# The EAGLE Act: What It Actually Does

The EAGLE Act is a sweeping foreign policy bill designed to strengthen America's global position, with a particular focus on competing with China and reinforcing relationships with allies around the world. Rather than creating new laws that directly affect everyday Americans, this bill mostly directs the government to invest money, develop strategies, and coordinate efforts across different agencies to achieve these international goals.

The bill has three main themes. First, it aims to boost American competitiveness by helping U.S. companies compete globally, particularly in technology and infrastructure projects. This includes supporting American businesses in diversifying their supply chains away from China and promoting American investment in developing countries through organizations like the International Development Finance Corporation. Second, the bill strengthens alliances with countries like Japan, India, Australia, and Taiwan, while also deepening relationships with European partners and countries in Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific Islands. It does this by increasing funding for diplomatic staff, military training programs, and cultural exchanges. Third, the bill emphasizes human rights concerns, particularly regarding China's treatment of Uyghurs and Hong Kong, and directs the government to support democracy and freedom initiatives in these regions.

For most Americans, the practical effects will be indirect. The bill doesn't change taxes, benefits, or domestic laws. However, it could indirectly affect American workers and businesses by increasing government support for U.S. companies competing internationally and potentially creating more opportunities for American firms in infrastructure and technology projects abroad. The bill also authorizes spending on various diplomatic and educational programs, which means taxpayer money will fund more embassy staff, military training partnerships, and cultural exchange programs like the Fulbright Program. Additionally, by promoting American engagement in regions where China has been expanding its influence, the bill reflects a strategic choice to invest in global competition rather than focusing resources elsewhere.

EAGLE Act

Meeks, Gregory W.

Ensuring American Global Leadership and Engagement Act or the EAGLE Act This bill addresses various foreign relations issues, with a focus on China. Among other things, the bill <ul> <li>authorizes the Department of State to establish a program to help U.S. companies address supply chain issues related to China, including by relocating production from China;</li> <li>authorizes the President to establish a program to expand internet access and digital infrastructure in emerging markets;</li> <li>establishes an interagency working group to enhance U.S. leadership in international bodies that set standards for telecommunications technologies;</li> <li>authorizes the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to provide financing to entities in less developed countries to increase vaccine manufacturing capacity;</li> <li>authorizes U.S. Agency for Global Media activities to support activities in foreign countries to build independent media, combat censorship, and invest in anti-censorship technology; </li> <li>requires the State Department to develop and implement a plan for increasing the U.S. presence in the Indo-Pacific region; </li> <li>requires a strategy on engagement with countries in South and Central Asia on issues relating to China; </li> <li>authorizes military training assistance activities in Latin America and the Caribbean; </li> <li>establishes an interagency working group to counter Chinese cyber aggression in Africa; </li> <li>establishes the position of Ambassador at Large for Arctic Affairs;</li> <li>requires the development and implementation of a strategy to improve critical infrastructure in the Pacific Islands, with an emphasis on climate resiliency; </li> <li>authorizes activities to promote democracy in Hong Kong; and </li> <li>makes permanent the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which authorizes the President to impose sanctions for human rights violations. </li></ul>