House of Representatives
Page H4471 · Official textThe House met at 11 a.m. and was called to order by the Speaker.
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Vol. 172, No. 115 · 119th Congress, 2nd session
Prayer
Page H4471 · Official textThe Chaplain, the Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben, offered the following prayer: Holy God, it is good to give thanks to You as we start this day. O Lord most high, we pause to give praise to Your name. This morning, may we begin our work declaring Your steadfast love so that by day's end we will bear witness to Your faithfulness. Establish us upon Your sure foundation. Orient us to Your presence in our everyday affairs and to Your engagement in every aspect of our lives, that we may realize that there is nothing that escapes Your attention. You have Your hand on all that transpires in this room. Where there is uncertainty, may we look to You for guidance. Where there is misunderstanding, may we open our hearts to Your wisdom. Where there is falsehood, reveal Your truth. Where there is disagreement, supply us with words of reconciliation, and where there is animosity, show us how to invite Your peace into our discourse. Lord, You alone are upright. May we stand today on the rock of Your righteousness and pray in the strength of Your name. Amen.
The Journal
Page H4471 · Official textThe SPEAKER
The Chair has examined the Journal of the last day's proceedings and announces to the House the approval thereof.
Pursuant to clause 1 of rule I, the Journal stands approved.
Pledge of Allegiance
Page H4471 · Official textThe SPEAKER
Will the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Baird) come forward and lead the House in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. BAIRD led the Pledge of Allegiance as follows:
Text printed in the Record (174 characters)
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Announcement by the Speaker
Page H4471 · Official textThe SPEAKER
The Chair will entertain up to 15 requests for 1-minute speeches on each side of the aisle.
Congratulating Indiana Ffa State Officers
Page H4471 · Official text(Mr. BAIRD asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate two State FFA officers from the Fourth District who were recently elected at the Indiana State convention.
FFA is the largest U.S. career and technical student organization. FFA is rooted in farming and preparing youth for careers in agribusiness, science, veterinary medicine, and using hands-on learning techniques.
Katie McClain from Carroll High School was elected as secretary. She is the granddaughter of a former Indiana State representative, Rich McClain, who I had the privilege of serving with.
She is the 2026 Lilly Scholar winner, which has a full ride to Purdue University. Katie was the president of her local FFA chapter at Carroll and the district vice president last year.
Jessie Frazee from Fountain Central High School was elected as the Northern Region vice president. Jessie was the local FFA president at Fountain Central High and the Fourth District president this past year. Jessie is the first Fountain FFA chapter member to become a State officer.
Congratulations to these two amazing Hoosiers. I think they are in the audience. If they are, I ask that they please raise their hand or stand.
I congratulate them.
Honoring Maxine Peacock Holley
Page H4471 · Official text(Mr. MOORE of North Carolina asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life and memory of Maxine Peacock Holley, a devoted public servant of Benson, North Carolina, who passed away at the age of 82.
Maxine dedicated her life to serving others as a teacher's aide, a magistrate judge, and a Benson town commissioner. She was a trailblazer. She was the first woman to chair the Benson Housing Authority and made history as Johnston County's first successful write-in candidate elected to public office.
With deep faith, Maxine showed what it means to love your neighbor. Even while battling cancer, she continued to serve with grace and an unwavering commitment to others.
Above all, Maxine was devoted to her family. She was a proud mother to Reggie, Nikita, and Shawn, and she instilled in them that same spirit of service.
Mr. Speaker, as we mourn her passing, we also celebrate a life well lived: a life of faith, a life of service, and a life of selflessness. I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering her and thanking her for her public service.
California Tax Increase
Pages H4471–H4472 · Official text(Mr. KILEY of California asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, many Californians were shocked to learn that our legislature and Governor have just imposed what is being called the largest tax increase in State history, which is saying quite a lot in a State that already has the highest taxes in the country.
Included in that is a massive new healthcare tax that is estimated to raise the healthcare premiums for many Californians by hundreds of dollars. This is something that our State simply cannot afford. When we already have the highest cost of living in the country, this is the last thing that our families need.
What is more, it violates, at the very least, the spirit if not the letter of Proposition 35, passed by voters to limit precisely this kind of a tax increase.
Fortunately, there is a way we can fight back. This new change has to be approved by regulators at the Federal level, and so myself and my colleagues are asking HHS--and we will be conveying this in a letter--specifically to block the implementation of this plan, to block this tax proposal so that Californians do not suffer another blow to both our democracy and our cost of living.
Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore
Page H4472 · Official textThe SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. McGuire)
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair will postpone further proceedings today on motions to suspend the rules on which a recorded vote or the yeas and nays are ordered, or votes objected to under clause 6 of rule XX.
The House will resume proceedings on postponed questions at a later time.
Anthony "Tony" J. Gallopo Va Clinic
Pages H4472–H4473 · Official textMr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6007) to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Newton, New Jersey, as the "Anthony `Tony' J. Gallopo VA Clinic".
The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:
Text printed in the Record (626 characters)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. NAME OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMUNITY-
BASED OUTPATIENT CLINIC, NEWTON, NEW JERSEY.
The Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Newton, New Jersey, shall after the date of the enactment of this Act be known and designated as the "Anthony `Tony' J. Gallopo VA Clinic". Any reference to such clinic in any law, regulation, map, document, record, or other paper of the United States shall be considered to be a reference to the Anthony "Tony" J. Gallopo VA Clinic.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Conaway) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 6007.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise today in support of H.R. 6007 to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Newton, New Jersey, as the Anthony "Tony" J. Gallopo VA Clinic.
Tony Gallopo proudly served our Nation in the United States Navy. He served courageously and with honor. His service to our Nation did not end there.
Following his service in the Navy, Mr. Gallopo dedicated his life to serving his fellow veterans, working to ensure those who wore the uniform received the care and services and support they earned.
Mr. Gallopo became a trusted advocate for veterans throughout Sussex and Warren Counties, devoting countless hours to improving their quality of life and expanding access to VA healthcare.
He was instrumental in helping establish the VA community-based outpatient clinic in Newton, New Jersey, which opened in 2017 and brought VA healthcare closer to veterans in that community.
His advocacy helped reduce barriers to care and expand access to essential health services for countless numbers of veterans and their families. His community as a whole is better because of all his efforts.
Whether mentoring fellow veterans or advocating for expanding healthcare access, he remained committed to ensuring that those who served our Nation will never be forgotten. Even after decades of public service, he continued asking what more could be done for veterans until he passed in 2020.
By naming the Newton VA community-based outpatient clinic in his honor, Congress would ensure that Tony Gallopo's legacy of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the veterans in his community lives on for generations to come.
Mr. Speaker, individuals like Tony Gallopo are heroes in our communities, and I am honored to help ensure that Congress recognizes that and never forgets these great American stories.
I thank Representative Gottheimer and the entire New Jersey delegation for leading this effort to recognize an extraordinary advocate for our Nation's veterans.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 6007, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Herbert C. Conaway, Jr. (D-NJ)11:10 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6007, to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Newton, New Jersey, after Anthony "Tony" Gallopo. I am pleased to have co-led this effort with my colleague from New Jersey, Representative Gottheimer, and pleased to speak in support of this bill today.
Mr. Gallopo was a keystone in the northern New Jersey community. Born in 1961, he grew up in Bergen County, New Jersey, and led a life dedicated to service. Mr. Gallopo was active in his local fire department before enlisting in the Navy.
After serving as a seaman, Mr. Gallopo returned home to become a leader locally in Sussex County, serving as vice commander of the New Jersey Department of The American Legion and commander at American Legion Post 86.
Mr. Gallopo was a tireless advocate, and his dedication to caring for his fellow veterans was unparalleled. Mr. Gallopo hosted roundtables for both students and returning veterans to help them succeed in seeking better job opportunities. His leadership in evaluating student applicants to our Nation's service academies on his congressional district's Service Academy Nomination Selection Committee helped to cultivate the next generation of servicemembers.
Mr. Gallopo was instrumental in the expansion of healthcare for veterans in his community. His advocacy helped lead to the opening of a Sussex County VA community-based outpatient clinic.
Mr. Gallopo's critical role in opening this clinic will continue to benefit veterans in northern New Jersey for generations.
Mr. Gallopo passed away in 2020, but his memory lives on in the countless veterans who have access to healthcare within their local community because of his work. There is no better way to express our gratitude for Mr. Gallopo's lifetime of service to his fellow veterans than to rename the clinic he tirelessly fought to open in his honor.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Gottheimer), who is the author of this legislation. He serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ)11:10 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my very good friend from New Jersey as well as my friends on the other side for their support.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 6007. Today, this House will come together and do something simple but important: honor a great American hero.
Mr. Speaker, Tony Gallopo, as you have heard, was a brave Navy veteran, vice commander of the New Jersey Department of The American Legion, and commander of American Legion Post 86 in Newton, New Jersey. He spent time in Bergen County and Sussex County. He was a firefighter. He was a man who served and then came back and served more.
For years, my good friend did what a lot of people talk about but few actually do. He fought every single day to make sure our veterans got the healthcare they earned and deserved and to make sure they were looked out for. He never forgot anyone, and that is why he was such a special man. We all miss him.
Tony was instrumental in opening the Sussex County, New Jersey, Veterans Affairs Clinic in 2017, the CBOC. He and I worked side by side, cutting through red tape to get veterans real referrals, real specialists, and real healthcare--healthcare that they earned and deserved.
Sadly, Tony passed away in 2020, leaving behind his wife, Betsy; his brilliant daughters, Ashley, Sarah, and Ally; and an incredible legacy of helping those in need. Today's vote on this bill will honor his name and his work at the very clinic he helped to build.
I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, he literally helped build it. We sat at a picnic bench right outside the clinic many times talking about how we could make it better and how we could deliver more service to veterans.
He never forgot that for a second. He never forgot the country he served, and he never forgot the flag he saluted every day with such great pride.
It is Americans like him we should all look up to. It is Americans like him who built this great country for 250 years. It is why we should honor him today.
This isn't partisan. It is just common sense. It is what we owe every person who ever wore the uniform and protected our great Nation.
I thank his family--Betsy, Ashley, Sarah, and Ally--for sharing Tony with all of us. I know how hard it is right now without him, but his legacy goes on, and it looms large. He lives on. No one has forgotten him for a minute. When we go to The American Legion, we all talk about him. There are pictures everywhere, and he continues to be a light in New Jersey, in our country, and for all of us as somebody we should look up to.
Mr. Speaker, I urge the House to pass this legislation, and I am so grateful for the bipartisan support. I also urge the Senate--I know Senator Cory Booker has taken the lead on this--to take this up quickly and honor our great hero, Tony Gallopo.
Mike Bost (R-IL)11:10 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers. I am ready to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Herbert C. Conaway, Jr. (D-NJ)11:10 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6007 to honor this very deserving veteran, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mike Bost (R-IL)11:10 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, once again, I encourage all Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore11:10 a.m.
The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 6007.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
Colonel Michael H. Boyce Department of Veterans Affairs Multispecialty Clinic
Pages H4473–H4474 · Official textMr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5362) to name the Department of Veterans Affairs multispecialty clinic in Marietta, Georgia, as the "Colonel Michael H. Boyce Department of Veterans Affairs Multispecialty Clinic".
The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:
Text printed in the Record (3,305 characters)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Colonel Mike Boyce was born on September 1, 1949, in Brawley, California.
(2) Mike Boyce graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1971, and was commissioned as a 2d Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in 1971.
(3) After completing Marine Corps Basic School and the U.S. Army Field Artillery School in 1972, Mike Boyce was assigned to the 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California.
(4) Throughout his service, Colonel Mike Boyce was also assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station New River, the 1st Marine Air Wing in Okinawa, the 4th Marine Air Wing at Naval Air Station Andrews, Korea, and the 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
(5) After completing attache training, Mike Boyce was assigned to Ankara, Turkey, in support of Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Provide Comfort. He was later assigned to Marine Air Group-16 for deployment to Somalia for Operation Restore Hope.
(6) Before his retirement in 2001, Colonel Mike Boyce served as Head Programmer for OPNAV N88, the Deputy Commander of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Head of Operational Plans at MARFORPAC, and served in Bahrain and Oman in support of Operations Desert Thunder and Desert Fox.
(7) After his service, Colonel Mike Boyce moved to Marietta, Georgia, and was active in his community. Colonel Mike Boyce served multiple charities including Habitat for Humanity, MUST Ministries, and the United Service Organizations.
(8) A dedicated member of his church, Colonel Mike Boyce served in the men's ministry, youth programs, led Bible studies, and helped create the veterans' ministry.
(9) Colonel Mike Boyce was an active member of American Legion Post 29, the Marine Corps League, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and the Military Officers Association of America.
(10) Colonel Mike Boyce served as the chairman of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners from 2016 until 2020. During that time, he led the effort to make Veterans Day a paid holiday for county employees and was instrumental in establishing the first Veterans Service Office in Cobb County. He also led the effort to have the first Department of Veterans Affairs clinic established in Cobb County so veterans would have an easier experience seeking medical care.
(11) Colonel Mike Boyce died on January 25, 2022, in South Bend, Indiana, and is survived by his wife, Judy Moon Boyce, and his children Alison Boyce Cotsonika, Kevin Reid Boyce, and Sean Michael Boyce.
SEC. 2. NAME OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MULTISPECIALTY
CLINIC, MARIETTA, GEORGIA.
The Department of Veterans Affairs multispecialty clinic located at 1263 Cobb Parkway NW, Marietta, Georgia, shall after the date of the enactment of this Act be known and designated as the "Colonel Michael H. Boyce Department of Veterans Affairs Multispecialty Clinic" or the "Colonel Michael H. Boyce VA Clinic". Any reference to such multispecialty clinic in any law, regulation, map, document, paper, or other record of the United States shall be considered to be a reference to the Colonel Michael H. Boyce VA Multispecialty Clinic.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Conaway) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 5362.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5362, Colonel Michael H. Boyce Department of Veterans Affairs Multispecialty Clinic, sponsored by Representative Loudermilk.
Colonel Michael H. Boyce dedicated almost three decades to our Nation as a United States marine, serving in key leadership and operational roles around the world.
Throughout Colonel Boyce's career, he served with the First Marine Division, the First, Second, and Fourth Marine Aircraft Wings, and the First Marine Expeditionary Brigade. He also served overseas in Turkiye, Bahrain, Oman, and Somalia in support of operations to include Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Provide Comfort, Restore Hope, Desert Thunder, and Desert Fox.
Before his retirement in 2001, Colonel Boyce held multiple senior leadership roles, including head programmer for the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Air Warfare Division, head of operational plans at Marine Corps Forces Pacific, and deputy commander of Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
After his military service, Colonel Boyce returned home and continued to serve his community as chairman of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners.
In this role, he advocated for veterans by establishing the county's first veterans service office and led efforts to construct a VA clinic.
Colonel Boyce's lifelong commitment to veterans and leadership makes this recognition a fine tribute to an extraordinary American.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5362 honors a true American leader who put service above self. I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 5362, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Herbert C. Conaway, Jr. (D-NJ)11:20 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5362 to name the Department of Veterans Affairs multispecialty clinic in Marietta, Georgia, after Colonel Michael H. Boyce, a dedicated Marine Corps veteran, public servant, and community leader.
Colonel Boyce was born in Brawley, California, in September 1949 and graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1971. With this degree in hand, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. After attending The Basic School and Army Field Artillery School, he was assigned to the First Marine Division in Camp Pendleton, California.
He continued to wear the uniform for the next 30 years, reaching the rank of colonel with assignments in Hawaii, Japan, Turkiye, Bahrain, and Oman, where he supported operations including Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Desert Fox. Colonel Boyce also deployed to Somalia for Operation Restore Hope during his time with the Marine Air Group 16.
In 2001, Colonel Boyce retired from the Marine Corps, but that did not mark the end of his service to country and community. He moved to Marietta, Georgia, and became a dedicated member of his local church, alongside several charities and veterans service organizations including Habitat for Humanity, the VFW, and The American Legion.
In 2016, Colonel Boyce was elected as chairman of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners. During his time in office, he led the efforts to make Veterans Day a paid holiday for county employees, established a veterans service office in the county, and opened a VA clinic to expand access to care for local veterans.
Colonel Boyce passed away in January of 2022 and was laid to rest with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery.
Colonel Boyce's unwavering commitment to service and stewardship is a model to which we should all aspire. Naming the VA clinic that he helped bring to Marietta in his honor is a perfect way to demonstrate our appreciation for Colonel Boyce's life of service.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mike Bost (R-IL)11:20 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Loudermilk).
Barry Loudermilk (R-GA)11:20 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, the chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee for bringing this bill to the floor.
As the Representative of Georgia `s 11th Congressional District and a veteran of the United States Air Force, I proudly rise today in support of H.R. 5362 to name the Department of Veterans Affairs multispecialty clinic in Marietta, Georgia, as the Colonel Michael H. Boyce Department of Veterans Affairs Multispecialty Clinic.
As he was to many, Mike Boyce was a friend of mine, who unfortunately passed away in 2022.
Mike took his duties to our country and our community seriously. Like a true patriot, Mike spent much of his life in service to his community, State, and Nation. Throughout his service in the Marine Corps and later in elected office as the chairman of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, Mike was a tireless advocate for the health and welfare of our Active-Duty servicemen and veterans. Mike worked to ensure our servicemembers had the tools to succeed and was instrumental in establishing the Cobb County VA Clinic, which remains a vital resource for those who served our country.
Mr. Speaker, recognizing Colonel Boyce through this legislation is a fitting tribute to an American hero whose service and advocacy inspired so many, including myself. I greatly appreciate his wife, Judy, for continuing his incredible legacy.
Herbert C. Conaway, Jr. (D-NJ)11:20 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5362, to honor this very deserving veteran. I yield back the balance of my time.
Mike Bost (R-IL)11:20 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Members to support this legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore11:20 a.m.
The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5362.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore11:20 a.m.
In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mike Bost (R-IL)11:20 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.
The SPEAKER pro tempore11:20 a.m.
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question will be postponed.
The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.
Rodney C. Hamilton Sr. Va Clinic
Pages H4474–H4475 · Official textMr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6963) to designate the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Lafayette, Louisiana, as the "Rodney C. Hamilton Sr. VA Clinic".
The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:
Text printed in the Record (2,222 characters)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. DESIGNATION OF RODNEY C. HAMILTON SR. VA CLINIC IN
LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) Rodney Carroll Hamilton Sr. was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 24, 1932, and his family moved to Lafayette, Louisiana, in the summer of 1948;
(2) in 1949, at age seventeen, Rodney Hamilton joined the reserve components of the Marine Corps at the urging of his football coach Lou Campbell while attending Lafayette High School;
(3) Rodney Hamilton served the United States during the Korean War, was wounded in combat in September 1951, and was awarded the Purple Heart;
(4) Rodney Hamilton loved the Marine Corps and was proud of all Marines who served the United States;
(5) Rodney Hamilton was a member of the Marine Corps League, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the Veteran's Action Coalition of Southwest Louisiana, where he served as Founder and Chairman Emeritus;
(6) Rodney Hamilton served as a full-time elected official in the Lafayette City Government from 1968 through 1972 as a Trustee of Public Property;
(7) Rodney Hamilton made numerous contributions to help make Lafayette a better place, including leading efforts to secure and build the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Lafayette, which opened in 2016;
(8) due to the dedication of Rodney Hamilton in realizing the community-based outpatient clinic in Lafayette, the street on which the clinic is located was named in his honor and now bears signs saying, "Veterans Way, Honorary Rodney Hamilton"; and
(9) Rodney Hamilton passed away at the age of 88 on November 30, 2020.
(b) Designation.--The community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Lafayette, Louisiana, shall after the date of the enactment of this Act be known and designated as the "Rodney C. Hamilton Sr. VA Clinic".
(c) Reference.--Any reference in any law, regulation, map, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the clinic referred to in subsection (b) shall be considered to be a reference to the Rodney C. Hamilton Sr. VA Clinic.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Conaway) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 6963.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6963, to designate the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Lafayette, Louisiana, as the Rodney C. Hamilton Sr. VA Clinic sponsored by Representative Higgins.
At just 17 years old, Rodney Hamilton enlisted in the United States Marine Corps out of Lafayette, Louisiana, to serve his country. He would go to serve in the Korean war, where he was wounded in combat and received the Purple Heart. As a fellow marine, I know that the Marine Corps leaves a mark on every man and woman that earns the title.
For Rodney, this sense of duty did not end when he returned home. He came back to Lafayette and continued serving by working to improve the lives of fellow veterans across southwest Louisiana.
He served in Lafayette city government from 1968 to 1972 and later founded the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Action Coalition, giving local veterans a stronger voice and fighting to make sure their needs were met. That advocacy helped lead to one of his most lasting accomplishments, the establishment of the VA clinic in Lafayette.
When the clinic opened in 2016, it brought VA care closer to home for veterans across the region and reflected years of work by Rodney Hamilton and others who believed Lafayette veterans deserved better access to the care they had earned.
Naming this facility in his honor would recognize a marine, a Purple Heart recipient, and a community leader whose work continues to serve veterans today.
H.R. 6963 is a fitting tribute to Rodney Hamilton, Sr., a man who served his country in war, returned home to serve his community, and never stopped standing up for his fellow veterans.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 6963, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Herbert C. Conaway, Jr. (D-NJ)11:30 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6963 to designate the community-based outpatient clinic in Lafayette, Louisiana, as the Rodney C. Hamilton Sr. VA Clinic.
Rodney Hamilton was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 24, 1932. In 1948, his family moved to Lafayette, Louisiana, where he resided for over 70 years until his passing. At just 17 years old, Hamilton joined the Marine Reserve as a member of the Marine Reserve Rifle Corps. He received orders to serve in the Seventh Marine Regiment during the Korean war.
While stationed on the front lines in September 1951, he was wounded by mortar shells and received the Purple Heart for his service. He was reassigned to the First Marine Division's service battalion and was honorably discharged in 1952 with the rank of sergeant.
Back home in Lafayette, Hamilton married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Barbara Webb. The couple have 5 children and 12 grandchildren and were together for nearly seven decades.
Sergeant Hamilton became a leading advocate for his fellow Marines and veterans in the following years. He founded the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Action Coalition, and he was an active member of the Marine Corps League, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and The American Legion.
Sergeant Hamilton's advocacy and leadership were instrumental in establishing the VA community-based outpatient clinic in Lafayette, which opened in 2016 and expanded access to medical care for veterans throughout the region. The road that leads to the facility already bears his name in honor of the tireless work that he put into bringing this clinic into fruition.
Sergeant Hamilton's long record of giving back extended even further through his tireless dedication to his community. He was active in his church and several local organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce and the Beaver Club. From 1968 until 1972, he also served in local government as a trustee for public property.
Rodney Hamilton passed away in 2020 and was buried with full military honors. His legacy is one of advocacy, leadership, compassion, and sacrifice. It is only fitting that we honor his contributions by designating the Lafayette VA clinic in his honor.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support H.R. 6963, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mike Bost (R-IL)11:30 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, today, we are actually naming many clinics. This one in Lafayette, the sponsor, Representative Higgins, feels that this is vitally important. With the hecticness around here today, we are hoping that he does make it to make comments on this bill, but we need to move on with our business.
Mr. Speaker, I have no more Members wishing to speak, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Herbert C. Conaway, Jr. (D-NJ)11:30 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 6963 to honor this very deserving veteran, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mike Bost (R-IL)11:30 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Higgins), the sponsor of the legislation.
Clay Higgins (R-LA)11:30 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for allowing me to speak on behalf of an American patriot who was a man amongst men, Mr. Speaker, Rodney C. Hamilton.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6963, which would designate the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Lafayette, Louisiana, as the Rodney C. Hamilton Sr. VA Clinic.
This legislative effort, Mr. Speaker, to honor Mr. Hamilton has been in the making for many years. I am proud and humbled to bring it to the floor on behalf of the Louisiana delegation today.
Rodney C. Hamilton, Sr., joined the United States Marine Corps at 17 years old and served in the Korean war. He was wounded, served honorably, and received the Purple Heart. After serving his Nation in combat, he returned home to Lafayette where he continued to serve those around him, becoming a community leader in Lafayette's city government. He was ordained as a deacon, serving as a member of the First Baptist Church of Youngsville, Louisiana, a community near Lafayette.
Mr. Hamilton was a cofounder of the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Action Coalition, serving as a longtime veterans advocate. This marine, Mr. Hamilton, played an integral role in establishing the Louisiana community-based outpatient clinic, which opened in 2016, and the road leading to the clinic was named in his honor in 2017.
I am joined in support by Speaker Mike Johnson, Leader Steve Scalise, Representatives Letlow, Carter, and Fields, and Senators Kennedy and Cassidy in support of this legislation honoring Mr. Hamilton.
Louisiana's American Legion, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Disabled American Veterans, and Louisianans across the State have offered their strong support to rename this clinic in honor of Mr. Hamilton.
Passing H.R. 6963 will be to honor an American who did so much for our Nation, our veterans, and the people of Lafayette, Louisiana. Not only will this serve as a tribute to our beautiful Nation but would show this body's resolve to remember and honor all veterans who answered the call to serve our Nation and our communities.
Mike Bost (R-IL)11:30 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Fine)11:30 a.m.
The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 6963.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
Message from the Senate
Pages H4475–H4476 · Official textA message from the Senate by Mr. Ferrari, one of its clerks, announced that the Senate agreed to the following resolution:
Text printed in the Record (3,857 characters)
Whereas Lindsey Olin Graham was born on July 9, 1955, in Central, South Carolina;
Whereas Lindsey Graham graduated from D. W. Daniel High School, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of
South Carolina in 1977, and earned a Juris Doctor from the
University of South Carolina School of Law in 1981;
Whereas Lindsey Graham served with distinction in the
United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corps, the
South Carolina Air National Guard, and the United States Air
Force Reserves, attaining the rank of Colonel before retiring
after more than 3 decades of military service, and receiving
the Bronze Star Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal;
Whereas Lindsey Graham served as an Assistant County
Attorney for Oconee County, South Carolina, before being
elected to the South Carolina, before being elected to the
South Carolina House of Representatives in 1992;
Whereas Lindsey Graham was elected to the United States
House of Representatives in 1994, where he represented the
Third Congressional District of South Carolina for 4 terms;
Whereas Lindsey Graham was elected to the United States
Senate in 2002 and was subsequently reelected by the people
of South Carolina several times to continue representing them
with distinction;
Whereas, during this service in the Senate, Lindsey Graham
served on numerous committees, including the Committee on the
Judiciary, the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on
the Budget, the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on
Foreign Relations, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and
the Committee on Environment and Public Works;
Whereas Lindsey Graham served as Chairman of the Committee
on the Judiciary during the 116th Congress and as Chairman of
the Committee on the Budget during the 119th Congress;
Whereas, throughout his career, Lindsey Graham was a
steadfast advocate for the national defense of the United
States, the rule of law, the men and women of the Armed
Forces, and the people of South Carolina;
Whereas Lindsey Graham earned the respect of colleagues on
both sides of the aisle through his candor, wit, willingness
to engage in difficult debates, and unwavering commitment to
public service;
Whereas Lindsey Graham devoted more than 3 decades of his
life to serving the people of South Carolina and the United
States with honor and distinction;
Whereas the voice of Lindsey Graham carried influence far
beyond the halls of Congress, and his steadfast advocacy for
the leadership of the United States, a strong national
defense, and the cause of freedom earned him the respect of
leaders around the world;
Whereas Lindsey Graham was preceded in death by his father,
Florence James Graham, and his mother, Millie Walters Graham,
whose example of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance
profoundly shaped his life of public service; and
Whereas Lindsey Graham is survived by his sister, Darline
Graham Nordone, and a grateful United States that benefited
from his faithful service: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the
announcement of the death of the Honorable Lindsey Olin
Graham, a Senator from the State of South Carolina;
(2) requests that the Secretary of the Senate communicate
these resolutions to the House of Representatives and
transmit and enrolled copy thereof to the family of Lindsey
Olin Graham; and
(3) stands adjourned as a further mark of respect to the
memory of the Honorable Lindsey Olin Graham when the Senate
adjourns today.
The message also announced that the Senate has passed a bill of the following title in which the concurrence of the House is requested:
S. 2120. An act to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, and for other purposes.
The message also announced that pursuant to provisions of Public Law 100-702, the Chair on behalf of the President pro tempore, upon the recommendation of the Majority Leader, announces the appointment of the following individual to the board of the Federal Judicial Center Foundation Board: Brenna Bird of Iowa. The message also announced that pursuant to Public Law 115-123, the Chair, on behalf of the Majority Leader, appoints the following individual as a member of the Commission of Social Impact Partnerships: Ryan T. E. Martin of Virginia. The message also announced that pursuant to Public Law 96-114, as amended the Chair, on behalf of the Majority Leader, appoints the following individual to the Congressional Award Board: Matt Zabel of Minnesota.
Captain Paul W. "Bud" Bucha Va Medical Center
Pages H4476–H4478 · Official textMr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4647) to designate the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in West Haven, Connecticut, as the "Captain Paul W. `Bud' Bucha VA Medical Center".
The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:
Text printed in the Record (5,997 characters)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the "Captain Paul W. `Bud' Bucha VA Medical Center Act of 2025".
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Paul W. "Bud" Bucha was born on August 1, 1943, in Washington, DC.
(2) Paul W. "Bud" Bucha, a recipient of the Medal of Honor and an advocate for veterans, is an American hero.
(3) Paul W. "Bud" Bucha, the son of a colonel in the Army, spent his childhood in California, Germany, Indiana, Japan, and St. Louis, Missouri.
(4) Paul W. "Bud" Bucha turned down several scholarships for both academics and athletics and instead enrolled in the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He went on to be a two-time All-American and captain of the West Point swim team. In 1965, he graduated in the top 5 percent of his class and number two in Military Order of Merit.
(5) Paul W. "Bud" Bucha earned a Masters of Business Administration from Stanford University in 1967, all while completing Airborne and Ranger training between academic years.
(6) Paul W. "Bud" Bucha reported for duty with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, to prepare for deployment to Vietnam as part of Operation Eagle Thrust in November 1967.
(7) Paul W. "Bud" Bucha was appointed commander of Company D, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment. His company was the last rifle company to be formed during an Army expansion. He jokingly recalled that his recruits were men who had flunked basic infantry tasks, former prisoners, and "guys with master's degrees in Elizabethan literature". He took pride in his company, dubbed the "clerks and jerks". They went on to become one of the most decorated units by the end of the war.
