Open Translation Center Authorization Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (11 Apr 2024): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
What this bill does
S. 4118, the Open Translation Center Authorization Act, proposes the creation of a federally funded research and development center called the Open Translation Center (OTAC). This center would translate and analyze foreign language government documents and other materials from designated countries, such as China. Its mission includes providing context for these translations to help U.S. policymakers, journalists, academics, and the public better understand foreign governments, policies, and cultures. OTAC would also aim to train analysts and linguists specializing in these countries.
The bill defines "designated countries" to include China, with the possibility of adding others, and "designated languages" that are considered critical by the State Department. The center would be overseen by a board of directors appointed by the Secretary of State, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Register of Copyrights. Translations and analyses would be made publicly available on a website, with exceptions for materials subject to copyright or deemed not for public release.
This bill was introduced in the Senate on April 11, 2024, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. It has not yet been voted on. If passed by both houses of Congress and signed by the President, it would authorize appropriations for OTAC, starting with $85 million for fiscal year 2025 and continuing with specific amounts for subsequent years.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
11 Apr 2024
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Common questions
- What does S. 4118 do?
- S. 4118, the Open Translation Center Authorization Act, proposes the creation of a federally funded research and development center called the Open Translation Center (OTAC). This center would translate and analyze foreign language government documents and other materials from designated countries, such as China. Its mission includes providing context for these translations to help U.S. policymakers, journalists, academics, and the public better understand foreign governments, policies, and cultures. OTAC would also aim to train analysts and linguists specializing in these countries. The bill defines "designated countries" to include China, with the possibility of adding others, and "designated languages" that are considered critical by the State Department. The center would be overseen by a board of directors appointed by the Secretary of State, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Register of Copyrights. Translations and analyses would be made publicly available on a website, with exceptions for materials subject to copyright or deemed not for public release. This bill was introduced in the Senate on April 11, 2024, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. It has not yet been voted on. If passed by both houses of Congress and signed by the President, it would authorize appropriations for OTAC, starting with $85 million for fiscal year 2025 and continuing with specific amounts for subsequent years.
- Has S. 4118 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 4118. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 4118?
- S. 4118 was sponsored by Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI] (D-WI), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 4118?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (11 Apr 2024).
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