; and (4) providing technical assistance to covered entities, as the Secretary of Energy determines necessary to increase the amount of crude oil refined in such oil refineries. (b) Partnerships The Secretary of Energy may partner with other Federal agencies to carry out the program established under subsection (a). (c) Authority To enter into agreements In carrying out the program established under subsection (a), the Secretary of Energy may enter into one or more agreements directly with third parties under such terms and conditions as the Secretary of Energy determines appropriate. (d) Definitions In this section: (1) Covered country The term covered country means a foreign country located in the Western Hemisphere, other than Venezuela, with respect to which the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Energy, determines that increased crude oil refining in that country would promote the national security and economic interests of the United States. (2) Covered entity The term covered entity means a covered country or a third party that owns or operates an oil refinery located in a covered country. (e) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Energy to carry out this section $90,000,000 for fiscal year 2024, to remain available until September 30, 2026.