Bill Summary
The "District of Columbia Sister City Integrity Act" is a proposed piece of legislation that aims to prevent the District of Columbia government from establishing or maintaining "Sister City" relationships with jurisdictions located in countries identified as foreign adversaries.
Key provisions include:
1. **Prohibition of New Relationships**: The District of Columbia is explicitly barred from entering into Sister City agreements with foreign adversary jurisdictions, which are defined according to existing U.S. law regarding covered nations.
2. **Termination of Existing Relationships**: Any current Sister City relationships with foreign adversary jurisdictions must be terminated within a specified time frame—either as dictated by the agreement itself or within 180 days of the Act's enactment.
3. **Federal Funding Restrictions**: The District may not utilize federal funds for diplomatic and outreach services unless it certifies compliance with the Act, ensuring that no resources are allocated to support relationships with foreign adversaries.
Overall, this legislation seeks to tighten the District’s diplomatic engagements and safeguard national interests by limiting interactions with adversarial foreign entities.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the "District of Columbia Sister City Integrity Act" could affect people:
1. **Cultural Exchange Limitations**: Individuals and organizations in Washington, D.C. that benefit from cultural exchanges and collaborative programs with cities in foreign adversary countries may experience a reduction in opportunities. For instance, art exhibitions, educational exchanges, and community projects that foster international ties could be curtailed, limiting exposure to diverse cultures and perspectives.
2. **Economic and Diplomatic Impact**: Businesses and local governments engaged in partnerships or trade initiatives with foreign adversaries may find their activities restricted. This could lead to a decrease in economic opportunities, such as joint ventures or tourism programs, which might have previously benefited from Sister City relationships. The prohibition could also affect local economies that rely on international collaborations for growth.
3. **Federal Funding Consequences**: The stipulation that the District of Columbia cannot use federal funds for liaison and outreach services unless it complies with the Act could significantly impact local government operations. This may lead to reduced funding for programs that serve immigrant communities or international stakeholders, potentially affecting social services, community cohesion, and the District's ability to engage with the global community effectively.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 4519 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4519
To prohibit the District of Columbia government from entering into
Sister City relationships with jurisdictions located in foreign
adversary countries, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 17, 2025
Mr. Moolenaar (for himself, Mr. Comer, Ms. Foxx, Ms. Stefanik, Mr. Dunn
of Florida, Mr. Bilirakis, and Mr. Moran) introduced the following
bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To prohibit the District of Columbia government from entering into
Sister City relationships with jurisdictions located in foreign
adversary countries, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``District of Columbia Sister City
Integrity Act''.
SEC. 2. PROHIBITING ``SISTER CITY'' RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA AND FOREIGN ADVERSARIES.
(a) Prohibition.--
(1) In general.--The District of Columbia government may
not enter into any Sister City relationship with a jurisdiction
located in a foreign adversary country.
(2) Definition.--In this section, the term ``foreign
adversary country'' has the meaning given the term ``covered
nation'' in section 4872(f)(2) of title 10, United States Code.
(b) Treatment of Existing Relationships.--If a Sister City
relationship between the District of Columbia and a jurisdiction
located in a foreign adversary country is in effect on the date of the
enactment of this Act, the District of Columbia shall terminate the
relationship not later than the earlier of--
(1) the date provided under the terms of the relationship;
or
(2) 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(c) Loss of Certain Funds.--The District of Columbia may not use
any Federal funds to provide liaison and outreach services to the
diplomatic and international communities unless the District certifies
to the President that the District is in compliance with this Act.
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