The U.S. House of Representatives has approved legislation that would overhaul the government's international broadcasting efforts.
The bipartisan measure passed by a simple voice vote Monday. It would replace the U.S. Broadcasting Board of Governors with a new International Communications Agency that would employ a fulltime CEO who would run the voice of America.
It also would consolidate Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia and the Middle East Broadcasting Network into a non-federal agency called the Freedom News Network.
Under the legislation, VOA’s mission is defined as supporting U.S. public diplomacy efforts. Opponents of the bill, including many current and former VOA journalists, contend it would greatly reduce VOA's worldwide credibility.
But co-sponsor Ed Royce, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, says the United States needs to fight back more effectively in the war of information against countries like Russia and China.
In order to become law, the measure would have to be passed by the U.S. Senate and then be signed by President Barack Obama.