Americas Act

# Summary of the Americas Act This comprehensive legislation establishes a multi-faceted approach to strengthen U.S. economic, energy, and cultural ties with partner countries in the Western Hemisphere. ## Key Provisions: ### Economic Development & Trade - Creates a **$500 million Re-shoring and Near-shoring Account** to support manufacturing relocation to the U.S. and partner countries - **Modifies de minimis import thresholds** (reducing the $800 threshold for small shipments) with: - Prohibition of de minimis entries from China and Russia - Requirement for detailed shipment data (country of origin, value, etc.) - Transfer of revenue from de minimis entries to the Re-shoring Account - Establishes the **BUILD Americas Unit** to provide financial support for economic development ### Energy Development - Creates a **Chief Energy Officer** position within the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation - Defines **"Transformational Energy Technology"** including: - Renewable energy systems - Hydrogen fuel cell technology - Carbon capture technologies - Advanced nuclear energy - Sets a goal that **at least 30% of support** provided by the Corporation must be for transformational energy technology - Establishes a **Joint Energy Export, Development, and Trade Database** to coordinate energy finance across agencies ### People-to-People Activities - Creates the **"Americas Partnership Accelerator Program"** ($15 million) to support small businesses - Establishes the **"Americas Partnership Fund for Nature"** ($10 million) for conservation efforts - **Doubles Peace Corps presence** in partner countries - Creates the **"American University of the Americas"** (in 3 Latin American countries) focused on STEM education - Establishes the **"CARE visa"** program for foreign caregivers (nursing assistants, home health aides, etc.) to address U.S. elder care needs - Creates **Radio Free Americas** as a new broadcasting service for the Western Hemisphere ### Additional Key Elements - Requires **annual reports** on program implementation to Congress - Establishes **new visa categories** for low-skill workers (TN visa program discussion) - Includes provisions for **cultural exchange programs** (Fulbright, English language training) - Requires **reporting on the effectiveness** of all programs, including job creation metrics This legislation represents a significant strategic investment in U.S. economic competitiveness, energy leadership, and cultural diplomacy in the Western Hemisphere, with particular focus on countering Chinese and Russian influence while addressing domestic challenges like elder care and STEM education.