The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development may exchange data relating to housing and urban planning and development with other nations and assemble such data from other nations, through participation in international conferences and other means, where such exchange or assembly is deemed by him to be beneficial in carrying out his responsibilities under the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act [42 U.S.C. 3531 et seq.] or other legislation. In carrying out his responsibilities under this subsection the Secretary may—

(1) pay the expenses of participation in activities conducted under authority of this section including, but not limited to, the compensation, travel expenses, and per diem in lieu of subsistence of persons serving in an advisory capacity while away from their homes or regular places of business in connection with attendance at international meetings and conferences, or other travel for the purpose of exchange or assembly of data relating to housing and urban planning and development; but such travel expenses shall not exceed those authorized for regular officers and employees traveling in connection with said activities; and

(2) accept from international organizations, foreign countries, and private nonprofit foundations, funds, services, facilities, materials, and other donations to be utilized jointly in carrying out activities under this section.

International programs and activities carried out by the Secretary under the authority provided in subsection (a) shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary of State for the purpose of assuring that such authority shall be exercised in a manner consistent with the foreign policy of the United States.

(Pub. L. 85–104, title VI, § 604, July 12, 1957, 71 Stat. 305; Pub. L. 90–19, § 14(b), May 25, 1967, 81 Stat. 24; Pub. L. 90–448, title XVII, § 1709, Aug. 1, 1968, 82 Stat. 606.)