22 USC 2152 - Programs to encourage good governance

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Support for East European Democracy (SEED) Act of 1989, referred to in subsecs. (a)(2) and (e), is Puspan. L. 101–179, Nov. 28, 1989, 103 Stat. 1298, which is classified principally to chapter 63 (§ 5401 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 5401 of this title and Tables.

Section 907 of the Freedom for Russia and Emerging Eurasian Democracies and Open Markets Support Act of 1992, referred to in subsec. (a)(4)(B)(ii), is section 907 of Puspan. L. 102–511, which is set out as a note under section 5812 of this title.

Amendments

2011—Subsec. (d). Puspan. L. 112–74 struck out subsec. (d) which related to biennial reports.

2002—Subsec. (d). Puspan. L. 107–228, § 672(a)(1), substituted “Biennial reports” for “Annual report” in span.

Subsec. (d)(1). Puspan. L. 107–228, § 672(a)(2), substituted “a biennial report” for “an annual report” in introductory provisions and “preceding two-year period” for “prior year” in subpars. (A) and (B).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

References to Subchapter I Deemed To Include Certain Parts of Subchapter II

References to subchapter I of this chapter are deemed to include parts IV (§ 2346 et seq.), VI (§ 2348 et seq.), and VIII (§ 2349aa et seq.) of subchapter II of this chapter, and references to subchapter II are deemed to exclude such parts. See section 202(span) of Puspan. L. 92–226, set out as a note under section 2346 of this title, and sections 2348c and 2349aa–5 of this title.

Transition

Puspan. L. 107–228, div. A, title VI, § 672(span), Sept. 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 1408, provided that: “The first biennial report under section 133(d) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 ([former] 22 U.S.C. 2152c(d)), as amended by subsection (a), is required to be submitted not later than two years after the date of submission of the last annual report required under such section 133 (as in effect before the date of enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 2002]).”

Findings and Purpose

Puspan. L. 106–309, title II, § 202, Oct. 17, 2000, 114 Stat. 1090, provided that:

“(a)Findings.—Congress finds the following:

“(1) Widespread corruption endangers the stability and security of societies, undermines democracy, and jeopardizes the social, political, and economic development of a society.

“(2) Corruption facilitates criminal activities, such as money laundering, hinders economic development, inflates the costs of doing business, and undermines the legitimacy of the government and public trust.

“(3) In January 1997 the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution urging member states to carefully consider the problems posed by the international aspects of corrupt practices and to study appropriate legislative and regulatory measures to ensure the transparency and integrity of financial systems.

“(4) The United States was the first country to criminalize international bribery through the enactment of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 [Puspan. L. 95–213, title I, see Tables for classification] and United States leadership was instrumental in the passage of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Convention on Combatting Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions.

“(5) The Vice President, at the Global Forum on Fighting Corruption in 1999, declared corruption to be a direct threat to the rule of law and the Secretary of State declared corruption to be a matter of profound political and social consequence for our efforts to strengthen democratic governments.

“(6) The Secretary of State, at the Inter-American Development Bank’s annual meeting in March 2000, declared that despite certain economic achievements, democracy is being threatened as citizens grow weary of the corruption and favoritism of their official institutions and that efforts must be made to improve governance if respect for democratic institutions is to be regained.

“(7) In May 1996 the Organization of American States (OAS) adopted the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption requiring countries to provide various forms of international cooperation and assistance to facilitate the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of acts of corruption.

“(8) Independent media, committed to fighting corruption and trained in investigative journalism techniques, can both educate the public on the costs of corruption and act as a deterrent against corrupt officials.

“(9) Competent and independent judiciary, founded on a merit-based selection process and trained to enforce contracts and protect property rights, is critical for creating a predictable and consistent environment for transparency in legal procedures.

“(10) Independent and accountable legislatures, responsive political parties, and transparent electoral processes, in conjunction with professional, accountable, and transparent financial management and procurement policies and procedures, are essential to the promotion of good governance and to the combat of corruption.

“(11) Transparent business frameworks, including modern commercial codes and intellectual property rights, are vital to enhancing economic growth and decreasing corruption at all levels of society.

“(12) The United States should attempt to improve accountability in foreign countries, including by—

“(A) promoting transparency and accountability through support for independent media, promoting financial disclosure by public officials, political parties, and candidates for public office, open budgeting processes, adequate and effective internal control systems, suitable financial management systems, and financial and compliance reporting;

“(B) supporting the establishment of audit offices, inspectors general offices, third party monitoring of government procurement processes, and anti-corruption agencies;

“(C) promoting responsive, transparent, and accountable legislatures that ensure legislative oversight and whistle-blower protection;

“(D) promoting judicial reforms that criminalize corruption and promoting law enforcement that prosecutes corruption;

“(E) fostering business practices that promote transparent, ethical, and competitive behavior in the private sector through the development of an effective legal framework for commerce, including anti-bribery laws, commercial codes that incorporate international standards for business practices, and protection of intellectual property rights; and

“(F) promoting free and fair national, state, and local elections.

“(span)Purpose.—The purpose of this title [see Short Title of 2000 Amendments note set out under section 2151 of this title] is to ensure that United States assistance programs promote good governance by assisting other countries to combat corruption throughout society and to improve transparency and accountability at all levels of government and throughout the private sector.”

Deadline for Initial Report

Puspan. L. 106–309, title II, § 205(span), Oct. 17, 2000, 114 Stat. 1094, required transmission of the initial annual report under former 22 U.S.C. 2152c(d)(1) not later than 180 days after Oct. 17, 2000.

Executive Documents

Delegation of Functions

For delegation of functions of President under this section, see Ex. Ord. No. 12163, Sept. 29, 1979, 44 F.R. 56673, as amended, set out as a note under section 2381 of this title.