that are made available for programs to strengthen government institutions shall be prioritized for those institutions that demonstrate a commitment to democracy and the rule of law. (e) Restriction on Prior Approval With respect to the provision of assistance for democracy programs in this Act, the organizations implementing such assistance, the specific nature of that assistance, and the participants in such programs shall not be subject to the prior approval by the government of any foreign country. (f) Continuation of current practices The United States Agency for International Development shall continue to implement civil society and political competition and consensus building programs abroad with funds appropriated by this Act in a manner that recognizes the unique benefits of grants and cooperative agreements in implementing such programs. (g) Informing the national endowment for democracy The Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Department of State, and the Assistant Administrator for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance, USAID, shall regularly inform the National Endowment for Democracy of democracy programs that are planned and supported by funds made available by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs. (h) Protection of civil society activists and journalists Funds appropriated by this Act under title III shall be made available to support and protect civil society activists and journalists who have been threatened, harassed, or attacked, consistent with the action plan submitted pursuant to, and on the same terms and conditions of, section 7032(i) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2018 (division K of Public Law 115–141 ). International Religious Freedom 7033. (a) International religious freedom office and special envoy to promote religious freedom Funds appropriated by this Act under the heading Diplomatic Programs shall be made