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Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Mar 3, 2005
Advance Democratic Values, Address Nondemocratic Countries, and Enhance Democracy Act of 2005 or the ADVANCE Democracy Act of 2005 - States that the promotion of freedom and democracy in foreign countries is a fundamental component of U.S. foreign policy.
Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to establish the position of Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs, who shall have primary responsibility to assist the Secretary of State in implementing policies and activities relating to the transition to, and development of, democracy in nondemocratic countries.
Establishes within the Department of State: (1) an Office of Democratic Movements and Transitions; and (2) a position of Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.
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Directs the Secretary to establish at least one Regional Democracy Hub in U.S. missions in: (1) the Western Hemisphere; (2) Europe; (3) South Asia; (4) the Near East; (5) East Asia and the Pacific; and (6) Africa.
Sets forth provisions respecting strategies and activities to enhance democracy in foreign countries.
Establishes a Democracy Promotion and Human Rights Advisory Board.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish an Internet site for global democracy and human rights; (2) require each chief of mission in each foreign country categorized as nondemocratic to develop a strategy to promote democracy and support individuals and nongovernmental organizations that are committed to democratic principles.
Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to include training in democracy and the promotion of democracy and human rights in provisions respecting Foreign Service training, performance pay, promotions, and chief-of-mission appointments.
Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to alliances with other democratic countries, including: (1) creation of Democracy Caucuses; (2) strengthening the Community of Democracies; (3) support for the initiative of the Government of Hungary and the governments of other European countries to establish a Democracy Transition Center; and (4) support for regional initiatives.
Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to U.S. nongovernmental organizations to assist the Community of Democracies.
Provides funding for the Human Rights and Democracy Fund.
Sets forth presidential actions with respect to nondemocratic countries.
Directs the President to collect information regarding incidents that may constitute crimes against humanity, genocide, slavery, or other violations of international humanitarian law by leaders or other government officials of nondemocratic countries.
Amends the the National Security Act of 1947, as amended by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, to express the sense of Congress that there should be within the National Security Council (NSC) a Special Assistant to the President on Nondemocratic Countries and Transition to Democracy.
People & committees
Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ] · R–AZ
Legislative record
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Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Dec 11, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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