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cursichella1
11th December 2016, 07:38
From Zero Hedge
December 10, 2016


Senate Quietly Passes The "Countering Disinformation And Propaganda Act"

While we wait to see if and when the Senate will pass (and president will sign) Bill "H.R. 6393, Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017", which was passed by the House at the end of November with an overwhelming majority and which seeks to crack down on websites suspected of conducting Russian propaganda and calling for the US government to "counter active measures by Russia to exert covert influence … carried out in coordination with, or at the behest of, political leaders or the security services of the Russian Federation and the role of the Russian Federation has been hidden or not acknowledged publicly,” another, perhaps even more dangerous and limiting to civil rights and freedom of speech bill passed on December 8.

Recall that as we reported in early June, "a bill to implement the U.S.’ very own de facto Ministry of Truth has been quietly introduced in Congress. As with any legislation attempting to dodge the public spotlight the Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act of 2016 marks a further curtailment of press freedom and another avenue to stultify avenues of accurate information. Introduced by Congressmen Adam Kinzinger and Ted Lieu, H.R. 5181 seeks a “whole-government approach without the bureaucratic restrictions” to counter “foreign disinformation and manipulation,” which they believe threaten the world’s “security and stability.”

Also called the Countering Information Warfare Act of 2016 (S. 2692), when introduced in March by Sen. Rob Portman, the legislation represents a dramatic return to Cold War-era government propaganda battles. “These countries spend vast sums of money on advanced broadcast and digital media capabilities, targeted campaigns, funding of foreign political movements, and other efforts to influence key audiences and populations,” Portman explained, adding that while the U.S. spends a relatively small amount on its Voice of America, the Kremlin provides enormous funding for its news organization, RT.“Surprisingly, "Portman continued, “there is currently no single U.S. governmental agency or department charged with the national level development, integration and synchronization of whole-of-government strategies to counter foreign propaganda and disinformation.”

Long before the "fake news" meme became a daily topic of extensive conversation on wuch mainstream fake news portals as CNN and WaPo, H.R. 5181 would rask the Secretary of State with coordinating the Secretary of Defense, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Broadcasting Board of Governors to “establish a Center for Information Analysis and Response,” which will pinpoint sources of disinformation, analyze data, and — in true dystopic manner — ‘develop and disseminate’ “fact-based narratives” to counter effrontery propaganda.

* * *

Fast forward to this past Thursday, December 8, when the "Countering Disinformation and Propaganda Act" passed in the Senate, quietly inserted inside the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report.

Here is the full statement issued by the generously funded Senator Rob Portman (R- Ohio) on the passage of a bill that further chips away at press liberties in the US, and which sets the stage for future which hunts and website shutdowns, purely as a result of an accusation that any one media outlet or site is considered as a source of "disinformation and propaganda" and is shut down by the government.


Senate Passes Major Portman-Murphy Counter-Propaganda Bill as Part of NDAA

Portman/Murphy Bill Promotes Coordinated Strategy to Defend America, Allies Against Propaganda and Disinformation from Russia, China & Others

U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) today announced that their Countering Disinformation and Propaganda Act – legislation designed to help American allies counter foreign government propaganda from Russia, China, and other nations – has passed the Senate as part of the FY 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report. The bipartisan bill, which was introduced by Senators Portman and Murphy in March, will improve the ability of the United States to counter foreign propaganda and disinformation by establishing an interagency center housed at the State Department to coordinate and synchronize counter-propaganda efforts throughout the U.S. government. To support these efforts, the bill also creates a grant program for NGOs, think tanks, civil society and other experts outside government who are engaged in counter-propaganda related work. This will better leverage existing expertise and empower local communities to defend themselves from foreign manipulation.

“The passage of this bill in the Senate today takes us one critical step closer to effectively confronting the extensive, and destabilizing, foreign propaganda and disinformation operations being waged against us. While the propaganda and disinformation threat has grown, the U.S. government has been asleep at the wheel. Today we are finally signaling that enough is enough; the United States will no longer sit on the sidelines. We are going to confront this threat head-on,” said Senator Portman. “With the help of this bipartisan bill, the disinformation and propaganda used against our allies and our interests will fail.”

“Congress has taken a big step in fighting back against fake news and propaganda from countries like Russia. When the president signs this bill into law, the United States will finally have a dedicated set of tools and resources to confront our adversaries’ widespread efforts to spread false narratives that undermine democratic institutions and compromise America’s foreign policy goals,” said Murphy. “I’m proud of what Senator Portman and I accomplished here because it’s long past time for the U.S. to get off the sidelines and confront these growing threats.”

NOTE: The bipartisan Countering Disinformation and Propaganda Act is organized around two main priorities to help achieve the goal of combatting the constantly evolving threat of foreign disinformation. They are as follows:

The first priority is developing a whole-of-government strategy for countering foreign propaganda and disinformation. The bill would increase the authority, resources, and mandate of the Global Engagement Center to include state actors like Russia and China in addition to violent extremists. The Center will be led by the State Department, but with the active senior level participation of the Department of Defense, USAID, the Broadcasting Board of Governors, the Intelligence Community, and other relevant agencies. The Center will develop, integrate, and synchronize whole-of-government initiatives to expose and counter foreign disinformation operations and proactively advance fact-based narratives that support U.S. allies and interests.
Second, the legislation seeks to leverage expertise from outside government to create more adaptive and responsive U.S. strategy options. The legislation establishes a fund to help train local journalists and provide grants and contracts to NGOs, civil society organizations, think tanks, private sector companies, media organizations, and other experts outside the U.S. government with experience in identifying and analyzing the latest trends in foreign government disinformation techniques. This fund will complement and support the Center’s role by integrating capabilities and expertise available outside the U.S. government into the strategy-making process. It will also empower a decentralized network of private sector experts and integrate their expertise into the strategy-making process.
* * *

In other words, the Act will i) greenlight the government to crack down with impunity against any media property it deems "propaganda", and ii) provide substantial amounts of money fund an army of "local journalist" counterpropaganda, to make sure the government's own fake news drowns that of the still free "fringes."

