H.R. 2131 is being considered under suspension of the rules, requiring a two-thirds vote for passage. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Diane Watson (D-CA) on April 27, 2009.
H.R. 2131 would reauthorize the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy through October 1, 2011. Under current law, the authorization for the Commission would expire on October 1, 2009.
The U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy is a bipartisan panel created by Congress and appointed by the President to provide oversight of U.S. government activities intended to understand, inform, and influence foreign publics. The Commission was last reauthorized in 2007. Specifically, the commission is responsible for assessing public diplomacy policies and programs of the State Department, U.S. missions abroad, and other agencies. Its responsibilities also extend to international exchanges, U.S. government international information programs, and publicly funded non-governmental organizations. The Commission reports its findings and recommendations to the President, Congress, and the Secretary of State.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has not yet produced a cost estimate for H.R. 2131.
