# Plain Language Summary: PEACE through Music Diplomacy Act

This bill authorizes the U.S. State Department to create and expand international exchange programs centered on music and the performing arts. The basic idea is that music can help build understanding between people from different countries and cultures, and that young musicians from around the world should have opportunities to learn from American musicians, develop their skills, and work on peacebuilding efforts in their own communities. The bill specifically encourages the State Department to partner with private music industry companies, record labels, and other music-related businesses to make these programs happen and to help fund them.

The practical changes are fairly straightforward. The bill updates existing exchange program laws to officially include music-focused initiatives as a legitimate tool for American foreign policy. It tells the State Department to actively seek out partnerships with the private sector—meaning music companies, studios, and industry professionals can now officially collaborate with the government on these programs. The bill also authorizes the State Department to recognize and award musicians who have used their work to promote peace internationally, and to involve these musicians as mentors and networking contacts for young artists participating in the exchange programs.

Within six months of the bill becoming law, the State Department must submit a detailed strategy to Congress explaining how these music programs will work. This strategy needs to include specific goals and measurable outcomes for each program, plans to evaluate whether the programs are actually achieving their objectives, and examples of how music exchanges have already helped with conflict resolution. The bill essentially formalizes what some argue is an underutilized tool for diplomacy: the universal language of music as a way to connect people and promote peaceful understanding across borders.

PEACE through Music Diplomacy Act

McCaul, Michael T.

Promoting Peace, Education, And Cultural Exchange through Music Diplomacy Act or the PEACE through Music Diplomacy Act This bill authorizes music-related exchange programs facilitated by the Department of State. The bill authorizes the inclusion of coordination and consultation with the private sector in the participation by groups and individuals from other countries in nonprofit activities in the United States similar to certain artistic and sports activities when such participation is in the national interest. State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) shall manage, including in coordination and consultation with the private sector, programs focused on music and the performing arts that provide opportunities to build cross-cultural understanding and advance peace abroad. State should seek to (1) partner with the private sector in support of music-related exchange programs implemented by ECA, (2) leverage private sector expertise in developing and implementing such programs, (3) expand networking and mentorship opportunities, and (4) identify private sector funding sources for travel and other expenses. The bill authorizes State to partner with the private sector to recognize musicians whose works or performances have advanced peace abroad and who could contribute to networking and mentorship opportunities for participants of music-related exchange programs implemented by ECA.