Detailed Summary

A summary is not yet available on the THOMAS site, the following is from the introduction by Mr. Lantos on 2007-Feb-12.

H.R. 982

(1) Requires the Secretary to develop long-term strategies for democracy promotion and human rights protection for non-democratic and democratic transition countries and countries where there are severe human rights violations, and focuses such strategies on building democratic institutions.

(2) Requires that such strategies be developed in consultation with individuals and groups from each particular country that support democratic values and that such strategies be carried out in cooperation with our friends and allies and with international organizations.

(3) Requires training on democracy promotion and human rights protection throughout the careers of members of the Foreign Service and other State Department employees.

(4) Creates financial and promotion incentives for State Department employees who excel in democracy promotion and human rights protection.

(5) Requires that Ambassadors and other senior members of the Foreign Service do more to reach out to foreign audiences and engage robustly with government officials, foreign media, non-governmental organizations and students to have serious discussions about U.S. foreign policy, particularly that related to democracy and human rights.

The ADVANCE Democracy Act also contains a number of other additional reforms, such as requiring the establishment of an office to serve as a contact point for emerging activists, the development of guidelines for when nongovernmental organizations and contractors are appropriate implementing partners, and efforts to foster more multilateral cooperation on democracy promotion. The central thrust of these reforms is to ensure that democracy promotion is based on a long-term, multilateral approach that is created in consultation with those who are risking their lives for dignity and freedom and that does not ignore the most difficult countries.

Status of the Legislation

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Points in Favor

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Points Against

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