S 3317

Democracy in the 21st Century Act This bill authorizes actions to promote democracy abroad and addresses related issues. The Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) may each establish a Fund to Defend Democracy Globally. The funds may be used for various purposes, including to enhance the ability of the State Department and USAID to respond quickly and flexibly to democratic openings and backsliding. USAID may establish a Fund to Combat Corruption and Kleptocracy. The fund may be used to support efforts to enhance government transparency, improve the detection of corruption crimes, and other related activities. USAID may also establish a Democracy Research and Development Fund. The fund may be used for various purposes, such as to support research and development by the State Department, USAID, and the National Endowment for Democracy relating to democracy promotion abroad. The funds authorized by this bill may accept contributions from international donors and the private sector. U.S. government assistance for democracy programs shall not be subject to the prior approval of any foreign government. The bill also requires the State Department's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor and USAID's Bureau for Development, Democracy, and Innovation to serve as the primary U.S. representatives on international issues relating to democracy programs and advancing democracy abroad. The President must report to Congress a comprehensive strategy to promote democracy abroad.