(8) Paul W. "Bud" Bucha distinguished himself with extraordinary heroism while leading 89 men on a reconnaissance mission near Phuoc Vinh, Vietnam, from March 16th through 18th, 1968. As part of the Tet Offensive, his unit was dropped by helicopter and his men set out to repel attacks by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces. As the sun set on March 18, 1968, he and his men advanced into a dense jungle and found themselves outgunned by approximately 1,500 enemy troops. Under attack, he crawled 40 yards through the hail of fire and singlehandedly destroyed a machine-gun bunker with grenades, all while sustaining a shrapnel wound. He then orchestrated an overnight offensive, directing his men to spread out, throw grenades, and unleash heavy fire. He made the enemy believe they were a much larger force. His leadership led to the defeat of a superior Vietnamese stronghold, leaving 156 enemy dead. Come morning, he guided the medical evacuation of three air-ambulance loads of seriously wounded personnel.
(9) President Richard Nixon presented the Medal of Honor to Paul W. "Bud" Bucha in a ceremony at the White House in 1970.
(10) Paul W. "Bud" Bucha originally wanted to turn down the Medal of Honor because he did not feel deserving. In Vietnam, he asked his men to trust him and, in turn, promised to bring them home safe. 10 of his men were killed on the night of March 18, 1968. Paul W. "Bud" Bucha ultimately accepted the Medal of Honor in their memory, saying it belongs to his men.
(11) Paul W. "Bud" Bucha resigned his Army commission in 1972.
(12) Paul W. "Bud" Bucha was an active member of several veterans service organizations (commonly referred to as "VSOs"), including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and the Vietnam Veterans of America. He generously served on the board of directors of Homes for Our Troops, a VSO that builds specially adapted custom homes for severely injured veterans. He also served as Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment and Training Services at the Department of Labor.
(13) Paul W. "Bud" Bucha used his voice for veterans struggling with mental health. He believed that all veterans, whether they have "4 stars or no stripes, man or woman", would be touched by post-traumatic stress. He used the term "post-traumatic stress" to acknowledge the impact of combat experiences on the mental health of veterans and he intentionally left out the word "disorder" to help destigmatize their struggle.
(14) Paul W. "Bud" Bucha battled post-traumatic stress on his own for 42 years before courageously seeking help at the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in West Haven, Connecticut. In the final years of his life, Paul W. "Bud" Bucha also received neurological care at that medical center. His family expressed deep gratitude for the compassionate and skilled care he received, especially recognizing the leadership of Dr. Huned Patwa, Chief of Staff, and Dr. Becky Rhoads, Executive Director. His family also commended the dedicated
neurologists, psychiatrists, and oncologists who supported him as his health declined.
(15) Paul W. "Bud" Bucha spent the last two weeks of his life at the medical center of the Department in West Haven, Connecticut, and passed away from complications of Alzheimer's disease on July 31, 2024. In his final act of courage and service, he donated his brain to the Center for Human Brain Discovery at Yale University.
SEC. 3. DESIGNATION OF CAPTAIN PAUL W. "BUD" BUCHA VA
MEDICAL CENTER.
(a) In General.--The medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in West Haven, Connecticut, or any successor location for such medical center, shall after the date of the enactment of this Act be known and designated as the "Captain Paul W. `Bud' Bucha Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center" or the "Captain Paul W. `Bud' Bucha VA Medical Center".
(b) Reference.--Any reference in any law, regulation, map, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the medical center referred to in subsection (a) shall be considered to be a reference to the Captain Paul W. "Bud" Bucha VA Medical Center.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Conaway) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4647, the Captain Paul W. "Bud" Bucha VA Medical Center Act of 2025, sponsored by Representative DeLauro.
This bill would designate the West Haven VA Medical Center in Connecticut as the Captain Paul W. "Bud" Bucha VA Medical Center.
Captain Paul "Bud" Bucha was an American hero whose life exemplified courage, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to his fellow veterans, both on the battlefield and at home.
After graduating from West Point, Captain Bucha was sent to Vietnam where he commanded his company during an intense recon mission.
In March 1968, Captain Bucha displayed extraordinary courage while leading his company against a larger enemy force.
Under intense fire, he destroyed an enemy bunker, directed the withdrawal of his men, coordinated artillery and air support, evacuated wounded soldiers, and led the recovery of casualties.
For this, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. His actions saved countless lives and are a tribute to the highest ideals of military service.
Captain Bucha's service did not end when he came home. For decades, he dedicated himself to serving veterans, focusing on those struggling with the invisible wounds of war. After experiencing post-traumatic stress himself, he became one of the Nation's strongest advocates for getting veterans out of the rut and back to living. He challenged the stigma surrounding mental health care and encouraged countless fellow veterans to seek help.
The West Haven VA Medical Center became an important part of that journey. It was there that Captain Bucha received treatment, continued his advocacy, and ultimately spent his final days. Naming this facility in his honor would ensure that future generations of veterans remember Captain Bucha and his service, not only for his actions in combat, but for what he continued to do for his fellow veterans long after his time in uniform was over.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4647 honors a Medal of Honor recipient, a tireless advocate, and a man whose life was defined by service to others.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4647, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Herbert C. Conaway, Jr. (D-NJ)11:40 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4647 to name the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in West Haven, Connecticut, the "Captain Paul W. `Bud' Bucha VA Medical Center."
I thank my colleagues from Connecticut Senator Blumenthal and Representative DeLauro for their leadership to honor Captain Bucha's legacy.
Captain Bucha's dedication to his country exemplifies service. As a young man, he turned down multiple athletic and academic scholarships, choosing, instead, to enroll in the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he was a two-time All-American and captain of the swim team. He graduated in the top 5 percent of his class and number two in the Order of Military Merit.
In 1967, Captain Bucha deployed to Vietnam as part of Operation Eagle Thrust. As commander of Company D, Third Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, he oversaw a motley crew that he lovingly referred to as "clerks and jerks." They went on to become one of the most decorated units by war's end.
As part of the Tet Offensive, in March 1968, Captain Bucha and his men were dropped by helicopter to repel attacks by the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong. They found themselves outnumbered by 1,500 enemy troops, and Captain Bucha crawled 40 yards through a hail of gunfire and singlehandedly destroyed a machine-gun bunker with grenades.
He then spearheaded an overnight offensive, spreading his men out to throw grenades to convince the enemy that they were the ones who were outnumbered.
He was also instrumental in enabling the medical evacuation of three air ambulance loads of his personnel.
For these heroic efforts, Captain Bucha was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1970. He considered turning it down, feeling undeserving. Ultimately, he accepted, saying that the medal belongs to his men.
After his service, Captain Bucha taught at West Point to help shape the next generation of servicemembers. He also worked with several veterans organizations to advocate for mental health support, job training, and housing for veterans.
Captain Bucha's connection to the West Haven VA Medical Center is deeply personal. He battled post-traumatic stress disorder for 42 years before courageously seeking help at West Haven, where he received compassionate and skilled care in the final years of his life. He passed away at the medical center in 2024 from complications of Alzheimer's disease.
I understand that our colleagues in the Senate passed the companion to this bill in their Chamber last August and have been waiting for the House to take it up for almost a year. I am disappointed that we are not considering the already-passed Senate bill today. This House should have passed that Senate bill long ago.
A well-deserving veteran such as Captain Bucha should have been honored as swiftly as possible. I am concerned that by not taking up the Senate version of this bill today, it will only further delay this bill from getting to the President's desk for signature. Captain Bucha's friends and loved ones should not have to wait so long to see his legacy honored.
Nevertheless, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I hope that it will become law without delay. I can think of no better way to express gratitude for Captain Bucha's lifelong commitment to service of his community and his country than to name this VA medical center in his honor. I urge all Members to support this legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro), the ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee and the author of this legislation.
Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT)11:40 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I am honored and grateful for this opportunity to put forward this legislation. It is legislation that honors a man who embodied the highest ideals of service to his country, his fellow soldiers, and his community, Captain Paul W. "Bud" Bucha, a longtime resident of Ridgefield, Connecticut, and a Medal of Honor recipient.
The bill would rename the West Haven Veterans Affairs Medical Center in West Haven, Connecticut, where Captain Bucha received care for PTSD after his service and neurological care for Alzheimer's disease before he passed away on July 31, 2024.
Captain Bucha received the Medal of Honor in 1970 for his heroic service while on Active Duty during the Vietnam war. He distinguished himself with extraordinary heroism while leading 89 men on a reconnaissance mission in Vietnam under heavy enemy fire from about 1,500 soldiers. He fearlessly directed our defenses, personally destroyed a machine-gun bunker, and sustained a shrapnel wound. Using flashlights in complete view of enemy snipers, Captain Bucha also directed the medical evacuation of three air ambulance loads of seriously wounded personnel.
The captain's dedication to serving others continued after his time in uniform. He served as president of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society from 1995 to 1999. He advised President Obama on foreign policy during his 2008 Presidential campaign. He served on the board of directors of Homes For Our Troops, a veteran service organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes for severely injured 9/11 veterans. He also served as chairman of the Advisory Committee on Veterans' Employment, Training and Employer Outreach Services at the United States Department of Labor.
Even after his death, Captain Bucha's selflessness lives on. His brain was donated to the Center for Human Brain Discovery at Yale University for research.
Naming the West Haven VA Medical Center in his honor is a deserving tribute to a hero who fought for this country. He earned this highest military distinction and then continued to fight for veterans throughout his life.
His legacy, a legacy of courage and compassion, will live on through the care provided to each and every veteran who walks through its doors.
Mr. Speaker, I am so proud to propose this legislation. I urge my colleagues to support it. I hope that we can move it quickly, with the Senate, and bring it to the President for signature.
Herbert C. Conaway, Jr. (D-NJ)11:40 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 4647 to honor this very deserving veteran.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mike Bost (R-IL)11:40 a.m.
Mr. Speaker, once again, I encourage all Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore11:40 a.m.
The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4647.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
Corporal Patrick D. Tillman Va Clinic
Pages H4478–H4480 · Official textMr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4288) to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in San Jose, California, as the "Corporal Patrick D. Tillman VA Clinic".
The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:
Text printed in the Record (2,553 characters)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Patrick "Pat" Daniel Tillman was born on November 6, 1976, in San Jose, California.
(2) From 1990 to 1994, Pat attended Leland High School in San Jose, California, where he subsequently helped lead his team to a Central Coast Division I Football Championship. Shortly thereafter, Pat was offered a scholarship to and played football for the Arizona State University Sun Devils. While there, he led Arizona State to the 1997 Rose Bowl after an undefeated season, earned three consecutive selections to the Pac-10 All-Academic Football Team, a 1st team Academic All-American honor, as well as the NCAA's Post-Graduate Scholarship for academic and athletic excellence.
(3) Upon graduating college, Pat Tillman was selected in the 7th round of the 1998 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.
(4) In July of 2002, less than 1 year after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Pat chose to suspend a lucrative career in the NFL to join the U.S. Army alongside his brother, Kevin.
(5) Pat and Kevin were subsequently assigned to the second battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment in Fort Lewis, Washington. As an Army Ranger, Pat deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and Operation Enduring Freedom in 2004.
(6) On April 22, 2004, Pat Tillman was killed by gunfire while on patrol in a rugged area of eastern Afghanistan.
(7) Further investigation and subsequent reporting confirmed Tillman was killed via fratricide as he attempted to provide cover for fellow soldiers as they endeavored to escape from a canyon wherein they were trapped.
(8) Pat Tillman is undeniably known as a national hero, was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart medals, and was posthumously promoted to corporal.
SEC. 2. NAME OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMUNITY-
BASED OUTPATIENT CLINIC, SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA.
The community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in San Jose, California, shall after the date of the enactment of this Act be known and designated as the "Corporal Patrick D. Tillman Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic" or the "Pat Tillman VA Clinic". Any reference in any law, regulation, map, document, paper, or other record of the United States to such community-based outpatient clinic shall be considered to be a reference to the "Corporal Patrick D. Tillman Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic" or the "Pat Tillman VA Clinic".
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Conaway) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 4288.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4288, to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in San Jose, California, as the "Corporal Patrick D. Tillman VA Clinic," sponsored by Representative Panetta.
Pat Tillman was born and raised in San Jose, California. He first made his name on the football field at Leland High School, helping lead his team to a Central Coast Division I championship.
He carried that same drive and determination to Arizona State University, where he excelled both as a student and as an athlete.
Mr. Speaker, after being drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 1998, by 2000, Pat had become the team's star safety. He had achieved what so many young athletes dreamed of. He was playing in the NFL. He had a successful career ahead of him and could have made millions of dollars by continuing to play professional football.
Yet, after the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, Pat Tillman made a different choice. When his country needed him, Pat answered the call. He put the needs of his country above his own dreams, above his own career, and above the life of comfort and success that he already earned.
Mr. Speaker, that is the definition of an American hero. When terrorists struck the Twin Towers, Pat, like so many other Americans, ran toward the fight.
Pat once said: "A lot of my family has . . . gone and fought in wars. And I really haven't done a damned thing as far as laying myself on the line like that, and so I have a great deal of respect for those that have and what the flag stands for."
Those were not empty words. In 2002, Pat enlisted in the United States Army. He served with the 75th Ranger Regiment. During his second deployment--I will say that again--his second deployment, while serving in Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Pat's unit came under attack.
Pat died in action while providing cover for his fellow soldiers. Because of his courage, his fellow soldiers were able to escape danger.
For his bravery and sacrifice, Pat was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Silver Star.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4288 is a fitting tribute to Pat Tillman, a son of San Jose, a professional athlete, an Army Ranger, and an American hero who gave up fame and fortune to serve the country he loved.
By naming the VA clinic after him, we would ensure that his story of courage, service, and sacrifice will continue for decades. Those of us who can remember Pat Tillman and remember what an amazing thing he did, to leave a career as a professional football player to serve this Nation and the flag that hangs behind you, Mr. Speaker, is something that those of us who are big football fans and a big Pat Tillman fan understand.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4288, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Herbert C. Conaway, Jr. (D-NJ)
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I am really moved by the chairman's comments about Mr. Tillman.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4288 to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in San Jose, California, after Corporal Patrick "Pat" Daniel Tillman.
I thank my colleague, Representative Panetta, for honoring the legacy of this American hero.
Pat Tillman was born in San Jose, California, in 1976. From 1990 to 1994, Pat attended Leland High School in San Jose, California, where he helped lead his team to a Central Coast Division I football championship.
Mr. Tillman was offered a scholarship to play football for Arizona State University. While there, he led Arizona State to the 1997 Rose Bowl after an undefeated season. He earned three consecutive selections to the Pac-10 All-Academic Football Team, a first team Academic All-American honor, and received the NCAA post-graduate scholarship for academic and athletic excellence.
After graduating ASU summa cum laude in 1998 with a bachelor of science, he was drafted to play for the Arizona Cardinals, where he played until July 2002.
Less than 1 year after 9/11, Tillman felt a call to serve his country and enlisted in the U.S. Army.
Mr. Tillman, with his brother Kevin, who joined the Army at the same time, were both assigned to the 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Lewis, Washington.
As an Army Ranger, Pat Tillman deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and Operation Enduring Freedom in 2004. On April 22, 2004, Pat Tillman was tragically killed by friendly fire while on patrol in the rugged area of eastern Afghanistan.
Pat Tillman was undeniably known as a national hero, and his service reflects that. He was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart medals, and he was posthumously promoted to corporal.
Following his death, his widow, Marie, and his family and friends established the Pat Tillman Foundation, which awards academic scholarships to military servicemembers, veterans, and their spouses.
I can think of no better way to honor Mr. Tillman's legacy and demonstrate our Nation's continued gratitude for his service than to name this VA clinic in his honor.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Herbert C. Conaway, Jr. (D-NJ)
Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Panetta), my good friend and author of this legislation, who serves on the House Budget Committee and the Ways and Means Committee.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bipartisan legislation to rename the San Jose veterans affairs clinic for U.S. Army Corporal Patrick D. Tillman.
Mr. Speaker, this is more than about just a naming of a VA clinic. This is about patriotism. It is about passion, and it is about progression as a nation.
Now, there is no doubt, as you have heard, Mr. Speaker, that Pat was a patriot. After 9/11, he gave up a $3.6 million contract playing professional football to enlist in the U.S. Army.
Mr. Speaker, Pat had a storied football career, be it as a beast on the gridiron for the Chargers of Leland High School in Almaden Valley, San Jose; at Arizona State University as an Academic All-American who graduated summa cum laude in 3\1/2\ years; as an All-American who helped the Sun Devils to an undefeated season and a Rose Bowl berth in 1997; and then, of course, as a professional football player in the NFL for the Arizona Cardinals, where he set a franchise record for tackles in the year 2000.
Mr. Speaker, despite all of that, he felt he hadn't done a dang thing for this great country.
Pat grew up in a family of service who had gone and fought wars. He grew up knowing that his great-grandfather served at Pearl Harbor during the attack in 1941. He grew up realizing that in our democracy, we have an obligation to give back to our country that gives a guy like Pat Tillman the opportunity to play professional football.
He felt that he could fulfill that responsibility by joining the U.S. Army and becoming a U.S. Ranger.
Mr. Speaker, I admit that I did not know Pat Tillman, but when we know about Pat Tillman, all of us--all of us--feel his passion.
He did nothing half baked. He did everything with a full heart: academics, athletics, and of course, the service to our Nation.
He said: "You should be passionate about everything you do; if not, why do it?" That was his attitude about life, a passion that is demonstrated by that iconic photo of Pat on the football field that became the foundation for the statue of Pat outside Arizona State Sun Devil Stadium at the entrance of Tillman Tunnel that depicts Pat running, yelling, and hair flying.
That was the passion that drove his success on the football field. That passion drove his determination to do something after our Nation was attacked on 9/11. That passion led him to be all that he could be as an Army Ranger alongside his brother, Kevin, where they were subsequently assigned to the 2nd battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment.
Now, as an Army Ranger, Pat deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and then to Operation Enduring Freedom in 2004.
Mr. Speaker, it was on April 22 of that year that Pat was in Khost province in the southeast Afghanistan border region, and on that day he was part of two convoys on patrol in a narrow valley.
As they were going down this valley, they came to a fork in the road where the first convoy was supposed to turn left and the second convoy was supposed to turn right. That was Pat's convoy.
When Pat got to that fork in the road, they realized that it was impassable, and so they followed behind the first convoy to the left unbeknownst to the first convoy.
A while later, the enemies started to ambush the first convoy. Pat's convoy behind a hill heard it, knew what they had to do, and responded. Pat and two other members of that convoy immediately exited their Humvees, got up to a ridge where they could see the first convoy, and then started firing at the enemies up on the hill.
The first convoy, unfortunately, did not know that up on that ridge it was Pat Tillman. Pat's last words were: Cease fire. I am Pat f'ing Tillman.
Now, at first, Mr. Speaker, the Army put out a standard statement saying that Pat Tillman was killed by enemy fire, but after four military investigations and numerous independent investigations, including one by his own mother, Dannie, the truth came out that Pat was killed by friendly fire.
It was not just Pat's death that hurt. It was the sense of deception that made this story difficult. That is why the legacy of Pat Tillman should also be about progress, what we can do better as an Army, as a military, as a Congress, and as a country to ensure that this never happens again.
Mr. Speaker, Pat was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart and was posthumously promoted to corporal, but something tells me, Mr. Speaker, he wouldn't want it. Similar to this legislation, something tells me that Pat Tillman wouldn't want this recognition.
Well, Pat Tillman may not want this, but as a community and as a country, we want it, and, yes, we need it.
In this day of division and dysfunction, we must always, always be reminded of the sacrifice of the service and the ultimate sacrifice of someone like Pat Tillman. We must always be reminded of his patriotism, of his passion. Mr. Speaker, yes, we must always be reminded that we must always progress as a nation.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this legislation renaming the San Jose VA Clinic the Corporal Patrick D. Tillman VA Clinic.
Mike Bost (R-IL)12:00 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I am ready to close.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Herbert C. Conaway, Jr. (D-NJ)12:00 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I am prepared to close.
I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 4288 to honor this very deserving veteran, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mike Bost (R-IL)12:00 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, once again, I encourage all Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore12:00 p.m.
The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4288.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027
Pages H4480–H4523 · Official textMr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 8595 and that I may include tabular material on the same.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Florida?
There was no objection.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Bost)
Pursuant to House Resolution 1423 and rule XVIII, the Chair declares the House in the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for the consideration of the bill, H.R. 8595.
The Chair appoints the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Patronis) to preside over the Committee of the Whole.
Accordingly, the House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 8595) making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, and for other purposes, with Mr. Patronis in the chair.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The CHAIR12:10 p.m.
Pursuant to the rule, the bill is considered read the first time.
General debate shall be confined to the bill and shall not exceed 1 hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations or their respective designees.
The gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Lois Frankel) each will control 30 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart).
Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)12:10 p.m.
Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I am pleased to present the fiscal year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs appropriations bill to the House for consideration and for approval.
Now, let me start by noting the untimely, sad passing of our friend and colleague, Senator Lindsey Graham. As chairman of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee in the Senate, he was my counterpart. We worked together closely on our top priority, the national security of the United States. Senator Graham was a tough negotiator, but always, always, an honorable partner. He will be greatly missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his staff, and those who knew and loved him.
At the outset, I thank Chairman Cole for his invaluable leadership and commitment to ensuring that Congress upholds its responsibility to provide the tools necessary to safeguard our national security along with his partner in this endeavor, Ranking Member DeLauro.
I also thank the ranking member of the subcommittee, Ranking Member Frankel, for the longstanding relationship that she and I have--we have been friends for many, many years--and for her valuable contributions during the bill development process. I will tell you, anybody who knows Lois Frankel, she is tough, but she is always trustworthy.
Mr. Chairman, this bill is very straightforward. If you are a friend or an ally of the United States, this bill supports you, but if you are an adversary or you are cozying up to the adversaries of the United States, then, frankly, you are just not going to like this bill.
This bill is the next step in strengthening our national security while reducing spending. Under Chairman Cole's leadership, House Republicans have delivered nearly $12 billion in responsible cuts within the purview of this subcommittee just since 2023.
The fiscal year 2027 bill continues this work with another $2.7 billion in reductions, yet our national security priorities are funded at or above prior year levels.
The bill maintains $1.8 billion for partners in the Indo-Pacific, including $500 million in military assistance for Taiwan. It provides unwavering support for Israel and fully funds the United States-Israel Memorandum of Understanding by providing $3.3 billion in security assistance.
The bill recognizes the valuable partnerships in the Western Hemisphere which continue to expand and realign under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Marco Rubio.
The bill, again, increases support for our friends and allies, such as Paraguay, Argentina, and Costa Rica. As part of this effort, the bill increases funds to fight the trafficking of fentanyl, which has devastated every community and so many families across America.
It also continues strong support for a democratic transition to freedom for the people of Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, and it supports religious freedom in Nigeria and around the world.
Last year, the NSRP Subcommittee, as we like to call it, focused on responsibly transitioning the program PEPFAR to capable partners and to countries that are capable of doing more.
PEPFAR has been and is a great success story, but I think most of us would agree that the program, or any program, should not and cannot just go on forever in perpetuity. So working alongside the administration, countries are now investing significant resources of their own towards their own health, allowing this committee to reduce funding, but--this is key--while maintaining the same outcomes.
Just as critical as what the bill funds--I have talked about some of that--is what this bill does not fund and how it demands accountability for every single tax dollar.
The bill prohibits funds to the People's Republic of China, the Chinese Communist Party, and from being used by other countries to repay a debt owed to Communist China. It also prohibits lending to the PRC within the multilateral development banks, something that we shouldn't have to do. This bill does it, however.
The bill continues a key provision adopted in the previous year that blocks assistance to anyone that supports, finances, or facilitates the operations of the Cuban military. It prohibits all assistance to the Taliban and puts Americans first by withholding funds from Mexico until water owed to the United States is finally delivered.
Assessed funding to the United Nations is cut by $1.8 billion. No funds are included for the United Nations regular budget, and funds are prohibited to organizations such as the World Health Organization, the United Nations Relief and Work Agency, known as UNRWA, which actively contradicts U.S. priorities and national security interests.
The bill helps secure justice for victims of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack, which, by the way, includes 50 murdered Americans, by requiring full accountability for UNRWA staff involved.
A key measure from last year's bill, which was enacted into law in fiscal year 2026, is also maintained in this one, requiring the Secretary of State to consider the U.N. voting record of countries in determining the allocation of funds.
The bill supports full implementation of key executive orders that reflect a clear commitment to a secure border, limited government, free speech, ending censorship, ending DEI programs, and so much more.
Finally, Mr. Chairman, the bill maintains all longstanding pro-life provisions. It prohibits funds to the U.N. Population Fund and upholds the President's policy on Protecting Life in Foreign Assistance.
These measures, Mr. Chairman, alongside enhanced oversight and transparency, ensure American taxpayer dollars do not fund abortions, a policy that Americans overwhelmingly support.
Now, before reserving, Mr. Chairman, I thank the staff of the committee on both sides of the aisle for their hard work. I, frankly, sometimes think that they are not human. Their work ethic is really beyond compare, and one cannot thank them enough, so I thank the staff.
Mr. Chairman, I commend the Speaker for bringing this crucial legislation to the floor. It supports our allies and protects our national security in a smart, efficient, and thoughtful way.
Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)12:20 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Chair, let me just start by expressing my extreme respect for my chairman, Mr. Diaz-Balart, our subcommittee, and the staff.
Mr. Chair, I rise today in opposition to the Republican fiscal year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs appropriations, and I do so with regret.
This bill should be our moment to strengthen America and show the world that American leadership is more than bombs, bullying, and illegal tariffs. Done right, this bill could make our Nation more secure at home and abroad. Sadly, it falls painfully short.
Rather than make smart investments in the tools that prevent conflict and build peace and prosperity, the Trump administration has chosen to put us in a war that is costing our country billions of dollars and countless lives with no end in sight.
Real security requires more. It requires diplomacy, development, and humanitarian leadership.
Real security means showing up before a crisis becomes a catastrophe, before instability becomes extremism, and before conflict becomes war.
This is how we build alliances, and this is how we create trading partners. This is how we stop diseases before they reach our shores. This is how we keep our American sons and daughters from having to fight another war. Yet, this bill hollows out the very tools that have kept Americans safe for generations.
Let's be honest about what has happened. USAID has been dismantled, programs have been terminated, and decades of experience have been cast aside. Clinics are closing, vaccines are going undelivered, and contraceptives are sitting in warehouses.
Children are losing their chance to go to school, families are going hungry, communities are losing access to clean water, and people are losing their lives.
If these cuts continue, researchers warn that by 2030 more than 14 million additional people could die, including 4.5 million children under the age of 5. Think about that, Mr. Chairman, 4.5 million children whose lives could have been saved.
Remember, Mr. Chair, we are all in this world together. When hunger grows, when disease spreads, when poverty deepens, and when hope disappears, instability follows. Extremism finds fertile ground, and America becomes less secure, not more secure.
Yet, at this moment, the world needs more American leadership. This bill tells us to retreat. It proposes $14 billion less in international affairs than just 4 years ago, a cut of more than 23 percent.
These cuts weaken our diplomats, dismantle our development programs, and slash humanitarian assistance. They undermine global health efforts that stop threats before they reach our shores.
Meanwhile, another appropriations bill moves us toward more than $1 trillion in defense spending, the most ever in the history of our country, and our President wants another half a billion dollars more.
Let me be clear, Mr. Chairman. I believe in a strong military. I am the mother of a marine who served in two wars, and I know that we owe every serviceman and -woman more than just our gratitude.
The choice should not be between military strength and diplomacy. American security depends on both. We owe those brave servicemen and -women a foreign policy that does everything possible to prevent the next war before asking them to fight in one.
That is because diplomacy prevents conflict; development reduces the desperation that fuels violence; and humanitarian assistance builds stability. Strong alliances ensure that America never stands alone.
These are not acts of charity. These are investments in American national security. Instead of strengthening our security, this bill walks away from it. It rescinds $1 billion in humanitarian assistance. It turns our back on the women around the world, the foundation of families and communities, by slashing family planning programs and eliminating support for UNFPA.
It expands the global gag rule, imposing ideological restrictions that silence healthcare providers, denying women critical medical information, and conditioning U.S. assistance on compliance with anti-DEI and anti-LGBTQ+ policies.
It even refuses to meet our commitments to the United Nations by not paying our dues. It eliminates funding for the U.S. Institute of Peace, the Inter-American Foundation, and the U.S. African Development Foundation, institutions that prevent conflict, strengthen democracy, expand economic opportunity, and advance America's interests. It turns its back on building relationships with the growing nations of Africa, the continent with the world's fastest-growing population, rapidly expanding economies, and many of tomorrow's most important partners.
That is not strength. That is surrendering leadership.
When America walks away, who walks in? China walks in, Russia steps in, and extremists fill the vacuum.
This debate is not choosing between hard power and soft power.
Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to reject this bill because America's greatest strength has not only been our military power. It is the power of ideals, the power of diplomacy, the power of compassion, the power of partnership, and the power of American leadership.
Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)12:20 p.m.
Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole), who is the chairman and the leader of the Appropriations Committee.
Tom Cole (R-OK)12:20 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I thank my distinguished friend and vice chair of the full committee, Chairman Diaz-Balart, for yielding the time and for his work on this bill.
The fiscal year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs bill makes a clear statement about American leadership: We will engage where it matters. We will invest where it counts. We will demand accountability for every dollar spent.
The legislation before us today, Mr. Chairman, implements a clear-eyed and unapologetic approach to our security and democracy efforts.
It leaves no doubt about our Nation's posture. America will not be passive or simply write blank checks. Every investment we make must advance U.S. interests, strengthen our strategic position, and deliver measurable results for the American people.
We are putting our values into action by upholding freedom, promoting economic opportunity, supporting religious liberty, and safeguarding protections that uphold life.
This approach marks a necessary course correction. Unlike previous administrations that prioritized symbolism over outcomes, President Trump and Chairman Diaz-Balart have returned U.S. engagement to a foundation of strength, accountability, and strategic purpose.
On every level, this bill reiterates that it won't be optics but real results that drive our work.
The measure stands firmly with our friends while drawing a clear line against our adversaries. It reinforces support for key allies, like Israel and Taiwan, and directly counters threats from Communist China and other regimes that challenge our interests and principles. It also demands greater accountability and raises expectations for our partners, recognizing that enduring alliances are strongest when responsibilities are shared.
Further, it implements strategic investments that enhance U.S. leverage abroad and combat fentanyl trafficking and criminal organizations. It refocuses our diplomacy on core missions like embassy security, passport services, and promoting American businesses overseas.
The bottom line is simple: This legislation recognizes that freedom and democracy are not mere ideals. They are principles that we will actively champion and advance.
Chairman Diaz-Balart's bill directs resources to the highest impact priorities that strengthen America's position while cutting billions in unnecessary spending. This bill delivers security, strategic focus, and results.
