Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 118.djvu/3826

 118 STAT. 3796 PUBLIC LAW 108–458—DEC. 17, 2004 negotiations of international instruments, receive specialized training in the areas described in para- graph (1) prior to beginning of service for such assign- ment or, if receiving such training at that time is not practical, within the first year of beginning such assignment. (3) TRAINING FOR CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES.—The Sec- retary shall ensure that employees of the Department of State who are members of the civil service and who are assigned to positions described in paragraph (2) receive training described in paragraph (1) prior to the beginning of service for such assignment or, if receiving such training at such time is not practical, within the first year of beginning such assign- ment. SEC. 7112. EXPANSION OF UNITED STATES SCHOLARSHIP AND EXCHANGE PROGRAMS IN THE ISLAMIC WORLD. (a) FINDINGS.—Consistent with the report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, Congress makes the following findings: (1) Exchange, scholarship, and library programs are effec- tive ways for the United States Government to promote inter- nationally the values and ideals of the United States. (2) Exchange, scholarship, and library programs can expose young people from other countries to United States values and offer them knowledge and hope. (b) DECLARATION OF POLICY.—Consistent with the report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, Congress declares that— (1) the United States should commit to a long-term and sustainable investment in promoting engagement with people of all levels of society in countries with predominantly Muslim populations, particularly with youth and those who influence youth; (2) such an investment should make use of the talents and resources in the private sector and should include programs to increase the number of people who can be exposed to the United States and its fundamental ideas and values in order to dispel misconceptions; and (3) such programs should include youth exchange programs, young ambassadors programs, international visitor programs, academic and cultural exchange programs, American Corner programs, library programs, journalist exchange programs, sister city programs, and other programs related to people- to-people diplomacy. (c) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that the United States should significantly increase its investment in the people-to-people programs described in subsection (b). (d) AUTHORITY TO EXPAND EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGES.—The President is authorized to substantially expand the exchange, scholarship, and library programs of the United States, especially such programs that benefit people in the Muslim world. (e) AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.—Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated in each of the fiscal years 2005 and 2006 for educational and cultural exchange programs, there shall be avail- able to the Secretary of State such sums as may be necessary 22 USC 2451 note. VerDate 11-MAY-2000 13:54 Nov 10, 2005 Jkt 029194 PO 00000 Frm 00330 Fmt 6580 Sfmt 6581 C:\STATUTES\2004\29194PT4.001 APPS10 PsN: 29194PT4

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