Americas Act

# Summary of the Americas Act This proposed legislation, titled "Americas Act," is a comprehensive framework for U.S. policy toward the Western Hemisphere, with a focus on economic development, trade, security, and cultural exchange. Key provisions include: ## Economic and Trade Initiatives - **Re-shoring and Near-shoring Account**: Establishes a $500 million account in the Treasury for fiscal year 2024 to fund programs promoting near-shoring of supply chains from China and other countries. - **De Minimis Entry Reform**: Modifies tariff rules for small packages under $800, requiring reciprocity with partner countries and restricting entries from certain countries (China, Russia, etc.). - **USMCA Expansion**: Creates a framework for expanding the USMCA agreement with additional countries in the Western Hemisphere. - **Strategic Supply Chain Near-shoring**: Directs the Secretary of Commerce to identify strategic supply chains for near-shoring to Americas partner countries. ## New Programs and Initiatives - **CARE Visa Program**: Creates a new nonimmigrant visa category for caregivers (nursing assistants, home health aides, etc.) to address the U.S. elder care shortage. - **American University of the Americas**: Establishes a new university system modeled after institutions like the American University of Armenia, with campuses in Central America, the Caribbean, and the Southern Cone. - **BUILD Americas Unit**: Creates a new investment unit focused on near-shoring strategic supply chains and transformational energy projects. - **Americas Partnership Enterprise Fund**: Establishes a $1 billion fund for private sector development in the Western Hemisphere. - **Radio Free Americas**: Creates a new broadcasting service to provide accurate information and news from the Americas. ## Cultural and Educational Programs - **Peace Corps Expansion**: Doubles the number of Peace Corps volunteers in each Americas partner country. - **Caribbean and Latin American Scholarship Program**: Provides full scholarships for STEM and business degrees in the U.S. - **Cultural Affairs Programming**: Increases English language programming, scholarships, and cultural exchange programs. ## Implementation Requirements - **Annual Reporting**: Requires detailed annual reports on all program activities to Congress. - **Regulatory Alignment**: Directs regulatory alignment with partner countries on supply chains and energy investments. - **Funding**: All programs are funded through the Re-shoring and Near-shoring Account established by Section 301. This legislation represents a significant shift toward strengthening U.S. economic ties with the Western Hemisphere, reducing reliance on Chinese supply chains, addressing the U.S. elder care crisis, and promoting educational and cultural exchange.