H.R. 5704: Repeal the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act of 2013 (119th Congress) Bill Summary

This bill, known as the "Repeal the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act of 2013," aims to revoke a previous law regarding the dissemination of information by the U.S. government. The key features of the bill include:

1. Repeal of the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act

The bill proposes to repeal the amendments made by the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act of 2013, which allows certain U.S. government entities to distribute information domestically and permits the examination of this information by domestic media and Congress. The original aim of the 2013 act was to ensure that U.S. government communications could reach domestic audiences.

2. Prohibition on Domestic Use of International Broadcasting

The bill states that no funds appropriated for the Department of State or the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) can be used for the purpose of influencing public opinion within the United States. This includes:

No influence on public opinion: Funds cannot be used for propagandizing or influencing the domestic audience.
No domestic dissemination: Program material produced by USAGM cannot be distributed within the U.S., apart from certain exceptions.

3. Availability of Information

Although most information disseminated abroad cannot be distributed domestically, the bill stipulates that materials can be reviewed by domestic representatives upon request. Representatives from the media and Congress can inspect these materials at the Department of State or the USAGM, but they are restricted from dissemination.

4. Archival of Information

The bill includes provisions for the archival of materials produced under the act. These materials will be made available to the public after a 20-year period only in a limited format that prohibits reproduction or redistribution. The Archivist of the United States will maintain these records, ensuring they are labeled with information about their origin and purpose.

5. Transparency Measures

The bill does not restrict the U.S. government from providing factual information to the media or responding to inquiries from the public about the operations and policies of USAGM. This is to ensure transparency about government functions without allowing domestic propaganda.

6. Impact on Existing Frameworks

By repealing parts of the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act, this bill aims to tighten control over how U.S. government-produced materials can be shared within the country, asserting that information meant for foreign audiences should not be used to influence the U.S. public.”