Mr. Chair, I thank my friend from Florida and Ranking Member Frankel for their leadership, and I thank the staff on both sides of the aisle for their hard work. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)12:30 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro), the distinguished ranking member of the Appropriations Committee.
Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT)12:30 p.m.
Mr. Chairman, I thank Ranking Member Frankel for her leadership and work on this bill. I also extend my appreciation to Chairman Diaz-Balart and Chairman Cole for their partnership.
I also thank the subcommittee staff: Erin Kolodjeski, Ed Etzkorn, and Laurie Mignone on the minority side, and their counterparts on the majority: Susan Adams, Craig Higgins, Jamie McCormick, Trey Hicks, John Muscolini, Gabriella Zach, Erin McMenamin, and Clelia Alvarado. I thank them all for their work.
Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this bill. It undercuts humanitarian assistance, undermines global health programs, threatens women's health, and breaks promises to our partners and our allies, while surrendering influence to our adversaries.
After failing to bring this bill to the floor for several weeks, Republican leadership has decided to attach an entirely unrelated measure that would restrict voting access for American citizens.
President Trump has insisted on this measure, despite opposition from members of his own party. He is afraid the American people will voice their vehement disapproval of Republican-led government and the failed policies of this administration at the ballot box in November.
The President's war with Iran has been a catastrophic failure. It has cost Americans more than $130 billion in higher prices so far. President Trump began this war with no plan, no strategy, no objective, no goal, and no understanding of the consequences.
Nearly 6 months into the war, and the Iranian regime is still in place. The Iranian people are not free. Their ballistic missile program is intact. Their nuclear ambitions are unchanged. Their proxies are emboldened, and gas prices are rising. Their leverage is greater than it has been before, and President Trump has not articulated any course of action to bring this conflict to a close that is even remotely intelligible.
The Trump Doctrine is failure followed by failure, chaos abroad, and high costs at home. The bill that we are considering today will only set us up for more failures in the future.
This bill cuts funding for global health programs, particularly in the areas of reproductive health and global health security, making us more vulnerable to infectious disease outbreaks that originate abroad.
We are seeing the consequences of this administration's decisions to dismantle the USAID, withdraw from the World Health Organization, and decimate our global health systems in real time, as the current Ebola outbreak in Africa threatens to become the deadliest in history. Because it took so long to detect and due to the challenging conditions, we will likely be working to contain this outbreak for more than a year.
Aid workers are working in active combat zones, putting their own lives at risk from both infection and violence to stop this disease from reaching our shores. Here we are debating a bill that would further choke off resources they desperately need to keep all of us safe.
Let us not forget the Trump administration's choice to dismantle USAID is a moral tragedy. More than 500,000 children have died as a result of these cuts. It is unconscionable.
This bill does not provide any funding for the U.N. regular budget, abandoning one of the longest standing institutions devoted to global peace. Undermining the U.N. only erodes our influence. It also shortchanges American businesses who receive upwards of $2 billion in U.N. contracts both here in the United States and overseas, which is more than our dues.
The bill threatens women's health around the globe, blocking any funds from going to the U.N. Population Fund, which is dedicated to reducing maternal mortality and violence against women and extending family planning to women and girls everywhere.
This includes work to eliminate obstetric fistula, a traumatic childbirth injury that leads to incontinence, infections, kidney disease, and infertility. By failing to provide any funding for UNFPA, the conditions under which millions of women around the world live will only become worse. Approximately 260,000 women around the world died during or shortly following pregnancy in 2023. That is 700 maternal deaths every day, one maternal death every 2 minutes. Eliminating this funding is a moral failure.
This bill also eliminates funding for the U.S. Institute of Peace, the Inter-American Foundation, and the U.S. African Development Foundation. Each of these programs strengthen our influence abroad, helping to cultivate relationships with the next generation of global leaders, and prevents crises before they arise.
This bill surrenders American influence to our adversaries. For every step backward we take, they take a step forward. Continually defunding the institutions that support America's international presence will have serious, lasting consequences.
In less than 2 years, the Trump administration has squandered decades of American influence, undermining our ability to persuade other countries to support our values and interests without resorting to the use of force. This bill reduces our ability to reclaim any of that influence for years to come.
Mr. Chairman, I encourage my colleagues to oppose this bill.
Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)12:30 p.m.
Mr. Chairman, I am now pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Alford), a valuable member of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee.
Mark Alford (R-MO)12:30 p.m.
Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Diaz-Balart and Ranking Member Frankel for their hard work on putting this bill together.
Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this fiscal year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs funding bill. We are talking about security through responsibility today.
This is a bill that does something that Washington doesn't always do: It spends less, and it prioritizes more. It cuts spending by $2.6 billion, compared to last year, while putting American interests and national security first. It also demands fiscal responsibility.
It strengthens oversight of taxpayer dollars, especially, with new accountability for grant programs, to make sure that taxpayer dollars are not spent on woke projects, like a transgender opera in Colombia.
Mr. Chairman, this legislation also makes a simple promise to the American people: If American taxpayers are footing the bill, then more of that money should stay right here in America. It is pretty simple. It should stay in America to support our defense, to support our industrial base, and to strengthen Made in America procurement. When we do spend abroad, it should serve American interests, supporting our allies like Israel and Taiwan.
This bill, Mr. Chairman, is about security. It is about accountability, and it is about putting America first. That is why I strongly urge its support.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)12:30 p.m.
Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Walkinshaw).
James R. Walkinshaw (D-VA)12:30 p.m.
Mr. Chairman, America's strength in the world has never been that we are perfect. It is that, unlike our adversaries, we have consistently aspired to lead by example and with our values.
Building the capacity of a local community abroad to combat deadly diseases like malaria, Ebola, tuberculosis, and HIV is not just the right and just thing to do. It serves American interests. Disease outbreaks do not respect borders, and investments in global health protect Americans at home.
That is why the dismantling of USAID is so dangerous. USAID isn't a charity. It was boots on the ground, a force multiplier for the CDC and our broader national security efforts.
Let's be honest. Slashing foreign aid will not balance the Federal budget. Anyone with a calculator knows you are not going to address the skyrocketing deficit by cutting programs that amount to a rounding error in Federal spending. This is about American values and American security.
Mr. Chairman, that is why I cannot support this bill. It ignores the reality of what has already been lost.
Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)12:30 p.m.
Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Moore), an important member who has brought great experience to the subcommittee.
Riley M. Moore (R-WV)12:40 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I rise in support of this legislation, and I thank Chairman Cole and Chairman Diaz-Balart for their leadership on this bill.
This bill reinforces the important work we have championed to combat the persecution of Christians in Nigeria where nearly 100,000 Christians have been killed since 2009.
Last year, President Trump asked Chairman Cole and myself to investigate the slaughter of Christians in Nigeria, with myself and Chairman Diaz-Balart going to Nigeria.
Since then, we have worked with the Trump administration to develop a strategy that provides assistance to the Nigerian Government in their defense of Christians while holding President Tinubu's government accountable if they fail.
The U.S.-Nigeria security agreement is already bearing fruit, including eliminating ISIS' number two globally.
This bill bolsters our strategy by conditioning 50 percent of all U.S. assistance to Nigeria on measurable actions to protect Christians. It also puts a spotlight on the Middle Belt where we have not seen nearly enough progress in protecting Christians against Fulani Islamic terrorists.
With this vote, we will express the support of this Chamber for the report we presented to the White House on how to end the Christian genocide in Nigeria.
Mr. Chair, the United States must never turn a blind eye to our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ. I urge my colleagues to vote "yes" on this bill.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)12:40 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the distinguished ranking member of the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee.
Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD)12:40 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.
Mr. Chair, sadly, I cannot agree with Chairman Cole. This bill does not send a strong message to our friends, nor does it send an unmistakable message to our adversaries.
Sadly, this bill has zero for Ukraine, our ally fighting the Russian invader. That is a grave mistake and absolutely the wrong approach. It is a dangerous signal at a time when we ought to show unwavering support for Ukraine's defense of its homeland.
Yesterday marked 40 days since the House passed the Ukraine Support Act. That bipartisan legislation would provide Ukraine with an additional $8 billion in loans for military procurement as well as $1.3 billion in direct security assistance.
It also would impose new sanctions that will further erode Vladimir Putin's ability to continue this illegal, immoral, and unjust war. Now, it is the Senate's turn to act.
Over the weekend, America lost a champion in the effort to stand with Ukraine. Senator Graham understood that America's responsibility was to ensure that Ukraine has every resource it needs, but none in this bill. Not just to survive but to win.
Senator Graham died just hours after returning from Ukraine and securing bipartisan agreement on a new punishing sanction bill. I hope that all of us in the House and Senate will honor his memory by continuing to vigorously support Ukraine.
Its drone strategy is creating space on the battlefield for real movement. Something is in the air, and it is the feeling that victory is not only achievable but increasingly within reach. This bill does not send a strong message of that objective. Not the end of the beginning, but finally, hopefully, perhaps the beginning of the end.
The Acting CHAIR (Mr. Weber of Texas)12:40 p.m.
The time of the gentleman has expired.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)12:40 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I yield an additional 10 seconds to the gentleman from Maryland.
Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD)12:40 p.m.
Let us be clear: America does not abandon our allies. America does not shrink from the fight. Democracy will not yield 1 inch to tyranny. We should be saying that in this bill. I do not yield my opposition to tyranny.
Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)12:40 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Shreve), a member of the Appropriations Committee.
Jefferson Shreve (R-IN)12:40 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of fiscal year 2027 National Security and Department of State Appropriations Act.
This legislation candidly and simply delivers on conservative promises, helps put America first while conducting vigorous oversight of our foreign assistance programs. It upholds longstanding pro-life protections, and holds foreign governments that violate religious freedoms are held accountable.
Importantly, this legislation delivers on my number one priority, pushing back on the Chinese-linked foreign scam operations that have bilked Americans out of countless of billions of dollars. It provides the critical tools to fight human trafficking these syndicates engage in and, frankly, rely upon while building up the law enforcement capacity of partner nations to stop these scammers.
Mr. Chair, I support these commonsense provisions in the underlying bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)12:40 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Torres), a member of our committee.
Norma J. Torres (D-CA)12:40 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman and ranking member of our committee for their work, but unfortunately, I rise today to speak about hard facts, not political talking points.
This bill cuts our security and diplomatic resources by $12 billion compared to last year. This is a 20 percent gutting of our global tools in just 2 years.
When we look at where these cuts actually hit, they defy any commonsense strategy for our national security.
First, this bill completely defunds the Inter-American Foundation. This agency funds local community-led programs in Latin America that keep young people out of drug cartels and gangs. One of these very programs cut youth criminal activity by 90 percent. We cannot claim that we want to see a secure border and stop drug trafficking while simultaneously defunding the most cost-effective, proven programs that stop cartel recruitment at the source.
Second, it completely defunds the U.S. Institute of Peace. We are being asked for billions for the Iran war, but they want to close down the tools we have to stop conflicts before we are forced to send our young men and women in uniform into harm's way.
Third, it cuts over $1 billion from the United Nations. When we walk away from the table, we don't leave a vacuum. We just invite China and Russia to step in, take our place, and write the global rules.
Finally, this bill slashes $1.5 billion from emergency humanitarian aid. Cutting off food, clean water, and medicine during historic global instability is a guarantee for more regional chaos and health emergencies that eventually end up at our borders.
These are just a few of the cuts in the bill that compromise our national security and strengthen our adversaries.
Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)12:40 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Wyoming (Ms. Hageman), but this is proof that you don't have to be on the Appropriations Committee to have a huge impact on the bill.
Harriet M. Hageman (R-WY)12:40 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act.
I commend Chairman Diaz-Balart for his bold leadership to reform U.S. foreign aid over the last several funding cycles. Today, we have a bill before us with additional important reforms.
This bill puts forward a second consecutive year of spending cuts, counters the global climate lunacy agenda, and holds rogue U.N. agencies accountable. Specifically, this bill delivers real solutions on issues I have prioritized over the last several years.
Since 2023, the U.N. has been setting the stage for nations to sue one another for violations of climate change treaties, with the spoils of these lawsuits being for so-called climate reparations. Foreign countries and global environmentalists are seeking to target our country and energy producers at the expense of the U.S. taxpayer.
This bill aligns with legislation I have introduced to block climate reparations.
Secondly, Washington, D.C., has turned a blind eye to the Chinese Communist Party's infiltration of the United Nations, with our taxpayer dollars being used to fund the CCP's malign influence agenda.
The CCP has been successful in winning elections to lead various strategic U.N. agencies and then modifying their policies to the benefit of Beijing rather than the West.
The legislation before us today cuts off U.S. resources to those U.N. agencies that embrace CCP leadership. America should be steering the decisions of these organizations, not the CCP.
H.R. 8595 further advances a bold new agenda of American foreign relations, and I commend Chairmen Diaz-Balart and Cole for their leadership.
Mr. Chair, I encourage all of my colleagues to support this bill.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)12:50 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz), the distinguished ranking member of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee.
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)12:50 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.
Mr. Chair, the State Department funding bill that we are considering here fails to meet this critical, historic moment. Our Nation is at a dangerous crossroads. We are at war, a war that Congress never voted to authorize, a war so recklessly managed that our allies increasingly see us as a threat rather than a reliable partner.
Yet, amid this global chaos, Republicans have abandoned investments to make the world a safer, healthier place. Their callous neglect has caused hundreds of thousands of needless deaths along the way.
President Trump has given up our seat at the table. He has put down the torch of liberty and democracy, all so he can glad-hand dictators and stuff his family's pockets. All the while, working Americans get poorer as the direct result of Trump's chaotic decisions on tariffs, immigration, and military action.
Instead of addressing real threats to our security, our interests, and our values abroad, this bill doubles down on petty, partisan culture war riders. This Republican bill includes a provision to suppress reproductive freedom abroad by boycotting humanitarian groups that provide lifesaving care to women and girls.
Is anyone surprised the same party that rips away Americans' reproductive rights and guts our healthcare is running the same anti-choice playbook worldwide?
Experts predict tens of thousands more unsafe abortions and maternal deaths. No part of this is pro-life. When I filed an amendment to strike this expanded global gag rule, Republicans refused to even allow a vote.
This bill does nothing to reverse Trump's America-last self-sabotage, his disdain for our neighbors in Haiti and Venezuela, or his racist refugee exclusion policy.
Instead of holding him accountable for his corruption, it offers Trump a $1.5 billion slush fund. That is $1.5 billion siphoned from law enforcement, peacekeeping, global health, and, yes, directly from starving children.
With the deficit exploding, prices out of control, and Americans crying out for relief, I can't imagine a worse prescription than a blank check for a President out of control.
When this bill came out of our committee, I thought it couldn't get any worse.
The Acting CHAIR12:50 p.m.
The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)12:50 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentlewoman from Florida.
The Acting CHAIR12:50 p.m.
Members are reminded to refrain from engaging in personalities toward the President.
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)12:50 p.m.
When this bill came out of our committee, I thought it couldn't get any worse. Yet, stunningly, Republican leadership attached President Trump's racist voter suppression bill to it, caving to far-right extremists who held the House floor hostage.
I am voting "no" because this Republican bill won't make your family stronger, safer, or more prosperous, unless your last name is Trump.
The Acting CHAIR12:50 p.m.
Members are reminded to refrain from engaging in personalities toward the President.
Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)12:50 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)12:50 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Meng), the distinguished ranking member of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee and on our committee.
Grace Meng (D-NY)12:50 p.m.
Mr. Chair, my constituents in Queens are facing an affordability crisis, and this bill will only make it worse by endorsing a failed America-alone policy that diminishes our presence on the world stage, abandons women and girls, and guts our soft power.
This bill cuts our national security budget by another 6 percent to fund more tax cuts for billionaires and a proposed military budget now exceeding $1.5 trillion. That is a "trillion" with a capital T.
It comes after this administration destroyed USAID, clawed back hundreds of millions in humanitarian aid already approved by Congress, and canceled over 80 percent of our foreign aid programs. Existing cuts have already led to an estimated 760,000 preventable deaths and are projected to cause up to 23 million by 2030.
Instead of gutting diplomacy and development to pay for a record Pentagon budget, we should be growing our diplomatic presence and investing in programs that tackle conflict and instability at the roots.
By eliminating funding for the U.N., this bill would cede ground to our adversaries, letting Russia and China reshape the U.N. without meaningful U.S. influence. It also doubles down on attacks on women and girls, gutting international family planning and banning funding to the U.N. Population Fund. Instead of abandoning the world's women and girls, we should be investing in them.
It also locks in the administration's expanded global gag rule, exporting a radical rightwing agenda, politicizing aid, and targeting women, minorities, and LGBTQ+ people--people who look to America as a beacon of freedom, not repression.
Our national security budget is not waste. It is not a playground for radical social ideologies or attacks on the world's most vulnerable populations. It is a strategic investment in America's security, global stability, and the power of democracy.
The Acting CHAIR12:50 p.m.
The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)12:50 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I yield an additional 20 seconds to the gentlewoman from New York.
Grace Meng (D-NY)12:50 p.m.
For these reasons, I cannot support this bill, and I urge my colleagues to oppose it.
Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)12:50 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)12:50 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Amo).
Gabe Amo (D-RI)12:50 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 8595.
This disastrous bill doesn't just turn America's back on the world. It makes Americans less safe and more vulnerable to disease.
An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda has taken more than 700 lives and infected more than 1,900 people. American citizens have already been infected, and the outbreak will spread if we fail to contain it.
Republicans' solution? Ban the United States from supporting the World Health Organization, the group coordinating the response to the Ebola outbreak.
The story of outbreaks fueled by Republican shortsighted cuts does not end there. Here at home, we are responding to a growing cyclospora outbreak that has sickened more than 1,600 people across more than 30 States, with thousands more cases under investigation.
Public health officials are still working to identify the source of the outbreak. They are facing an uphill battle thanks to Trump and Republicans' deep cuts to the CDC's public health workforce and the program that monitors foodborne illness.
The cause and effect is clear. When Republicans slash public health funding and stop monitoring the spread of disease, Americans get sick.
For this reason, at the appropriate time, I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to committee. If the House rules permitted, I would have offered the motion with an important amendment to this bill.
My amendment would strike provisions that prohibit U.S. participation in international public health efforts through the World Health Organization and the pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response accord.
Disease prevention and surveillance at home and abroad protect American families. Infectious diseases do not stop at borders. We are safest when we work with partners around the world to detect outbreaks early, share information, and respond before disease reaches our borders.
Mr. Chair, I include in the Record the text of my amendment.
Text printed in the Record (151 characters)
Mr. Amo moves to recommit the bill H.R. 8595 to the Committee on Appropriations with the following amendment:
On page 212, strike lines 10 through 17.
Gabe Amo (D-RI)12:50 p.m.
I hope my colleagues will join me in voting for the motion to recommit.
Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)12:50 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)12:50 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Meeks), the distinguished ranking member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY)12:50 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I rise today in opposition to the fiscal year 2027 appropriations bill for the State Department and foreign operations.
Last year, the Trump administration illegally dismantled USAID and fired over 1,300 State Department employees.
It rescinded $13 billion for critical humanitarian and development programs, and now House Republicans want to approve legislation that amounts to a 20 percent cut from 2025 enacted levels, locking in those dangerous Trump cuts.
It isn't penny-wise, and it certainly is pound-foolish. Case in point: When the administration cut funding for global health, it ended key disease outbreak surveillance and prevention programs. Now we have the second largest Ebola outbreak on record and are scrambling to protect U.S. livestock from the New World screwworm.
Our Republican colleagues have also made in order many amendments that would further damage our national security interests. Prohibiting funding for the United Nations means abdicating U.S. leadership to competitors like China and Russia.
Prohibiting funding for an ally like Jordan makes zero sense amidst the fallout of President Trump's war of choice with Iran and the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Cutting off funding for the National Endowment for Democracy, The Asia Foundation, East-West Center, Peace Corps, Millennium Challenge Corporation, Asian Development Fund, and African Development Bank Group further undercuts American leadership and democracy around the world. Sustained investment in our diplomatic and development institutions is essential if you want to prevent wars instead of paying for them.
Mr. Chairman, this bill does not deliver, and I urge a "no" vote.
Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)1:00 p.m.
Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)1:00 p.m.
Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.
Sadly, this bill arrives at a time when the Trump administration has chosen to put us into a war that is costing our country billions of dollars and countless lives, with no end in sight. I hope I am wrong, but that is what it looks like.
This bill should be a moment to strengthen America and show the world that American leadership is more than bombs, bullying, and illegal tariffs. Done right, it could make our Nation more secure, at home and abroad. Instead, it is falling painfully short.
A strong America requires both hard power and soft power, because military strength alone cannot prevent every conflict, stop every pandemic, build every alliance, or open every new market for American workers. When America leads with diplomacy, development, and humanitarian leadership, we make our Nation stronger and safer. When America retreats, our adversaries advance. This bill retreats from American leadership, and it makes America less secure.
Mr. Chairman, I hope and I expect that we can still improve this legislation as it moves through the legislative process. Until then, I urge a "no" vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)1:00 p.m.
Mr. Chairman, this is a really good bill. I have already talked about it, and you have heard other people talk about it.
It strengthens the national security interests of the United States. It supports our allies. It confronts our adversaries, and, yes, it does all of that while saving taxpayers' money.
Mr. Chairman, I urge a "yes" vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Al Green (D-TX)1:00 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to including funding for Israel's military in the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Program Appropriations Act. I respectfully request that funding for Israel's military be considered through a standalone bill, allowing Members to vote separately on question.
I first made this request in December 2025, when I opposed legislation linking funding for our military with funding for Israel's military. My position has not changed. Today, I again respectfully request that funding for the Department of State and related programs not be linked to funding for Israel's military.
Accordingly, I include in the Record the text of my December 10, 2025, letter to Speaker Mike Johnson. I now believe there should be a standalone vote on all funding to Israel:
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Dear Speaker Johnson, I ask that funding for our military
not be linked to funding Israel's military. I support our
military. I do not approve of attaching my support for our
military to Israel's military. We who support our military
should be allowed to do so without having to fund Israel's
military. Those who support Israel's military should be able
to do so in a standalone bill. I cannot in good conscience
vote to authorize sending our tax dollars to a military whose
prime minister has been accused by the International Criminal
Court of "the war crimes of starvation as a method of
warfare and of intentionally directing an attack against the
civilian population; and the crimes against humanity of
murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts;" to a military
that has killed more than 70,000 thousand Palestinian men,
women, and especially children in Gaza.
If my request to detach funding our military from funding
Israel's military in legislation is not granted, I will
oppose the legislation. While I believe Israel should have a
military, I will not vote to support funding Israel's
military. I make this request on behalf of myself and no one
else. On some issues it is better to stand alone than not
stand at all.
SincereIy, Al Green, Member of Congress, Scion of the
Enslaved Africans, Sacrificed to Make America Great,
Progenitor of August and August 20th as Slavery Remembrance
Month and Day.
The Acting CHAIR (Mr. Goldman of Texas). All time for general debate has expired.
Pursuant the rule, the bill shall be considered for amendment under the 5-minute rule. The bill shall be considered as read.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in
Congress assembled, That the following sums are appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for national security, Department of State, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, and for other purposes, namely:
For necessary expenses of the Department of State and the Foreign Service not otherwise provided for, $9,761,523,000, of which $839,910,000 may remain available until September 30, 2028, and of which up to $4,162,123,000 may remain available until expended for Worldwide Security Protection: Provided, That funds made available under this heading shall be allocated in accordance with paragraphs (1) through (4), as follows:
(1) Human resources.--For necessary expenses for training, human resources management, and salaries, including employment without regard to civil service and classification laws of persons on a temporary basis (not to exceed $700,000), as authorized by section 801 of the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 (62 Stat. 11; Chapter 36), $4,001,579,000, of which up to $738,550,000 is for Worldwide Security Protection.
(2) Overseas programs.--For necessary expenses for the regional bureaus of the Department of State and overseas activities as authorized by law, $1,437,707,000.
(3) Diplomatic policy and support.--For necessary expenses for the functional bureaus of the Department of State, including representation to certain international organizations in which the United States participates pursuant to treaties ratified pursuant to the advice and consent of the Senate or specific Acts of Congress, general administration, and arms control, nonproliferation, and disarmament activities as authorized, $871,645,000.
(4) Security programs.--For necessary expenses for security activities, $3,450,592,000, of which up to $3,423,573,000 is for Worldwide Security Protection.
(5) Reprogramming.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, funds may be reprogrammed within and between paragraphs (1) through (4) under this heading subject to section 7015 of this Act.
Of the amounts deposited in the Consular and Border Security Programs account in this or any prior fiscal year pursuant to section 7069(e) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2022 (division K of Public Law 117-103), $533,000,000 shall be available until expended for the purposes of such account, including to reduce passport backlogs and reduce visa wait times: Provided, That the Secretary of State may by regulation authorize State officials or the United States Postal Service to collect and retain the execution fee for each application for a passport accepted by such officials or by that Service.
For necessary expenses of the Capital Investment Fund, as authorized, $413,615,000, to remain available until expended.
For necessary expenses of educational and cultural exchange programs, as authorized, $647,000,000, to remain available until expended, of which not less than $287,800,000 shall be for the Fulbright Program: Provided, That fees or other payments received from, or in connection with, English teaching, educational advising and counseling programs, and exchange visitor programs as authorized may be credited to this account, to remain available until expended: Provided further, That not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations on the allocation of funds made available under this heading by program, project, and activity: Provided further, That any substantive modifications from the prior fiscal year to programs funded under this heading in this Act, including program consolidation and closures, changes to eligibility criteria and geographic scope, and implementing partners, shall be subject to prior consultation with, and the regular notification procedures of, the Committees on Appropriations.
For representation expenses as authorized, $10,000,000: Provided, That 25 percent of the funds made available under this heading shall not be available for obligation or expenditure until the Secretary of State appears before the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress to testify on the Department's budget request for fiscal year 2027.
For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided, to enable the Secretary of State to provide for extraordinary protective services, as authorized, $30,890,000, to remain available until September 30, 2028.
For necessary expenses for carrying out the Foreign Service Buildings Act of 1926 (22 U.S.C.
Text printed in the Record (10,423 characters)
292 et seq.), preserving, maintaining, repairing, and planning for real property that are owned or leased by the Department of State, and renovating, in addition to funds otherwise available, the Harry S Truman Building, $865,616,000, to remain available until September 30, 2031, of which not to exceed $25,000 may be used for overseas representation expenses as authorized: Provided, That none of the funds appropriated in this paragraph shall be available for acquisition of furniture, furnishings, or generators for other departments and agencies of the United States Government.
In addition, for the costs of worldwide security upgrades, acquisition, and construction as authorized, $1,123,640,000, to remain available until expended.
For necessary expenses to enable the Secretary of State to meet unforeseen emergencies arising in the Diplomatic and Consular Service, as authorized, $8,885,000, to remain available until expended, of which not to exceed $1,000,000 may be transferred to, and merged with, funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "Repatriation Loans Program Account".
For the cost of direct loans, $3,750,000, as authorized: Provided, That such costs, including the cost of modifying such loans, shall be as defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974: Provided further, That such funds are available to subsidize gross obligations for the principal amount of direct loans not to exceed $7,248,588.
For necessary expenses to carry out the Taiwan Relations Act (Public Law 96-8), $35,964,000, of which $5,395,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2028.
Not to exceed $1,917,178 shall be derived from fees collected from other executive agencies for lease or use of facilities at the International Center in accordance with section 4 of the International Center Act (Public Law 90-553), and, in addition, as authorized by section 5 of such Act, $745,000, to be derived from the reserve authorized by such section, to be used for the purposes set out in that section.
For necessary expenses to carry out international communications activities, including grants for radio, internet, and television broadcasting and other international communications activities, $540,000,000, of which $81,000,000 may remain available until September 30, 2028: Provided, That in addition to amounts otherwise available for such purposes, up to $72,720,000 of the amount appropriated under this paragraph may remain available until expended for satellite transmissions, global network distribution, and internet freedom programs: Provided further, That of the funds appropriated under this paragraph and made available for international communications activities, not less than $5,000,000 shall be made available for programming produced about Cuba by the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB), which are in addition to funds otherwise made available for OCB: Provided further, That funds appropriated under this paragraph may be made available for broadcasting capital improvements, which may include the purchase, rent, construction, repair, preservation, and improvement of facilities for radio, television, and digital transmission and reception; the purchase, rent, and installation of necessary equipment for radio, television, and digital transmission and reception, including to Cuba, as authorized; and physical security worldwide: Provided further, That amounts made available pursuant to the previous proviso may remain available until expended and shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations: Provided further, That significant modifications to broadcast hours previously justified to Congress, including changes to transmission platforms (shortwave, medium wave, satellite, internet, and television), for activities funded under this paragraph shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.
In addition, for necessary expenses for the Director of the Office of Cuba Broadcasting to carry out international communications activities for Cuba, including grants for radio, internet, and television broadcasting and other international communications activities, as authorized, $35,000,000, of which $5,250,000 may remain available until September 30, 2028: Provided, That funds made available under this paragraph shall be apportioned to the Director of the Office of Cuba Broadcasting: Provided further, That funds made available under this paragraph shall be made available for medium- and short-wave broadcasting at not less than the fiscal year 2024 level and in a manner able to reach all provinces in Cuba with daily programming: Provided further, That the Office of Cuba Broadcasting shall retain all real property belonging to it as of January 19, 2021: Provided further, That significant modifications to broadcast hours previously justified to Congress, including changes to transmission platforms (shortwave, medium wave, satellite, internet, and television), for activities funded under this paragraph shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.
payment to the foreign service retirement and disability fund
For payment to the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund, as authorized, $47,500,000.
