Sister City Transparency Act

HR 2724, the Sister City Transparency Act, requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study sister city partnerships between U.S. local governments (like cities or counties) and foreign communities in countries scoring 45 or below on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. The study will examine partnership criteria, activities, economic outcomes, transparency practices, and potential risks like foreign espionage or economic coercion. It will assess how these partnerships affect freedom of expression, U.S. security interests, and vulnerability to malign activities. The GAO must submit a report to relevant congressional committees within six months, including findings and recommendations. This bill does not change existing partnerships but mandates a review of their transparency and security implications.