§ 6208. Radio Free Asia

Legislative history

Reconstructed from this section’s Code source credit and amendment notes, resolved against the local Statutes at Large. Editorial notes are evidence, not the law that made the change.

1. 1994

   United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994

   Pub. L. 103–236 title III § 309 · 108 Stat. 382

   Enacted · 22 U.S.C. § 6208

   Pub. L. 103–236, title III, § 309, Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 439

   Source evidence

   Code source credit
   Pub. L. 103–236, title III, § 309, Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 439

   Enacted provision · exact public law section
   SEC. 309. RADIO FREE ASIA. (a) Authority.— (1) Grants authorized under section 305 shall be available to make annual grants for the purpose of carrying out radio broadcasting to the following countries: The People’s Republic of China, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, North Korea, Tibet, and Vietnam. (2) Such broadcasting service shall be referred to as “Radio Free Asia”. (b) Functions.— Radio Free Asia shall— (1) provide accurate and timely information, news, and commentary about events in the respective countries of Asia and elsewhere; and (2) be a forum for a variety of opinions and voices from within Asian nations whose people do not fully enjoy freedom of expression. (c) Submission of Detailed Plan for Radio Free Asia.— (1) No grant may be awarded to carry out this section unless the Board, through the Director of the United States Information Agency, has submitted to Congress a detailed plan for the establishment and operation of Radio Free Asia, including— (A) a description of the manner in which Radio Free Asia would meet the funding limitations provided in subsection (d)(4); (B) a description of the numbers and qualifications of employees it proposes to hire; and (C) how it proposes to meet the technical requirements for carrying out its responsibilities under this section. (2) The plan required by paragraph (1) shall be submitted not later than 90 days after the date on which all members of the Board are confirmed. (3) No grant may be awarded to carry out the provisions of this section unless the plan submitted by the Board includes a certification by the Board that Radio Free Asia can be established and operated within the funding limitations provided for in subsection (d)(4) and subsection (d)(5). (4) If the Board determines that a Radio Free Asia cannot be established or operated effectively within the funding limitations provided for in this section, the Board may submit, through the Director of the United States Information Agency, an alternative plan and such proposed changes in legislation as may be necessary to the appropriate congressional committees. (d) Grant Agreement.— Any grant agreement or grants under this section shall be subject to the following limitations and restrictions: (1) (A) The Board may not make any grant to Radio Free Asia unless the headquarters of Radio Free Asia and its senior administrative and managerial staff are in a location which ensures economy, operational effectiveness, and accountability to the Board. (B) Not later than 90 days after confirmation of the Board, the Board shall provide a report to Congress on the number of administrative, managerial, and technical staff of Radio Free Asia who will be located within the metropolitan area of Washington, D.C., and the number of employees whose principal place of business will be located outside the metropolitan area of Washington, D.C. (2) Any grant agreement under this section shall require that any contract entered into by Radio Free Asia shall specify that all obligations are assumed by Radio Free Asia and not by the United States Government, and shall further specify that funds to carry out the activities of Radio Free Asia may not be available after September 30, 1999. (3) Any grant agreement shall require that any lease agreements entered into by Radio Free Asia shall be, to the maximum extent possible, assignable to the United States Government. (4) Grants made for the operating costs of Radio Free Asia may not exceed $22,000,000 in any fiscal year. (5) The total amount of grant funds made available for one-time capital costs of Radio Free Asia may not exceed $8,000,000. (6) Grants awarded under this section shall be made pursuant to a grant agreement which requires that grant funds be used only for activities consistent with this section, and that failure to comply with such requirements shall permit the grant to be terminated without fiscal obligation to the United States. (e) Limitations on Administrative and Managerial Costs.— It is the sense of the Congress that administrative and managerial costs for operation of Radio Free Asia should be kept to a minimum and, to the maximum extent feasible, should not exceed the costs that would have been incurred if Radio Free Asia had been operated as a Federal entity rather than as a grantee. (f) Assessment of the Effectiveness of Radio Free Asia.— Not later than 3 years after the date on which initial funding is provided for the purpose of operating Radio Free Asia, the Board shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on— (1) whether Radio Free Asia is technically sound and cost-effective, (2) whether Radio Free Asia consistently meets the standards for quality and objectivity established by this title, (3) whether Radio Free Asia is received by a sufficient audience to warrant its continuation, (4) the extent to which such broadcasting is already being received by the target audience from other credible sources; and (5) the extent to which the interests of the United States are being served by maintaining broadcasting of Radio Free Asia. (g) Sunset Provision.— The Board may not make any grant President. for the purpose of operating Radio Free Asia after September 30, 1998, unless the President of the United States determines in the President’s fiscal year 1999 budget submission that continuation of funding for Radio Free Asia for 1 additional year is in the interest of the United States. (h) Notification and Consultation Regarding Displacement of Voice of America Broadcasting.— The Board shall notify the appropriate congressional committees before entering into any agreements for the utilization of Voice of America transmitters, equipment, or other resources that will significantly reduce the broadcasting activities of the Voice of America in Asia or any other region in order to accommodate the broadcasting activities of Radio Free Asia. The Chairman of the Board shall consult with such committees on the impact of any such reduction in Voice of America broadcasting activities. (i) Not a Federal Agency or Instrumentality.— Nothing in this title may be construed to make Radio Free Asia a Federal agency or instrumentality.