For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided for, to meet annual obligations of membership in international multilateral organizations, pursuant to treaties ratified pursuant to the advice and consent of the Senate, conventions, or specific Acts of Congress, $310,200,000: Provided, That the Secretary of State shall, at the time of the submission of the President's budget to Congress under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, transmit to the Committees on Appropriations the most recent biennial budget prepared by the United Nations for the operations of the United Nations: Provided further, That the Secretary of State shall notify the Committees on Appropriations at least 15 days in advance (or in an emergency, as far in advance as is practicable) of any United Nations action to increase funding for any United Nations program without identifying an offsetting decrease elsewhere in the United Nations budget: Provided further, That any payment of arrearages under this heading shall be directed to activities that are mutually agreed upon by the United States and the respective international organization and shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations: Provided further, That none of the funds appropriated under this heading shall be available for a United States contribution to an international organization for the United States share of interest costs made known to the United States Government by such organization for loans incurred on or after October 1, 1984, through external borrowings.
contributions for international peacekeeping activities
For necessary expenses to pay assessed and other expenses of international peacekeeping activities directed to the maintenance or restoration of international peace and security, $489,519,000, of which $280,000,000 may remain available until September 30, 2028: Provided, That none of the funds made available by this Act shall be obligated or expended for any new or expanded United Nations peacekeeping mission unless, at least 15 days in advance of voting for such mission in the United Nations Security Council (or in an emergency as far in advance as is practicable), the Committees on Appropriations are notified of: (1) the estimated cost and duration of the mission, the objectives of the mission, the national interest that will be served, and the exit strategy; and (2) the sources of funds, including any reprogrammings or transfers, that will be used to pay the cost of the new or expanded mission, and the estimated cost in future fiscal years: Provided further, That none of the funds appropriated under this heading may be made available for obligation unless the Secretary of State certifies and reports to the Committees on Appropriations on a peacekeeping mission-by-mission basis that the United Nations is implementing effective policies and procedures to prevent United Nations employees, contractor personnel, and peacekeeping troops serving in such mission from trafficking in persons, exploiting victims of trafficking, or committing acts of sexual exploitation and abuse or other violations of human rights, and to hold accountable individuals who engage in such acts while participating in such mission, including prosecution in their home countries and making information about such prosecutions publicly available on the website of the United Nations: Provided further, That the Secretary of State shall work with the United Nations and foreign governments contributing peacekeeping troops to implement effective vetting procedures to ensure that such troops have not violated human rights: Provided further, That funds shall be available for peacekeeping expenses unless the Secretary of State determines that United States manufacturers and suppliers are not being given opportunities to provide equipment, services, and material for United Nations peacekeeping activities equal to those being given to foreign manufacturers and suppliers: Provided further, That none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available under this heading may be used for any United Nations peacekeeping mission that will involve United States Armed Forces under the command or operational control of a foreign national, unless the President's military advisors have submitted to the President a recommendation that such involvement is in the national interest of the United States and the President has submitted to Congress such a recommendation: Provided further, That any payment of arrearages with funds appropriated by this Act shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations: Provided further, That the Secretary of State shall work with the United Nations and members of the United Nations Security Council to evaluate and prioritize peacekeeping missions, and to consider a draw down when mission goals have been substantially achieved.
For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided for, to meet obligations of the United States arising under treaties, or specific Acts of Congress, as follows:
Al Green (D-TX)1:00 p.m.
international boundary and water commission, united states and mexico
Text printed in the Record (7,304 characters)
For necessary expenses for the United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico, and to comply with laws applicable to the United States Section, including not to exceed $6,000 for representation expenses, as follows:
For salaries and expenses, not otherwise provided for, $82,900,000, of which $12,585,000 may remain available until September 30, 2028.
In addition, for expenses necessary to carry out paragraph (4)(A)(i) of section 5602(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31), $1,000,000, to remain available until expended.
For detailed plan preparation and construction of authorized projects, $301,300,000, to remain available until expended, as authorized: Provided, That the operating plan required by section 7062(a) of this Act shall include, for each construction project, the expected scope, timeline, and total cost, including out-year cost estimates for construction and operations and maintenance requirements: Provided further, That of the funds appropriated under this paragraph in this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs for the United States Section, up to $5,000,000 may be transferred to, and merged with, funds appropriated under the heading "Salaries and Expenses" to carry out the purposes of the United States Section, which shall be subject to prior consultation with, and the regular notification procedures of, the Committees on Appropriations: Provided further, That such transfer authority is in addition to any other transfer authority provided in this Act.
In addition, for expenses necessary to carry out paragraph (4)(A)(i) of section 5602(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31), $8,000,000, to remain available until expended.
For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided, for the International Joint Commission and the International Boundary Commission, United States and Canada, as authorized by treaties between the United States and Canada or Great Britain, and for grant programs of the North American Development Bank, including technical assistance grants and the Community Assistance Program, $22,323,000: Provided, That of the amount provided under this heading for the International Joint Commission, up to $1,500,000 may remain available until September 30, 2028, and up to $9,000 may be made available for representation expenses: Provided further, That of the amount provided under this heading for the International Boundary Commission, up to $1,000 may be made available for representation expenses.
For necessary expenses for international fisheries commissions, not otherwise provided for, as authorized by law, $75,390,000: Provided, That the United States share of such expenses may be advanced to the respective commissions pursuant to section 3324 of title 31, United States Code.
For a grant to The Asia Foundation, as authorized by The Asia Foundation Act (22 U.S.C. 4402), $17,000,000, to remain available until expended.
For necessary expenses of the Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund, as authorized by section 633 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004 (22 U.S.C. 2078), the total amount of the interest and earnings accruing to such Fund on or before September 30, 2027, to remain available until expended.
For necessary expenses of Eisenhower Exchange Fellowships, Incorporated, as authorized by sections 4 and 5 of the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Act of 1990 (20 U.S.C. 5204-5205), all interest and earnings accruing to the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program Trust Fund on or before September 30, 2027, to remain available until expended: Provided, That none of the funds appropriated herein shall be used to pay any salary or other compensation, or to enter into any contract providing for the payment thereof, in excess of the rate authorized by section 5376 of title 5, United States Code; or for purposes which are not in accordance with section 200 of title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations, including the restrictions on compensation for personal services.
For necessary expenses of the Israeli Arab Scholarship Program, as authorized by section 214 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 (22 U.S.C. 2452 note), all interest and earnings accruing to the Israeli Arab Scholarship Fund on or before September 30, 2027, to remain available until expended.
To enable the Secretary of State to provide for carrying out the provisions of the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between East and West Act of 1960, by grant to the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between East and West in the State of Hawaii, $16,700,000.
For grants made by the Department of State to the National Endowment for Democracy, as authorized by the National Endowment for Democracy Act (22 U.S.C. 4412), $296,100,000, to remain available until expended, of which $197,697,000 shall be allocated in the traditional and customary manner, including for the core institutes, and $98,403,000 shall be for democracy programs: Provided, That the requirements of section 7062(a) of this Act shall not apply to funds made available under this heading: Provided further, That the President of the Endowment shall submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations, not later than 45 days after the date of enactment of this Act, on the proposed uses of funds provided under this heading on a regional and country basis, which shall include a description of the programmatic goals for each such region and country and how funds made available under this heading advance such goals: Provided further, That none of the funds appropriated under this heading may be made available to an organization involved in attempting to influence elections in North Atlantic Treaty Organization member countries.
Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad
For necessary expenses for the Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad, as authorized by chapter 3123 of title 54, United States Code, $770,000, of which $115,500 may remain available until September 30, 2028:
Provided, That the Commission may procure temporary, intermittent, and other services notwithstanding paragraph (3) of section 312304(b) of such chapter: Provided further, That such authority shall terminate on October 1, 2027: Provided further, That the Commission shall notify the Committees on Appropriations prior to exercising such authority.
United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
For necessary expenses for the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, as authorized by title II of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C. 6431 et seq.), $4,850,000, to remain available until September 30, 2028, including not more than $4,000 for representation expenses.
For necessary expenses of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, as authorized by Public Law 94-304 (22 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.), $7,059,000, including not more than $6,000 for representation expenses, to remain available until September 30, 2028.
Al Green (D-TX)1:00 p.m.
Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China
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For necessary expenses of the Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China, as authorized by title III of the U.S.-China Relations Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 6911 et seq.), $2,300,000, including not more than $3,000 for representation expenses, to remain available until September 30, 2028.
United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission
For necessary expenses of the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission, as authorized by section 1238 of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (22 U.S.C. 7002), $4,300,000, including not more than $4,000 for representation expenses, to remain available until September 30, 2028: Provided, That the authorities, requirements, limitations, and conditions contained in the second through fifth provisos under this heading in the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2010 (division F of Public Law 111-117) shall continue in effect during fiscal year 2027 and shall apply to funds appropriated under this heading.
For necessary expenses of the House Democracy Partnership established pursuant to House Resolution 24, One Hundred Tenth Congress, as carried forward by House Resolution 5, One Hundred Nineteenth Congress, $2,300,000, to remain available until September 30, 2028.
OVERSIGHT OF DIPLOMATIC ENGAGEMENT AND FOREIGN ASSISTANCE
For necessary expenses of the Office of Inspector General of the Department of State, as established by section 402(a)(1) of title 5, United States Code, $123,550,000, of which $18,533,000 may remain available until September 30, 2028: Provided, That funds appropriated under this paragraph are made available notwithstanding section 209(a)(1) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3929(a)(1)), as it relates to post inspections.
In addition, for the necessary expenses of the Office of Inspector General with continued oversight jurisdiction for foreign assistance programs administered by the agency primarily responsible for administering part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.) and whose oversight activities were funded under title II of prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs, $62,500,000, of which $9,375,000 may remain available until September 30, 2028, in accordance with section 409 of title 5, United States Code, section 614(f) of the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003 (22 U.S.C. 7713(f)) and section 8A(a) of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (as enacted into law by section 1000(a) of Public Law 106-113), as well as section 401 of the Inter-American Foundation Act (22 U.S.C. 290f), and section 505 of the African Development Foundation Act (22 U.S.C. 290h).
For necessary expenses to enable the President to carry out the provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and for other purposes, as follows:
For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of chapters 1 and 10 of part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, for global health activities, in addition to funds otherwise available for such purposes, $3,350,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2029, and which shall be apportioned directly to the Department of State: Provided, That this amount shall be made available for training, equipment, and technical assistance to build the capacity of public health institutions and organizations in developing countries, and for such activities as: (1) child survival and maternal health programs; (2) immunization and oral rehydration programs; (3) other health, nutrition, water and sanitation programs which directly address the needs of mothers and children, and related education programs; (4) assistance for children displaced or orphaned by causes other than AIDS; (5) programs for the prevention, treatment, control of, and research on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, polio, malaria, and other infectious diseases including neglected tropical diseases, and for assistance to communities severely affected by HIV/AIDS, including children infected or affected by AIDS; (6) disaster preparedness training for health crises; (7) programs to prevent, prepare for, and respond to unanticipated and emerging global health threats; and (8) family planning/reproductive health: Provided further, That funds appropriated under this paragraph may be made available for United States contributions to The GAVI Alliance, which may remain available until September 30, 2027: Provided further, That none of the funds made available in this Act nor any unobligated balances from prior appropriations Acts may be made available to any organization or program which, as determined by the President of the United States, supports or participates in the management of a program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization: Provided further, That any determination made under the previous proviso must be made not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, and must be accompanied by the evidence and criteria utilized to make the determination: Provided further, That none of the funds made available under this Act may be used to pay for the performance of abortion as a method of family planning or to motivate or coerce any person to practice abortions: Provided further, That nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to alter any existing statutory prohibitions against abortion under section 104 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961: Provided further, That none of the funds made available under this Act may be used to lobby for or against abortion: Provided further, That in order to reduce reliance on abortion in developing nations, funds shall be available only to voluntary family planning projects which offer, either directly or through referral to, or information about access to, a broad range of family planning methods and services, and that any such voluntary family planning project shall meet the following requirements: (1) service providers or referral agents in the project shall not implement or be subject to quotas, or other numerical targets, of total number of births, number of family planning acceptors, or acceptors of a particular method of family planning (this provision shall not be construed to include the use of quantitative estimates or indicators for budgeting and planning purposes); (2) the project shall not include payment of incentives, bribes, gratuities, or financial reward to: (A) an individual in exchange for becoming a family planning acceptor; or (B) program personnel for achieving a numerical target or quota of total number of births, number of family planning acceptors, or acceptors of a particular method of family planning; (3) the project shall not deny any right or benefit, including the right of access to participate in any program of general welfare or the right of access to health care, as a consequence of any individual's decision not to accept family planning services; (4) the project shall provide family planning acceptors comprehensible information on the health benefits and risks of the method chosen, including those conditions that might render the use of the method inadvisable and
those adverse side effects known to be consequent to the use of the method; and (5) the project shall ensure that experimental contraceptive drugs and devices and medical procedures are provided only in the context of a scientific study in which participants are advised of potential risks and benefits; and, not less than 60 days after the date on which the Secretary of State determines that there has been a violation of the requirements contained in paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (5) of this proviso, or a pattern or practice of violations of the requirements contained in paragraph (4) of this proviso, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations a report containing a description of such violation and the corrective action taken by the Department: Provided further, That in awarding grants for natural family planning under section 104 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 no applicant shall be discriminated against because of such applicant's religious or conscientious commitment to offer only natural family planning; and, additionally, all such applicants shall comply with the requirements of the previous proviso: Provided further, That for purposes of this Act or any other Act authorizing or appropriating funds for national security, Department of State, and related programs, the term "motivate", as it relates to family planning assistance, shall not be construed to prohibit the provision, consistent with local law, of information or counseling about all pregnancy options: Provided further, That information provided about the use of condoms as part of projects or activities that are funded from amounts appropriated by this Act shall be medically accurate and shall include the public health benefits and failure rates of such use.
In addition, for necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for the prevention, treatment, and control of, and research on, HIV/ AIDS, $5,533,800,000, to remain available until September 30, 2029, which shall be apportioned directly to the Department of State: Provided, That funds appropriated under this paragraph may be made available, notwithstanding any other provision of law, except for the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-25), for a United States contribution to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund): Provided further, That the amount of such contribution shall be $1,250,000,000: Provided further, That of the funds appropriated under this heading, up to $35,000,000 may be made available, in addition to amounts otherwise available for such purposes, for administrative expenses.
For necessary expenses to enable the Secretary of State to carry out the provisions of section 491 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for international disaster relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction assistance; section 2(a) and (b) of the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962 (22 U.S.C. 2601), and other activities to meet refugee and migration needs; salaries and expenses of personnel and dependents as authorized by the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3901 et seq.); allowances as authorized by sections 5921 through 5925 of title 5, United States Code; purchase and hire of passenger motor vehicles; and services as authorized by section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, $5,000,000,000, to remain available until expended, of which not less than $6,500,000 shall be made available for refugees resettling in Israel: Provided, That consistent with section 491(d) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, funds made available under this heading shall be prioritized to reach those most in need of relief and rehabilitation because of natural and manmade disasters: Provided further, That of the funds appropriated under this heading in this Act, not less than $2,750,000,000 shall be made available to carry out the provisions of section 491 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961: Provided further, That funds appropriated under this heading shall be apportioned to the Secretary of State.
united states emergency refugee and migration assistance fund
For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of section 2(c) of the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962 (22 U.S.C.
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2601(c)), $100,000,000, to remain available until expended, notwithstanding the exception in the second sentence in section 2(c)(2) of such Act: Provided, That amounts made available by this Act that are in excess of the limitation contained in paragraph (2) of such section may be transferred to, and merged with, funds made available by this Act under the heading "International Humanitarian Assistance": Provided further, That such transfer authority is in addition to any other transfer authority provided in this Act or any other Act.
For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of sections 103, 105, 106, 214, and sections 251 through 255, and chapter 10 of part I and chapter 4 of part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, the FREEDOM Support Act (Public Law 102-511), and the Support for East European Democracy (SEED) Act of 1989 (Public Law 101-179), $6,890,170,000, of which not less than fifteen percent of amounts made available under this heading shall be made available for programs in Africa, to remain available until September 30, 2028: Provided, That funds appropriated under this heading shall be apportioned to the Secretary of State.
For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for the promotion of democracy globally, including to carry out the purposes of section 502(b)(3) and (5) of Public Law 98-164 (22 U.S.C. 4411), $205,200,000, to remain available until September 30, 2028, which shall be made available for the Human Rights and Democracy Fund of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Department of State: Provided, That funds appropriated under this heading that are made available to the National Endowment for Democracy and its core institutes are in addition to amounts otherwise made available by this Act for such purposes: Provided further, That the Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Department of State, shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations prior to the initial obligation of funds appropriated under this paragraph.
For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of the Peace Corps Act (22 U.S.C. 2501 et seq.), including the purchase of not to exceed five passenger motor vehicles for administrative purposes for use outside of the United States, $410,500,000, of which $7,800,000 is for the Office of Inspector General, to remain available until September 30, 2028: Provided, That the Director of the Peace Corps may transfer to the Foreign Currency Fluctuations Account, as authorized by section 16 of the Peace Corps Act (22 U.S.C. 2515), an amount not to exceed $5,000,000: Provided further, That funds transferred pursuant to the previous proviso may not be derived from amounts made available for Peace Corps overseas operations: Provided further, That of the funds appropriated under this heading, not to exceed $104,000 may be available for representation expenses, of which not to exceed $4,000 may be made available for entertainment expenses: Provided further, That in addition to the requirements under section 7015(a) of this Act, the Peace Corps shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations prior to any decision to open, close, or suspend a domestic or overseas office or a country program unless there is a substantial risk to volunteers or other Peace Corps personnel: Provided further, That none of the funds appropriated under this heading shall be used to pay for abortions: Provided further, That notwithstanding the previous proviso, section 614 of division E of Public Law 113-76 shall apply to funds appropriated under this heading.
For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003 (22 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.) (MCA), $830,000,000, to remain available until expended: Provided, That section 605(e) of the MCA (22 U.S.C. 7704(e)) shall apply to funds appropriated under this heading: Provided further, That funds appropriated under this heading may be made available for a Millennium Challenge Compact entered into pursuant to section 609 of the MCA (22 U.S.C. 7708) only if such Compact obligates, or contains a commitment to obligate subject to the availability of funds and the mutual agreement of the parties to the Compact to proceed, the entire amount of the United States Government funding anticipated for the duration of the Compact: Provided further, That of the funds appropriated under this heading, not to exceed $100,000 may be available for representation and entertainment expenses, of which not to exceed $5,000 may be available for entertainment expenses.
Al Green (D-TX)1:00 p.m.
united states foundation for natural security and counterterrorism
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For necessary expenses to carry out the purposes of section 5102 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (22 U.S.C. 10602), $100,000,000, to remain available until expended.
For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of section 129 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, $30,000,000, to remain available until expended: Provided, That amounts made available under this heading may be made available to contract for services as described in section 129(d)(3)(A) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, without regard to the location in which such services are performed.
For necessary expenses to carry out section 481 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, $1,664,204,000, to remain available until September 30, 2028: Provided, That the Department of State may use the authority of section 608 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, without regard to its restrictions, to receive excess property from an agency of the United States Government for the purpose of providing such property to a foreign country or international organization under chapter 8 of part I of such Act, subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations: Provided further, That section 482(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 shall not apply to funds appropriated
under this heading, except that any funds made available notwithstanding such section shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations: Provided further, That funds appropriated under this heading shall be made available to support training and technical assistance for foreign law enforcement, corrections, judges, and other judicial authorities, utilizing regional partners: Provided further, That funds made available under this heading for Program Development and Support may be made available notwithstanding pre-obligation requirements contained in this Act, except for the notification requirements of section 7015.
nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining and related programs
For necessary expenses for nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining and related programs and activities, $870,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2028, to carry out the provisions of chapter 8 of part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for anti-terrorism assistance, chapter 9 of part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, section 504 of the FREEDOM Support Act (22 U.S.C. 5854), section 23 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2763), or the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for demining activities, the clearance of unexploded ordnance, the destruction of small arms, and related activities, notwithstanding any other provision of law, including activities implemented through nongovernmental and international organizations, and section 301 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for a United States contribution to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Preparatory Commission, and for a voluntary contribution to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): Provided, That funds made available under this heading for the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund shall be made available, notwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to prior consultation with, and the regular notification procedures of, the Committees on Appropriations, to promote bilateral and multilateral activities relating to nonproliferation, disarmament, and weapons destruction, and shall remain available until expended: Provided further, That such funds may also be used for such countries other than the Independent States of the former Soviet Union and international organizations when it is in the national security interest of the United States to do so: Provided further, That funds appropriated under this heading may be made available for the IAEA unless the Secretary of State determines that Israel is being denied its right to participate in the activities of that Agency: Provided further, That funds made available for conventional weapons destruction programs, including demining and related activities, in addition to funds otherwise available for such purposes, may be used for administrative expenses related to the operation and management of such programs and activities, subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.
For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of section 551 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, $235,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2028: Provided, That funds appropriated under this heading may be used, notwithstanding section 660 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, to provide assistance to enhance the capacity of foreign civilian security forces, including gendarmes, to participate in peacekeeping operations: Provided further, That of the funds appropriated under this heading, not less than $30,000,000 shall be made available for a United States contribution to the Multinational Force and Observers mission in the Sinai.
For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of section 541 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, $119,152,000, to remain available until September 30, 2028: Provided, That the civilian personnel for whom military education and training may be provided under this heading may include civilians who are not members of a government whose participation would contribute to improved civil-military relations, civilian control of the military, or respect for human rights: Provided further, That of the funds appropriated under this heading, $3,500,000 shall remain available until expended to increase the participation of women in programs and activities funded under this heading, following consultation with the Committees on Appropriations:
Provided further, That of the funds appropriated under this heading, not to exceed $50,000 may be available for entertainment expenses.
For necessary expenses for grants to enable the President to carry out the provisions of section 23 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2763), $6,752,500,000: Provided, That to expedite the provision of assistance to foreign countries and international organizations, the Secretary of State, following consultation with the Committees on Appropriations and subject to the regular notification procedures of such Committees, may use the funds appropriated under this heading to procure defense articles and services to enhance the capacity of foreign security forces: Provided further, That funds appropriated or otherwise made available under this heading shall be nonrepayable notwithstanding any requirement in section 23 of the Arms Export Control Act: Provided further, That funds made available under this heading shall be obligated upon apportionment in accordance with paragraph (5)(C) of section 1501(a) of title 31, United States Code.
None of the funds made available under this heading shall be available to finance the procurement of defense articles, defense services, or design and construction services that are not sold by the United States Government under the Arms Export Control Act unless the foreign country proposing to make such procurement has first signed an agreement with the United States Government specifying the conditions under which such procurement may be financed with such funds: Provided, That all country and funding level increases in allocations shall be submitted through the regular notification procedures of section 7015 of this Act: Provided further, That funds made available under this heading may be used, notwithstanding any other provision of law, for demining, the clearance of unexploded ordnance, and related activities, and may include activities implemented through nongovernmental and international organizations: Provided further, That a country that is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or is a major non-NATO ally designated by section 517(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 may utilize funds made available under this heading for procurement of defense articles, defense services, or design and construction services that are not sold by the United States Government under the Arms Export Control Act: Provided further, That funds appropriated under this heading shall be expended at the minimum rate necessary to make timely payment for defense articles and services: Provided further, That not more than $32,000,000 of the funds appropriated under this heading may be obligated for necessary expenses, including the purchase of passenger motor vehicles for replacement only for use outside of the United States, for the general costs of administering military assistance and sales, except that this limitation may be exceeded only through the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations: Provided further, That the Secretary of State may use funds made available under this heading pursuant to the previous proviso for the administrative and other operational costs of the Department of State related to military assistance and sales, assistance under section 551 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and Department of Defense security assistance programs, in addition to funds otherwise available for such purposes: Provided further, That up to $2,000,000 of the funds made available pursuant to the previous proviso may be used for direct hire personnel, except that this limitation may be exceeded by the Secretary of State following consultation with the Committees on Appropriations: Provided further, That of the funds made available under this heading for general costs of administering military assistance and sales, not to exceed $4,000 may be available for entertainment expenses and not to exceed $130,000 may be available for representation expenses: Provided further, That not more than $1,807,998,823 of funds realized pursuant to section 21(e)(1)(A) of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2761(e)(1)(A)) may be obligated for expenses incurred during fiscal year 2027 pursuant to section 43(b) of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2792(b)), of which not more than $30,000,000 may be obligated by the Department of State, including for direct hire of personnel, and not more than $1,777,998,823 may be obligated by the Department of Defense, except that this limitation may be exceeded only through the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.
For payment to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development as trustee for the Global Environment Facility by the Secretary of the Treasury, $139,575,000, to remain available until expended.
contribution to the international development association
For payment to the International Development Association by the Secretary of the Treasury, $503,973,000, to remain available until expended.
For payment to the Asian Development Bank's Asian Development Fund by the Secretary of the Treasury, $43,610,000, to remain available until expended.
For payment to the African Development Bank by the Secretary of the Treasury for the United States share of the paid-in portion of the increases in capital stock, $32,417,000, to remain available until expended.
The United States Governor of the African Development Bank may subscribe without fiscal year limitation to the callable capital portion of the United States share of increases in capital stock in an amount not to exceed $856,174,624.
Al Green (D-TX)1:00 p.m.
contribution to the european bank for reconstruction and development
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For payment to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development by the Secretary of the Treasury for the United States share of the paid-in portion of the increases in capital stock, $67,500,000, to remain available until expended.
For payment to the Inter-American Investment Corporation by the Secretary of the Treasury, $30,000,000, to remain available until expended: Provided, That such amounts may be made available for the United States share of an increase in the capital stock of the Inter-American Investment Corporation.
Al Green (D-TX)1:00 p.m.
contribution to the international fund for agricultural development
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For payment to the International Fund for Agricultural Development by the Secretary of the Treasury, $30,000,000, to remain available until expended.
For contributions by the Secretary of the Treasury to international financial institutions and trust funds administered by such institutions, in addition to amounts otherwise available for such purposes, $50,000,000, to remain available until expended: Provided, That of the amount made available under this heading, up to $50,000,000 may be available for the costs, as defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, of loan guarantees to the international financial institutions: Provided further, That funds made available under this heading may be transferred to, and merged with, funds appropriated under the headings in this title and under the headings "International Affairs Technical Assistance", "Debt Restructuring", and "Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation" in title III of this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs: Provided further, That such transfer authority is in addition to any other transfer authority provided in this Act or any other Act: Provided further, That funds made available under this heading, including funds transferred pursuant to the second proviso, shall be subject to prior consultation with, and the regular notification procedures of, the Committees on Appropriations.
For necessary expenses of the Office of Inspector General in carrying out the provisions of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.), $8,860,000, of which up to $1,329,000 may remain available until September 30, 2028.
The Export-Import Bank of the United States is authorized to make such expenditures within the limits of funds and borrowing authority available to such corporation, and in accordance with law, and to make such contracts and commitments without regard to fiscal year limitations, as provided by section 9104 of title 31, United States Code, as may be necessary in carrying out the program for the current fiscal year for such corporation: Provided, That none of the funds available during the current fiscal year may be used to make expenditures, contracts, or commitments for the export of nuclear equipment, fuel, or technology to any country, other than a nuclear-weapon state as defined in Article IX of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons eligible to receive economic or military assistance under this Act, that has detonated a nuclear explosive after the date of enactment of this Act.
For administrative expenses to carry out the direct and guaranteed loan and insurance programs, including hire of passenger motor vehicles and services as authorized by section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, and not to exceed $30,000 for official reception and representation expenses for members of the Board of Directors, not to exceed $125,000,000, of which up to $18,750,000 may remain available until September 30, 2028: Provided, That the Export-Import Bank (the Bank) may accept, and use, payment or services provided by transaction participants for legal, financial, or technical services in connection with any transaction for which an application for a loan, guarantee or insurance commitment has been made: Provided further, That notwithstanding subsection (b) of section 117 of the Export Enhancement Act of 1992, subsection (a) of such section shall remain in effect until September 30, 2027: Provided further, That the Bank shall charge fees for necessary expenses (including special services performed on a contract or fee basis, but not including other personal services) in connection with the collection of moneys owed the Bank, repossession or sale of pledged collateral or other assets acquired by the Bank in satisfaction of moneys owed the Bank, or the investigation or appraisal of any property, or the evaluation of the legal, financial, or technical aspects of any transaction for which an application for a loan, guarantee or insurance commitment has been made, or systems infrastructure directly supporting transactions: Provided further, That in addition to other funds appropriated for administrative expenses, such fees shall be credited to this account for such purposes, to remain available until expended.
For the cost of direct loans, loan guarantees, insurance, and tied-aid grants as authorized by section 10 of the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, as amended, not to exceed $30,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2030: Provided, That such costs, including the cost of modifying such loans, shall be as defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974: Provided further, That such funds shall remain available until September 30, 2042, for the disbursement of direct loans, loan guarantees, insurance and tied-aid grants obligated in fiscal years 2027 through 2030.
Receipts collected pursuant to the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 (Public Law 79-173) and the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, in an amount not to exceed the amount appropriated herein, shall be credited as offsetting collections to this account: Provided, That the sums herein appropriated from the General Fund shall be reduced on a dollar-for-dollar basis by such offsetting collections so as to result in a final fiscal year appropriation from the General Fund estimated at $0.
United States International Development Finance Corporation
For necessary expenses of the Office of Inspector General in carrying out the provisions of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.), $7,200,000, to remain available until September 30, 2028.
The United States International Development Finance Corporation (the Corporation) is authorized to make such expenditures and commitments within the limits of funds and borrowing authority available to the Corporation, and in accordance with the law, and to make such expenditures and commitments without regard to fiscal year limitations, as provided by section 9104 of title 31, United States Code, as may be necessary in carrying out the programs for the current fiscal year for the Corporation: Provided, That for necessary expenses of the activities described in subsections (b), (c), (e), (f), and (g) of section 1421 of the BUILD Act of 2018 (division F of Public Law 115-254) and for administrative expenses to carry out authorized activities described in section 1434(d) of such Act, $983,250,000: Provided further, That of the amount provided--
(1) $243,000,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2029, for administrative expenses to carry out authorized activities (including an amount for official reception and representation expenses which shall not exceed $25,000); and
(2) $740,250,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2029, for the activities described in subsections (b), (c), (e), (f), and (g) of section 1421 of the BUILD Act of 2018, except such amounts obligated in a fiscal year for activities described in section 1421(c) of such Act shall remain available for disbursement for the term of the underlying project: Provided further, That amounts made available under this paragraph may be paid to the "United States International Development Finance Corporation--Program Account" for programs authorized by subsections (b), (e), (f), and (g) of section 1421 of the BUILD Act of 2018:
Provided further, That funds may only be obligated pursuant to section 1421(g) of the BUILD Act of 2018 subject to prior consultation with the appropriate congressional committees and the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations: Provided further, That funds appropriated by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs for support by the Corporation in high-income and advancing income countries shall be subject to prior consultation with the Committees on Appropriations: Provided further, That in fiscal year 2027 collections of amounts described in section 1434(h) of the BUILD Act of 2018 shall be credited as offsetting collections to this appropriation: Provided further, That such collections collected in fiscal year 2027 in excess of $983,250,000 shall be credited to this account and shall be available in future fiscal years only to the extent provided in advance in appropriations Acts: Provided further, That in fiscal year 2027, if such collections are less than $983,250,000, receipts collected pursuant to the BUILD Act of 2018 and the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, in an amount equal to such shortfall, shall be credited as offsetting collections to this appropriation: Provided further, That fees charged for project-specific transaction costs as described in section 1434(k) of the BUILD Act of 2018, and other direct costs associated with origination or monitoring services provided to specific or potential investors, shall not be considered administrative expenses for the purposes of this heading: Provided further, That such fees shall be credited to this account for such purposes, to remain available until expended: Provided further, That funds appropriated or otherwise made available under this heading may not be used to provide any type of assistance that is otherwise prohibited by any other provision of law or to provide assistance to any foreign country that is otherwise prohibited by any other provision of law: Provided further, That the sums herein appropriated from the General Fund shall be reduced on a dollar-for-dollar basis by the offsetting collections described
under this heading so as to result in a final fiscal year appropriation from the General Fund estimated at $676,450,000.
