Which entity operates independently of the State Department and reports directly to Congress?

The Broadcasting Board of Governors is the correct answer because it operates as an independent agency, separate from the U.S. State Department. Its primary function is to supervise all U.S. government-sponsored civilian international broadcasting, which includes networks such as Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. By reporting directly to Congress, the Broadcasting Board of Governors maintains accountability and transparency in its operations and funding, ensuring that its goals align with the interests of Congress and, by extension, the American public.

The other options listed refer to entities that operate under the umbrella of the State Department and do not have the same level of independence. For instance, the Educational and Cultural Affairs Bureau, the Public Affairs Bureau, and the International Information Programs Bureau all fall under the State Department's administration and are involved in various aspects of U.S. diplomacy and communication efforts, but they do not have the direct reporting relationship to Congress that the Broadcasting Board of Governors holds.