So while packaged politely in a veneer of "countering disinformation and propaganda", the bill, once signed by Obama, will effectively give the government a full mandate to punish, shut down or otherwise prosecute, any website it deems offensive and a source of "foreign government propaganda from Russia, China or other nations." And since there is no formal way of proving whether or not there is indeed a foreign propaganda sponsor, all that will be sufficient to eliminate any "dissenting" website, will be the government's word against that of the website. One can be confident that the US government will almost certainly prevail in every single time.


Link to original article HERE (http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-12-10/senate-quietly-passes-countering-disinformation-and-propaganda-act)

Rocky_Shorz
11th December 2016, 08:11
Our Patriotic Congress just passed a boot on the throat of Freedom...

Franny
11th December 2016, 08:17
And a lot of people are going to love and support it.

cursichella1
11th December 2016, 08:38
And a lot of people are going to love and support it.

Ha, you wouldn't be talking about the "48%", would you?

If we really do have have separate timelines I think we've just found the fork in the road...

Ernie Nemeth
11th December 2016, 15:01
I love the label: Fake news.

So easy to package all undesirable elements into such a label.

Of course don't call it what it is: counter psy-ops. Since what it is, is counter to what THEY are already doing: psy-ops. Psy-ops: psychological operations. Propaganda designed to evoke an emotional response favorable to the authorities.

Rocky_Shorz
11th December 2016, 16:25
Finally a job for Sarah Palin...

Minister of Truth is under Secretary of Oil, so it is time to double backup everything Clean Energy Related.

All fracking info...

I can see Sarah now running around with a Cape and bolt cutter chopping computer cords.

Bluegreen
11th December 2016, 17:29
Finally a job for Sarah Palin...

Minister of Truth is under Secretary of Oil, so it is time to double backup everything Clean Energy Related.

All fracking info...

I can see Sarah now running around with a Cape and bolt cutter chopping computer cords.

I've got to laugh to keep from crying

Gillian
11th December 2016, 18:08
I guess it is America's job to isolate and insulate its citizens from the rest of the world.

Blacklight43
11th December 2016, 18:14
So who is going to filter and or put a stop the the propaganda coming directly out of the USA govt.?

Bob
11th December 2016, 18:17
see - http://www.portman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2016/12/senate-passes-major-portman-murphy-counter-propaganda-bill-as-part-of-ndaa

this is who they say will ride reign (oversight)


Second, the legislation seeks to leverage expertise from outside government to create more adaptive and responsive U.S. strategy options.

The legislation establishes a fund to help train local journalists and provide grants and contracts to NGOs, civil society organizations, think tanks, private sector companies, media organizations, and other experts outside the U.S. government with experience in identifying and analyzing the latest trends in foreign government disinformation techniques.

This fund will complement and support the Center’s role by integrating capabilities and expertise available outside the U.S. government into the strategy-making process. It will also empower a decentralized network of private sector experts and integrate their expertise into the strategy-making process.
###

happyuk
11th December 2016, 19:45
Would like to see an example list of websites these people deem subversive in addition to RT.

I prefer to see it as people tiring of endless self serving government propaganda and doing some research and fact finding for themselves, maybe even starting a website of their own and shoving a little reality under their noses in the process.

Most "news" is nothing of the sort - it is actually the "fake news" they are all talking about - and is all about perception management and the language of persuasion.

shaberon
11th December 2016, 22:01
HR 6393 is budget appropriations; yes, we're talking about retirement pensions among related matters here.

HR 5181 and S 2692 have not moved in several months.

They added the report to S 2943, which makes it different from the House version--these then have to be made identical before submission to the president. I don't see the passage of any Act?

noprophet
12th December 2016, 01:22
"...and the use of covert or clandestine special operators and agents to influence targeted populations and governments in order to coordinate and shape the development of tactics, techniques, and procedures to expose and refute foreign misinformation and disinformation and proactively promote fact-based narratives and policies to audiences outside the United States."

https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/2692/text

Flash
12th December 2016, 01:22
welcome to the deep web because we won't have any choice anymore »(like in undemocratic countries throughout the world). Hopefully regular folks will understand this as well. And it does feel like totalitarian thinking when there is no overseeing of government actions and interventions. The money is put only on actions and interventions, without oversight. Very 1984 truly. Sighing here.

added: i already have problems explaining to my American friends how much, how truly heavy, is their brainwashing. Being from another country and more than all from another language, I have access to information that is not Americanly biaised. The US brainwashing is plainly huge. And most of its citizens do not see it yet. Easiy to imagine how benign such legislation may look to them, when it is just going much further tn what is already happening.

Helene West
12th December 2016, 01:46
This is the worst news I've heard in a long time. what do we do now?

Will trump or sanders speak out against this tyrannical legislation? I doubt it. Is anyone? Where's Rand or Ron Paul? Where's trey gowdy? Is anyone home????

