U.S Congressman Chip Roy (R) introduced the Sister City Transparency Act, legislation aimed at increasing federal oversight of sister city partnerships that could pose national security concerns, particularly those involving the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
The bill would direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a comprehensive review of sister city agreements across the United States and evaluate potential risks tied to foreign influence operations.
"America's local communities should never be left vulnerable to foreign influence operations masquerading as cultural exchange," said Rep. Roy.
According to background information released alongside the bill, approximately 1,800 sister city partnerships currently exist between U.S. communities and foreign cities worldwide, including 157 partnerships involving Chinese communities.
The legislation argues that while many of these programs are intended to encourage cultural exchange and economic cooperation, some foreign governments may use them to expand political influence, gather intelligence, or exert economic pressure.
"The Sister City Transparency Act brings much-needed oversight and accountability to these partnerships, helping ensure they serve the interests of the American people - not the strategic ambitions of the Chinese Communist Party or other foreign adversaries," said Roy.
The legislation specifically highlights concerns about the CCP and compares these issues to previous debates over Confucius Institutes in American educational institutions.
Under the proposal, the GAO would examine partnerships involving countries with significant public-sector corruption, including the People's Republic of China and Russia. The review would assess whether foreign governments or affiliated organizations could exploit these relationships for academic, industrial, or economic espionage.
The bill would also evaluate current oversight practices in U.S. communities and identify best practices to improve transparency regarding sister city agreements, funding, activities, and personnel involved in the partnerships.
The Sister City Transparency Act reflects growing concern among lawmakers about foreign influence efforts at the local level, particularly as Congress continues to scrutinize Chinese government-linked activities tied to education, infrastructure, technology, and international partnerships.
