42 U.S.C. § 1872 — International cooperation and coordination with foreign policy

(a) The Foundation may cooperate in international scientific or engineering activities consistent with this chapter and spend appropriated money on them as it considers desirable. The Director^* may pay government and other organization representatives and individual scientists or engineers to attend accredited international scientific or engineering congresses and meetings when the Director considers this necessary to advance the chapter’s objectives. With the Secretary^* of State’s approval, the Foundation may give fellowships or make similar arrangements for foreign nationals to study or research science or engineering in the United States, without regard to § 1869 or the allegiance affidavit required by § 1874(d)(2).

(b) (1) The authority under § 1870(c) to contract or make arrangements with foreign organizations, people, or agencies, and the authority under subsection (a) to cooperate internationally, may be used only with the Secretary of State’s approval and consistently with United States foreign-policy objectives. (2) If that authority requires negotiations with a foreign country or agency, the Secretary of State^* must conduct them in consultation with the Director.