Rocky_Shorz
12th December 2016, 03:10
So really, Trump can classify cnn and MSNBC as fake news sites and shut them down arrest the owners and employees and ship.em all off to Gitmo...

norman
12th December 2016, 04:12
So really, Trump can classify cnn and MSNBC as fake news sites and shut them down arrest the owners and employees and ship.em all off to Gitmo...

I think you are on to something. It could actually give the Trump admin' a shorter route to sidelining the CNNMSNBCCBS crowd.

AutumnW
12th December 2016, 04:56
I wonder how long it will take the govt to throw people in mental hospitals for 'paranoid schizophrenia,' if they feel the govt is engaged in a vast conspiracy? Right now it's news organizations, web sites etc..Soon it might be anyone who criticizes the dear leader.

Rocky_Shorz
12th December 2016, 06:59
As long as our President is a bigger nut than us, we're cool...

Congress is really messing with Trump right now, they just made it illegal to work with Russia fighting isis al-CIAda the

Battle lines are drawn, FBI is working with Trump, CIA Still bows to Hillary/Bush

bluestflame
12th December 2016, 09:40
i get the funny feeling they fail to foresee how these could be used against them


after recent events they are STILL that sure of themselves ?

i agree with you rocky shorz

cursichella1
12th December 2016, 10:39
Political commentator Lionel on the implications of recent events and the setup that has us speeding towards censorship. Provides some blunt clarity on the Bigger Picture:

JnaYqc3YplM

gord
12th December 2016, 10:59
And a lot of people are going to love and support it.

Yes, those who really dislike unauthorized pattern recognition will be quite thrilled.

Rocky_Shorz
12th December 2016, 16:50
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDf_4wOJLiM


Obama, don't sign it, you know it makes it illegal to work with Russia which you have been doing...

Maybe we should mount cop cameras on politicians to capture their lies...


It wasn't a hack, it was surveillance that exposed Hillary Clinton's illegal activity...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnFWv8uLkVo

More CIA agents lost their lives over the email leaks than Benghazi...


The question is, which CIA agents handed the report to Congress to start a war with Russia

Impersonating Intelligence should be illegal when it is used to guide the Nation into War...

Write a new law guiding agencies with accountability and liability for their actions ..


This Law makes a $10 Million dollar bet with the President he can't get Russia out of Crimea...

shaberon
13th December 2016, 00:41
"...and the use of covert or clandestine special operators and agents to influence targeted populations and governments in order to coordinate and shape the development of tactics, techniques, and procedures to expose and refute foreign misinformation and disinformation and proactively promote fact-based narratives and policies to audiences outside the United States."

https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/2692/text

Right there you can see this went to committee in March. It's not something that was passed on Dec. 8th.

ThePythonicCow
13th December 2016, 00:53
"...and the use of covert or clandestine special operators and agents to influence targeted populations and governments in order to coordinate and shape the development of tactics, techniques, and procedures to expose and refute foreign misinformation and disinformation and proactively promote fact-based narratives and policies to audiences outside the United States."

https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/2692/text

Right there you can see this went to committee in March. It's not something that was passed on Dec. 8th.

Good catch, shaberon. I too do not see the recent passage of any such bill.

Bob
13th December 2016, 01:31
References from Congress.Gov - current activity, past activity

S.3274 - Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act 07/14/2016 - another Bill updating apparently the original H.R.5181
text link: https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/3274/text


S.2692 - Countering Information Warfare Act of 2016 03/16/2016
text link: https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/2692/text
excerpt:

(3) to develop, plan, and synchronize, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, the Director of National Intelligence, the Broadcasting Board of Governors, and other relevant departments and agencies, whole-of-government initiatives to expose and counter foreign information operations directed against United States national security interests and proactively advance fact-based narratives that support United States allies and interests.


H.R.5181 - Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act of 2016 05/10/2016 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e1/Countering_Foreign_Propaganda_and_Disinformation_Act_of_2016.pdf (HR 5181)

Co-Sponsors

Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-33]* 05/10/2016
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Michael G. [R-PA-8]* 05/10/2016
Rep. Lipinski, Daniel [D-IL-3]* 05/10/2016
Rep. Lamborn, Doug [R-CO-5]* 05/10/2016
Rep. Takai, Mark [D-HI-1]* 05/10/2016
Rep. Young, Todd C. [R-IN-9]* 05/10/2016
Rep. Cicilline, David N. [D-RI-1]* 05/10/2016
Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21]* 05/10/2016
Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5]* 05/10/2016
Rep. Guthrie, Brett [R-KY-2]* 05/10/2016
Rep. Boyle, Brendan F. [D-PA-13]* 05/10/2016
Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6] 05/31/2016
Rep. Israel, Steve [D-NY-3] 07/11/2016


status https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/5181/all-actions?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22hr5181%22%5D%7D&r=1&overview=closed#tabs

zen deik
13th December 2016, 10:34
Janet Reno gets my vote to head the department....lol...😎

Curious77
13th December 2016, 19:00
Shouldn't that put the CIA, our government, and MSM out of business?

Meanwhile NSA is still spying on every American citizens -- your emails, all communications, cell phones, whatever.

On American citizens .... not terrorists.

cursichella1
14th December 2016, 10:38
.
.