2. 1994

   Pub. L. 103–415 § 1(s)(2) · 108 Stat. 4299

   Inserted · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(d)(1)(B)

   Pub. L. 103–415 inserted “of all members” after “confirmation”

   Source evidence

   Code amendment note
   Subsec. (d)(1)(B). Pub. L. 103–415 inserted “of all members” after “confirmation”.

   Enacted provision · exact public law section
   (2) Section 309(d)(l)(B) of such Act is amended by inserting Ante, p. 439. “of all members” after “confirmation”.

3. 1999

   District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2000

   Pub. L. 106–113 § 1000(a)(7)(dA)(tV)(s501)(1) · 113 Stat. 1501

   1. Redesignated · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(c)

      Pub. L. 106–113, § 1000(a)(7) [div. A, title V, § 501(1), (2)], redesignated subsec. (d) as (c)

   2. Struck · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(c)

      Pub. L. 106–113, § 1000(a)(7) [div. A, title V, § 501(1), (2)], struck out heading and text of former subsec. (c), which required the Board, through the Director of the United States Information Agency, to submit to Congress a detailed plan for the establishment and operation of Radio Free Asia prior to the awarding of a grant to carry out this section

   Source evidence

   Code amendment note
   Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 106–113, § 1000(a)(7) [div. A, title V, § 501(1), (2)], redesignated subsec. (d) as (c) and struck out heading and text of former subsec. (c), which required the Board, through the Director of the United States Information Agency, to submit to Congress a detailed plan for the establishment and operation of Radio Free Asia prior to the awarding of a grant to carry out this section.

4. 1999

   District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2000

   Pub. L. 106–113 § 1000(a)(7)(dA)(tV)(s501)(3)(A) · 113 Stat. 1501

   1. Struck · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(c)(1)

      Pub. L. 106–113, § 1000(a)(7) [div. A, title V, § 501(3)(A)], struck out “(A)” after “(1)”

   2. Struck · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(c)(1)

      Pub. L. 106–113, § 1000(a)(7) [div. A, title V, § 501(3)(A)], struck out subpar. (B) which read as follows: “Not later than 90 days after confirmation of all members of the Board, the Board shall provide a report to Congress on the number of administrative, managerial, and technical staff of Radio Free Asia who will be located within the metropolitan area of Washington, D.C., and the number of employees whose principal place of business will be located outside the metropolitan area of Washington, D.C.”

   Source evidence

   Code amendment note
   Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 106–113, § 1000(a)(7) [div. A, title V, § 501(3)(A)], struck out “(A)” after “(1)” and struck out subpar. (B) which read as follows: “Not later than 90 days after confirmation of all members of the Board, the Board shall provide a report to Congress on the number of administrative, managerial, and technical staff of Radio Free Asia who will be located within the metropolitan area of Washington, D.C., and the number of employees whose principal place of business will be located outside the metropolitan area of Washington, D.C.”

