American Decade of Sports Act (S. 3676)

Summary

Creates a plan to use big sports games held in the U.S. to improve friendships with other countries and show American leadership.

What problem does this solve?

The U.S. will host many global sports events but has no set plan to use them to build relationships. This bill directs the government to create a strategy to use these events to boost U.S. influence and friendships.

What does this bill do?

Creates a national sports diplomacy strategy

Requires the Secretary of State to create and submit two 5-year plans for using major sports events to improve U.S. foreign relations and global leadership.

Establishes an Office of Sports Diplomacy

Renames the Sports Diplomacy Division to the Office of Sports Diplomacy within the State Department to manage and carry out the new strategy.

Speeds up visa processing

Includes a plan to make the visa process faster and more secure for international athletes, their families, support staff, and fans attending the events.

Adds staff for implementation

Directs the Secretary of State to assign at least three more full-time employees to the Office of Sports Diplomacy to work on the strategy until the end of 2034.

Requires regular updates to Congress

Mandates that the Secretary of State provide updates to Congress every 180 days and submit a detailed report each year on the progress of the sports diplomacy plan.

Who does this affect?

U.S. Department of State
International athletes and sports visitors
U.S. cities hosting sporting events

What is the real world impact?

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Boosts U.S. global image

Uses popular international sporting events as a platform to showcase American culture, values, and strengths, improving how other countries see the United States.

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Strengthens diplomatic ties

Creates opportunities for U.S. officials to build relationships with foreign leaders and communities who visit for the games, using a shared interest in sports to open new lines of communication.

When does this start?

This bill sets several deadlines for creating and reporting on the new sports diplomacy strategy.

Office of Sports Diplomacy established

Within 90 days of the bill becoming law, the Sports Diplomacy Division must be renamed the Office of Sports Diplomacy.

First 5-year strategy due

The first 5-year sports diplomacy strategy must be submitted to Congress and made public within 180 days of the bill becoming law.

New staff assigned

At least three additional full-time staff must be assigned to the new office within 180 days of the bill becoming law.

Second 5-year strategy due

A second 5-year strategy must be submitted to Congress 5 years after the first one is submitted.

Final reports due

Regular updates and annual reports are required until December 31, 2034.