; and (C) directly fund political parties and organizations that advance Russian interests in other countries, particularly those that undermine confidence and trust in democratic systems. (6) Thwarting these tactics by Russia and other kleptocratic governments requires the international community to strengthen democratic governance, the rule of law, and international cooperation in combating illicit finance, especially by empowering reformers in foreign countries during historic political openings for the establishment of the rule of law in those countries. (7) New reformers in foreign countries must act quickly to seize political openings for anti-corruption reform, but as these reformers are often outsiders with little government experience, they may need significant technical assistance to root out deep-seated corruption. 3. Definitions In this Act: (1) Rule of law The term rule of law means the principle of governance in which all persons, institutions, and entities, whether public or private, including the state itself, are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated, and which are consistent with international human rights norms and standards. (2) Foreign state The term foreign state has the meaning given such term in section 1603 of title 28, United States Code. (3) Intelligence community The term intelligence community has the meaning given such term in section 3(4) of the National Security Act of 1947 ( 50 U.S.C. 3003(4) ). (4) Public corruption The term public corruption means the unlawful exercise of entrusted public power for private gain, including by bribery, nepotism, fraud, or embezzlement. (5) Foreign assistance The term foreign assistance means foreign assistance authorized under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. (6) Appropriate congressional committees The term appropriate congressional committees means— (A) the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and the Committee on Finance of the