§8262 United States Democracy Assistance Programs

Summary

Congress says the U.S. should use different groups—such as the National Endowment for Democracy, USAID, and the State Department—to support democracy abroad. The State Department’s Human Rights and Democracy Fund should pay for new programs, media, and materials that protect democratic values, strengthen institutions, advance human rights, support the rule of law, and help build civil society in other countries. Congress finds democracy aid can take many forms, like help for the rule of law, civil society, political parties, legislatures, independent media and courts, audits, and security reform. Because delivery and coordination are unclear, Congress recommends the Secretary of State and the USAID Administrator, with the right congressional committees, create guidance that uses existing grant, contract, and other acquisition rules to help U.S. missions coordinate and choose the best mix of assistance tools.