H.R. 2609: Promoting Education on the Abraham Accords for Comprehensive Engagement Act

This bill, known as the Promoting Education on the Abraham Accords for Comprehensive Engagement Act (or PEACE Act), seeks to enhance the education and training of U.S. diplomatic personnel regarding the Abraham Accords and other normalization agreements with Israel. The primary objectives of the bill are outlined as follows:

1. Importance of Education

The bill emphasizes the necessity of educating federal officials about the Abraham Accords and past normalization agreements with Israel. It asserts that this knowledge is crucial for promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.

2. Training Requirements

The Secretary of State is required to ensure that U.S. diplomats and related personnel receive comprehensive training regarding:

• The historical context and key principles of the Abraham Accords.
• Future applications of these agreements.
• The policy outlined in existing legislations related to U.S.-Israel relations.

3. Development of Training Programs

To fulfill the training requirements, the Secretary of State may:

• Enhance existing training programs at the Foreign Service Institute to include courses on the Abraham Accords and similar agreements.
• Create online modules and interactive content available to State Department employees worldwide.

4. Fellowships and Collaborative Opportunities

The Director General of the Foreign Service is authorized to offer fellowships or grants to Foreign Service officers who engage in activities connected with countries that have signed the Abraham Accords or normalized relations with Israel. These opportunities may include:

• Participation in programs with educational and diplomatic organizations related to the Accords.
• Collaborations with various organizations in the Middle East that are part of the normalization process.

5. Establishment of an Advisory Board

The bill mandates the creation of a nonpartisan advisory board within 180 days of its enactment. This board will consist of experts in fields related to diplomacy and Middle Eastern studies, and will be responsible for advising on:

• Curriculum development for training related to the Abraham Accords.
• Resource management and strategic planning for educational initiatives.

6. Strategy and Reporting Requirements

Within a year of the bill's enactment, the Secretary of State must submit a strategy for implementing the educational programs outlined in the bill. This strategy will include:

• A plan for integrating these programs into the training framework for Foreign Service Officers.
• A summary of the advisory board's recommendations and any deviations made during implementation.
• An outline of training objectives to enhance the understanding of U.S. personnel involved with the Abraham Accords.
• An evaluation of how these initiatives support existing U.S. policies on Israel relations.

Furthermore, the Secretary of State is required to provide annual reports on the progress and outcomes of the educational initiatives over a four-year period following the initial report.

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