infects various strategic sectors of host economies, particularly energy, media, and financial sectors. Over time, the host countries’ institutions become compromised and can no longer self-police or resist Russian influence, thereby allowing Russian control over the government. (8) In France, Austria, Germany, and the United Kingdom, Russia directly supports entities that feed directly off lack of confidence and trust in democratic systems, which enhances the popularity of extreme parties. (9) The United States intelligence community concluded that Russia deployed similar tactics in the 2016 United States elections in order to erode public confidence and trust in the United States political system. (10) This strategy exploits the inherent openness and vulnerabilities within Western capitalist systems. To combat it, the United States must support efforts of foreign partner countries to investigate corruption and strengthen fiscal transparency. (11) Only through strengthening Western governance and institutions will the United States and its partners thwart Russian tactics of corruption and exploitation and prevent Russia’s virus-like corruption from eroding democracy in the United States. 3. Office of Anti-Corruption relating to Illicit Russian Financial Activities in Europe Title I of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2651a et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 64. Office of Anti-Corruption relating to Illicit Russian Financial Activities in Europe (a) Establishment The Secretary of State shall establish within the Department of State the Office of Anti-Corruption relating to Illicit Russian Financial Activities in Europe (in this section referred to as the Office ). (b) Head of office The head of the Office shall be the Director of Anti-Corruption relating to Illicit Russian Financial Activities in Europe (in this section referred to as the Director ). The Director shall be appointed by Secretary, in consultation with the Assistant Secretary of State