Amounts paid from "United States International Development Finance Corporation--Corporate Capital Account" (CCA) shall remain available until September 30, 2029: Provided, That amounts paid to this account from CCA or transferred to this account pursuant to section 1434(j) of the BUILD Act of 2018 (division F of Public Law 115-254) shall be available for the costs of direct and guaranteed loans provided by the Corporation pursuant to section 1421(b) of such Act and the costs of modifying loans and loan guarantees transferred to the Corporation pursuant to section 1463 of such Act: Provided further, That such costs, including the cost of modifying such loans, shall be as defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974: Provided further, That such amounts obligated in a fiscal year shall remain available for disbursement for the following 8 fiscal years: Provided further, That funds made available in this Act and transferred to carry out the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 pursuant to section 1434(j) of the BUILD Act of 2018 may remain available for obligation for 1 additional fiscal year:
Provided further, That the total loan principal or guaranteed principal amount shall not exceed $22,000,000,000.
For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of section 661 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, $87,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2028: Provided, That of the funds appropriated under this heading, not more than $5,000 may be available for representation and entertainment expenses.
Sec. 7001. Funds appropriated under title I of this Act shall be available, except as otherwise provided, for allowances and differentials as authorized by subchapter 59 of title 5, United States Code; for services as authorized by section 3109 of such title and for hire of passenger transportation pursuant to section 1343(b) of title 31, United States Code.
Sec. 7002.
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Any department or agency of the United States Government to which funds are appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act shall provide to the Committees on Appropriations a quarterly accounting of cumulative unobligated balances and obligated, but unexpended, balances by program, project, and activity, and Treasury Account Fund Symbol of all funds received by such department or agency in fiscal year 2027 or any previous fiscal year, disaggregated by fiscal year: Provided, That the report required by this section shall be submitted not later than 30 days after the end of each fiscal quarter and should specify by account the amount of funds obligated pursuant to bilateral agreements which have not been further sub-obligated.
Sec. 7003. The expenditure of any appropriation under title I of this Act for any consulting service through procurement contract, pursuant to section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, shall be limited to those contracts where such expenditures are a matter of public record and available for public inspection, except where otherwise provided under existing law, or under existing Executive order issued pursuant to existing law.
Sec. 7004. (a) Capital Security Cost Sharing Exception.--Notwithstanding paragraph (2) of section 604(e) of the Secure Embassy Construction and Counterterrorism Act of 1999 (title VI of division A of H.R. 3427, as enacted into law by section 1000(a)(7) of Public Law 106-113 and contained in appendix G of that Act), as amended by section 111 of the Department of State Authorities Act, Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114-323), a project to construct a facility of the United States may include office space or other accommodations for members of the United States Marine Corps.
(b) Consultation and Notifications.--Funds appropriated by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs, which may be made available for the acquisition of property or award of construction contracts for overseas United States diplomatic facilities during fiscal year 2027, shall be subject to prior consultation with, and the regular notification procedures of, the Committees on Appropriations:
Provided, That notifications pursuant to this subsection shall include the information enumerated under this section in the report accompanying this Act: Provided further, That the Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations at the early project development stage for out-year construction projects, including to discuss security and non-security construction requirements, modifications to scope, and cost reductions identified for such projects, consistent with applicable laws and regulations: Provided further, That the Secretary shall submit a quarterly report to the Committees on Appropriations on contingency savings identified from funds appropriated under the heading "Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance" by prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs, and the obligation of funds made available by such savings shall be subject to prior consultation with the Committees on Appropriations.
(c) Interim and Temporary Facilities Abroad.--
(1) Security vulnerabilities.--Funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance" may be made available, following consultation with the appropriate congressional committees, to address security vulnerabilities at interim and temporary United States diplomatic facilities abroad, including physical security upgrades and local guard staffing.
(2) Consultation.--The opening, closure, or any significant modification to an interim or temporary United States diplomatic facility shall be subject to prior consultation with the appropriate congressional committees and the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations, except that such consultation and notification may be waived if there is a security risk to personnel.
(d) Soft Targets.--Funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance" may be made available for security upgrades to soft targets, including schools, recreational facilities, residences, and places of worship used by United States diplomatic personnel and their dependents.
(e) Facilities.--None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used--
(1) to move the United States embassy to the State of Israel to a location other than Jerusalem; or
(2) for a United States Embassy, Consulate General, or any other diplomatic facility in Jerusalem other than the United States Embassy to the State of Israel.
Sec. 7005. Any costs incurred by a department or agency funded under title I of this Act resulting from personnel actions taken in response to funding reductions included in this Act shall be absorbed within the total budgetary resources available under title I to such department or agency: Provided, That the authority to transfer funds between appropriations accounts as may be necessary to carry out this section is provided in addition to authorities included elsewhere in this Act: Provided further, That use of funds to carry out this section shall be treated as a reprogramming of funds under section 7015 of this Act.
Sec. 7006. No part of any appropriation contained in this Act shall be used for publicity or propaganda purposes within the United States not authorized before enactment of this Act by Congress: Provided, That up to $25,000 may be made available to carry out the provisions of section 316 of the International Security and Development Cooperation Act of 1980 (Public Law 96-533; 22 U.S.C. 2151a note).
prohibition against direct funding for certain countries
Sec. 7007. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available pursuant to titles III through VI of this Act shall be obligated or expended to finance directly any assistance or reparations for the governments of Cuba, North Korea, or Iran: Provided, That for purposes of this section, the prohibition on obligations or expenditures shall include direct loans, credits, insurance, and guarantees of the Export-Import Bank or its agents.
Sec. 7008. (a) Prohibition.--None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available pursuant to titles III through VI of this Act shall be obligated or expended to finance directly any assistance to the government of any country whose duly elected head of government is deposed by military coup d'etat or decree or, after the date of enactment of this Act, a coup d'etat or decree in which the military plays a decisive role: Provided, That assistance may be resumed to such government if the Secretary of State certifies and reports to the appropriate congressional committees that subsequent to the termination of assistance a democratically elected government has taken office: Provided further, That the provisions of this section shall not apply to assistance to promote democratic elections or public participation in democratic processes, or to support a democratic transition: Provided further, That funds made available pursuant to the previous provisos shall be subject to prior consultation with, and the regular notification procedures of, the Committees on Appropriations.
(b) Waiver.--The Secretary of State, following consultation with the heads of relevant Federal agencies, may waive the restriction in this section on a program-by-program basis if the Secretary certifies and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that such waiver is in the national security interest of the United States: Provided, That funds made available pursuant to such waiver shall be subject to prior consultation with, and the regular notification procedures of, the Committees on Appropriations.
Sec. 7009.
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(a) Department of State.--
(1) Department of state.--
(A) In general.--Not to exceed 5 percent of any appropriation made available for the
current fiscal year for the Department of State under title I of this Act may be transferred between, and merged with, such appropriations, but no such appropriation, except as otherwise specifically provided, shall be increased by more than 10 percent by any such transfers, and no such transfer may be made to increase the appropriation under the heading "Representation Expenses".
(B) Embassy security.--Funds appropriated under the headings "Diplomatic Programs", including for Worldwide Security Protection, "Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance", and "Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service" in this Act may be transferred to, and merged with, funds appropriated under such headings if the Secretary of State determines and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that to do so is necessary to implement the recommendations of the Benghazi Accountability Review Board, for emergency evacuations, or to prevent or respond to security situations and requirements, subject to the regular notification procedures of such Committees.
(C) Emergencies in the diplomatic and consular service.--Of the amount made available under the heading "Diplomatic Programs" for Worldwide Security Protection, not to exceed $50,000,000 may be transferred to, and merged with, funds made available by this Act under the heading "Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service", to be available only for emergency evacuations and rewards, as authorized.
(D) Capital investment fund.--Of the amount made available under the heading, "Diplomatic Programs", up to $50,000,000 may be transferred to, and merged with, funds made available in title I of this Act under the heading "Capital Investment Fund".
(E) Prior consultation.--The transfer authorities provided by subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D) are in addition to any transfer authority otherwise available in this Act and under any other provision of law and the exercise of such authority shall be subject to prior consultation with the Committees on Appropriations.
(2) Treatment as reprogramming.--Any transfer pursuant to this subsection shall be treated as a reprogramming of funds under section 7015 of this Act and shall not be available for obligation or expenditure except in compliance with the procedures set forth in that section.
(b) Limitation on Transfers of Funds Between Agencies.--
(1) In general.--None of the funds made available under titles II through V of this Act may be transferred to any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States Government, except pursuant to a transfer made by, or transfer authority provided in, this Act or any other appropriations Act.
(2) Allocation and transfers.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), in addition to transfers made by, or authorized elsewhere in, this Act, funds appropriated by this Act to carry out the purposes of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 may be allocated or transferred to agencies of the United States Government pursuant to the provisions of sections 109, 610, and 632 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and section 1434(j) of the BUILD Act of 2018 (division F of Public Law 115-254).
(3) Notification.--Any agreement entered into by the Department of State with any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States Government pursuant to section 632(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 valued in excess of $2,000,000 and any agreement made pursuant to section 632(a) of such Act, with funds appropriated by this Act or prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs under the headings "Global Health Programs", "Development Assistance", "Economic Support Fund", "National Security Investment Programs", "Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia", and "International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement" shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations: Provided,That the requirement of this paragraph shall not apply to such agreements with a department, agency, or instrumentality funded by this Act or prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs.
(4) Prior consultation requirement.--Agreements between the Department of State with any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States Government not funded by this Act or prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs, to transfer or allocate funds appropriated under the headings "International Humanitarian Assistance" and "United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund" in this Act, or under the headings "International Disaster Assistance", "Migration and Refugee Assistance", and "United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund" in prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs in excess of $7,000,000 shall be subject to prior consultation with the Committees on Appropriations, not later than 7 days prior to the transfer of such funds, except if to do so would pose an immediate and substantial risk to human health or welfare: Provided, That in the case of any such exception the information required by such consultation shall be provided as early as practicable, but in no event later than 3 days after taking the action to which the consultation requirement was applicable, and such information shall include a description of the circumstance necessitating such exception.
(c) United States International Development Finance Corporation.--Amounts transferred pursuant to section 1434(j) of the BUILD Act of 2018 (division F of Public Law 115-254) may only be transferred from funds made available under title III of this Act: Provided, That any such transfers, or any other amounts transferred to the United States International Development Finance Corporation (the Corporation) pursuant to any provision of law, shall be subject to prior consultation with, and the regular notification procedures of, the Committees on Appropriations: Provided further, That the Secretary of State and the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, as appropriate, shall ensure that the programs funded by such transfers are coordinated with, and complement, foreign assistance programs implemented by the Department of State.
(d) Inter-American Foundation.--Of the amount appropriated by this Act under the heading "National Security Investment Programs", up to $10,000,000 may be transferred to, and merged with, funds made available under the heading "Inter-American Foundation" in prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs: Provided, That the transfer authority of this subsection is in addition to any transfer authority otherwise available in this Act and under any other provision of law and the exercise of such authority shall be subject to prior consultation with the appropriate congressional committees and the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.
(e) Transfer of Funds Between Accounts.--None of the funds made available under titles II through V of this Act may be obligated under an appropriations account to which such funds were not appropriated, except for transfers specifically provided for in this Act, unless the President, not less than 5 days prior to the exercise of any authority contained in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to transfer funds, consults with and provides a written policy justification to the Committees on Appropriations.
(f) Audit of Inter-Agency Transfers of Funds.--Any agreement for the transfer or allocation of funds appropriated by this Act or prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs entered into between the Department of State and another agency of the United States Government under the authority of section 632(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, or any comparable provision of law, shall expressly provide that the Inspector General (IG) for the agency receiving the transfer or allocation of such funds, or other entity with audit responsibility if the receiving agency does not have an IG, shall perform periodic program and financial audits of the use of such funds and report to the Department of State upon completion of such audits: Provided, That such audits shall be transmitted to the Committees on Appropriations by the Department of State: Provided further, That funds transferred under such authority may be made available for the cost of such audits.
Sec. 7010.
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(a) First-Class Travel.--None of the funds made available by this Act may be used for first-class travel by employees of United States Government departments and agencies funded by this Act in contravention of section 301-10.122 through 301-10.124 of title 41, Code of Federal Regulations.
(b) Computer Networks.--None of the funds made available by this Act for the operating expenses of any United States Government department or agency may be used to establish or maintain a computer network for use by such department or agency unless such network has filters designed to block access to sexually explicit websites: Provided, That nothing in this subsection shall limit the use of funds necessary for any Federal, State, Tribal, or local law enforcement agency, or any other entity carrying out the following activities: criminal investigations, prosecutions, and adjudications; administrative discipline; and the monitoring of such websites undertaken as part of official business.
(c) Compliance With Directive.--Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall brief the Committees on Appropriations on the reason for the failure of the Department of State to comply with the directive in 2024 under this section in House Report 118-146 to update the interagency guidance cable on promoting tobacco in the manner described in such report and the reason for the delay in the submission of the related report required under this section in House Report 119-217.
(d) Email Servers Outside the .gov Domain.--None of the funds appropriated by this Act under the headings "Diplomatic Programs" and "Capital Investment Fund" that are made available to the Department of State may be made available to support the use or establishment of email accounts or email servers created outside the .gov domain or not fitted for automated records management as part of a Federal government records management program in contravention of the Presidential and Federal Records Act Amendments of 2014 (Public Law 113-187).
(e) Representation and Entertainment Expenses.--Each Federal department, agency, or entity funded in title I of this Act and
the Department of the Treasury and independent agencies funded in titles III or VI of this Act, shall take steps to ensure that domestic and overseas representation and entertainment expenses further official agency business and United States foreign policy interests, and--
(1) are primarily for fostering relations outside of the Executive Branch;
(2) are principally for meals and events of a protocol nature;
(3) are not for employee-only events; and
(4) do not include activities that are substantially of a recreational character.
(f) Limitations on Entertainment Expenses.--None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act under the headings "International Military Education and Training" or "Foreign Military Financing Program" for Informational Program activities or under the headings "Global Health Programs" and "National Security Investment Programs" may be obligated or expended to pay for--
(1) alcoholic beverages; or
(2) entertainment expenses for activities that are substantially of a recreational character, including entrance fees at sporting events, theatrical and musical productions, and amusement parks.
Sec. 7011. (a) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the implementation of the multi-year strategy to improve the effectiveness of United States Government foreign assistance required by section 7011(a) of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026 (division F of Public Law 119-75), referred to in this subsection as "the 2026 Act".
(2) Elements.--The report required by this subsection shall include--
(A) a summary of the preliminary implementation of the strategy, including the recommendations of the panel of experts and practitioners, and the results of beneficiary feedback and impact evaluations described by section 7011(a) of the 2026 Act;
(B) a process for incorporating subparagraph (A) into foreign assistance planning, including using evidence of cost-effectiveness to choose and design foreign assistance programs;
(C) an assessment of the implementation of the reforms required by section 7011(a) of the 2026 Act;
(D) standards for developing monitoring, evaluation, oversight, and vetting plans for foreign assistance programs implemented across the Department of State;
(E) criteria for identifying risk factors that would require enhanced precautions with respect to monitoring, evaluation, oversight, and vetting, and a list of countries and assistance programs that are subject to such enhanced precautions;
(F) any updates to the multi-year strategy required by section 7011(a) of the 2026 Act since such strategy was submitted to the appropriate congressional committees, and the reasons for such updates; and
(G) a detailed description of staffing levels used to plan, budget, execute, monitor, evaluate, and audit foreign assistance during fiscal year 2026, and any planned changes to these staffing levels for fiscal year 2027.
(b) Beneficiary Feedback.--Funds appropriated by this Act that are made available for monitoring and evaluation of assistance under the headings "National Security Investment Programs" and "International Humanitarian Assistance" shall be made available for the regular and systematic collection of feedback obtained directly from beneficiaries to enhance the quality and relevance of such assistance: Provided, That the Secretary of State shall regularly conduct oversight to ensure that such feedback is collected and used by implementing partners to maximize the cost-effectiveness and utility of such assistance.
(c) Evaluations.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act under titles III and IV, not less than $15,000,000, to remain available until expended, shall be made available for impact evaluations, including ex-post evaluations, of the effectiveness and sustainability of United States Government foreign assistance programs: Provided, That funds made available pursuant to this subsection are in addition to funds otherwise made available for such purposes.
(d) Foreign Assistance Website.--Funds appropriated by this Act under title I, funds made available for any independent agency in title III, and funds made available under the headings "Trade and Development Agency" and "United States International Development Finance Corporation", as appropriate, shall be made available to support the provision of additional information on United States Government foreign assistance on the "ForeignAssistance.gov" website: Provided, That all Federal agencies funded under this Act shall provide such information on foreign assistance, upon request and in a timely manner, to the Department of State.
Sec. 7012. No part of any appropriation provided under titles III through VI in this Act shall be used to furnish assistance to the government of any country which is in default during a period in excess of 1 calendar year in payment to the United States of principal or interest on any loan made to the government of such country by the United States pursuant to a program for which funds are appropriated under this Act unless the President determines, following consultation with the Committees on Appropriations, that assistance for such country is in the national interest of the United States.
Sec. 7013. (a) Prohibition on Taxation.--None of the funds appropriated under titles III through VI of this Act may be made available to provide assistance for a foreign country under a new bilateral agreement governing the terms and conditions under which such assistance is to be provided unless such agreement includes a provision stating that assistance provided by the United States shall be exempt from taxation, or reimbursed, by the foreign government.
(b) Notification and Reimbursement of Foreign Taxes.--An amount equivalent to 200 percent of the total taxes assessed during fiscal year 2027 on funds appropriated by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs by a foreign government or entity against United States assistance programs, either directly or through grantees, contractors, and subcontractors, shall be withheld from obligation from funds appropriated for assistance for fiscal year 2028 and for prior fiscal years and allocated for the central government of such country or for the West Bank and Gaza program, as applicable, if, not later than September 30, 2028, such taxes have not been reimbursed.
(c) De Minimis Exception.--Foreign taxes of a de minimis nature shall not be subject to the provisions of subsection (b).
(d) Reprogramming of Funds.--Funds withheld from obligation for each foreign government or entity pursuant to subsection (b) shall be reprogrammed for assistance for countries which do not assess taxes on United States assistance or which have an effective arrangement that is providing substantial reimbursement of such taxes, and that can reasonably accommodate such assistance in a programmatically responsible manner.
(e) Determinations.--
(1) In general.--The provisions of this section shall not apply to any foreign government or entity that assesses such taxes if the Secretary of State reports to the Committees on Appropriations that--
(A) such foreign government or entity has an effective arrangement that is providing substantial reimbursement of such taxes; or
(B) the foreign policy interests of the United States outweigh the purpose of this section to ensure that United States assistance is not subject to taxation.
(2) Consultation.--The Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations at least 15 days prior to exercising the authority of this subsection with regard to any foreign government or entity.
(f) Definitions.--As used in this section:
(1) Bilateral agreement.--The term "bilateral agreement" refers to a framework bilateral agreement between the Government of the United States and the government of the country receiving assistance that describes the privileges and immunities applicable to United States foreign assistance for such country generally, or an individual agreement between the Government of the United States and such government that describes, among other things, the treatment for tax purposes that will be accorded the United States assistance provided under that agreement.
(2) Taxes and taxation.--The term "taxes and taxation" shall include value added taxes and customs duties but shall not include individual income taxes assessed to local staff.
Sec. 7014.
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(a) Availability.--No part of any appropriation contained in this Act shall remain available for obligation after the expiration of the current fiscal year unless expressly so provided by this Act.
(b) Reprogramming.--Funds appropriated under titles III through VI of this Act which are specifically designated may be reprogrammed for other programs within the same account notwithstanding the designation if compliance with the designation is made impossible by operation of any provision of this or any other Act: Provided, That any such reprogramming shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations: Provided further, That assistance that is reprogrammed pursuant to this subsection shall be made available under the same terms and conditions as originally provided.
(c) Extension of Availability.--In addition to the authority contained in subsection (b), the original period of availability of funds appropriated by this Act and administered by the Department of State that are specifically designated for particular programs or activities by this or any other Act may be extended for an additional fiscal year if the Secretary of State determines and reports promptly to the Committees on Appropriations that the termination of assistance to a country or a significant change in circumstances makes it unlikely that such designated funds can be obligated during the original period of availability: Provided, That such designated funds that continue to be available for an additional fiscal year shall be obligated only for the purpose of such designation.
(d) Other Acts.--Ceilings and specifically designated funding levels contained in this Act shall not be applicable to funds appropriated or otherwise made available by any subsequent Act unless such Act specifically so directs: Provided, That specifically designated funding levels or minimum funding requirements contained in any other Act shall not be applicable to funds appropriated by this Act.
Sec. 7015. (a) Notification of Changes in Programs, Projects, and Activities.--None of the funds made available in titles I, II, and VI, and under the headings "Peace Corps" and "Millennium Challenge Corporation", of this Act or prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs to the departments and agencies funded by this Act that remain available for obligation in fiscal year 2027, or provided from any accounts in the Treasury of the United States derived by the collection of fees or of currency reflows or other offsetting collections, or made available by transfer, to the departments and agencies funded by this Act, shall be available for obligation to--
(1) create new programs;
(2) suspend or eliminate a program, project, or activity;
(3) close, suspend, open, or reopen a mission or post;
(4) create, close, reorganize, downsize, or rename bureaus, centers, or offices; or
(5) contract out or privatize any functions or activities presently performed by Federal employees; unless previously justified to the Committees on Appropriations or such Committees are notified 15 days in advance of such obligation.
(b) Notification of Reprogramming of Funds.--None of the funds provided under titles I, II, and VI of this Act or prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs, to the departments and agencies funded under such titles that remain available for obligation in fiscal year 2027, or provided from any accounts in the Treasury of the United States derived by the collection of fees available to the department funded under title I of this Act, shall be available for obligation or expenditure for programs, projects, or activities through a reprogramming of funds in excess of $1,000,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less, that--
(1) augments or changes existing programs, projects, or activities;
(2) relocates an existing office or employees;
(3) reduces by 10 percent funding for any existing program, project, or activity, or numbers of personnel by 10 percent as approved by Congress; or
(4) results from any general savings, including savings from a reduction in personnel, which would result in a change in existing programs, projects, or activities as approved by Congress; unless the Committees on Appropriations are notified 15 days in advance of such reprogramming of funds.
(c) Notification Requirement.--None of the funds made available by this Act under the headings "Global Health Programs", "National Security Investment Programs", "Democracy Fund", "Peace Corps", "Millennium Challenge Corporation", "International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement", "Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs", "Security Sector Programs", "International Military Education and Training", "Foreign Military Financing Program", "United States International Development Finance Corporation", and "Trade and Development Agency" shall be available for obligation for programs, projects, activities, type of materiel assistance, countries, or other operations not justified or in excess of the amount justified to the Committees on Appropriations for obligation under any of these specific headings unless the Committees on Appropriations are notified 15 days in advance of such obligation: Provided, That the President shall not enter into any commitment of funds appropriated for the purposes of section 23 of the Arms Export Control Act for the provision of major defense equipment, other than conventional ammunition, or other major defense items defined to be aircraft, ships, missiles, or combat vehicles, not previously justified to Congress or 20 percent in excess of the quantities justified to Congress unless the Committees on Appropriations are notified 15 days in advance of such commitment: Provided further, That requirements of this subsection or any similar provision of this or any other Act shall not apply to any reprogramming for a program, project, or activity for which funds are appropriated under titles III through VI of this Act of less than 10 percent of the amount previously justified to Congress for obligation for such program, project, or activity for the current fiscal year: Provided further, That any notification submitted pursuant to subsection (f) of this section shall include information on the use of notwithstanding authority.
(d) Department of Defense Programs and Funding Notifications.--
(1) Programs.--None of the funds appropriated by this Act or prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs may be made available to support or continue any program initially funded under any authority of title 10, United States Code, or any Act making or authorizing appropriations for the Department of Defense, unless the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and in accordance with the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations, submits a justification to such Committees that includes a description of, and the annual estimated costs associated with, the support or continuation of such program.
(2) Funding.--Funds transferred by the Department of Defense to the Department of State for assistance for foreign countries and international organizations shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.
(3) Notification on excess defense articles.--Prior to providing excess Department of Defense articles in accordance with section 516(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, the Department of Defense shall notify the Committees on Appropriations to the same extent and under the same conditions as other committees pursuant to subsection (f) of that section: Provided, That before issuing a letter of offer to sell excess defense articles under the Arms Export Control Act, the Department of Defense shall notify the Committees on Appropriations in accordance with the regular notification procedures of such Committees if such defense articles are significant military equipment (as defined in section 47(9) of the Arms Export Control Act) or are valued (in terms of original acquisition cost) at $7,000,000 or more, or if notification is required elsewhere in this Act for the use of appropriated funds for specific countries that would receive such excess defense articles: Provided further, That such Committees shall also be informed of the original acquisition cost of such defense articles.
(e) Waiver.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the requirements of this section or any similar provision of this Act or any other Act, including any prior Act, requiring notification in accordance with the regular notification procedures of, or consultations with, the Committees on Appropriations may only be waived if failure to do so would pose a substantial risk to human health or welfare: Provided, That in case of any such waiver, notification to, or consultation with, the Committees on Appropriations shall be provided as early as practicable, but in no event later than 3 days after taking the action to which such notification requirement was applicable, in the context of the circumstances necessitating such waiver: Provided further, That any notification provided pursuant to such a waiver shall contain an explanation of the emergency circumstances: Provided further, That no other provision of law relating to such assistance may be construed to authorize a waiver or alteration of the notification or consultation requirements of this section, or any other notification or consultation required by this Act or prior Acts, unless such provision explicitly cites to and supersedes this proviso.
(f) Country Notification Requirements.--None of the funds appropriated under titles III through VI of this Act may be obligated or expended for assistance for Afghanistan, Burma, Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mexico, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Russian Federation, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Ukraine, Venezuela, Yemen, and Zimbabwe except as provided through the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.
(g) Trust Funds.--Funds appropriated or otherwise made available in title III of this Act and prior Acts making funds available for national security, Department of State, and related programs that are made available for a trust fund held by an international financial institution shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations, and such notification shall include the information specified under this section in the report accompanying this Act.
(h) Other Program Notification Requirements.--
(1) Other programs.--Funds appropriated by this Act that are made available for the following programs and activities shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations:
(A) the Power Africa and Prosper Africa initiatives;
(B) funds made available under the headings "International Humanitarian Assistance" and "United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund" that are made available to a country listed in section 7007 of this Act;
(C) the Indo-Pacific Strategy;
(D) assistance made available pursuant to section 7022 of this Act;
(E) assistance made available pursuant to section 7059 of this Act;
(F) the Countering PRC Influence Fund and the Countering Russian Influence Fund; and
(G) the America First Opportunity Fund.
(2) Arms sales.--The reports, notifications, and certifications, and any other documents, required to be submitted pursuant to section 36(a) of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C.
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2776), and such documents submitted pursuant to section 36(b) through (d) of such Act with respect to countries that have received assistance provided with funds appropriated by this Act or prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, related programs, shall be concurrently submitted to the Committees on Appropriations and shall include information about the source of funds for any sale or
transfer, as applicable, if known at the time of submission.
(3) Deobligated balances.--An obligation in excess of $2,000,000 from deobligated balances of funds appropriated by prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs that remain available due to the exercise of the authority in section 7011 of such Acts shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.
(i) Withholding of Funds.--Funds appropriated by this Act under titles III and IV that are withheld from obligation or otherwise not programmed as a result of application of a provision of law in this or any other Act shall, if reprogrammed, be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.
(j) Requirement to Inform.--The Secretary of State shall promptly inform the appropriate congressional committees of each instance in which funds appropriated by this Act for assistance have been diverted or destroyed, to include the type and amount of assistance, a description of the incident and parties involved, and an explanation of the response of the Department of State.
(k) Prior Consultation Requirement.--The Secretary of State, the Chief Executive Officer of the United States International Development Finance Corporation, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations at least 7 days prior to informing a government of, or publicly announcing a decision on, the suspension or early termination of assistance to a country or a territory, including as a result of an interagency review of such assistance, from funds appropriated by this Act or prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs: Provided, That such consultation shall include a detailed justification for such suspension, including a description of the assistance being suspended.
documents, report posting, records management, and related
cybersecurity protections
Sec. 7016. (a) Document Requests.--None of the funds appropriated or made available pursuant to titles III through VI of this Act shall be available to a nongovernmental organization, including any contractor, which fails to provide upon timely request any document, file, or record necessary to the auditing requirements of the Department of State.
(b) Public Posting of Reports.--
(1) Any Federal agency funded by this Act shall maintain a public website, and, except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), any report required by this Act to be submitted to Congress shall be posted on the public website of such agency not later than 45 days following the receipt of such report by Congress.
(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a report if--
(A) the head of such agency determines and reports to the Committees on Appropriations in the transmittal letter accompanying such report that--
(i) the public posting of the report would compromise national security, including the conduct of diplomacy; or
(ii) the report contains proprietary or other privileged information; or
(B) the public posting of the report is specifically exempted in the report accompanying this Act.
(3) The agency posting such report shall do so only after the report has been made available to the Committees on Appropriations.
(4) The head of the agency posting such report shall do so in a central location on the public website of such agency.
(c) Records Management and Related Cybersecurity Protections.--The Secretary of State shall--
(1) regularly review and update the policies, directives, and oversight necessary to comply with Federal statutes, regulations, and presidential executive orders and memoranda concerning the preservation of all records made or received in the conduct of official business, including record emails, instant messaging, and other online tools;
(2) use funds appropriated by this Act to improve Federal records management pursuant to the Federal Records Act (44 U.S.C. Chapters 21, 29, 31, and 33) and other applicable Federal records management statutes, regulations, or policies for such agencies;
(3) direct departing employees, including senior officials, that all Federal records generated by such employees belong to the Federal Government;
(4) substantially reduce, compared to the previous fiscal year, the response time for identifying and retrieving Federal records, including requests made pursuant to section 552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the "Freedom of Information Act"); and
(5) strengthen cybersecurity measures to mitigate vulnerabilities, including those resulting from the use of personal email accounts or servers outside the .gov domain, improve the process to identify and remove inactive user accounts, update and enforce guidance related to the control of national security information, and implement the recommendations of the applicable reports of the cognizant Office of Inspector General.