5. 1999

   District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2000

   Pub. L. 106–113 § 1000(a)(7)(dA)(tV)(s501)(3)(B) · 113 Stat. 1501

   Substituted · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(c)(2)

   Pub. L. 106–113, § 1000(a)(7) [div. A, title V, § 501(3)(B)], substituted “September 30, 2009” for “September 30, 1999”

   Source evidence

   Code amendment note
   Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 106–113, § 1000(a)(7) [div. A, title V, § 501(3)(B)], substituted “September 30, 2009” for “September 30, 1999”.

6. 1999

   District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2000

   Pub. L. 106–113 § 1000(a)(7)(dA)(tV)(s501)(3)(C) · 113 Stat. 1501

   Substituted · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(c)(4)

   Pub. L. 106–113, § 1000(a)(7) [div. A, title V, § 501(3)(C)], substituted “$30,000,000 in each of the fiscal years 2000 and 2001” for “$22,000,000 in any fiscal year”

   Source evidence

   Code amendment note
   Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 106–113, § 1000(a)(7) [div. A, title V, § 501(3)(C)], substituted “$30,000,000 in each of the fiscal years 2000 and 2001” for “$22,000,000 in any fiscal year”.

7. 1999

   District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2000

   Pub. L. 106–113 § 1000(a)(7)(dA)(tV)(s501)(3)(D) · 113 Stat. 1501

   1. Redesignated · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(c)(5); 22 U.S.C. § 6208(c)(6)

      Pub. L. 106–113, § 1000(a)(7) [div. A, title V, § 501(3)(D), (E)], redesignated par. (6) as (5)

   2. Struck · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(c)(5); 22 U.S.C. § 6208(c)(6)

      Pub. L. 106–113, § 1000(a)(7) [div. A, title V, § 501(3)(D), (E)], struck out former par. (5) which read as follows: “The total amount of grant funds made available for one-time capital costs of Radio Free Asia may not exceed $8,000,000.”

   Source evidence

   Code amendment note
   Subsec. (c)(5), (6). Pub. L. 106–113, § 1000(a)(7) [div. A, title V, § 501(3)(D), (E)], redesignated par. (6) as (5) and struck out former par. (5) which read as follows: “The total amount of grant funds made available for one-time capital costs of Radio Free Asia may not exceed $8,000,000.”

8. 1999

   District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2000

   Pub. L. 106–113 § 1000(a)(7)(dA)(tV)(s501)(2) · 113 Stat. 1501

   Redesignated · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(d); 22 U.S.C. § 6208(e)

   Pub. L. 106–113, § 1000(a)(7) [div. A, title V, § 501(2)], redesignated subsecs. (e) and (f) as (d) and (e), respectively. Former subsec. (d) redesignated (c)

   Source evidence

   Code amendment note
   Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 106–113, § 1000(a)(7) [div. A, title V, § 501(2)], redesignated subsecs. (e) and (f) as (d) and (e), respectively. Former subsec. (d) redesignated (c).

9. 1999

   District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2000

   Pub. L. 106–113 § 1000(a)(7)(dA)(tV)(s501)(4) · 113 Stat. 1501

   Amended · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(f)

   Pub. L. 106–113, § 1000(a)(7) [div. A, title V, § 501(4)], reenacted subsec. heading without change and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “The Board may not make any grant for the purpose of operating Radio Free Asia after September 30, 1998, unless the President of the United States determines in the President’s fiscal year 1999 budget submission that continuation of funding for Radio Free Asia for 1 additional year is in the interest of the United States.”

   Source evidence

   Code amendment note
   Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 106–113, § 1000(a)(7) [div. A, title V, § 501(4)], reenacted subsec. heading without change and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “The Board may not make any grant for the purpose of operating Radio Free Asia after September 30, 1998, unless the President of the United States determines in the President’s fiscal year 1999 budget submission that continuation of funding for Radio Free Asia for 1 additional year is in the interest of the United States.”

10. 1999

    District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2000

    Pub. L. 106–113 § 1000(a)(7)(dA)(tV)(s501)(2) · 113 Stat. 1501

    Redesignated · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(f)

    Pub. L. 106–113, § 1000(a)(7) [div. A, title V, § 501(2)], redesignated subsec. (g) as (f). Former subsec. (f) redesignated (e)

    Target inherited from the preceding amendment note.

