work.
20-year wait to view archives
This bill would require foreign-facing materials to be kept by the National Archives. The public could examine them only starting 20 years after first release abroad, or 20 years after preparation if never released. Access would be view-only; downloading or redistribution would not be allowed. If the Archivist permits any release, applicants would need to secure rights and pay a cost-covering fee. All materials would have a permanent watermark naming the U.S. source and target region. Members of Congress and U.S. press groups could review materials earlier in English.
Tighter rules for U.S. messaging abroad
This bill would let the State Department and the U.S. Agency for Global Media create and send information to people abroad about the United States and its policies. They could use press, radio, film, the internet, and other media overseas. They could not use social media, websites, or podcasts unless the platform is an official one for foreign outreach. These rules would shape how the government communicates abroad, not what you see at home.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Massie, Thomas [R-KY-4]
KY • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Perry, Scott [R-PA-10]
PA • R
Sponsored 10/8/2025
Greene (GA)
GA • R
Sponsored 10/10/2025
Rep. Burlison, Eric [R-MO-7]
MO • R
Sponsored 10/10/2025
Harris (NC)
NC • R
Sponsored 10/10/2025
Rep. Roy, Chip [R-TX-21]
TX • R
Sponsored 10/10/2025
Crane
AZ • R
Sponsored 10/24/2025
Wied
WI • R
Sponsored 10/24/2025
Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina [R-FL-13]
FL • R
Sponsored 10/31/2025
Rep. Gosar, Paul A. [R-AZ-9]
AZ • R
Sponsored 11/7/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov