Sister City Transparency Act

This legislation directs the Comptroller General of the United States to undertake a comprehensive study of sister city partnerships. This study will specifically focus on partnerships involving foreign communities located in countries identified as having significant public sector corruption, based on a 2019 index. The study is designed to identify the criteria for establishing these partnerships, the activities conducted, and their economic and educational outcomes. It will also assess the extent of transparency regarding contracts and activities, potential vulnerabilities to malign market practices or diminished freedom of expression, and the access foreign nationals gain to local institutions. Furthermore, the study will examine how these partnerships might be used to advance foreign strategic objectives not aligned with U.S. economic and national security interests, or contribute to malign activities like human rights abuses and espionage. Ultimately, the Comptroller General is required to submit a detailed report to the appropriate congressional committees within six months. This report will include findings, conclusions, and any recommendations derived from the study, with the option for a classified annex if necessary.