Senate BillS 3676Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroadGovernment studies and investigations
American Decade of Sports Act
INTRO JAN 15· LAST ACTION JUL 27
READING
11MIN
COSPONSORS
3BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 3 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it represents a deliberate effort by the U.S. government to leverage a unique period of global visibility. The U.S. is set to host several major international sporting events, offering a significant opportunity to showcase American values, culture, and hospitality on a world stage. If this bill becomes law, it means the State Department will have a focused, coordinated strategy to use these events for diplomatic benefit, aiming to build goodwill and strengthen international ties.
If the bill doesn't pass, the U.S. would still host these events, but without a dedicated and unified federal strategy to maximize their "soft power" potential. This could mean a missed opportunity to strategically engage with foreign audiences, improve visa processes, and foster deeper diplomatic connections through sports, potentially leading to less coordinated efforts and a diminished impact on global perception.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Requires the Secretary of State to submit two 5-year sports diplomacy strategies to Congress, outlining how major sporting events in the U.S. will be used to enhance U.S. soft power and diplomatic relationships.
This creates a long-term, focused plan for using major international events as diplomatic tools.
PROVISION 02
Mandates that these strategies include a plan to ensure an expeditious and secure visa process for athletes, their families, support staff, and eligible international visitors.
This aims to directly address a common challenge for international travelers and improve the experience for event participants and attendees.
PROVISION 03
Renames the Sports Diplomacy Division to the Office of Sports Diplomacy and requires the assignment of at least three additional full-time staff to this office until the end of 2034.
This dedicates more resources and a clearer organizational structure within the State Department to actively implement the sports diplomacy strategies.
PROVISION 04
Requires the State Department to partner with local host cities, the sports industry, human rights organizations, and civil society stakeholders to showcase U.S. strengths and forge new diplomatic connections.
This promotes broad engagement across various sectors to ensure the strategies are comprehensive and effective.
This bill matters because it represents a deliberate effort by the U.S. government to leverage a unique period of global visibility. The U.S. is set to host several major international sporting events, offering a significant opportunity to showcase American values, culture, and hospitality on a world stage. If this bill becomes law, it means the State Department will have a focused, coordinated strategy to use these events for diplomatic benefit, aiming to build goodwill and strengthen international ties.
If the bill doesn't pass, the U.S. would still host these events, but without a dedicated and unified federal strategy to maximize their "soft power" potential. This could mean a missed opportunity to strategically engage with foreign audiences, improve visa processes, and foster deeper diplomatic connections through sports, potentially leading to less coordinated efforts and a diminished impact on global perception.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Requires the Secretary of State to submit two 5-year sports diplomacy strategies to Congress, outlining how major sporting events in the U.S. will be used to enhance U.S. soft power and diplomatic relationships.
This creates a long-term, focused plan for using major international events as diplomatic tools.
high
Mandates that these strategies include a plan to ensure an expeditious and secure visa process for athletes, their families, support staff, and eligible international visitors.
This aims to directly address a common challenge for international travelers and improve the experience for event participants and attendees.
med
Renames the Sports Diplomacy Division to the Office of Sports Diplomacy and requires the assignment of at least three additional full-time staff to this office until the end of 2034.
This dedicates more resources and a clearer organizational structure within the State Department to actively implement the sports diplomacy strategies.
med
Requires the State Department to partner with local host cities, the sports industry, human rights organizations, and civil society stakeholders to showcase U.S. strengths and forge new diplomatic connections.
This promotes broad engagement across various sectors to ensure the strategies are comprehensive and effective.
Secretary of State to submit the first 5-year sports diplomacy strategy.
5 years after the first strategy submission
Secretary of State to submit the second 5-year sports diplomacy strategy.
90 days after enactment
Rename the Sports Diplomacy Division to the Office of Sports Diplomacy.
180 days after enactment and until December 31, 2034
Assign at least 3 additional full-time staff to the Office of Sports Diplomacy.
1 year after the first strategy submission
Secretary of State to submit the first annual implementation report.
Annually until December 31, 2034
Secretary of State to submit annual implementation reports thereafter.
Every 180 days from strategy submission until December 31, 2034
Secretary of State to provide information on strategy implementation to congressional committees.
GLOSSARY
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Soft power
The ability to influence others through cultural appeal, political values, and foreign policy, rather than through military force or economic coercion.
Diplomatic relationships
Formal connections and communications between countries, often managed through embassies and official representatives, to discuss common interests and resolve issues.
Mega-decade of sports
A specific ten-year period from 2024 to 2034 during which the United States is scheduled to host multiple major international sporting competitions, such as the Olympics and FIFA World Cup.
Appropriate congressional committees
Specific committees in the U.S. Senate (Foreign Relations) and House of Representatives (Foreign Affairs) that are responsible for overseeing foreign policy matters.
Public diplomacy
Government activities aimed at informing or influencing foreign publics, often through cultural exchange programs, media outreach, and educational initiatives.
Visa process
The official procedure and requirements for a foreign national to obtain permission to enter and stay in the United States for a specific period.
ACTION TIMELINE
9 EVENTS
JUL 27
Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
COMMITTEE
JUL 27
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 502.
CALENDARS
JUN 17
Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
COMMITTEE
JUN 17
Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.