Open Translation and Analysis Center Authorization Act
Latest action (28 Jul 2021): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 4747, the Open Translation and Analysis Center Authorization Act, would establish a federally funded research and development center called the Open Translation and Analysis Center (OTAC). OTAC would translate and analyze foreign-language government, military, and other official documents, speeches, and media—particularly from China and other countries designated as being of "strategic interest"—and publish this material publicly, largely under a creative commons license, with some materials restricted due to copyright limits. It would also train linguists and analysts, cooperate with other federal agencies and outside experts, and could work with foreign governments once the Secretary of State certifies this is in the national interest.
The bill would primarily affect the Department of State, which would serve as OTAC's main sponsor, along with other federal agencies (Congress expresses a preference that the CIA also become a sponsor). It would also affect policymakers, journalists, academics, and the public, who are identified as intended users of the translated materials and analysis.
The bill was introduced on July 28, 2021, by Rep. Joaquin Castro and referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee. It authorizes $85 million for fiscal year 2022, $80 million annually for fiscal years 2023–2026, and unspecified amounts thereafter. According to the official summary, the bill did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the 117th Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Open Translation and Analysis Center Authorization Act
This bill establishes the Open Translation and Analysis Center as a federally funded research and development center sponsored by the Department of State.
The center must disseminate translations and analysis of foreign language materials from China and other countries of strategic interest, with a particular focus on government materials (e.g., documents, reports, and speeches of political and military leadership).
To carry out its activities, the center must (1) select appropriate materials for translation and analysis; (2) train analysts and linguists; (3) use technologies to expedite translations; and (4) otherwise coordinate its work with federal agencies, foreign allies, and others. Specifically, the center must cooperate and consult with relevant federal agencies and stakeholders, including grantees of the United States Agency for Global Media and research organizations. The center may consult with foreign governments if the State Department certifies that the consultation serves U.S. national interests.
Additionally, the center must maintain a publicly available website of all translations and analyses that are not subject to copyright or intellectual property protections. Materials subject to those protections must be made available at no cost on a private website to federal employees and contractors and members of Congress and their staff.
The bill designates the State Department as the primary sponsor of the center. However, the State Department may enter into sponsorship agreements with other federal agencies, such as the Central Intelligence Agency.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4747 do?
- H.R. 4747, the Open Translation and Analysis Center Authorization Act, would establish a federally funded research and development center called the Open Translation and Analysis Center (OTAC). OTAC would translate and analyze foreign-language government, military, and other official documents, speeches, and media—particularly from China and other countries designated as being of "strategic interest"—and publish this material publicly, largely under a creative commons license, with some materials restricted due to copyright limits. It would also train linguists and analysts, cooperate with other federal agencies and outside experts, and could work with foreign governments once the Secretary of State certifies this is in the national interest. The bill would primarily affect the Department of State, which would serve as OTAC's main sponsor, along with other federal agencies (Congress expresses a preference that the CIA also become a sponsor). It would also affect policymakers, journalists, academics, and the public, who are identified as intended users of the translated materials and analysis. The bill was introduced on July 28, 2021, by Rep. Joaquin Castro and referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee. It authorizes $85 million for fiscal year 2022, $80 million annually for fiscal years 2023–2026, and unspecified amounts thereafter. According to the official summary, the bill did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the 117th Congress.
- Has H.R. 4747 become law?
- Not yet. As of 28 Jul 2021, H.R. 4747 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 4747?
- H.R. 4747 was sponsored by Rep. Joaquin Castro [D-TX20] (Democrat-TX), with 6 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4747?
- Introduced (28 Jul 2021).
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