COVID-19 and Defense Spending Bills Target USAGM Powers

Two bills approved by Congress awaiting President Donald Trump’s signature would limit the powers of Michael Pack, the president’s pick to lead the US Agency for Global Media, which oversees Voice of America and four other international media organizations. The legislation includes changes limiting the powers of the USAGM and its chief executive, but in different ways. The two bills taken together could restrict Pack’s actions between now and January 20, when Democratic President-elect Joe Biden takes office. And if Biden decides to replace Pack, it would provide that person with more leeway in making personnel changes for the first three months. For example, the spending measures approved by the House and Senate on Monday include a provision that would give the Open Technology Fund more time to respond to a USAGM letter proposing that the internet freedom fund be denied additional federal funding.