"...and the


Here it is: Press release from Senator Bob Portman:

Senate Passes Major Portman-Murphy Counter-Propaganda Bill as Part of NDAA
(http://www.portman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=3765A225-B773-4F57-B21A-A265F4B5692C)

Press Releases
Home / Newsroom / Press Releases
December 08, 2016

Senate Passes Major Portman-Murphy Counter-Propaganda Bill as Part of NDAA
Portman/Murphy Bill Promotes Coordinated Strategy to Defend America, Allies Against Propaganda and Disinformation from Russia, China & Others

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) today announced that their Countering Disinformation and Propaganda Act – legislation designed to help American allies counter foreign government propaganda from Russia, China, and other nations – has passed the Senate as part of the FY 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report. The bipartisan bill, which was introduced by Senators Portman and Murphy in March, will improve the ability of the United States to counter foreign propaganda and disinformation by establishing an interagency center housed at the State Department to coordinate and synchronize counter-propaganda efforts throughout the U.S. government. To support these efforts, the bill also creates a grant program for NGOs, think tanks, civil society and other experts outside government who are engaged in counter-propaganda related work. This will better leverage existing expertise and empower local communities to defend themselves from foreign manipulation.

Lord, there are several Bills, Acts...one is part of the NDAA for 2017, "the wording " was approved on that one. The Washington Post (ha, "real fake news") somewhat addresses a few of them here:
Effort to combat foreign propaganda advances in Congress (https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/business/economy/effort-to-combat-foreign-propaganda-advances-in-congress/2016/11/30/9147e1ac-e221-47be-ab92-9f2f7e69d452_story.html?client=ms-android-virgin-us


https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/business/economy/effort-to-combat-foreign-propaganda-advances-in-congress/2016/11/30/9147e1ac-e221-47be-ab92-9f2f7e69d452_story.html?client=ms-android-virgin-us)

Sorry, I'm posting from my phone and not great at tiny cut and pastes to put the article here.

shaberon
14th December 2016, 20:17
Good catch, shaberon. I too do not see the recent passage of any such bill.

I've noticed this trend in a lot of the political reporting from various sources, they often refer to things that "stalled out", or purposefully neglect an update that came through (such as the president's ability to declare martial law, which lasted about a year).

It's weird since anything from White House/Congress is posted for anyone to see--no need to report on it really.

The Freedom Train
15th December 2016, 13:06
I wonder how long it will take the govt to throw people in mental hospitals for 'paranoid schizophrenia,' if they feel the govt is engaged in a vast conspiracy? Right now it's news organizations, web sites etc..Soon it might be anyone who criticizes the dear leader.

It's already happening.

Bob
19th December 2016, 03:11
RE: Bob Portman's notice about his "bill passing" and being part of the NDAA - how it was done.. (buried in a very large NDAA Bill originated by Sen McCain)

Here is the link on the Congressional Page (summary) - and the reference quote, searching in the document for "Propaganda"..


from: https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/2943?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22FY+2017+National+Defense+Authorization+Act+%28NDAA%29+Conference+Repo r%22%5D%7D&r=3

(Sec. 1259C) Establishes a Global Engagement Center to lead and coordinate efforts to track foreign propaganda and disinformation efforts intended to undermine U.S. national security interests, and to develop strategies for countering such campaigns.

Authorizes the center to provide grants to support civil society groups, journalists, nongovernmental organizations, federally-funded research and development centers, private companies, or academic institutions in analyzing, reporting on, and refuting foreign disinformation efforts.

the section as ACCEPTED by Congress:


SEC. 1287. GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT CENTER.

(a) Establishment.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies, shall establish within the Department of State a Global Engagement Center (in this section referred to as the “Center”).

(2) PURPOSE.—The purpose of the Center shall be to lead, synchronize, and coordinate efforts of the Federal Government to recognize, understand, expose, and counter foreign state and non-state propaganda and disinformation efforts aimed at undermining United States national security interests.

(b) Functions.—The Center shall carry out the following functions:

(1) Integrate interagency and international efforts to track and evaluate counterfactual narratives abroad that threaten the national security interests of the United States and United States allies and partner nations.

(2) Analyze relevant information, data, analysis, and analytics from United States Government agencies, United States allies and partner nations, think tanks, academic institutions, civil society groups, and other nongovernmental organizations.

(3) As needed, support the development and dissemination of fact-based narratives and analysis to counter propaganda and disinformation directed at the United States and United States allies and partner nations.

(4) Identify current and emerging trends in foreign propaganda and disinformation in order to coordinate and shape the development of tactics, techniques, and procedures to expose and refute foreign misinformation and disinformation and proactively promote fact-based narratives and policies to audiences outside the United States.

(5) Facilitate the use of a wide range of technologies and techniques by sharing expertise among Federal departments and agencies, seeking expertise from external sources, and implementing best practices.

(6) Identify gaps in United States capabilities in areas relevant to the purpose of the Center and recommend necessary enhancements or changes.

(7) Identify the countries and populations most susceptible to propaganda and disinformation based on information provided by appropriate interagency entities.

(8) Administer the information access fund established pursuant to subsection (f).

(9) Coordinate with United States allies and partner nations in order to amplify the Center’s efforts and avoid duplication.

(10) Maintain, collect, use, and disseminate records (as such term is defined in section 552a(a)(4) of title 5, United States Code) for research and data analysis of foreign state and non-state propaganda and disinformation efforts and communications related to public diplomacy efforts intended for foreign audiences. Such research and data analysis shall be reasonably tailored to meet the purposes of this paragraph and shall be carried out with due regard for privacy and civil liberties guidance and oversight.

(c) Head Of Center.—

(1) APPOINTMENT.—The head of the Center shall be an individual who is an official of the Federal Government, who shall be appointed by the President.

(2) COMPLIANCE WITH PRIVACY AND CIVIL LIBERTIES LAWS.—The President shall designate a senior official to develop guidance for the Center relating to relevant privacy and civil liberties laws and to ensure compliance with such guidance.