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Pub. L. 106–113, § 1000(a)(7) [div. A, title V, § 501(2)], redesignated subsec. (g) as (f). Former subsec. (f) redesignated (e).

11. 1999

    District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2000

    Pub. L. 106–113 § 1000(a)(7)(dA)(tV)(s501)(2) · 113 Stat. 1501

    Redesignated · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(g)(i)

    Pub. L. 106–113, § 1000(a)(7) [div. A, title V, § 501(2)], redesignated subsecs. (h) and (i) as (g) and (h), respectively. Former subsec. (g) redesignated (f)

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsecs. (g) to (i). Pub. L. 106–113, § 1000(a)(7) [div. A, title V, § 501(2)], redesignated subsecs. (h) and (i) as (g) and (h), respectively. Former subsec. (g) redesignated (f).

12. 2008

    Pub. L. 110–321 § 4 · 122 Stat. 3535

    Substituted · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(c)(2)

    Pub. L. 110–321 substituted “2010” for “2009”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 110–321 substituted “2010” for “2009”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    SEC. 4. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR RADIO FREE ASIA.   Section 309(c)(2) of the United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994 (22 U.S.C. 6208(c)(2)) is amended by striking “2009” and inserting “2010”.

13. 2009

    Pub. L. 111–71 § 1 · 123 Stat. 2058

    Substituted · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(f)

    Pub. L. 111–71 substituted “2010” for “2009”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 111–71 substituted “2010” for “2009”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    SECTION 1. ONE YEAR EXTENSION OF OPERATION OF RADIO FREE ASIA.   Section 309(f) of the United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994 (22 U.S.C. 6208(f)) is amended by striking “2009” and inserting “2010”.

14. 2010

    Pub. L. 111–202 § 3(1) · 124 Stat. 1373

    Struck · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(c)(2)

    Pub. L. 111–202, § 3(1), struck out “, and shall further specify that funds to carry out the activities of Radio Free Asia may not be available after September 30, 2010” after “Government”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 111–202, § 3(1), struck out “, and shall further specify that funds to carry out the activities of Radio Free Asia may not be available after September 30, 2010” after “Government”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (1) in subsection (c)(2), by striking “, and shall further specify that funds to carry out the activities of Radio Free Asia may not be available after September 30, 2010”;

15. 2010

    Pub. L. 111–202 § 3(2) · 124 Stat. 1373

    1. Redesignated · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(f)(h)

       Pub. L. 111–202, § 3(2)–(4), redesignated subsecs. (g) and (h) as (f) and (g), respectively

    2. Amended · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(f)(h)

       Pub. L. 111–202, § 3(2)–(4), designated first sentence of subsec. (f) as par. (1)

    3. Inserted · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(f)(h)

       Pub. L. 111–202, § 3(2)–(4), inserted heading

    4. Inserted · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(f)(h)

       Pub. L. 111–202, § 3(2)–(4), inserted subpar. (A) designation before “entering into any agreements for the utilization of Voice of America”

    5. Added · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(f)(h)

       Pub. L. 111–202, § 3(2)–(4), added subpar. (B)

    6. Amended · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(f)(h)

       Pub. L. 111–202, § 3(2)–(4), designated second sentence of subsec. (f) as par. (2)

    7. Inserted · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(f)(h)

       Pub. L. 111–202, § 3(2)–(4), inserted “or Radio Free Asia broadcasting activities” before period at end

    8. Struck · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(f)(h)

       Pub. L. 111–202, § 3(2)–(4), struck out former subsec. (f) which related to sunset provisions

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsecs. (f) to (h). Pub. L. 111–202, § 3(2)–(4), redesignated subsecs. (g) and (h) as (f) and (g), respectively, designated first sentence of subsec. (f) as par. (1), inserted heading, inserted subpar. (A) designation before “entering into any agreements for the utilization of Voice of America”, added subpar. (B), designated second sentence of subsec. (f) as par. (2), inserted heading, inserted “or Radio Free Asia broadcasting activities” before period at end, and struck out former subsec. (f) which related to sunset provisions.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (2) by striking subsection (f);

16. 2016

    Department of State Authorities Act, Fiscal Year 2017

    Pub. L. 114–323 § 703(a)(1) · 130 Stat. 1905

    Substituted · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(a)(1)

    Pub. L. 114–323, § 703(a)(1), substituted “Asia.” for “the following countries: The People’s Republic of China, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, North Korea, Tibet, and Vietnam.”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 114–323, § 703(a)(1), substituted “Asia.” for “the following countries: The People’s Republic of China, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, North Korea, Tibet, and Vietnam.”