Sec. 7017. If the President makes a determination not to comply with any provision of this Act on constitutional grounds, the head of the relevant Federal agency shall notify the Committees on Appropriations in writing within 5 days of such determination, the basis for such determination and any resulting changes to program or policy.
Al Green (D-TX)1:00 p.m.
prohibition on funding for abortions and involuntary sterilization
Text printed in the Record (4,107 characters)
Sec. 7018. None of the funds made available to carry out part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, may be used to pay for the performance of abortions as a method of family planning or to motivate or coerce any person to practice abortions. None of the funds made available to carry out part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, may be used to pay for the performance of involuntary sterilization as a method of family planning or to coerce or provide any financial incentive to any person to undergo sterilizations. None of the funds made available to carry out part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, may be used to pay for any biomedical research which relates in whole or in part, to methods of, or the performance of, abortions or involuntary sterilization as a means of family planning. None of the funds made available to carry out part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, may be obligated or expended for any country or organization if the President certifies that the use of these funds by any such country or organization would violate any of the above provisions related to abortions and involuntary sterilizations.
Sec. 7019. (a) Allocation Tables.--Subject to subsection (b), funds appropriated by this Act under titles III through V shall be made available at not less than the amounts specifically designated in the respective tables included in the report accompanying this Act: Provided, That such designated amounts for foreign countries and international organizations shall serve as the amounts for such countries and international organizations transmitted to Congress in the report required by section 653(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and shall be made available for such foreign countries and international organizations notwithstanding the date of the transmission of such report.
(b) Authorized Deviations.--Unless otherwise provided for by this Act, the Secretary of State may only deviate up to 10 percent below the amounts specifically designated in the respective tables included in the report accompanying this Act: Provided, That such percentage may be exceeded only if the Secretary of State determines and reports in writing to the Committees on Appropriations on a case-by-case basis that such deviation is necessary to respond to significant, exigent, or unforeseen events, or to address other exceptional circumstances directly related to the national security interest of the United States, including a description of such events or circumstances: Provided further, That deviations pursuant to the preceding proviso may not exceed 50 percent and shall be subject to prior consultation with, and the regular notification procedures of, the Committees on Appropriations.
(c) Limitation.--For specifically designated amounts that are included, pursuant to subsection (a), in the report required by section 653(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, deviations authorized by subsection (b) may only take place after submission of such report.
(d) Exceptions.--Subsections (a) and (b) shall not apply to--
(1) funds for which the initial period of availability has expired; and
(2) amounts designated by this Act as minimum funding requirements.
(e) Reports and Consultations.--The Secretary of State and other designated officials, as appropriate, shall submit the reports and conduct the consultations required, in the manner described, in the report accompanying this Act.
(f) Clarification.--Funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "International Humanitarian Assistance" shall not be included for purposes of meeting amounts designated for countries in this Act, unless such heading is specifically designated as the source of funds.
Sec. 7020. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to make any pledge for future year funding for any multilateral or bilateral program funded in titles III through VI of this Act unless such pledge meets the requirements contained under this section in the report accompanying this Act.
Al Green (D-TX)1:00 p.m.
prohibition on assistance to governments supporting international terrorism
Text printed in the Record (11,954 characters)
Sec. 7021. (a) Lethal Military Equipment Exports.--
(1) Prohibition.--None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available under titles III through VI of this Act may be made available to any foreign government which provides lethal military equipment to a country the government of which the Secretary of State has determined supports international terrorism for purposes of section 1754(c) of the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4813(c)): Provided, That the prohibition under this section with respect to a foreign government shall terminate 12 months after that government ceases to provide such military equipment: Provided further, That this section applies with respect to lethal military equipment provided
under a contract entered into after October 1, 1997.
(2) Determination.--Assistance restricted by paragraph (1) may be furnished if the President determines that to do so is important to the national interest of the United States.
(3) Report.--Whenever the President makes a determination pursuant to paragraph (2), the President shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations a report with respect to the furnishing of such assistance, including a detailed explanation of the assistance to be provided, the estimated dollar amount of such assistance, and an explanation of how the assistance furthers the United States national interest.
(b) Bilateral Assistance.--
(1) Limitations.--Funds appropriated for bilateral assistance in titles III through VI of this Act and funds appropriated under any such title in prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs, shall not be made available to any foreign government which the President determines--
(A) grants sanctuary from prosecution to any individual or group which has committed an act of international terrorism;
(B) otherwise supports international terrorism; or
(C) is controlled by an organization designated as a terrorist organization under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189).
(2) Waiver.--The President may waive the application of paragraph (1) to a government if the President determines that national security or humanitarian reasons justify such waiver: Provided, That the President shall publish each such waiver in the Federal Register and, at least 15 days before the waiver takes effect, shall notify the Committees on Appropriations of the waiver (including the justification for the waiver) in accordance with the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.
Sec. 7022. Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the headings "National Security Investment Programs", "International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement", "Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs", "Security Sector Programs", and "Foreign Military Financing Program", not less than $108,000,000 shall be made available for the Prevention and Stabilization Fund for the purposes enumerated in section 509(a) of the Global Fragility Act of 2019 (title V of division J of Public Law 116-94): Provided, That funds made available pursuant to this section under the heading "Foreign Military Financing Program" may remain available until September 30, 2028.
Sec. 7023. For the purpose of titles II through VI of this Act, "program, project, and activity" shall be defined at the appropriations Act account level and shall include all appropriations and authorizations Acts funding directives, ceilings, and limitations with the exception that for the "National Security Investment Programs", "International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement", and "Foreign Military Financing Program" accounts, "program, project, and activity" shall also be considered to include country, regional, and central program level funding within each such account, either as--
(1) justified to Congress; or
(2) allocated by the Executive Branch in accordance with the report required by section 653(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or as modified pursuant to section 7019 of this Act.
Sec. 7024. (a) Funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs for programs to counter foreign propaganda and disinformation, and for related purposes, may only be made available for the purpose of countering such efforts by foreign state and non-state actors abroad.
(b) None of the funds made available for the programs described in subsection (a) may be used in contravention of Executive Order 14149, relating to Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship, or to--
(1) characterize United States independent news media companies as creators of disinformation, misinformation, or malinformation;
(2) advocate to, or act to, censor, filter, or remove content from a United States entity on social media platforms; or
(3) take any action designed to influence consumer or advertising behavior toward United States media companies or social network platforms.
Sec. 7025. (a) World Markets.--None of the funds appropriated or made available pursuant to titles III through VI of this Act for direct assistance and none of the funds otherwise made available to the Export-Import Bank and the United States International Development Finance Corporation shall be obligated or expended to finance any loan, any assistance, or any other financial commitments for establishing or expanding production of any commodity for export by any country other than the United States, if the commodity is likely to be in surplus on world markets at the time the resulting productive capacity is expected to become operative and if the assistance will cause substantial injury to United States producers of the same, similar, or competing commodity: Provided, That such prohibition shall not apply to the Export-Import Bank if in the judgment of its Board of Directors the benefits to industry and employment in the United States are likely to outweigh the injury to United States producers of the same, similar, or competing commodity, and the Chairman of the Board so notifies the Committees on Appropriations: Provided further, That this subsection shall not prohibit--
(1) activities in a country that is eligible for assistance from the International Development Association, is not eligible for assistance from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and does not export on a consistent basis the agricultural commodity with respect to which assistance is furnished; or
(2) activities in a country the President determines is recovering from widespread conflict, a humanitarian crisis, or a complex emergency.
(b) Exports.--None of the funds appropriated by this or any other Act to carry out chapter 1 of part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 shall be available for any testing or breeding feasibility study, variety improvement or introduction, consultancy, publication, conference, or training in connection with the growth or production in a foreign country of an agricultural commodity for export which would compete with a similar commodity grown or produced in the United States: Provided, That this subsection shall not prohibit--
(1) activities designed to increase food security in developing countries where such activities will not have a significant impact on the export of agricultural commodities of the United States;
(2) research activities intended primarily to benefit United States producers;
(3) activities in a country that is eligible for assistance from the International Development Association, is not eligible for assistance from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and does not export on a consistent basis the agricultural commodity with respect to which assistance is furnished; or
(4) activities in a country the President determines is recovering from widespread conflict, a humanitarian crisis, or a complex emergency.
(c) International Financial Institutions.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct the United States executive director of each international financial institution to use the voice and vote of the United States to oppose any assistance by such institution, using funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act, for the production or extraction of any commodity or mineral for export, if it is in surplus on world markets and if the assistance will cause substantial injury to United States producers of the same, similar, or competing commodity.
Sec. 7026. (a) Separate Accounts for Local Currencies.--
(1) Agreements.--If assistance is furnished to the government of a foreign country under chapters 1 and 10 of part I or chapter 4 of part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 under agreements which result in the generation of local currencies of that country, the Secretary of State shall--
(A) require that local currencies be deposited in a separate account established by that government;
(B) enter into an agreement with that government which sets forth--
(i) the amount of the local currencies to be generated; and
(ii) the terms and conditions under which the currencies so deposited may be utilized, consistent with this section; and
(C) establish by agreement with that government the responsibilities of the Department of State and that government to monitor and account for deposits into and disbursements from the separate account.
(2) Uses of local currencies.--As may be agreed upon with the foreign government, local currencies deposited in a separate account pursuant to subsection (a), or an equivalent amount of local currencies, shall be used only--
(A) to carry out chapter 1 or 10 of part I or chapter 4 of part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (as the case may be), for such purposes as--
(i) project and sector assistance activities; or
(ii) debt and deficit financing; or
(B) for the administrative requirements of the United States Government.
(3) Programming accountability.--The Department of State shall take all necessary steps to ensure that the equivalent of the local currencies disbursed pursuant to subsection (a)(2)(A) from the separate account established pursuant to subsection (a)(1) are used for the purposes agreed upon pursuant to subsection (a)(2).
(4) Termination of assistance programs.--Upon termination of assistance to a country under chapter 1 or 10 of part I or chapter 4 of part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (as the case may be), any unencumbered balances of funds which remain in a separate account established pursuant to subsection (a) shall be disposed of for such purposes as may be agreed to by the government of that country and the United States Government.
(b) Separate Accounts for Cash Transfers.--
(1) In general.--If assistance is made available to the government of a foreign
country, under chapter 1 or 10 of part I or chapter 4 of part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as cash transfer assistance or as nonproject sector assistance, that country shall be required to maintain such funds in a separate account and not commingle with any other funds.
(2) Notification.--At least 15 days prior to obligating any such cash transfer or nonproject sector assistance, the President shall submit a notification through the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations, which shall include a detailed description of how the funds proposed to be made available will be used, with a discussion of the United States interests that will be served by such assistance (including, as appropriate, a description of the economic policy reforms that will be promoted by such assistance).
(3) Exemption.--Nonproject sector assistance funds may be exempt from the requirements of paragraph (1) only through the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.
Sec. 7027.
Text printed in the Record (10,700 characters)
(a) Assistance Through Nongovernmental Organizations.--Restrictions contained in this or any other Act with respect to assistance for a country shall not be construed to restrict assistance in support of programs of nongovernmental organizations from funds appropriated by this Act to carry out the provisions of chapters 1, 10, 11, and 12 of part I and chapter 4 of part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, the FREEDOM Support Act (Public Law 102-511), and the Support for East European Democracy (SEED) Act of 1989 (Public Law 101-179): Provided, That before using the authority of this subsection to furnish assistance in support of programs of nongovernmental organizations, the President shall notify the Committees on Appropriations pursuant to the regular notification procedures, including a description of the program to be assisted, the assistance to be provided, and the reasons for furnishing such assistance: Provided further, That nothing in this subsection shall be construed to alter any existing statutory prohibitions against abortion or involuntary sterilizations contained in this or any other Act.
(b) Public Law 480.--During fiscal year 2027, restrictions contained in this or any other Act with respect to assistance for a country shall not be construed to restrict assistance under the Food for Peace Act (Public Law 83-480; 7 U.S.C. 1721 et seq.): Provided, That none of the funds appropriated to carry out title I of such Act and made available pursuant to this subsection may be obligated or expended except as provided through the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.
(c) Exception.--This section shall not apply--
(1) with respect to section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or any comparable provision of law prohibiting assistance to countries that support international terrorism; or
(2) with respect to section 116 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or any comparable provision of law prohibiting assistance to the government of a country that violates internationally recognized human rights.
Sec. 7028. (a) Diplomatic Engagement.--Consistent with section 704 of the Championing American Business Through Diplomacy Act of 2019 (title VII of division J of Public Law 116-94), the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, shall prioritize the allocation of funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "Diplomatic Programs" for support of Chief of Mission diplomatic engagement to foster commercial relations and safeguard United States economic and business interests in the country in which each Chief of Mission serves, including activities and initiatives to create and maintain an enabling environment, promote and protect such interests, and resolve commercial disputes: Provided, That each Mission Resource Request and Bureau Resource Request shall include amounts required to prioritize the activities described in this subsection.
(b) Training.--In carrying out section 705 of title VII of division J of Public Law 116-94, the Secretary of State shall annually assess training needs across the economic and commercial diplomacy issue areas and ensure, after a review of course offerings, course attendance records, and course evaluation results, that current offerings meet training needs.
(c) Assistance.--The Secretary of State should direct each Chief of Mission to consider how best to advance and support commercial relations and the safeguarding of United States business interests in the development and execution of the applicable Integrated Country Strategy and the Mission Resource Request for each country receiving bilateral assistance from funds appropriated by this Act.
Sec. 7029. (a) Compensation.--None of the funds appropriated under title V of this Act may be made as payment to any international financial institution while the United States executive director to such institution is compensated by the institution at a rate which, together with whatever compensation such executive director receives from the United States, is in excess of the rate provided for an individual occupying a position at level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, or while any alternate United States executive director to such institution is compensated by the institution at a rate in excess of the rate provided for an individual occupying a position at level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5, United States Code.
(b) Human Rights.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct the United States executive director of each international financial institution to use the voice and vote of the United States to promote human rights due diligence and risk management, as appropriate, in connection with any loan, grant, policy, or strategy of such institution.
(c) Fraud and Corruption.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct the United States executive director of each international financial institution to use the voice of the United States to include in loan, grant, and other financing agreements improvements in borrowing countries' financial management and judicial capacity to investigate, prosecute, and punish fraud and corruption.
(d) Beneficial Ownership Information.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct the United States executive director of each international financial institution to use the voice of the United States to encourage such institution to collect, verify, and publish, to the maximum extent practicable, beneficial ownership information (excluding proprietary information) for any corporation or limited liability company, other than a publicly listed company, that receives funds from any such financial institution.
(e) Capital Increases.--None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be made available to support a new capital increase for an international financial institution unless the President submits a budget request for such increase to Congress and the Secretary of the Treasury concurrent with such request determines and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that--
(1) the capital increase sets such institution on a path to meet its regional or global objectives, as appropriate, including its overarching strategic framework and vision for its role in development finance, and such increase includes agreement on internal reforms and policy measures necessary to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the institution; and
(2) the capital increase does not increase the voting power of the People's Republic of China in such institution relative to that of the United States.
(f) Opposition to Lending to the People's Republic of China.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct the United States executive director at each multilateral development bank to use the voice and vote of the United States to oppose any loan, extension of financial assistance, or technical assistance by such bank to the People's Republic of China.
(g) Contributions to Financial Intermediary Funds.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall ensure that no United States contribution to a financial intermediary fund overseen by the Department of the Treasury may be used to provide any loan, extension of financial assistance, or technical assistance to the People's Republic of China or to any country or region subject to comprehensive sanctions by the United States.
(h) Report.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury shall submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations detailing any funding provided in the prior calendar year by a financial intermediary fund overseen by the Department of the Treasury to the People's Republic of China or any country or region subject to comprehensive sanctions by the United States.
(i) Inter-American Development Bank.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct the Executive Director at the Inter-American Development Bank to use the voice, vote and influence of the United States to support the America First policy agenda at such institution, by eliminating the Bank's green and climate finance targets to focus on affordable and reliable energy to better support economic growth and poverty reduction, and securing agreement on implementation of procurement reforms that result in strengthened transparency and increased competition that benefits United States businesses: Provided, That prior to the obligation of funds made available by this Act under the heading "Contribution to the Inter-American Development Bank" the Secretary of the Treasury shall certify and report to the Committees on Appropriations that such targets are no longer in use.
Sec. 7030. (a) Funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "National Security Investment Programs" shall be made available for the Economic Resilience Initiative to enhance the economic security and stability of the United States and partner countries, including through efforts to counter economic coercion: Provided, That funds made available by this section may only be made available following consultation with, and the regular notification procedures of, the Committees on Appropriations, and shall include support for--
(1) strategic infrastructure investments, which shall be administered by the Secretary of State in consultation with the heads of other relevant Federal agencies;
(2) activities to enhance critical mineral supply chain security; and
(3) the Cyberspace, Digital Connectivity, and Related Technologies Fund in accordance with Chapter 10 of Part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961: Provided, That the authority of section 592(f) of such Act may apply to amounts made available for such Fund under the heading "National Security Investment Programs" and such funds may be made available for the Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership program consistent with section 6306 of the Department of State Authorization Act of 2023 (division F of Public Law 118-31).
(b) Funds appropriated by subsection (a) may be transferred to, and merged with, funds appropriated by this Act to the Export-Import Bank of the United States under the heading "Program Account", to the United States International Development Finance Corporation under the heading "Corporate Capital Account", and under the heading "Trade and Development Agency": Provided, That such transfer authority is in addition to any other transfer authority provided by this Act or any other Act, and is subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.
financial management, budget transparency, and anti-corruption
Sec. 7031.
Text printed in the Record (11,702 characters)
(a) Limitation on Direct Government-to-Government Assistance.--
(1) Requirements.--Funds appropriated by this Act may be made available for direct government-to-government assistance only if--
(A) the requirements included in section 7031(a)(1)(A) through (E) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2019 (division F of Public Law 116-6) are fully met; and
(B) the government of the recipient country is taking steps to reduce corruption.
(2) Consultation and notification.--In addition to the requirements in paragraph (1), funds may only be made available for direct government-to-government assistance subject to prior consultation with, and the regular notification procedures of, the Committees on Appropriations:
Provided, That such notification shall contain an explanation of how the proposed activity meets the requirements of paragraph (1): Provided further, That the requirements of this paragraph shall only apply to direct government-to-government assistance in excess of $7,000,000 and all funds available for cash transfer, budget support, and cash payments to individuals.
(3) Suspension of assistance.--The Secretary of State shall suspend any direct government-to-government assistance if the Secretary has credible information of material misuse of such assistance, unless the Secretary reports to the Committees on Appropriations that it is in the national interest of the United States to continue such assistance, including a justification, or that such misuse has been appropriately addressed.
(4) Submission of information.--The Secretary of State shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations, concurrent with the fiscal year 2028 congressional budget justification materials, amounts planned for assistance described in paragraph (1) by country, proposed funding amount, source of funds, and type of assistance.
(5) Debt service payment prohibition.--None of the funds made available by this Act may be used by the government of any foreign country for debt service payments owed by any country to any international financial institution or to the Government of the People's Republic of China.
(b) National Budget and Contract Transparency.--
(1) Minimum requirements of fiscal transparency.--The Secretary of State shall continue to update and strengthen the "minimum requirements of fiscal transparency" for each government receiving assistance appropriated by this Act, as identified in the report required by section 7031(b) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2014 (division K of Public Law 113-76).
(2) Determination and report.--For each government identified pursuant to paragraph (1), the Secretary of State, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, shall make or update any determination of "significant progress" or "no significant progress" in meeting the minimum requirements of fiscal transparency, and make such determinations publicly available in an annual "Fiscal Transparency Report" to be posted on the Department of State website.
(c) Anti-Kleptocracy and Human Rights.--
(1) Ineligibility.--
(A) Officials of foreign governments and their immediate family members about whom the Secretary of State has credible information have been involved, directly or indirectly, in significant corruption, including corruption related to the extraction of natural resources, or a gross violation of human rights, including the wrongful detention of locally employed staff of a United States diplomatic mission or a United States citizen or national, shall be ineligible for entry into the United States.
(B) Concurrent with the application of subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall, as appropriate, refer the matter to the Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of the Treasury, to determine whether to apply sanctions authorities in accordance with United States law to block the transfer of property and interests in property, and all financial transactions, in the United States involving any person described in such subparagraph.
(C) The Secretary shall also publicly or privately designate or identify the officials of foreign governments and their immediate family members about whom the Secretary has such credible information without regard to whether the individual has applied for a visa.
(2) Exception.--Individuals shall not be ineligible for entry into the United States pursuant to paragraph (1) if such entry would further important United States law enforcement objectives or is necessary to permit the United States to fulfill its obligations under the United Nations Headquarters Agreement: Provided, That nothing in paragraph (1) shall be construed to derogate from United States Government obligations under applicable international agreements.
(3) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the application of paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines that the waiver would serve a compelling national interest or that the circumstances which caused the individual to be ineligible have changed sufficiently.
(4) Report.--Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter until September 30, 2028, the Secretary of State shall submit a report, including a classified annex if necessary, to the appropriate congressional committees and the Committees on the Judiciary describing the information related to corruption or violation of human rights concerning each of the individuals found ineligible in the previous 12 months pursuant to paragraph (1)(A) as well as the individuals who the Secretary designated or identified pursuant to paragraph (1)(B), or who would be ineligible but for the application of paragraph (2), a list of any waivers provided under paragraph (3), and the justification for each waiver.
(5) Posting of report.--Any unclassified portion of the report required under paragraph (4) shall be posted on the Department of State website.
(6) Clarification.--For purposes of paragraphs (1), (4), and (5), the records of the Department of State and of diplomatic and consular offices of the United States pertaining to the issuance or refusal of visas or permits to enter the United States shall not be considered confidential.
(d) Extraction of Natural Resources.--
(1) Prohibition.--None of the funds appropriated by this Act under title III may be made available to support mining activities related to the extraction of minerals until the Secretary of State certifies and reports to the appropriate congressional committees that comparable mining activities are permitted in areas in the United States which were allowable prior to 2023: Provided, That the restriction in this paragraph shall not apply to United States entities.
(2) Public disclosure and independent audits.--
(A) The Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct the executive director of each international financial institution to use the voice and vote of the United States to oppose any assistance by such institutions (including any loan, credit, grant, or guarantee) to any country for the extraction and export of a natural resource if the government of such country has in place laws, regulations, or procedures to prevent or limit the public disclosure of company payments as required by United States law, and unless such government has adopted laws, regulations, or procedures in the sector in which assistance is being considered that: (1) accurately account for and publicly disclose payments to the government by companies involved in the extraction and export of natural resources; (2) include independent auditing of accounts receiving such payments and the public disclosure of such audits; and (3) require public disclosure of agreement and bidding documents, as appropriate.
(B) The requirements of subparagraph (A) shall not apply to assistance for the purpose of building the capacity of such government to meet the requirements of such subparagraph.
Sec. 7032. (a) Funding.--
(1) Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the headings "National Security Investment Programs", "Democracy Fund", and "International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement", $2,175,000,000 shall be made available for democracy programs.
(2) Funds made available pursuant to paragraph (1) and under the heading "National Endowment for Democracy" shall be for such programs in adversarial, anti-American countries, countries whose malign activities pose a national security threat to the United States, or countries seeking to strengthen democratic institutions and processes.
(b) Authorities.--
(1) Availability.--Funds made available by this Act for democracy programs pursuant to subsection (a) and under the heading "National Endowment for Democracy" may be made available notwithstanding any other provision of law, and with regard to the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), any regulation.
(2) Beneficiaries.--Funds made available by this Act for the NED are made available pursuant to the authority of the National Endowment for Democracy Act (title V of Public Law 98-164), including all decisions regarding the selection of beneficiaries.
(c) Restrictions on Foreign Government Interference.--
(1) Prior approval.--With respect to the provision of assistance for democracy programs in this Act, the organizations implementing such assistance, the specific nature of the assistance, and the participants in such programs shall not be subject to prior approval by the government of any foreign country.
(2) Disclosure of implementing partner information.--If the Secretary of State determines that the government of the country is undemocratic or has engaged in or condoned harassment, threats, or attacks against organizations implementing democracy programs, any new bilateral agreement governing the terms and conditions under which assistance is provided to such country shall not require the disclosure of the names of implementing partners of democracy programs, and the Secretary of State shall expeditiously seek to negotiate amendments to existing bilateral agreements, as necessary, to conform to this requirement.
Sec. 7033. (a) International Religious Freedom Office.--Funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "Diplomatic Programs" shall be made available for the Office of International Religious Freedom, Department of State.
(b) Assistance.--
(1) Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the headings "National Security Investment Programs" and "Democracy Fund", not less than $50,000,000 shall be made available for international religious freedom programs: Provided, That such funds shall be the responsibility of the Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, in consultation with other relevant United States Government officials: Provided further, That such funds shall be prioritized for programs in countries designated as a country of particular concern for religious freedom pursuant to section 402(b)(1)(A)(ii) of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C. 6442).
(2) Funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "International Humanitarian Assistance" shall be made available for humanitarian assistance for vulnerable and persecuted ethnic and religious minorities, including victims of genocide designated by the Secretary of State and other groups that have suffered crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing.
(c) Authority.--Funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "National Security Investment Programs" may be made available notwithstanding any other provision of law for assistance for ethnic and religious minorities in Iraq and Syria.
Sec. 7034.
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(a) Forensic Assistance.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the headings "National Security Investment Programs" and "International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement", not less than $15,000,000 shall be made available for forensic assistance related to combating human trafficking.
(b) Directives and Authorities.--
(1) Genocide victims memorial sites.--Funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "National Security Investment Programs" may be made available as contributions to establish and maintain memorial sites of genocide, subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.
(2) Exchange visitor program.--None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to modify the Exchange Visitor Program administered by the Department of State to implement the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (Public Law 87-256; 22 U.S.C. 2451 et seq.), except through the formal rulemaking process pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq.): Provided, That funds made available for such purpose shall only be made available after consultation with, and subject to the regular notification procedures of, the Committees on Appropriations, regarding how any proposed modification would affect the public diplomacy goals of, and the estimated economic impact on, the United States: Provided further, That such consultation shall take place not later than 30 days prior to the publication in the Federal Register of any regulatory action modifying the Exchange Visitor Program.
(c) Partner Vetting.--Prior to initiating a partner vetting program, providing a direct vetting option, or making a significant change to the scope of an existing partner vetting program, the Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations: Provided, That the Secretary of State may restrict the award of, terminate, or cancel contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements or require an awardee to restrict the award of, terminate, or cancel a sub-award based on information in connection with a partner vetting program.
(d) International Child Abductions.--The Secretary of State should withhold funds appropriated under title III of this Act for assistance for the central government of any country that is not taking appropriate steps to comply with the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abductions, done at the Hague on October 25, 1980: Provided, That the Secretary shall report to the Committees on Appropriations within 15 days of withholding funds under this subsection.
(e) Transfer of Funds for Extraordinary Protection.--The Secretary of State may transfer to, and merge with, funds under the heading "Protection of Foreign Missions and Officials" unobligated balances of expired funds appropriated under the heading "Diplomatic Programs" for fiscal year 2027, at no later than the end of the fifth fiscal year after the last fiscal year for which such funds are available for the purposes for which appropriated: Provided, That not more than $50,000,000 may be transferred.
(f) Impact on Jobs.--Section 7056 of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2021 (division K of Public Law 116-260) shall continue in effect during fiscal year 2027.
(g) Extension of Authorities.--
(1) Transfer of balances.--Section 7081(h) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2017 (division J of Public Law 115-31) shall continue in effect during fiscal year 2027.
(2) Protective services.--Section 7071 of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2022 (division K of Public Law 117-103) shall continue in effect during fiscal year 2027 and shall apply to funds appropriated by this Act.
(3) Extension.--Chapter 5 of title I of the Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003 (Public Law 108-11; 117 Stat. 576) is amended under the heading "Loan Guarantees to Israel"--
(A) in the matter preceding the first proviso, by striking "September 30, 2031" and inserting "September 30, 2032"; and
(B) in the second proviso, by striking "September 30, 2031" and inserting "September 30, 2032".
(h) HIV/AIDS Working Capital Fund.--Funds available in the HIV/AIDS Working Capital Fund established pursuant to section 525(b)(1) of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2005 (Public Law 108-447) may be made available for pharmaceuticals and other products for child survival, malaria, and tuberculosis to the same extent as HIV/AIDS pharmaceuticals and other products, subject to the terms and conditions in such section: Provided, That the authority in section 525(b)(5) of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2005 (Public Law 108-447) shall be exercised by the Secretary of State with respect to funds deposited for such non-HIV/AIDS pharmaceuticals and other products, and shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations: Provided further, That the Secretary shall include in the congressional budget justification an accounting of budgetary resources, disbursements, balances, and reimbursements related to such fund.
(i) Definitions.--
(1) Appropriate congressional committees.--Unless otherwise defined in this Act, for purposes of this Act the term "appropriate congressional committees" means the Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.
(2) Clarification.--In Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs, the term "contribution, grant, or other payment" with respect to the United Nations or any affiliated organization of the United Nations shall mean voluntary and assessed contributions and payments, including contributions and payments to the United Nations Regular Budget.
(3) Congressional notifications.--The term "regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations" means such Committees shall be notified not less than 15 days in advance of the obligation of funds: Provided, That such notifications shall include the information detailed under this section in the report accompanying this Act.
(4) Funds appropriated by this act and prior acts.--Unless otherwise defined in this Act, for purposes of this Act the term "funds appropriated by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs" means funds that remain available for obligation, and have not expired.
(5) International financial institutions.--In this Act "international financial institutions" means the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Development Association, the International Finance Corporation, the Inter-American Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the Asian Development Bank, the Asian Development Fund, the Inter-American Investment Corporation, the North American Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the African Development Bank, the African Development Fund, and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency.
(6) Pacific islands countries.--In this Act, the term "Pacific Islands countries" means the Cook Islands, the Republic of Fiji, the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Nauru, Niue, the Republic of Palau, the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, the Independent State of Samoa, the Solomon Islands, the Kingdom of Tonga, Tuvalu, and the Republic of Vanuatu.
(7) Prior acts.--For the purposes of this Act, the term "prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs" shall include prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs.
