Bills · S 1351
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 1351International Affairs
Sister City Transparency Act
INTRO APR 8· LAST ACTION APR 8
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it seeks to bring greater transparency and oversight to international relationships forged at the local level. Sister city partnerships, while often beneficial for cultural exchange and economic development, could potentially be exploited by foreign governments, especially those with opaque or corrupt systems, to further their own strategic interests, gather intelligence, or exert influence. Voters should care because these activities could pose risks to U.S. national security, economic integrity, or even undermine local values like freedom of expression.
If this bill becomes law, the study's findings will provide the federal government and local communities with a clearer picture of potential vulnerabilities and best practices. This information could lead to better guidelines for local governments, helping them protect themselves from malign foreign influence. Without this law, these partnerships might continue to operate without sufficient federal scrutiny, leaving potential risks unexamined and unaddressed.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study of sister city partnerships.
This establishes the core action of the bill, initiating a formal, independent review of these international relationships.
PROVISION 02
Focuses the study on sister city partnerships involving foreign communities in countries with significant public sector corruption (scoring 45 or less on Transparency International's 2019 Corruption Perceptions Index).
This provision narrows the scope to areas of specific concern regarding potential risks and lack of transparency.
PROVISION 03
Requires the study to assess potential risks like foreign espionage, economic coercion, threats to freedom of expression, and access to local institutions by foreign nationals.
This ensures a thorough examination of the national security and community well-being implications of these partnerships.
PROVISION 04
Mandates that the Comptroller General identify best practices for ensuring transparency regarding sister city agreements, activities, and employees.
This aims to provide actionable recommendations for local communities to improve oversight and reduce vulnerabilities.
PROVISION 05
Requires the Comptroller General to submit a report of the study's findings, conclusions, and recommendations to relevant congressional committees within 9 months.
This ensures that the study's results are presented to Congress for potential legislative action or policy changes.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
R· Tennessee
YRS IN OFFICE
23
BILLS LED
142
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSAPR 8
Introduced in Senate
APR 8
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 1351
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedApr 8, 2025
Last actionApr 8, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED APR 8, 2025
Senate BillS 1351International Affairs
Sister City Transparency Act
INTRODUCED APR 8, 2025· LAST ACTION APR 8, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
4 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