(d) Employees Of The Center.—

(1) DETAILEES.—Any Federal Government employee may be detailed to the Center without reimbursement, and such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege for a period of not more than 3 years.

(2) PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACTORS.—The Secretary of State may hire United States citizens or aliens as personal services contractors for purposes of personnel resources of the Center, if—

(A) the Secretary determines that existing personnel resources are insufficient;

(B) the period in which services are provided by a personal services contractor, including options, does not exceed 3 years, unless the Secretary determines that exceptional circumstances justify an extension of up to one additional year;

(C) not more than 50 United States citizens or aliens are employed as personal services contractors under the authority of this paragraph at any time; and

(D) the authority of this paragraph is only used to obtain specialized skills or experience or to respond to urgent needs.

(e) Transfer Of Amounts Authorized.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—If amounts authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available to carry out the functions of the Center—

(A) for fiscal year 2017 are less than $80,000,000, the Secretary of Defense is authorized to transfer, from amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2017, to the Secretary of State an amount, not to exceed $60,000,000, to be available to carry out the functions of the Center for fiscal year 2017; and

(B) for fiscal year 2018 are less than $80,000,000, the Secretary of Defense is authorized to transfer, from amounts authorized to be appropriated by an Act authorizing funds for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2018, to the Secretary of State an amount, not to exceed $60,000,000, to be available to carry out the functions of the Center for fiscal year 2018.

(2) NOTICE REQUIREMENT.—The Secretary of Defense shall notify the congressional defense committees of a proposed transfer under paragraph (1) not less than 15 days prior to making such transfer.

(3) INAPPLICABILITY OF REPROGRAMMING REQUIREMENTS.—The authority to transfer amounts under paragraph (1) shall not be subject to any reprogramming requirement under any other provision of law.

(f) Information Access Fund.—

(1) AUTHORITY FOR GRANTS.—The Center is authorized to provide grants or contracts of financial support to civil society groups, media content providers, nongovernmental organizations, federally funded research and development centers, private companies, or academic institutions for the following purposes:

(A) To support local independent media who are best placed to refute foreign disinformation and manipulation in their own communities.

(B) To collect and store examples in print, online, and social media, disinformation, misinformation, and propaganda directed at the United States and its allies and partners.

(C) To analyze and report on tactics, techniques, and procedures of foreign information warfare with respect to disinformation, misinformation, and propaganda.

(D) To support efforts by the Center to counter efforts by foreign entities to use disinformation, misinformation, and propaganda to influence the policies and social and political stability of the United States and United States allies and partner nations.

(2) FUNDING AVAILABILITY AND LIMITATIONS.—The Secretary of State shall provide that each organization that applies to receive funds under this subsection is selected in accordance with the relevant existing regulations to ensure its bona fides, capability, and experience, and its compatibility with United States interests and objectives.

(g) ReporTs.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year after the date on which the Center is established, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report evaluating the success of the Center in carrying out its functions under subsection (b) and outlining steps to improve any areas of deficiency.

(2) DEFINITION.—In this subsection, the term “appropriate congressional committees” means—

(A) the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and

(B) the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Homeland Security, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.

(h) Limitation.—None of the funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available to carry out this section shall be used for purposes other than countering foreign propaganda and misinformation that threatens United States national security.

(i) Termination.—The Center shall terminate on the date that is 8 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.


Sponsor: Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ] (Introduced 05/18/2016)
Committees: Senate - Armed Services

STATUS - approved by House and Senate - 12/14/2016 Presented to President Obama for SIGNING.

===================

Here is the timetable and ACTIONS on this - who did what when...