(8) Prior consultation.--For the purposes of this Act, the term "prior consultation" means a substantive engagement between a relevant Federal agency and the Committees on Appropriations at least 7 days prior to any public announcement or submission of a notification in which such Committees are provided with details and the opportunity to engage on--
(A) the proposed use of funds, as applicable;
(B) the development, content, or conduct of a program, project, or activity; and
(C) the proposed decision to be taken.
(9) Spend plan.--In this Act, the term "spend plan" means a plan for the uses of funds appropriated for a particular entity, country, program, purpose, or account and which shall include, at a minimum, a description of--
(A) realistic and sustainable goals, criteria for measuring progress, and a timeline for achieving such goals;
(B) amounts and sources of funds by account;
(C) how such funds will complement other ongoing or planned programs; and
(D) implementing partners, to the maximum extent practicable.
(10) Successor operating unit.--Any reference to a particular operating unit or office in this Act or prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs shall be deemed to include any successor operating unit performing the same or similar functions.
(11) This act.--This Act shall be deemed to be an Act making appropriations for the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs for purposes of any provision of law citing, or referring to amounts made available by, such an Act.
Sec. 7035.
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(a) Assistance.--
(1) Community-based police assistance.--Funds made available under titles III and IV of this Act to carry out the provisions of chapter 1 of part I and chapters 4 and 6 of part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, may be used, notwithstanding section 660 of that Act, to enhance the effectiveness and accountability of civilian police authority through training and technical assistance in human rights, the rule of law, anti-corruption, strategic planning, and through assistance to foster civilian police roles that support democratic governance, including assistance for programs to prevent conflict, respond to disasters, address violence against women and girls, and foster improved police relations with the communities they serve.
(2) Combat casualty care.--
(A) Consistent with the objectives of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act, funds appropriated by this Act under the headings "Security Sector Programs" and "Foreign Military Financing Program" shall be made available for combat casualty training and equipment in an amount above the prior fiscal year.
(B) The Secretary of State shall offer combat casualty care training and equipment as a component of any package of lethal assistance funded by this Act with funds appropriated under the headings "Security Sector Programs" and "Foreign Military Financing Program": Provided, That the requirement of this subparagraph shall apply to a country in conflict, unless the Secretary determines that such country has in place, to the maximum extent practicable, functioning combat casualty care treatment and equipment that meets or exceeds the standards recommended by the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care: Provided further, That any such training and equipment for combat casualty care shall be made available through an open and competitive process.
(b) Authorities.--
(1) Reconstituting civilian police authority.--In providing assistance with funds appropriated by this Act under section 660(b)(6) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, support for a nation emerging from instability may be deemed to mean support for regional, district, municipal, or other sub-national entity emerging from instability, as well as a nation emerging from instability.
(2) Disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration.--Section 7034(d) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2015 (division J of Public Law 113-235) shall continue in effect during fiscal year 2027, and shall apply to funds made available by this Act under the heading "National Security Investment Programs".
(3) Commercial leasing of defense articles.--Subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations, the authority of section 23(a) of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2763) may be used to provide financing to Israel, Egypt, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and major non-NATO allies for the procurement by leasing (including leasing with an option to purchase) of defense articles from United States commercial suppliers, not including Major Defense Equipment (other than helicopters and other types of aircraft having possible civilian application), if the President determines that there are compelling foreign policy or national security reasons for those defense articles being provided by commercial lease rather than by government-to-government sale under such Act.
(4) Special defense acquisition fund.--Not to exceed $900,000,000 may be obligated pursuant to section 51(c)(2) of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2795(c)(2)) for the purposes of the Special Defense Acquisition Fund (the Fund), to remain available for obligation until September 30, 2029: Provided, That the provision of defense articles and defense services to foreign countries or international organizations from the Fund shall be subject to the concurrence of the Secretary of State.
(5) Extension of war reserve stockpile authority.--Section 514(b)(2)(A) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321h(b)(2)(A)) is amended by striking "2028" and inserting "2029".
(6) Program clarification.--Notwithstanding section 503(a)(3) of Public Law 87-195 (22 U.S.C. 2311(a)(3)), the procurement of defense articles and services funded on a non-repayable basis under section 23 of the Arms Export Control Act may be priced to include the costs of salaries of members of the Armed Forces of the United States engaged in security assistance activities pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 341 (relating to the State Partnership Program): Provided, That this paragraph shall only apply to funds that remain available for obligation in fiscal year 2027.
(7) Foreign military financing direct loans and loan guarantees.--Through fiscal year 2028, the terms and conditions provided in section 2606 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), as modified by section 7035(b)(7) of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026 (division F of Public Law 119-75), shall continue in effect and shall apply in the same manner and to the same extent to funds made available by this Act under the heading "Foreign Military Financing Program".
(8) Continuation of authority.--Section 7035(b)(7) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024 (division F of Public Law 118-47) shall continue in effect during fiscal year 2027.
(c) Limitations.--
(1) Child soldiers.--Funds appropriated by this Act should not be used to support any military training or operations that include child soldiers.
(2) Landmines and cluster munitions.--
(A) Landmines.--Demining equipment available to the Department of State and used in support of the clearance of landmines and unexploded ordnance for humanitarian purposes may be disposed of on a grant basis in foreign countries, subject to such terms and conditions as the Secretary of State may prescribe.
(B) Cluster munitions.--No military assistance shall be furnished for cluster munitions, no defense export license for cluster munitions may be issued, and no cluster munitions or cluster munitions technology shall be sold or transferred, unless--
(i) the submunitions of the cluster munitions, after arming, do not result in more than 1 percent unexploded ordnance across the range of intended operational environments, and the agreement applicable to the assistance, transfer, or sale of such cluster munitions or cluster munitions technology specifies that the cluster munitions will only be used against clearly defined military targets and will not be used where civilians are known to be present or in areas normally inhabited by civilians; or
(ii) such assistance, license, sale, or transfer is for the purpose of demilitarizing or permanently disposing of such cluster munitions.
(3) Oversight and accountability.--
(A) Prior to the signing of a new Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) involving funds appropriated under the heading "Foreign Military Financing Program", the Secretary of State shall consult with each recipient government to ensure that the LOA between the United States and such recipient government complies with the purposes of section 4 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2754) and that the defense articles, services, and training procured with funds appropriated under such heading are consistent with United States national security policy.
(B) The Secretary of State shall promptly inform the appropriate congressional committees of any instance in which the Secretary of State has credible information that such assistance was used in a manner contrary to such agreement.
(d) Reports.--
(1) Security assistance report.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations a report on funds obligated and expended during fiscal year 2026, by country and purpose of assistance, including for sustainment of Department of Defense security cooperation programs, and under the headings "Security Sector Programs", "International Military Education and Training", and "Foreign Military Financing Program".
(2) Annual foreign military training report.--For the purposes of implementing section 656 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, the term "military training provided to foreign military personnel by the Department of Defense and the Department of State" shall be deemed to include all military training provided by foreign governments with funds appropriated to the Department of Defense or the Department of State, except for training provided by the government of a country designated by section 517(b) of such Act (22 U.S.C. 2321k(b)) as a major non-NATO ally: Provided, That such
third-country training shall be clearly identified in the report submitted pursuant to section 656 of such Act.
countering the flow of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs
Sec. 7036. (a) Assistance.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the headings "National Security Investment Programs" and "International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement", not less than $175,000,000 shall be made available for programs to counter the flow of fentanyl, fentanyl precursors, and other synthetic drugs into the United States: Provided, That such funds shall be in addition to funds otherwise made available for such purposes.
(b) Uses of Funds.--Funds made available pursuant to subsection (a) shall be made available to support--
(1) efforts to stop the flow of fentanyl, fentanyl precursors, and other synthetic drugs and their precursor materials to the United States from and through the People's Republic of China (PRC), Mexico, and other countries;
(2) law enforcement cooperation and capacity building efforts aimed at disrupting and dismantling transnational criminal organizations involved in the production and trafficking of fentanyl, fentanyl precursors, and other synthetic drugs;
(3) implementation of the Fighting Emerging Narcotics Through Additional Nations to Yield Lasting Results Act (part 7 of subtitle C of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, Public Law 117-263); and
(4) engagement, including through multilateral organizations and frameworks, to catalyze collective action to address the public health and security threats posed by fentanyl, fentanyl precursors, and other synthetic drugs, including through the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats.
Sec. 7037.
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(a) Limitation on Assistance.--None of the funds appropriated under titles III through VI of this Act may be provided to support a Palestinian state unless the Secretary of State determines and certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that--
(1) the governing entity of a new Palestinian state--
(A) has demonstrated a firm commitment to peaceful co-existence with the State of Israel; and
(B) is taking appropriate measures to counter terrorism and terrorist financing in the West Bank and Gaza, including the dismantling of terrorist infrastructures, and is cooperating with appropriate Israeli and other appropriate security organizations; and
(2) the Palestinian Authority (or the governing entity of a new Palestinian state) is working with other countries in the region to vigorously pursue efforts to establish a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the Middle East that will enable Israel and an independent Palestinian state to exist within the context of full and normal relationships, which should include--
(A) termination of all claims or states of belligerency;
(B) respect for and acknowledgment of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of every state in the area through measures including the establishment of demilitarized zones;
(C) their right to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries free from threats or acts of force;
(D) freedom of navigation through international waterways in the area; and
(E) a framework for achieving a just settlement of the refugee problem.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the governing entity should enact a constitution assuring the rule of law, an independent judiciary, and respect for human rights for its citizens, and should enact other laws and regulations assuring transparent and accountable governance.
(c) Waiver.--The President may waive subsection (a) if the President determines that it is important to the national security interest of the United States to do so.
(d) Exemption.--The restriction in subsection (a) shall not apply to assistance intended to help reform the Palestinian Authority and affiliated institutions, or the governing entity, in order to help meet the requirements of subsection (a), consistent with the provisions of section 7040 of this Act ("Limitation on Assistance for the Palestinian Authority").
Al Green (D-TX)1:00 p.m.
prohibition on assistance to the palestinian broadcasting corporation
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Sec. 7038. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to provide equipment, technical support, consulting services, or any other form of assistance to the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation.
Sec. 7039. (a) Oversight.--For fiscal year 2027, 30 days prior to the initial obligation of funds for the bilateral West Bank and Gaza Program, the Secretary of State shall certify to the Committees on Appropriations that procedures have been established to assure the Comptroller General of the United States will have access to appropriate United States financial information in order to review the uses of United States assistance for the Program funded under the heading "National Security Investment Programs" for the West Bank and Gaza.
(b) Vetting.--Prior to the obligation of funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "National Security Investment Programs" for assistance for the West Bank and Gaza, the Secretary of State shall take all appropriate steps to ensure that such assistance is not provided to or through any individual, private or government entity, or educational institution that the Secretary knows or has reason to believe advocates, plans, sponsors, engages in, or has engaged in, terrorist activity nor, with respect to private entities or educational institutions, those that have as a principal officer of the entity's governing board or governing board of trustees any individual that has been determined to be involved in, or advocating terrorist activity or determined to be a member of a designated foreign terrorist organization: Provided, That the Secretary of State shall, as appropriate, establish procedures specifying the steps to be taken in carrying out this subsection and shall terminate assistance to any individual, entity, or educational institution which the Secretary has determined to be involved in or advocating terrorist activity.
(c) Prohibition.--
(1) Recognition of acts of terrorism.--None of the funds appropriated under titles III through VI of this Act for assistance under the West Bank and Gaza Program may be made available for--
(A) the purpose of recognizing or otherwise honoring individuals who commit, or have committed acts of terrorism; and
(B) any educational institution located in the West Bank or Gaza that is named after an individual who the Secretary of State determines has committed an act of terrorism.
(2) Security assistance and reporting requirement.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, none of the funds made available by this or prior appropriations Acts, including funds made available by transfer, may be made available for obligation for security assistance for the West Bank and Gaza until the Secretary of State reports to the Committees on Appropriations on--
(A) the benchmarks that have been established for security assistance for the West Bank and Gaza and on the extent of Palestinian compliance with such benchmarks; and
(B) the steps being taken by the Palestinian Authority to end torture and other cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment of detainees, including by bringing to justice members of Palestinian security forces who commit such crimes.
(d) Oversight by the Department of State.--
(1) The Secretary of State shall ensure that Federal or non-Federal audits of all contractors and grantees, and significant subcontractors and sub-grantees, under the West Bank and Gaza Program, are conducted at least on an annual basis to ensure, among other things, compliance with this section.
(2) Of the funds appropriated by this Act, up to $1,400,000 may be used by the Offices of Inspector General funded under title II of this Act for audits, investigations, and other activities in furtherance of the requirements of this subsection: Provided, That such funds are in addition to funds otherwise available for such purposes.
(e) Comptroller General of the United States Audit.--Subsequent to the certification specified in subsection (a), the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct an audit and an investigation of the treatment, handling, and uses of all funds for the bilateral West Bank and Gaza Program, including all funds provided as cash transfer assistance, in fiscal year 2027 under the heading "National Security Investment Programs", and such audit shall address--
(1) the extent to which such Program complies with the requirements of subsections (b) and (c); and
(2) an examination of all programs, projects, and activities carried out under such Program, including both obligations and expenditures.
(f) Notification Procedures.--Funds made available in this Act for West Bank and Gaza shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.
Sec. 7040. (a) Prohibition of Funds.--None of the funds appropriated by this Act to carry out the provisions of chapter 4 of part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 may be obligated or expended with respect to providing funds to the Palestinian Authority.
(b) Waiver.--The prohibition included in subsection (a) shall not apply if the President certifies in writing to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President pro tempore of the Senate, and the Committees on Appropriations that waiving such prohibition is important to the national security interest of the United States.
(c) Period of Application of Waiver.--Any waiver pursuant to subsection (b) shall be effective for no more than a period of 6 months at a time and shall not apply beyond 12 months after the enactment of this Act.
(d) Report.--Whenever the waiver authority pursuant to subsection (b) is exercised, the President shall submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations detailing the justification for the waiver, the purposes for which the funds will be spent, and the accounting procedures in place to ensure that the funds are properly disbursed: Provided, That the report shall also detail the steps the Palestinian Authority has taken to arrest terrorists, confiscate weapons and dismantle the terrorist infrastructure.
(e) Certification.--If the President exercises the waiver authority under subsection (b), the Secretary of State must certify and report to the Committees on Appropriations prior to the obligation of funds that the Palestinian Authority has established a single treasury account for all Palestinian Authority financing and all financing mechanisms flow through this account, no parallel financing mechanisms exist outside of the Palestinian Authority treasury account, and there is a single comprehensive civil service roster and payroll, and the Palestinian Authority is acting to counter incitement of violence against Israelis and is supporting activities aimed at promoting peace, coexistence, and security cooperation with Israel.
(f) Prohibition to Hamas and the Palestine Liberation Organization.--
(1) None of the funds appropriated in titles III through VI of this Act may be obligated for salaries of personnel of the Palestinian Authority located in Gaza or may be obligated or expended for assistance to Hamas or any entity effectively controlled by Hamas, any power-sharing government of which Hamas is a member, or that results from an agreement with Hamas and over which Hamas exercises undue influence.
(2) Notwithstanding the limitation of paragraph (1), assistance may be provided to a power-sharing government only if the President certifies and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that such government, including all of its ministers or such equivalent, has publicly accepted and is complying with the principles contained in section 620K(b)(1)(A) and (B) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.
(3) The President may exercise the authority in section 620K(e) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as added by the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-446) with respect to this subsection.
(4) Whenever the certification pursuant to paragraph (2) is exercised, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations within 120 days of the certification and every quarter thereafter on whether such government, including all of its ministers or such equivalent are continuing to comply with the principles contained in section 620K(b)(1)(A) and (B) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended: Provided, That the report shall also detail the amount, purposes and delivery mechanisms for any assistance provided pursuant to the abovementioned certification and a full accounting of any direct support of such government.
(5) None of the funds appropriated under titles III through VI of this Act may be obligated for assistance for the Palestine Liberation Organization.
Sec. 7041. (a) Egypt.--
(1) Assistance.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act, not less than $1,425,000,000 shall be made available for assistance for Egypt, of which--
(A) not less than $125,000,000 shall be made available from funds under the heading "National Security Investment Programs"; and
(B) not less than $1,300,000,000 shall be made available from funds under the heading "Foreign Military Financing Program": Provided, That such funds may be transferred to an interest bearing account in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
(2) Memorandum of understanding.--The Secretary of State shall prioritize diplomatic engagements on long-term planning to support the mutually beneficial United States-Egypt partnership, including with respect to United States international security assistance for Egypt.
(3) Certification and report.--Funds appropriated by this Act that are available for assistance for Egypt may be made available notwithstanding any other provision of law restricting assistance for Egypt, except for this subsection and section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and may only be made available for assistance for the Government of Egypt if the Secretary of State certifies and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that such government is--
(A) sustaining the strategic relationship with the United States; and
(B) meeting its obligations under the 1979 Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty.
(b) Iran.--
(1) Funding.--Funds appropriated by this Act under the headings "Diplomatic Programs", "National Security Investment Programs", and "Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs" shall be made available--
(A) to support the United States policy to prevent Iran from achieving the capability to produce or otherwise obtain a nuclear weapon;
(B) to support an expeditious response to any violation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions or to efforts that advance Iran's nuclear program;
(C) to support the implementation and enforcement of sanctions against Iran for support of nuclear weapons development, terrorism, human rights abuses, and ballistic missile and weapons proliferation; and
(D) for democracy programs in support of the aspirations of the Iranian people.
(2) Reports.--
(A) Semi-annual report.--The Secretary of State shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations the semi-annual report required by section 135(d)(4) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C.
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2160e(d)(4)), as added by section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-17).
(B) Sanctions report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on--
(i) the status of United States bilateral sanctions on Iran;
(ii) the reimposition and renewed enforcement of secondary sanctions; and
(iii) the impact such sanctions have had on Iran's destabilizing activities throughout the Middle East.
(3) Limitations.--None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be--
(A) used to implement an agreement with the Government of Iran relating to the nuclear program of Iran, or a renewal of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action adopted on October 18, 2015, in contravention of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 (42 U.S.C. 2160e);
(B) made available to any foreign entity or person that is subject to United Nations or United States bilateral sanctions with respect to the Government of Iran; or
(C) used to revoke the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a Foreign Terrorist Organization pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189).
(c) Israel.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "Foreign Military Financing Program", not less than $3,300,000,000 shall be available for grants only for Israel: Provided, That funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "Foreign Military Financing Program" and made available for assistance for Israel shall be disbursed within 30 days of the date of enactment of this Act: Provided further, That to the extent that the Government of Israel requests that funds be used for such purposes, grants made available for Israel under this heading shall, as agreed by the United States and Israel, be available for advanced weapons systems, of which not less than $250,300,000 shall be available for the procurement in Israel of defense articles and defense services, including research and development.
(d) Jordan.--
(1) Of the funds appropriated by this Act under titles III and IV, not less than $1,650,000,000 shall be made available for assistance for Jordan, of which not less than $845,100,000 shall be made available for budget support for the Government of Jordan and not less than $425,000,000 shall be made available under the heading "Foreign Military Financing Program".
(2) In addition to amounts made available pursuant to paragraph (1), not less than $400,000,000 of the funds appropriated under the heading "National Security Investment Programs" shall be made available for assistance for Jordan, which shall be made available for budget support, and not less than $50,000,000 of the funds appropriated under the heading "Foreign Military Financing Program" shall be made available for assistance for Jordan.
(e) Lebanon.--
(1) Limitation.--None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be made available for the Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF) or the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) if the ISF or the LAF is controlled by a foreign terrorist organization, as designated pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189).
(2) Security assistance.--
(A) Funds appropriated by this Act under the headings "International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement" and "Foreign Military Financing Program" that are made available for assistance for Lebanon may be made available for programs and equipment for the ISF and the LAF to address security and stability requirements in areas affected by conflict in Syria, following consultation with the appropriate congressional committees.
(B) Funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "Foreign Military Financing Program" that are made available for assistance for Lebanon may only be made available for programs to--
(i) professionalize the LAF to mitigate internal and external threats from non-state actors, including Hizballah;
(ii) strengthen the security of borders and combat terrorism, including training and equipping the LAF to secure the borders of Lebanon and address security and stability requirements in areas affected by conflict in Syria, interdicting arms shipments, and preventing the use of Lebanon as a safe haven for terrorist groups; and
(iii) implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701:
Provided, That prior to obligating funds made available by this subparagraph for assistance for the LAF, the Secretary of State shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations a spend plan, including actions to be taken to ensure equipment provided to the LAF is used only for the intended purposes, except such plan may not be considered as meeting the notification requirements under section 7015 of this Act or under section 634A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961: Provided further, That any notification submitted pursuant to such section shall include any funds specifically intended for lethal military equipment.
(f) Syria.--
(1) Non-lethal assistance.--Funds appropriated by this Act under titles III and IV may be made available, notwithstanding any other provision of law, for non-lethal stabilization assistance for Syria, including for
emergency medical and rescue response and chemical weapons investigations.
(2) Limitations.--Funds appropriated by this Act and made available for assistance for Syria may not be made available for--
(A) a project or activity that supports or otherwise legitimizes the Government of Iran, foreign terrorist organizations (as designated pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189)), or a proxy of Iran in Syria; and
(B) activities that further the strategic objectives of the governments of the Russian Federation or the People's Republic of China that the Secretary of State determines may threaten or undermine United States national security interests.
(3) Consultation.--Funds appropriated by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs that are made available for any new program, project, or activity in Syria shall be subject to prior consultation with the appropriate congressional committees.
(g) West Bank and Gaza.--
(1) Limitations.--
(A) None of the funds appropriated under the heading "National Security Investment Programs" in this Act may be made available for assistance for the Palestinian Authority, if after the date of enactment of this Act--
(i) the Palestinians obtain the same standing as member states or full membership as a state in the United Nations or any specialized agency thereof outside an agreement negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians; or
(ii) the Palestinians initiate an International Criminal Court (ICC) judicially authorized investigation, or actively support such an investigation, that subjects Israeli nationals to an investigation for alleged crimes against Palestinians.
(B)(i) The President may waive the provisions of section 1003 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989 (Public Law 100-204) if the President determines and certifies in writing to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President pro tempore of the Senate, and the appropriate congressional committees that the Palestinians have not, after the date of enactment of this Act--
(I) obtained in the United Nations or any specialized agency thereof the same standing as member states or full membership as a state outside an agreement negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians;
(II) initiated or actively supported an ICC investigation against Israeli nationals for alleged crimes against Palestinians; and
(III) initiated any further action, whether directly or indirectly, based on an Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice that undermines direct negotiations to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including matters related to final status and Israel's longstanding security rights and responsibilities.
(ii) Not less than 90 days after the President is unable to make the certification pursuant to clause (i) of this subparagraph, the President may waive section 1003 of Public Law 100-204 if the President determines and certifies in writing to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President pro tempore of the Senate, and the Committees on Appropriations that the Palestinians have entered into direct and meaningful negotiations with Israel: Provided, That any waiver of the provisions of section 1003 of Public Law 100-204 under clause (i) of this subparagraph or under previous provisions of law must expire before the waiver under this clause may be exercised.
(iii) Any waiver pursuant to this subparagraph shall be effective for no more than a period of 6 months at a time and shall not apply beyond 12 months after the enactment of this Act.
(C) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available for the Office of Palestinian Affairs, Department of State.
(3) Gaza oversight.--
(A) Certification.--The Secretary of State shall certify and report to the appropriate congressional committees not later than 15 days after the date of enactment of this Act, that--
(i) oversight policies, processes, and procedures have been established by the Department of State and are in use to prevent the diversion to Hamas and other terrorist and extremist entities in Gaza and the misuse or destruction by such entities of assistance, including through international organizations; and
(ii) such policies, processes, and procedures have been developed in coordination with other bilateral and multilateral donors and the Government of Israel, as appropriate.
(B) Oversight policy and procedures.--The Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees, concurrent with the submission of the certification required in subparagraph (A), a written description of the oversight policies, processes, and procedures for funds appropriated by this Act that are made available for assistance for Gaza, including specific actions to be taken should such assistance be diverted, misused, or destroyed, and the role of the Government of Israel in the oversight of such assistance.
(C) Requirement to inform.--The Secretary of State shall promptly inform the appropriate congressional committees of each instance in which funds appropriated by this Act that are made available for assistance for Gaza have been diverted, misused, or destroyed, to include the type of assistance, a description of the incident and parties involved, and an explanation of the response of the Department of State.
(D) Third party monitoring.--Funds appropriated by this Act shall be made available for third party monitoring of assistance for Gaza, including end use monitoring, following consultation with the appropriate congressional committees.
(E) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the initial obligation of funds appropriated by this Act that are made available for assistance for Gaza, and every 90 days thereafter until all such funds are expended, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report detailing the amount and purpose of such assistance provided during each respective quarter, including a description of the specific entity implementing such assistance.
(F) Assessment.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act and every 90 days thereafter until September 30, 2028, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence and other heads of elements of the intelligence community that the Secretary considers relevant, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report assessing whether funds appropriated by this Act and made available for assistance for the West Bank and Gaza have been diverted
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to or destroyed by Hamas or other terrorist and extremist entities in the West Bank and Gaza: Provided, That such report shall include details on the amount and how such funds were made available and used by such entities: Provided further, That such report may be submitted in classified form, if necessary.
(G) Consultation.--Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act but prior to the initial obligation of funds made available by this Act for humanitarian assistance for Gaza, the Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations on the amount and anticipated uses of such funds.
(H) Limitation on foreign nationals from gaza.--None of the funds appropriated by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs under title III may be used to support the admission and resettlement into the United States of a foreign national from Gaza.
(4) Application of taylor force act.--Funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "National Security Investment Programs" that are made available for assistance for the West Bank and Gaza shall be made available consistent with section 1004(a) of the Taylor Force Act (title X of division S of Public Law 115-141).
(5) Security report.--The reporting requirements in section 1404 of the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law 110-252) shall apply to funds made available by this Act, including a description of modifications, if any, to the security strategy of the Palestinian Authority.
(6) Incitement report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees detailing steps taken by the Palestinian Authority to counter incitement of violence against Israelis and to promote peace and coexistence with Israel.
Sec. 7042. (a) African Great Lakes Region.--Funds appropriated under titles III and IV of this Act shall be made available to support the June 27, 2025 Peace Agreement Between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda and implementation of the Regional Economic Integration Framework: Provided, That such funds shall prioritize sectors deemed critical by the Secretary of State to the national security and economic interests of the United States, including the mining sector and other natural resources.
(b) Nigeria.--
(1) Certification.--Of the funds appropriated under titles III and IV of this Act that are made available for assistance for the central Government of Nigeria, 50 percent may not be obligated until the Secretary of State certifies to the Committees on Appropriations that such Government is--
(A) taking effective steps to prevent and respond to violence and hold perpetrators accountable;
(B) prioritizing resources to support victims of such violence, including internally displaced persons;
(C) actively facilitating the safe return, resettlement, and reconstruction of communities impacted by the violence; and
(D) allocating sufficient resources to address the conditions in subparagraphs (A) through (C).
(2) Program prioritization.--Funds appropriated under titles III and IV of this Act that are made available for assistance for Nigeria shall be made available on a cost-matching basis to the maximum extent practicable and used to support--
(A) atrocities prevention, including through early warning systems;
(B) advancing religious freedom;
(C) investigations and prosecutions of violence committed by Fulani militia groups, jihadist terror groups, and criminal gangs;
(D) the effectiveness and accountability of police and security forces for the protection of civilians from militia or terrorist attack;
(E) the delivery of humanitarian assistance;
(F) the restoration of basic services in areas impacted by conflict including through faith-based and local organizations; and
(G) the development of demobilization, disarmament, and reintegration efforts to address the challenge of illegal weapons trafficking and related security risks, pursuant to section 7035(b)(2) of this Act.
(c) South Africa.--None of the funds appropriated by this Act under titles III and IV may be made available for assistance for the Government of South Africa unless the Secretary of State certifies and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that the conditions enumerated under this section in the report accompanying this Act relating to the cessation of cooperation with United States adversaries and adherence to the rule of law have been met.
(d) South Sudan.--None of the funds appropriated by this Act under title IV may be made available for assistance for the central Government of South Sudan, except to support implementation of a viable peace agreement in South Sudan.
(e) Sudan.--
(1) Limitation.--None of the funds appropriated by this Act under title IV may be made available for assistance for the central Government of Sudan, except to support implementation of a viable peace agreement in Sudan.
(2) Consultation.--Funds appropriated by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs that are made available for any new program, project, or activity in Sudan shall be subject to prior consultation with the appropriate congressional committees.
Sec. 7043. (a) Burma.--Funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "National Security Investment Programs" may be made available for assistance for Burma for the purposes described in section 5575 of the Burma Act of 2022 (subtitle E of title LV of division E of Public Law 117-263) and section 7043(a) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2023 (division K of Public Law 117-328): Provided, That the authorities, limitations, and conditions contained in section 7043(a) of division K of Public Law 117-328 shall apply to funds made available for assistance for Burma under this Act, except for the minimum funding requirements and paragraph (1)(B).
(b) Indo-Pacific Strategy.--
(1) Assistance.--Of the funds appropriated under titles III and IV of this Act, not less than $1,800,000,000 shall be made available to support implementation of the Indo-Pacific Strategy.
(2) Countering prc influence fund.--Of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act under the headings "National Security Investment Programs", "International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement", "Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs", and "Foreign Military Financing Program", not less than $400,000,000 shall be made available for a Countering PRC Influence Fund to counter the influence of the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party and entities acting on their behalf globally, which shall be subject to prior consultation with the Committees on Appropriations: Provided, That such funds are in addition to amounts otherwise made available for such purposes: Provided further, That up to 10 percent of such funds shall be held in reserve to respond to unanticipated opportunities to counter PRC influence: Provided further, That funds made available pursuant to this paragraph under the heading "Foreign Military Financing Program" may remain available until September 30, 2028: Provided further, That funds appropriated by this Act for such Fund under the headings "International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement", "Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs", and "Foreign Military Financing Program" may be transferred to, and merged with, funds appropriated under such headings: Provided further, That such transfer authority is in addition to any other transfer authority provided by this Act or any other Act, and is subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.
(3) Restriction on uses of funds.--None of the funds appropriated by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs may be made available for any project or activity that directly supports or promotes--
(A) the Belt and Road Initiative or any dual-use infrastructure projects of the People's Republic of China; or
(B) the use of technology, including biotechnology, digital, telecommunications, and cyber, developed by the People's Republic of China unless the Secretary of State, in consultation with the heads of other Federal agencies, as appropriate, determines that such use does not adversely impact the national security of the United States.
(4) Maps.--None of the funds made available by this Act should be used to create, procure, or display any map that inaccurately depicts the territory and social and economic system of Taiwan and the islands or island groups administered by Taiwan authorities.
