; (5) the United States Government should continue to work with the individual countries of Europe and Eurasia to bolster efforts to counter malign Russian influence in all its forms; and (6) the United States Government should increase assistance and diplomatic efforts in Europe, including in European Union and NATO countries, to address threats to fundamental human rights and backsliding in rule of law protections, operating space for independent media and civil society, and other democratic institutions, whose strength is critical to defending against malign Russian influence over the long term. 8. Office of Sanctions Coordination of the Department of State (a) In general Section 1 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2651a ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h); and (2) by inserting after subsection (f) the following: (g) Office of Sanctions Coordination (1) In general There is established, within the Department of State, an Office of Sanctions Coordination (referred to in this subsection as the Office ). (2) Head The head of the Office shall— (A) have the rank and status of ambassador; (B) be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; and (C) report to the Under Secretary for Political Affairs. (3) Duties The head of the Office shall— (A) serve as the principal advisor to the senior management of the Department and the Secretary regarding the role of the Department in the development and implementation of sanctions policy, including sanctions with respect to the Russian Federation, Iran, North Korea, and other countries; (B) represent the United States in diplomatic and multilateral fora on sanctions matters; (C) consult and closely coordinate with the European Union to ensure the maximum effectiveness of sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union with respect to the Russian Federation