12/14/2016 Senate Presented to President.
12/08/2016 Senate Message on Senate action sent to the House.
12/08/2016 Senate Senate agreed to conference report by Yea-Nay Vote. 92 - 7. Record Vote Number: 159.
12/08/2016 Senate Conference report considered in Senate. (consideration: CR S6862-6873)
12/07/2016 Senate Conference report considered in Senate. (consideration: CR S6795-6826)
12/07/2016 Senate Cloture on the conference report invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 92 - 7. Record Vote Number: 158. (consideration: CR S6795; text: CR S6795)
12/05/2016 Senate Cloture motion on the conference report presented in Senate. (consideration: CR S6684-6685; text: CR S6685)
12/05/2016 Senate Conference papers: message on House action held at the desk in Senate.
12/02/2016-11:37am House Motions to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12/02/2016-11:37am House On agreeing to the conference report Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 375 - 34 (Roll no. 600).
12/02/2016-11:14am House The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule. (consideration: CR H7133)
12/02/2016-10:01am House DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on the conference report to accompany S. 2943.
12/02/2016-10:01am House Mr. Thornberry brought up conference report H. Rept. 114-840 for consideration under the provisions of H. Res. 937. (consideration: CR H7123-7134)
12/01/2016-5:58pm House Rule H. Res. 937 passed House.
11/30/2016-6:46pm House Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 937 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of the conference report to S. 2943 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. The resolution waives all points of order against the conference report and against its consideration
11/30/2016 Senate Conference papers: Senate report and manager's statement held at the desk in Senate.
11/30/2016-12:30pm Conferees agreed to file conference report.
Action By: Both Chambers
11/30/2016-12:23pm House Conference report H. Rept. 114-840 filed. (text of conference report: CR H6376-6885)
07/14/2016 Senate Message on Senate action sent to the House.
07/14/2016 Senate Motion by Senator Sullivan to instruct Senate conferees (military operations) agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 85 - 12. Record Vote Number: 132. (consideration: CR S5112-5113, S5113)
07/14/2016 Senate Motion by Senator Shaheen to instruct Senate conferees (Afghan Special Immigrant Visa program) agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 84 - 12. Record Vote Number: 131. (consideration: CR S5111-5112)
07/14/2016 Senate Senate disagrees to the House amendment to the Senate bill, agrees to request for conference, appoints the following conferees: McCain, Inhofe, Sessions, Wicker, Ayotte, Fischer, Cotton, Rounds, Ernst, Tillis, Sullivan, Lee, Graham, Cruz, Reed, Nelson, McCaskill, Manchin, Shaheen, Gillibrand, Blumenthal, Donnelly, Hirono, Kaine, King, and Heinrich by Unanimous Consent.
07/14/2016 Senate Cloture on the motion to disagree to the House amendment to the Senate bill, agree to request for conference, and appoint the following conferees: McCain, Inhofe, Sessions, Wicker, Ayotte, Fischer, Cotton, Rounds, Ernst, Tillis, Sullivan, Lee, Graham, Cruz, Reed, Nelson, McCaskill, Manchin, Shaheen, Gillibrand, Blumenthal, Donnelly, Hirono, Kaine, King, and Heinrich invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 90 - 7. Record Vote Number: 130. (consideration: CR S5111)
07/14/2016 Senate Cloture motion on the motion to disagree to the House amendment to the Senate bill, agree to request for conference, and appoint the following conferees: McCain, Inhofe, Sessions, Wicker, Ayotte, Fischer, Cotton, Rounds, Ernst, Tillis, Sullivan, Lee, Graham, Cruz, Reed, Nelson, McCaskill, Manchin, Shaheen, Gillibrand, Blumenthal, Donnelly, Hirono, Kaine, King, and Heinrich presented in Senate. (consideration: CR S5111)
07/14/2016 Senate Motion to disagree to the House amendment to the Senate bill, agree to request for conference, and appoint the following conferees: McCain, Inhofe, Sessions, Wicker, Ayotte, Fischer, Cotton, Rounds, Ernst, Tillis, Sullivan, Lee, Graham, Cruz, Reed, Nelson, McCaskill, Manchin, Shaheen, Gillibrand, Blumenthal, Donnelly, Hirono, Kaine, King, and Heinrich made in Senate.
07/14/2016 Senate Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S5111-5114)
07/11/2016 Senate Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendment to Senate bill and House requests a conference.
07/08/2016-12:41pm House The Speaker appointed conferees - from the Committee on Ways and Means for consideration of sec. 1271 of the Senate bill, and modifications committed to conference: Brady (TX), Reichert, and Levin.
07/08/2016-12:41pm House The Speaker appointed conferees - from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs for consideration of secs. 706, 755, and 1431 of the Senate bill, and secs. 741, 1421, and 1864 of the House amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Roe (TN), Bost, and Takano.
07/08/2016-12:41pm House The Speaker appointed conferees - from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for consideration of secs. 541, 562, 601, 961, 3302-07, 3501, and 3502 of the Senate bill, and secs. 343, 601, 731, 835, 1043, 1671, 3119C, 3501, 3504, 3509, 3512, and title XXXVI of the House amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Hunter, Rouzer, and Maloney, Sean.
07/08/2016-12:41pm House The Speaker appointed conferees - from the Committee on Small Business for consideration of secs. 818, 838, 874, and 898 of the Senate bill, and title XVIII of the House amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Chabot, Knight, and Velazquez.
07/08/2016-12:41pm House The Speaker appointed conferees - from the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology for consideration of sec. 874 of the Senate bill and secs. 1605, 1673, and title XXXIII of the House amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Smith (TX), Weber (TX), and Johnson, E. B.
07/08/2016-12:41pm House The Speaker appointed conferees - from the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for consideration of secs. 339, 703, 819, 821, 829H, 829I, 861, 944, 1048, 1054, 1097, 1103-07, 1109-13, 1121, 1124, 1131-33, 1135, and 1136 of the Senate bill, and secs. 574, 603, 807, 821, 1048, 1088, 1095, 1098L, 1101, 1102, 1104-06, 1108-11, 1113, 1259C, and 1631 of the House amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Chaffetz, Russell, and Cummings.
07/08/2016-12:41pm House The Speaker appointed conferees - from the Committee on Natural Resources for consideration of secs. 601, 2825, subtitle D of title XXVIII, and sec. 2852 of the Senate bill, and secs. 312, 601, 1090, 1098H, 2837, 2839, 2839A, subtitle E of title XXVIII, secs. 2852, 2854, 2855, 2864-66, title XXX, secs. 3508, 7005, and title LXXIII of the House amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Cook, Hardy, and Grijalva.
07/08/2016-12:41pm House The Speaker appointed conferees - from the Committee on the Judiciary for consideration of secs. 829J, 829K, 944, 963, 1006, 1023-25, 1053, 1093, 1283, 3303, and 3304 of the Senate bill, and secs. 598, 1090, 1098H, 1216, 1261, and 3608 of the House amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Goodlatte, Issa, and Conyers.