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking “the following countries” and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting “Asia.”; and

17. 2016

    Department of State Authorities Act, Fiscal Year 2017

    Pub. L. 114–323 § 703(a)(2) · 130 Stat. 1905

    Struck · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(b)(1)

    Pub. L. 114–323, § 703(a)(2), struck out “the respective countries of” before “Asia”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 114–323, § 703(a)(2), struck out “the respective countries of” before “Asia”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (2) in subsection (b)(1), by striking “the respective countries of”.

18. 2016

    National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017

    Pub. L. 114–328 § 1288(6)(A) · 130 Stat. 2000

    Substituted · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(f)(2)

    Pub. L. 114–328, § 1288(6)(A), substituted “Chief Executive Officer of the Board” for “Chairman of the Board”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 114–328, § 1288(6)(A), substituted “Chief Executive Officer of the Board” for “Chairman of the Board”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (A) in subsection (f)(2), by striking “Chairman of the Board” and inserting “Chief Executive Officer of the Board”;

19. 2016

    National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017

    Pub. L. 114–328 § 1288(6)(B) · 130 Stat. 2000

    1. Added · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(g); 22 U.S.C. § 6208(h)

       Pub. L. 114–328, § 1288(6)(B), (C), added subsec. (g)

    2. Redesignated · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(g); 22 U.S.C. § 6208(h)

       Pub. L. 114–328, § 1288(6)(B), (C), redesignated former subsec. (g) as (h)

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 114–328, § 1288(6)(B), (C), added subsec. (g) and redesignated former subsec. (g) as (h).

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (B) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h); and

20. 2021

    William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021

    Pub. L. 116–283 § 1299Q(e)(4)(A) · 134 Stat. 3388

    Substituted · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(c)(1)

    Pub. L. 116–283, § 1299Q(e)(4)(A), substituted “Agency” for “Board” in two places

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 116–283, § 1299Q(e)(4)(A), substituted “Agency” for “Board” in two places.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (A) in subsection (c)(1), by striking “Board” each place such term appears and inserting “Agency”;

21. 2021

    William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021

    Pub. L. 116–283 § 1299Q(e)(4)(B) · 134 Stat. 3388

    Substituted · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(e)

    Pub. L. 116–283, § 1299Q(e)(4)(B), substituted “Agency” for “Board” in introductory provisions

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 116–283, § 1299Q(e)(4)(B), substituted “Agency” for “Board” in introductory provisions.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (B) in subsection (e), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking “Board” and inserting “Agency”;

22. 2021

    William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021

    Pub. L. 116–283 § 1299Q(e)(4)(C) · 134 Stat. 3388

    Substituted · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(f)

    Pub. L. 116–283, § 1299Q(e)(4)(C), substituted “Agency” for “Board” in introductory provisions of par. (1) and in par. (2)

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 116–283, § 1299Q(e)(4)(C), substituted “Agency” for “Board” in introductory provisions of par. (1) and in par. (2).

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (C) in subsection (f), by striking “Board” each place such term appears and inserting “Agency”; and

23. 2021

    William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021

    Pub. L. 116–283 § 1299Q(e)(4)(D) · 134 Stat. 3388

    Substituted · 22 U.S.C. § 6208(g)

    Pub. L. 116–283, § 1299Q(e)(4)(D), substituted “Agency” for “Board”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 116–283, § 1299Q(e)(4)(D), substituted “Agency” for “Board”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (D) in subsection (g), by striking “Board” and inserting “Agency”;

22 of 34 references resolved to an enrolled provision · 12 partial