State Department would seek talks for U.S.–India lawmakers’ group

The secretary of state would seek talks with India about a written agreement. The talks would be with India’s government about a group for U.S. and Indian lawmakers. The secretary would consult Congress. The goal of the talks would be an agreement to form a lawmakers’ group. The secretary would have to seek talks within 180 days after enactment.

A U.S. group of lawmakers would represent the country and report its spending to Congress each year. Four House and Senate leaders would each choose three members of Congress, including one from that chamber’s foreign affairs committee. The group would form only if both governments sign a written agreement. It should meet Indian lawmakers at least once a year. Members would serve for the Congress in which they were appointed.

Congress could set aside $100,000 each fiscal year for the U.S. group. The money would cover the U.S. group’s expenses and be split equally between the House and Senate. The money would depend on later funding approval. The group could accept donated services or property, with ethics review and approval when required. The $100,000 funding authorization would apply each fiscal year.