07/08/2016-12:41pm House The Speaker appointed conferees - from the Committee on Homeland Security for consideration of secs. 564 and 1091 of the Senate bill, and secs. 1097, 1869, 1869A, and 3510 of the House amendment, and modifications committed to conference: McCaul, Donovan, and Thompson (MS).
07/08/2016-12:41pm House The Speaker appointed conferees - from the Committee on Foreign Affairs for consideration of secs. 828, 1006, 1007, 1050, 1056, 1089, 1204, 1211, 1221-23, 1231, 1232, 1242, 1243, 1247, 1252, 1253, 1255-58, 1260, 1263, 1264, 1271-73, 1276, 1283, 1301, 1302, 1531-33, and 1662 of the Senate bill, and secs. 926, 1011, 1013, 1083, 1084, 1098K, 1099B, 1099C, 1201, 1203, 1214, 1221-23, 1227, 1229, 1233, 1235, 1236, 1245, 1246, 1250, 1259A-59E, 1259J, 1259L, 1259P, 1259Q, 1259U, 1261, 1262, 130103, 1510, 1531-33, 1645, 1653, and 2804 of the House amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Royce, Zeldin, and Engel.
07/08/2016-12:41pm House The Speaker appointed conferees - from the Committee on Energy and Commerce for consideration of secs. 3112 and 3123 of the Senate bill, and secs. 346, 601, 749, 1045, 1090, 1095, 1673, 3119A, and 3119C of the House amendment, and modifications committed to conference:: Latta, Johnson of Ohio, and Pallone.
07/08/2016-12:41pm House The Speaker appointed conferees - from the Committee on Education and the Workforce for consideration of secs. 571-74 and 578 of the Senate bill, and secs. 571, 573, 1098E, and 3512 of the House amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Walberg, Guthrie, and Scott (VA).
07/08/2016-12:41pm House The Speaker appointed conferees - from the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence for consideration of matters within the jurisdiction of that committee under clause 11 of rule X: Nunes, Pompeo, and Schiff.
07/08/2016-12:41pm House The Speaker appointed conferees - from the Committee on Armed Services for consideration of the Senate bill and the House amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Thornberry, Forbes, Miller (FL), Wilson (SC), LoBiondo, Bishop (UT), Turner, Kline, Rogers (AL), Franks (AZ), Shuster, Conaway, Lamborn, Wittman, Gibson, Hartzler, Heck (NV), Stefanik, Smith (WA), Sanchez, Loretta, Davis (CA), Langevin, Larsen (WA), Cooper, Bordallo, Courtney, Tsongas, Garamendi, Johnson (GA), Speier, and Peters.
07/08/2016-12:09pm House Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
07/08/2016-12:02pm House Mr. Thornberry moved that the House close portions of the conference. (consideration: CR H4562)
07/08/2016-10:43am House On motion that the House insist upon its amendment, and request a conference Agreed to by voice vote. (consideration: CR H4554)
07/08/2016-10:43am House The previous question was ordered without objection. (consideration: CR H4554)
07/08/2016-10:39am House DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on the motion from Mr. Thornberry.
07/08/2016-10:38am House Mr. Thornberry moved that the House insist upon its amendment, and request a conference. (consideration: CR H4554)
07/08/2016-10:38am House Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 809, Mr. Thornberry moved that the House insist upon its amendment, and request a conference. (consideration: CR H4554)
07/07/2016-5:57pm House On passage Passed without objection.
07/07/2016-5:57pm House The House struck all after the enacting clause and inserted in lieu thereof the provisions of a similar measure H.R. 4909. Agreed to pursuant to H. Res. 809.
07/07/2016-5:57pm House Considered pursuant to H. Res. 809.
07/07/2016-5:57pm House Consideration initiated pursuant to H. Res. 809. (consideration: CR H4482-4483)
06/21/2016 Senate Senate ordered measure printed as passed.
06/16/2016-9:28am House Held at the desk.
06/16/2016-9:14am House Received in the House.
06/16/2016 Senate Message on Senate action sent to the House.
06/14/2016 Senate Passed Senate with amendments by Yea-Nay Vote. 85 - 13. Record Vote Number: 98. (text: CR 6/15/2016 S4011-4255)
06/14/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4607 Amendment SA 4607 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
06/14/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4670 Amendment SA 4670 as modified agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote. (text as modified: CR S3839-3840)
06/14/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4670 Amendment SA 4670 proposed by Senator Nelson to Amendment SA 4607. (consideration: CR S3835-3841; text: CR S3835)
06/14/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4603 Proposed amendment SA 4603 withdrawn in Senate. (consideration: CR S3835)
06/14/2016 Senate Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S3835-3841)
06/14/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4607 Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S3835, S3841)
06/14/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4603 Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S3835)
06/13/2016 Senate Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S3815-3823)
06/13/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4607 Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S3815)
06/13/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4603 Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S3815)
06/10/2016 Senate Cloture on the measure invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 68 - 23. Record Vote Number: 97. (consideration: CR S3789; text: CR S3789)
06/10/2016 Senate Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S3787-3790, S3790, S3791-3792, S3792; text: CR S3788-3790)
06/10/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4607 Considered by Senate.
06/10/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4603 Considered by Senate.
06/09/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4603 Amendment SA 4603 proposed by Senator Reed for Senator Reid to Amendment SA 4607. (consideration: CR S3684; text: CR S3684)
06/09/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4607 Amendment SA 4607 proposed by Senator McCain. (consideration: CR S3680-3684; text: CR S3680)
06/09/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4549 SA 4549 fell when SA 4229 withdrawn.
06/09/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4229 Proposed amendment SA 4229 withdrawn in Senate.
06/09/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4229 Cloture on amendment SA 4229 not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 56 - 42. Record Vote Number: 96.
06/09/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4549 Cloture on amendment SA 4549 not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 43 - 55. Record Vote Number: 95.
06/09/2016 Senate Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S3668-3677, S3677-3715)
06/09/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4549 Considered by Senate.
06/09/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4229 Considered by Senate.
06/08/2016 Senate Cloture motion on the measure presented in Senate. (consideration: CR S3635; text: CR S3635)
06/08/2016 Senate Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S3601-3604, S3604-3632, S3635)
06/08/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4549 Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S3601-3604, S3606-3607, S3609-3612, S3627-3628)
