U.S. in Expos Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8574
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-29: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-12T19:54:25Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill authorizes the U.S. Department of State to use federal funds for a U.S. pavilion or major exhibit at international expositions (world's fairs) registered with the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE). It aims to promote U.S. innovation, culture, values, and diplomacy through consistent participation in these global events, reversing past reliance on private funding.
Key Provisions
- Repeal of Funding Restriction: Eliminates a 1994 law (Section 204 of the Admiral James W. Nance and Meg Donovan Foreign Relations Authorization Act) that barred federal funding for U.S. participation in foreign expos.
- Funding Authorization with Oversight:
- Funds can be obligated only after notifying key congressional committees at least 15 days in advance.
- Notification must detail: fund sources (including any reprogrammed or transferred funds), estimated economic benefits to the U.S., non-government funding, and certifications from contractors/grantees ensuring compliance with host country labor laws, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (anti-bribery law), other anti-corruption rules, and no use of trafficking victims.
- Post-Event Reporting: Within 180 days of a pavilion's opening, the Secretary of State must report to Congress on participating U.S. businesses and non-government funds raised.
- Defined Committees: "Appropriate congressional committees" include House and Senate Foreign Affairs/Relations and Appropriations committees.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Removes Federal Funding Ban: Ends the post-1994 prohibition on using government money for U.S. pavilions abroad, except for a one-time 2023 authorization for the 2025 Osaka Expo. Previously, the U.S. was the only G7 nation relying solely on private donations, leading to missed participations (e.g., 2000 Hanover, 2008 Zaragoza, 2020 Dubai issues).
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Empowers the Department of State to lead U.S. expo participation, manage BIE relations, and support U.S. bids to host events, reducing fundraising burdens.
- Citizens and Businesses: Boosts opportunities for U.S. companies to showcase products, attract investment, and engage global audiences (e.g., Osaka pavilion drew millions and highlighted tech/space/tourism).
- International Relations: Strengthens U.S. diplomatic presence, people-to-people exchanges, and competition with other nations at expos, signaling leadership in innovation and democratic values.
Main Stakeholders
- U.S. Department of State: Primary implementer, responsible for funding, notifications, and reports.
- Congressional Committees: House/Senate Foreign Affairs/Relations and Appropriations (oversight via notifications/reports).
- U.S. Businesses and Innovators: Benefit from participation, exposure, and potential contracts.
- Private Donors and Expo Organizers: May supplement federal funds; host countries and BIE affected by U.S. engagement.
- Global Visitors and Host Nations: Gain from U.S. cultural/technological displays.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Congressional Oversight: Maintains checks via pre-obligation notifications and post-event reports, balancing executive flexibility with legislative review.
- Ethical Safeguards: Mandates anti-corruption, labor, and anti-trafficking certifications, aligning with U.S. foreign policy standards.
- Diplomatic Priority: Elevates expos as tools for soft power, potentially influencing U.S. global image without major constitutional shifts; politically, it addresses past embarrassments from non-participation.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-29: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2026-04-29: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-29: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- U.S. Participation in International Expositions Act — issued 2026-04-29 — PDF (7 pages)