Repeal the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act of 2013

Summary

Restores and clarifies limits on State Department and USAGM activities aimed at U.S. audiences: it reaffirms that Department of State and United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) funds cannot be used to influence or propagandize U.S. public opinion, while allowing those agencies to prepare and send information abroad. It also creates specific rules for how materials produced for foreign audiences are handled, including required in‑English review access, a 20‑year archival embargo with controlled public access after embargo, labeling requirements, and an Archivist rulemaking and fee authority. The bill also permits limited factual transparency to media, the public, and Congress consistent with the prohibition.

• Reaffirms a prohibition on using State Department and USAGM appropriated funds to influence or propagandize U.S. public opinion.
• Allows the Department of State and USAGM to create and send information abroad, but restricts domestic dissemination to official foreign-facing platforms.
• Requires English-language examination access to foreign-targeted materials at the agencies for oversight purposes, including use by Members of Congress.
• Mandates transfer of foreign-targeted materials to the National Archives with a 20-year public-access embargo and controlled archival viewing during the embargo.
• Requires post-embargo labeling that identifies originating entity, target country/region, and program purpose.
• Gives the Archivist authority to issue implementing regulations and collect fees, with proceeds deposited into the National Archives Trust Fund.
• Adds a transparency exception permitting factual disclosure about operations, policies, or programs to media, the public, or Congress consistent with the law.
• Restates and republishes statutory language to clarify the scope of prohibitions and access rules rather than creating broad new programs or funding.