What does Preamble of Sister City Transparency Act do?

This bill directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study. The study will evaluate the activities of sister city partnerships operating within the United States. The bill includes provisions for other purposes, though these are not specified in this section.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Sister City Transparency Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Sister City Transparency Act.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Sister City Transparency Act do?

This section defines key terms used within the Act. “Appropriate congressional committees” are specified as certain committees in the Senate and House of Representatives. A “foreign community” is defined as any subnational unit of government outside of the United States. A “sister city partnership” is a formal agreement between a U.S. community and a foreign community recognized by Sister Cities International and operating within the United States. A “United States community” includes States, counties, cities, or other local government units within the U.S.

What does STUDY OF SISTER CITY PARTNERSHIPS OPERATING WITHIN THE UNITED of Sister City Transparency Act do?

This section directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study of sister city partnerships involving foreign communities in countries with low scores on Transparency International's 2019 Corruption Perceptions Index (45 or less). The study must identify criteria used to select U.S. communities for partnerships, activities conducted, outcomes, publicly available information, safeguards for freedom of expression, and oversight practices to mitigate risks. The study will assess the extent to which U.S. communities ensure transparency, address vulnerabilities to malign market practices, protect freedom of expression, and safeguard against foreign nationals using partnerships to access local institutions or advance strategic objectives. The study will review the range of activities within partnerships, differences between them, and best practices for transparency. The Comptroller General must submit a report to Congress within six months of initiating the study, which may include a classified annex.

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Sister City Transparency Act

Last updated: 5/14/2026 · Introduced: 5/14/2026

Author: Chip Roy (R-TX)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill mandates a study by the Comptroller General evaluating sister city partnerships between U.S. communities and foreign communities with low corruption perception scores.
The study will assess transparency, safeguards for freedom of expression, and oversight practices within these partnerships to mitigate risks and protect U.S. institutions.
The Comptroller General must submit a report to Congress within six months, detailing partnership activities, best practices, and potential vulnerabilities.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

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