06/08/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4229 Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S3601, S3607-3609, S3631-3632)
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4229 Cloture motion on amendment SA 4229 presented in Senate. (consideration: CR S3534; text: CR S3534)
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4549 Cloture motion on amendment SA 4549 presented in Senate. (consideration: CR S3534; text: CR S3534)
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4549 Amendment SA 4549 proposed by Senator Reed to Amendment SA 4229. (consideration: CR S3525; text: CR S3525)
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4204 Amendment SA 4204 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 70 - 28. Record Vote Number: 91.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4369 Amendment SA 4369 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 66 - 32. Record Vote Number: 90.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4369 Amendment SA 4369 proposed by Senator Durbin. (consideration: CR S3503-3504; text: CR S3503-3504)
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4204 Amendment SA 4204 proposed by Senator Inhofe.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4344 Amendment SA 4344 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4247 Amendment SA 4247 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4071 Amendment SA 4071 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4086 Amendment SA 4086 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4095 Amendment SA 4095 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4119 Amendment SA 4119 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4236 Amendment SA 4236 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4169 Amendment SA 4169 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4031 Amendment SA 4031 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4317 Amendment SA 4317 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4079 Amendment SA 4079 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4354 Amendment SA 4354 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4177 Amendment SA 4177 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4112 Amendment SA 4112 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4293 Amendment SA 4293 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4138 Amendment SA 4138 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4344 Amendment SA 4344 proposed by Senator McCain for Senator Sullivan.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4247 Amendment SA 4247 proposed by Senator McCain for Senator Daines.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4071 Amendment SA 4071 proposed by Senator McCain for Senator Hatch.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4086 Amendment SA 4086 proposed by Senator McCain for Senator Murkowski.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4095 Amendment SA 4095 proposed by Senator McCain for Senator Ernst.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4119 Amendment SA 4119 proposed by Senator McCain for Senator Roberts.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4236 Amendment SA 4236 proposed by Senator McCain for Senator Portman.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4169 Amendment SA 4169 proposed by Senator McCain for Senator Coats.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4031 Amendment SA 4031 proposed by Senator McCain for Senator Cardin.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4317 Amendment SA 4317 proposed by Senator McCain for Senator Hirono.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4079 Amendment SA 4079 proposed by Senator McCain for Senator Heitkamp.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4354 Amendment SA 4354 proposed by Senator McCain for Senator Leahy.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4177 Amendment SA 4177 proposed by Senator McCain for Senator Schumer.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4112 Amendment SA 4112 proposed by Senator McCain for Senator Gillibrand.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4293 Amendment SA 4293 proposed by Senator McCain for Senator Baldwin.
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4138 Amendment SA 4138 proposed by Senator McCain for Senator Peters.
06/07/2016 Senate Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S3474-3492, S3492-3511, S3525-3534)
06/07/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4229 Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S3474)
06/06/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4229 Amendment SA 4229 proposed by Senator McCain. (consideration: CR S3405)
06/06/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4206 Amendment SA 4206 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 91 - 0. Record Vote Number: 89.
06/06/2016 Senate S.Amdt.4206 Amendment SA 4206 proposed by Senator McCain for Senator Fischer. (consideration: CR S3397-3405; text: CR S3397-3398)
06/06/2016 Senate Measure laid before Senate by motion. (consideration: CR S3397-3408)
06/06/2016 Senate Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.
05/26/2016 Senate Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (consideration: CR S3234-3253)
05/25/2016 Senate Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (consideration: CR S3135-3162, S3163-3167)
05/25/2016 Senate Cloture on the motion to proceed to the measure invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 98 - 0. Record Vote Number: 87. (consideration: CR S3135; text: CR S3135)
05/23/2016 Senate Cloture motion on the motion to proceed to the measure presented in Senate. (consideration: CR S3047-3048; text: CR S3047)
05/23/2016 Senate Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate. (consideration: CR S3047-3048; text: CR S3047)
05/18/2016 Senate Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 469.
05/18/2016 Senate Committee on Armed Services. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator McCain. With written report No. 114-255. Additional and Minority views filed.
Action By: Senate Armed Services


https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/2943/all-actions?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22FY+2017+National+Defense+Authorization+Act+%28NDAA%29+Conference+R epor%22%5D%7D&r=3&overview=closed#tabs

Somewhere in the set of actions (above) Portman's bill was snuck into the NDAA

shaberon
24th December 2016, 06:29
Final version signed into effect by the prez is S2943:

https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/2943/text

Section 1287 creates the Global Engagement Center (or, directs it to be created, which will most likely be by Trump's administration) to counter foreign state and non-state propaganda, done as a State Department organization. Sounds like a bureaucratic bloating of what they already do.

shaberon
26th December 2016, 06:28
Addendum: section 1224 et seq. relate to overseas military policies. It does not, for example, place MANPADs directly into anybody's hands, but leaves the possibility open. One could attempt to lobby the appropriate committee to prevent that from happening. Or vice-versa.

These budgets are of course issued every year, many of the things are just continuations from the past, some modified, others not.