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Sister City Transparency Act

2/1/2024, 5:00 PM

Summary of Bill S 1184

The Sister City Transparency Act, also known as Bill 118 s 1184, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to increase transparency and accountability in the relationships between US cities and their sister cities abroad.

The bill requires that any city in the United States that has a sister city relationship with a foreign city must disclose certain information to the public. This information includes the purpose of the sister city relationship, any financial transactions or agreements between the two cities, and any activities or events that have taken place as part of the sister city relationship.

Additionally, the bill requires that any city entering into a new sister city relationship must notify the Department of State and provide information about the proposed relationship. This is intended to ensure that the federal government is aware of and can monitor these relationships. Overall, the Sister City Transparency Act aims to promote transparency and accountability in the relationships between US cities and their sister cities abroad. By requiring disclosure of information and notification to the federal government, the bill seeks to prevent any potential misuse of funds or influence in these relationships.

Congressional Summary of S 1184

Sister City Transparency Act

This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study of sister city partnerships between U.S. communities and foreign communities in those countries that score below a certain level on a public sector corruption perception index.

Elements of the study include assessing the extent to which such partnerships (1) create vulnerabilities to malign market practices, (2) diminish freedom of expression, and (3) allow foreign communities to realize strategic objectives that hinder U.S. economic and national security interests.

Current Status of Bill S 1184

Bill S 1184 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since April 18, 2023. Bill S 1184 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on April 18, 2023.  Bill S 1184's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. as of April 18, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 1184

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
14
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
14
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 1184

Primary Policy Focus

International Affairs

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 1184

Sister City Transparency Act
Sister City Transparency Act
A bill to direct the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study to evaluate the activities of sister city partnerships operating within the United States, and for other purposes.

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