(c) Mission Australia.--Funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "Administration of Foreign Affairs" shall be made available to increase the number of Department of State personnel and improve the requisite facilities necessary to advance the national security policy objectives of the United States in Australia, including through AUKUS implementation: Provided, That such expanded presence shall be reflected in the operating plan submitted pursuant to section 7062 of this Act, following consultation with the appropriate congressional committees.
(d) North Korea.--
(1) Cybersecurity.--None of the funds appropriated by this Act or prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs may be made available for assistance for the central government of a country the Secretary of State determines and reports to the appropriate congressional committees engages in significant transactions contributing materially to the malicious cyber-intrusion capabilities of the Government of North Korea: Provided, That the Secretary of State shall submit the report required by section 209 of the North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-122; 22 U.S.C.
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9229) to the Committees on Appropriations: Provided further, That the Secretary of State may waive the application of the restriction in this paragraph with respect to assistance for the central government of a country if the Secretary determines and reports to the appropriate congressional committees that to do so is important to the national security interest of the United States, including a description of such interest served.
(2) Broadcasts.--Funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "International Communications Activities" shall be made available to maintain broadcasting hours into North Korea at levels not less than the prior fiscal year.
(3) Human rights.--Funds appropriated by this Act under the headings "National Security Investment Programs" and "Democracy Fund" shall be made available for the promotion of human rights in North Korea: Provided, That the authority of section 7032(b)(1) of this Act shall apply to such funds.
(4) Limitation on use of funds.--None of the funds made available by this Act under the heading "National Security Investment Programs" may be made available for assistance for the Government of North Korea.
(e) Pacific Islands Countries.--
(1) Operations.--Funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "Administration of Foreign Affairs" shall be made available to increase the United States diplomatic and development presence in Pacific Islands countries (PICs), including the number and location of facilities and personnel, and to enhance the communications capacity of such personnel: Provided, That such expanded presence shall be reflected in the operating plan submitted pursuant to section 7062 of this Act, following consultation with the appropriate congressional committees.
(2) Assistance.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the headings "National Security Investment Programs", "International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement", "Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs", and "Foreign Military Financing Program", not less than $175,000,000 shall be made available for assistance for PICs.
(f) People's Republic of China.--
(1) Prohibition.--None of the funds appropriated by this Act--
(A) may be made available for assistance for the Government of the People's Republic of China or the Chinese Communist Party; or
(B) shall be used to implement, administer, carry out, modify, revise, or enforce any action that directly supports or facilitates forced labor or other violations of human rights, crimes against humanity, or genocide in the People's Republic of China.
(2) Hong kong.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "Democracy Fund", not less than $5,000,000 shall be made available for democracy and internet freedom programs for Hong Kong, including legal and other support for democracy activists.
(g) Philippines.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act under titles III and IV, not less than $300,000,000 shall be made available for assistance for the Philippines, of which not less than $100,000,000 shall be made available under the heading "National Security Investment Programs" and not less than $200,000,000 shall be made available under the heading "Foreign Military Financing Program".
(h) Public Law 106-554.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the headings "Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs" and "National Security Investment Programs", not less than $11,500,000 shall be made available to carry out the purposes of the Vietnam Education Foundation Act of 2000 (title II of division B of H.R. 5666, as enacted by section 1(a)(4) of Public Law 106-554 and contained in appendix D of such Act; 114 Stat. 2763A-257; 22 U.S.C. 2452 note).
(i) Taiwan.--
(1) Global cooperation and training framework.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "National Security Investment Programs", not less than $4,000,000 shall be made available for the
Global Cooperation and Training Framework, which shall be administered by the American Institute in Taiwan.
(2) Foreign military financing program.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "Foreign Military Financing Program", not less than $500,000,000 shall be made available for assistance for Taiwan: Provided, That the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall prioritize the delivery of defense articles and services for Taiwan.
(3) Foreign military financing program loan and loan guarantee authority.--Funds appropriated by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs under the heading "Foreign Military Financing Program", except for amounts designated as an emergency requirement pursuant to a concurrent resolution on the budget or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, may be made available for the costs, as defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, of direct loans and loan guarantees for Taiwan, as authorized by section 5502(g) of the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act (subtitle A of title LV of division E of Public Law 117-263).
(4) Fellowship program.--Funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "Payment to the American Institute in Taiwan" shall be made available for the Taiwan Fellowship Program.
(5) Consultation.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations on the uses of funds made available pursuant to this subsection: Provided, That such funds shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.
(j) Tibet.--
(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, of the funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "National Security Investment Programs", not less than $10,000,000 shall be made available to nongovernmental organizations with experience working with Tibetan communities to support activities which preserve cultural traditions and promote sustainable development, education, and environmental conservation in Tibetan communities in the Tibet Autonomous Region and in other Tibetan communities in China.
(2) Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "National Security Investment Programs", not less than $8,000,000 shall be made available for programs to promote and preserve Tibetan culture and language in the refugee and diaspora Tibetan communities, development, and the resilience of Tibetan communities and the Central Tibetan Administration in India and Nepal, and to assist in the education and development of the next generation of Tibetan leaders from such communities: Provided, That such funds are in addition to amounts made available in paragraph (1) for programs inside Tibet.
(3) Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "National Security Investment Programs", not less than $5,000,000 shall be made available for programs to strengthen the capacity of the Central Tibetan Administration, of which up to $1,500,000 may be made available to address economic growth and capacity building activities, including for displaced Tibetan refugee families in India and Nepal to help meet basic needs, following consultation with the Committees on Appropriations.
(4) Section 7031(c) of this Act shall be applied to officials of the Government of the People's Republic of China and other governments in the South Asia region about whom the Secretary of State has credible information have been involved in a gross violation of human rights against the people of Tibet in the Tibet Autonomous Region or other Tibetan communities in the People's Republic of China and the region.
Sec. 7044. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs may be made available for assistance to the Taliban.
Sec. 7045.
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(a) Assistance for Latin America and the Caribbean.--Funds appropriated by this Act under titles III and IV and made available for countries in Latin America and the Caribbean shall be prioritized for countries and programs that are--
(1) countering fentanyl and other narcotics trafficking;
(2) respecting norms of democracy, constitutional order, and human rights;
(3) cooperating in the countering of regional and global authoritarian threats; and
(4) demonstrating commitment and progress in offsetting large-scale migration and human trafficking from or through the Western Hemisphere.
(b) Central America.--Funds appropriated under titles III and IV of this Act shall be made available for assistance for countries in Central America, including Panama and Costa Rica, and shall be allocated to address the unique circumstances of each country in support of United States security interests in the region.
(c) Colombia.--
(1) Pre-obligation reports.--Prior to the initial obligation of funds appropriated by this Act and made available for assistance for Colombia, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees on the status of United States bilateral relations with the Government of Colombia, including analysis of how such Government's current policies align with United States national interests such as mitigating irregular migration; supporting rule of law, democracy and strong institutions; and countering narcotics trafficking, terrorist organizations, human trafficking, and antisemitism.
(2) Withholding of funds.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement" that are made available for assistance for Colombia, 30 percent may be obligated only if the Secretary of State certifies and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that in the previous 12 months the Government of Colombia has--
(A) reduced overall coca cultivation, production, and drug trafficking;
(B) continued cooperating with the United States on joint counternarcotics operations; and
(C) maintained extradition cooperation with the United States.
(3) Exceptions.--The limitations of paragraph (2) shall not apply to funds made available for aviation instruction and maintenance, and maritime and riverine security programs.
(4) Authority.--Aircraft supported by funds appropriated by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs and made available for assistance for Colombia may be used to transport personnel and supplies involved in drug eradication and interdiction, including security for such activities.
(5) Limitation.--None of the funds appropriated by this Act or prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs that are made available for assistance for Colombia may be made available for--
(A) reparation payments;
(B) alternative development assistance on properties where substances deemed illegal under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 are grown, produced, imported, or distributed;
(C) compensation awarded to demobilized combatants through the implementation of the 2016 peace agreement between the Government of Colombia and illegal armed groups; and
(D) agrarian cash subsidies.
(6) Oversight.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "National Security Investment Programs" up to $1,000,000 may be used by the Inspector General of the Department of State for audits and other activities related to compliance with the limitations in paragraph (5)(B): Provided, That such funds are in addition to funds otherwise available for such purposes.
(d) Cuba.--
(1) Democracy programs.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "National Security Investment Programs", not less than $35,000,000 shall be made available to promote democracy and strengthen civil society in Cuba, including to support political prisoners: Provided, That no funds shall be obligated for business promotion, economic reform, entrepreneurship, or any other assistance that is not democracy building as expressly authorized in the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 and the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992.
(2) Public diplomacy limitation.--None of the funds appropriated by this Act in title I and made available for public diplomacy programs may be made available for business promotion, economic reform, entrepreneurship, or any other activity or exchange in Cuba, or with Cuban nationals abroad, that is not democracy building as expressly authorized in the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 and the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992.
(3) Prohibitions.--None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act or prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs may be used to--
(A) revoke the designation of Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism; or
(B) eliminate or diminish the Cuba Restricted List as maintained by the Department of State, or to otherwise allow, facilitate or encourage financial transactions with entities on the Cuba Restricted List, as well as other entities or individuals within the Cuban military or Cuban intelligence services, high level members of the Communist Party, those licensed by the Cuban government, or the immediate family members of these entities or individuals.
(4) Prohibition on support for cuban military and security institutions.--None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act or prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs may be made available to any individual or entity that--
(A) engages in financial transactions with, transfers funds to, or otherwise provides material support to the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba, the Ministry of the Interior of Cuba, or any subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof;
(B) engages in activities that directly or indirectly support, facilitate, or benefit the operations, revenue generation, or international commercial activities of such Ministries;
(C) is owned or controlled by, or acts on behalf of, any entity described in subparagraphs (A) or (B); or
(D) knowingly provides support or services for the purpose of circumventing sanctions or restrictions on the Cuban military or security forces, or to benefit senior members thereof.
(5) Exceptions.--The restrictions of paragraph (4) shall not apply to--
(A) the sale of agricultural commodities, medicine, or medical devices to Cuba consistent with the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7201 et seq.);
(B) payments in furtherance of the lease, maintenance, or improvements of the United States military base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba;
(C) assistance in support of democracy-building and civil society programs for Cuba consistent with section 109 of the LIBERTAD Act;
(D) payments necessary for the operations, maintenance, or outreach of the United States diplomatic mission or embassy in Havana, Cuba; and
(E) sending, processing, or receiving authorized remittances.
(6) Determination.--The limitations in paragraphs (3) and (4) shall no longer apply as of the date on which the President submits to Congress a determination under section 203(c)(3) of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 (22 U.S.C. 6063(c)(3)) that a democratically elected government in Cuba is in power.
(7) Rewards for accountability.--Funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "Administration of Foreign Affairs" shall be made available for the Rewards for Justice Program of the Department of State to provide rewards for information leading to the arrest or conviction, in any country, of any individual responsible for committing, conspiring or attempting to commit, or aiding or abetting in the commission of the attack on United States civilian aircraft over international waters by the Cuban military on February 24, 1996.
(e) Cuban Doctors.--
(1) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees listing the countries and international organizations for which the Secretary has credible information are directly paying the Government of Cuba for coerced and trafficked labor of Cuban medical professionals: Provided, That such report shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex: Provided further, That the Secretary of State shall inform each government or international organization of its inclusion in such report not later than 30 days after the date of the submission of such report to such committees.
(2) Designation.--The Secretary of State shall apply the requirements of section 7031(c) of this Act to officials from countries and organizations identified in the report required pursuant to the previous paragraph.
(3) Limitation.--
(A) None of the funds appropriated by this Act under titles III and IV may be made available for assistance for the central government of a country or international organization that is listed for 2 consecutive years in the report required by paragraph (1).
(B) The Secretary may resume assistance to the government of a country or international organization listed in the report for 2 consecutive years required by paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines and reports to the appropriate congressional committees that such government or international organization no longer pays the Government of Cuba for coerced and trafficked labor of Cuban medical professionals.
(f) Facilitating Irresponsible Migration.--None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available in contravention of Executive Order 14165, relating to Securing Our Borders, and Executive Order 14218, relating to Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders, including to encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass-migration caravans towards the United States southwest border.
(g) Haiti.--
(1) Assistance.--Funds appropriated by this Act under titles III and IV that are made available for assistance for Haiti shall be prioritized for programs described under this section in the report accompanying this Act.
(2) Haitian coast guard.--The Government of Haiti shall be eligible to purchase defense articles and services under the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2751 et seq.) for the Coast Guard.
(h) Mexico.--
(1) Water deliveries.--None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available for assistance for Mexico until the Secretary of State certifies and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that the Government of Mexico is delivering water owed to the United States by Mexico, as prescribed by Article 4, Section B of the Treaty Between the United States of America and Mexico Relating to the Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande, February 3, 1944 (59 Stat.
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1219): Provided, That such certification shall include an assessment of whether the Government of Mexico is delivering water in accordance with all terms established across bilateral agreements addressing delivery shortfalls: Provided further, That the limitation of this paragraph shall not apply to funds made available to counter the flow of fentanyl, fentanyl precursors, and other synthetic drugs into the United States.
(2) Transfer authority.--If the Secretary of State determines that the Government of Mexico has not met the requirements of paragraph (1), the Secretary may transfer funds withheld pursuant to paragraph (1) to the North American Development Bank for domestic water storage projects located along the United States-Mexico border.
(3) Counternarcotics.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act under title IV that are made available for assistance for Mexico, 30 percent may only be obligated after the Secretary of State certifies and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that in the previous 12 months the Government of Mexico has taken steps to--
(A) reduce the amount of fentanyl, nitazenes, and other synthetic opiods arriving at the United States-Mexico border;
(B) dismantle and hold accountable transnational criminal organizations;
(C) support joint counternarcotics operations and intelligence sharing with United States counterparts;
(D) respect extradition requests for criminals sought by the United States; and
(E) increase counternarcotics engagement at both Federal and state levels.
(i) Nicaragua.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "National Security Investment Programs", not less than $15,000,000 shall be made available for democracy and religious freedom programs for Nicaragua.
(j) Organization of American States.--
(1) The Secretary of State shall instruct the United States Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) to use the voice and vote of the United States to:
(A) implement budgetary reforms and efficiencies within the Organization;
(B) eliminate arrears, increase other donor contributions, and impose penalties for successive late payment of assessments;
(C) prevent programmatic and organizational redundancies and consolidate duplicative activities and functions;
(D) prioritize areas in which the OAS has expertise, such as strengthening democracy, monitoring electoral processes, and protecting human rights; and
(E) implement reforms within the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to ensure the OIG has the necessary leadership, integrity, professionalism, independence, policies, and procedures to properly carry out its responsibilities in a manner that meets or exceeds best practices in the United States.
(2) Prior to the obligation of funds appropriated by this Act and made available for an assessed contribution to the Organization of American States, but not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees on actions taken or planned to be taken pursuant to paragraph (1) that are in addition to actions taken during the preceding fiscal year, and the results of such actions.
(k) The Caribbean.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act under titles III and IV, not less than $92,500,000 shall be made available for the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative: Provided, That funds made available above the fiscal year 2026 level shall be prioritized for countries within the transit zones of illicit drug shipments toward the United States that have increased interdiction of illicit drugs and are most directly impacted by the crisis in Haiti.
(l) Venezuela.--
(1) Democracy programs.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "National Security Investment Programs", $50,000,000 shall be made available for democracy programs for Venezuela.
(2) Limitation.--None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be used to negotiate, allow, or facilitate the lifting of sanctions on Venezuela, unless the Secretary of State certifies and reports to the appropriate congressional committees that there have been free and fair elections in Venezuela.
(3) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 120 days thereafter until September 30, 2027, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations on Venezuelan funds subject to arrangements approved, authorized, or facilitated by the United States Government, to include the information described under this section in the report accompanying this Act.
Sec. 7046. (a) Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act.--Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act (22 U.S.C. 5812 note) shall not apply to--
(1) activities to support democracy or assistance under title V of the FREEDOM Support Act (22 U.S.C. 5851 et seq.) and section 1424 of the Defense Against Weapons of Mass Destruction Act of 1996 (50 U.S.C. 2333) or non-proliferation assistance;
(2) any assistance provided by the Trade and Development Agency under section 661 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961;
(3) any activity carried out by a member of the United States and Foreign Commercial Service while acting within his or her official capacity;
(4) any insurance, reinsurance, guarantee, or other assistance provided by the United
States International Development Finance Corporation as authorized by the BUILD Act of 2018 (division F of Public Law 115-254);
(5) any financing provided under the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 (Public Law 79-173); or
(6) humanitarian assistance.
(b) Territorial Integrity.--None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be made available for assistance for a government of an Independent State of the former Soviet Union if such government directs any action in violation of the territorial integrity or national sovereignty of any other Independent State of the former Soviet Union, such as those violations included in the Helsinki Final Act: Provided, That except as otherwise provided in section 7047(a) of this Act, funds may be made available without regard to the restriction in this subsection if the President determines that to do so is in the national security interest of the United States: Provided further, That prior to executing the authority contained in the previous proviso, the Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations on how such assistance supports the national security interest of the United States.
(c) Turkey.--The limitations and other provisions of section 7046(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024 (division F of Public Law 118-47) shall continue in effect during fiscal year 2027 and apply to funds appropriated by this Act.
(d) Requirements.--The limitations and other provisions of section 7046(d) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024 (division F of Public Law 118-47) shall continue in effect during fiscal year 2027 and apply to funds appropriated by this Act.
Sec. 7047. (a) Prohibition.--None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be made available for assistance for the central Government of the Russian Federation.
(b) Annexation of Territory.--
(1) Prohibition.--None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be made available for assistance for the central government of a country that the Secretary of State determines and reports to the Committees on Appropriations has taken affirmative steps intended to support or be supportive of the Russian Federation annexation of Crimea or other territory in Ukraine: Provided, That except as otherwise provided in subsection (a), the Secretary may waive the restriction on assistance required by this paragraph if the Secretary determines and reports to such Committees that to do so is in the national interest of the United States, and includes a justification for such interest.
(2) Limitation.--None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be made available for--
(A) the implementation of any action or policy that recognizes the sovereignty of the Russian Federation over Crimea or other territory in Ukraine;
(B) the facilitation, financing, or guarantee of United States Government investments in Crimea or other territory in Ukraine under the control of the Russian Federation or Russian-backed forces, if such activity includes the participation of Russian Government officials, or other Russian owned or controlled financial entities; or
(C) assistance for Crimea or other territory in Ukraine under the control of the Russian Federation or Russian-backed forces, if such assistance includes the participation of Russian Government officials, or other Russian owned or controlled financial entities.
(3) International financial institutions.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct the United States executive director of each international financial institution to use the voice and vote of the United States to oppose any assistance by such institution (including any loan, credit, grant, or guarantee) for any program that violates the sovereignty or territorial integrity of Ukraine.
(4) Duration.--The requirements and limitations of this subsection shall cease to be in effect if the Secretary of State determines and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that the Government of Ukraine has reestablished sovereignty over Crimea and other territory in Ukraine under the control of the Russian Federation or Russian-backed forces.
(c) Occupation of the Georgian Territories of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia.--
(1) Prohibition.--None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be made available for assistance for the central government of a country that the Secretary of State determines and reports to the Committees on Appropriations has recognized the independence of, or has established diplomatic relations with, the Russian Federation occupied Georgian territories of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia: Provided, That the Secretary shall publish on the Department of State website a list of any such central governments in a timely manner: Provided further, That the Secretary may waive the restriction on assistance required by this paragraph if the Secretary determines and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that to do so is in the national interest of the United States, and includes a justification for such interest.
(2) Limitation.--None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be made available to support the Russian Federation occupation of the Georgian territories of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia.
(3) International financial institutions.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct the United States executive director of each international financial institution to use the voice and vote of the United States to oppose any assistance by such institution (including any loan, credit, grant, or guarantee) for any program that violates the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia.
(d) Countering Russian Influence Fund.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs under the headings "National Security Investment Programs", "International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement", "International Military Education and Training", and "Foreign Military Financing Program", not less than $300,000,000 shall be made available to carry out the purposes of the Countering Russian Influence Fund, as authorized by section 254 of the Countering Russian Influence in Europe and Eurasia Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-44; 22 U.S.C.
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9543) and notwithstanding the country limitation in subsection (b) of such section, and programs to enhance the capacity of law enforcement and security forces: Provided, That funds made available pursuant to this paragraph under the heading "Foreign Military Financing Program" may remain available until September 30, 2028.
Sec. 7048. (a) United Nations Voting Practices.--
(1) In considering bilateral assistance for a foreign government, the Secretary of State should review, among other factors, the voting practices of such government in the United Nations in relation to United States strategic interests and whether such government supports the participation of Taiwan as an observer in meetings and activities of multilateral agencies, bodies, or commissions.
(2) The Secretary of State shall consult with the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations on the voting practices of foreign governments prior to the submission of the report required under section 653(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2413(a)).
(b) Transparency and Accountability.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act that are available for contributions to the United Nations (including the Department of Peacekeeping Operations), international organizations, or any United Nations agency, 15 percent may not be obligated for such organization, department, or agency until the Secretary of State determines and reports to the appropriate congressional committees that the organization, department, or agency is--
(1) posting on a publicly available website, consistent with privacy regulations and due process, regular financial and programmatic audits of such organization, department, or agency, and providing the United States Government with necessary access to such financial and performance audits;
(2) effectively implementing and enforcing policies and procedures which meet or exceed best practices in the United States for the protection of whistleblowers from retaliation, including--
(A) protection against retaliation for internal and lawful public disclosures;
(B) legal burdens of proof;
(C) statutes of limitation for reporting retaliation;
(D) access to binding independent adjudicative bodies, including shared cost and selection of external arbitration; and
(E) results that eliminate the effects of proven retaliation, including provision for the restoration of prior employment;
(3) effectively implementing and enforcing policies and procedures on the appropriate use of travel funds, including restrictions on first-class and business-class travel;
(4) taking credible steps to combat anti-Israel bias;
(5) developing and implementing mechanisms to inform donors of instances in which funds have been diverted or destroyed and an explanation of the response by the respective international organization; and
(6) implementing policies and procedures to effectively vet staff for any affiliation with a terrorist organization.
(c) Restrictions on United Nations Delegations and Organizations.--
(1) None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to pay expenses for any United States delegation to any specialized agency, body, or commission of the United Nations if such agency, body, or commission is chaired or presided over by a country, the government of which the Secretary of State has determined, for purposes of section 1754(c) of the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4813(c)), supports international terrorism.
(2) None of the funds made available by this Act may be used by the Secretary of State as a contribution to any organization, agency, commission, or program within the United Nations system if such organization, agency, commission, or program is chaired or presided over by a country the government of which the Secretary of State has determined, for purposes of section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, section 40 of the Arms Export Control Act, section 1754(c) of the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4813(c)), or any other provision of law, is a government that has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism.
(d) United Nations Human Rights Council.--None of the funds appropriated by this
Act and prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs may be made available for a contribution, grant, or other payment to the United Nations Human Rights Council, including the United Nations International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel; and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, notwithstanding any other provision of law.
(e) United Nations Relief and Works Agency .--None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs may be made available--
(1) for a contribution, grant, or other payment to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), notwithstanding any other provision of law; or
(2) to solicit or otherwise encourage funds for UNRWA from other donors and sources, notwithstanding any other provision of law.
(f) Prohibition of Payments to United Nations Members.--None of the funds appropriated or made available pursuant to titles III through VI of this Act for carrying out the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, may be used to pay in whole or in part any assessments, arrearages, or dues of any member of the United Nations or, from funds appropriated by this Act to carry out chapter 1 of part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, the costs for participation of another country's delegation at international conferences held under the auspices of multilateral or international organizations.
(g) Report.--Not later than 45 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations detailing the amount of funds available for obligation or expenditure in fiscal year 2027 for contributions to any organization, department, agency, or program within the United Nations system or any international program that are withheld from obligation or expenditure due to any provision of law: Provided, That the Secretary shall update such report each time additional funds are withheld by operation of any provision of law: Provided further, That the reprogramming of any withheld funds identified in such report, including updates thereof, shall be subject to prior consultation with, and the regular notification procedures of, the Committees on Appropriations.
(h) Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Peacekeeping Operations.--
(1) The Secretary of State shall, to the maximum extent practicable, withhold assistance to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country if the Secretary has credible information that such unit has engaged in sexual exploitation or abuse while serving in a United Nations peacekeeping operation until the Secretary determines that the government of such country is taking effective steps to hold the responsible members of such unit accountable and to prevent future incidents: Provided, That the Secretary shall promptly notify the government of each country subject to any withholding of assistance pursuant to this paragraph, and shall notify the appropriate congressional committees of such withholding not later than 10 days after a determination to withhold such assistance is made: Provided further, That the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, assist such government in bringing the responsible members of such unit to justice.
(2) Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees identifying each unit of the security forces of a foreign country that has served in a United Nations peacekeeping operation and for which there is credible information of involvement in sexual exploitation or abuse: Provided, That the report shall also describe any consideration of assistance provided by the Secretary to the relevant government in support of holding the responsible members of such unit accountable and preventing future incidents.
(i) Additional Availability.--Subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations, funds appropriated by this Act which are returned or not made available due to the second proviso under the heading "Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities" in title I of this Act or section 307(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C.
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2227(a)), shall remain available for obligation until September 30, 2028: Provided, That the requirement to withhold funds for programs in Burma under section 307(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 shall not apply to funds appropriated by this Act.
(j) Procurement Restrictions.--None of the funds appropriated by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs may be used for the procurement by any entity of the United Nations system or any other multilateral organization of goods or services originating in, or produced by, any person in the Russian Federation, including any entity that is a shell or front company organized to disguise or obscure financial activity relating to such goods or services except when required for health and safety-related activities.
(k) Accountability Requirement.--
(1) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available to any international organization that has not entered into a written agreement guaranteeing oversight access to the Inspectors General funded under title II of this Act and the Comptroller General of the United States for such organization's information relevant to United States contributions to such organization, as determined by the Inspectors General and the Comptroller General: Provided, That once any such agreement is finalized with an international organization, the Inspectors General and the Comptroller General, as applicable, shall promptly inform the Secretary of State: Provided further, That the Secretary may waive the limitation of this paragraph if the Secretary certifies and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that such funding is in the national security interest of the United States.
(2) Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees detailing whether each international organization funded by this Act has entered into such agreements: Provided, That such report shall include, for each applicable organization, the status of any negotiations undertaken by the Department of State to secure such agreements, including any obstacles encountered and a description of the Department's plans to address them.
(l) Prohibitions on Funding.--None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs may be--
(1) made available in contravention of Executive Order 14155, relating to Withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization;
(2) made available to implement or support the Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response Accord that was adopted during the 78th World Health Assembly until the United States Senate approves a resolution of ratification for the Treaty;
(3) made available to support iVerify or any other fact-checking tool of the United Nations Development Programme or any other international organization;
(4) made available for a contribution, grant, or other payment to the International Court of Justice, notwithstanding any other provision of law;
(5) made available for a contribution, grant, or other payment to the International Criminal Court, notwithstanding any other provision of law;
(6) obligated or expended to implement the Arms Trade Treaty until the United States Senate approves a resolution of ratification for the Treaty; or
(7) made available to any international organization chaired by a Communist Party of China-endorsed national of the People's Republic of China.
united nations relief and works agency and justice for victims
Sec. 7049. (a) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act or prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs may be obligated or expended for the Secretariat of the United Nations or any affiliated office, agency, fund, program, or other entity thereof until the Secretary of State certifies and reports to the appropriate congressional committees that the Secretary-General of the United Nations has provided written assurance to the Secretary that privileges, exemptions, and immunities will not be asserted for any staff member, consultant, or contractor of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East or any other United Nations entity in cases involving--
(1) gross violations of human rights;
(2) an act of terrorism;
(3) participation in, or the provision of material support or resources to, a foreign terrorist organization, or to any individual or entity designated pursuant to United States law or Executive order relating to terrorism or sanctions; or
(4) other serious criminal conduct under United States law, including corruption-related offenses, where such conduct fall outside the scope of official duties.
(b)(1) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act or prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs may be made available for a covered entity if the Inspectors General funded under title II of this Act informs the Secretary of State that such entity has failed, for a period of more than 90 days after receipt of a written request by a United States Inspector General, to provide oversight information requested by such Inspector General pertaining to--
(A) an investigation of programs, projects, or activities in Gaza;
(B) the events leading to the attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, or
(C) the provision of material support or resources to an organization or individual designated pursuant to United States law or Executive order relating to terrorism or sanctions.
(2) In this subsection, the term "covered entity" means any multilateral organization, nongovernmental organization, contractor, subcontractor, grantee, subgrantee, consultant, or other entity that directly or indirectly receives funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act or prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs to carry out activities in
Gaza, or that has carried out such activities using such funds at any time during the 5-year period preceding the date of enactment of this Act.
Sec. 7050. Of the funds appropriated by this Act, not less than $78,375,000 shall be made available for programs to promote internet freedom globally, consistent with section 9707 of the Department of State Authorization Act of 2022 (title XCVII of division I of Public Law 117-263).
Al Green (D-TX)1:00 p.m.
torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment
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Sec. 7051. None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to support or justify the use of torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment by any official or contract employee of the United States Government.
Sec. 7052. (a) Transfer Authority.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law or regulation, aircraft procured with funds appropriated by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs under the headings "Diplomatic Programs", "International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement", "Andean Counterdrug Initiative", and "Andean Counterdrug Programs" may be used for any other program and in any region.
(b) Property Disposal.--The authority provided in subsection (a) shall apply only after the Secretary of State determines and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that the equipment is no longer required to meet programmatic purposes in the designated country or region: Provided, That any such transfer shall be subject to prior consultation with, and the regular notification procedures of, the Committees on Appropriations.
(c) Aircraft Coordination.--
(1) Authority.--The uses of aircraft purchased or leased by the Department of State with funds made available in this Act or prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs shall be coordinated under the authority of the appropriate Chief of Mission: Provided, That such aircraft may be used to transport, on a reimbursable or non-reimbursable basis, Federal and non-Federal personnel supporting Department of State programs and activities: Provided further, That official travel for other agencies for other purposes may be supported on a reimbursable basis, or without reimbursement when traveling on a space available basis: Provided further, That funds received by the Department of State in connection with the use of aircraft owned, leased, or chartered by the Department of State may be credited to the Working Capital Fund of the Department and shall be available for expenses related to the purchase, lease, maintenance, chartering, or operation of such aircraft.
(2) Scope.--The requirement and authorities of this subsection shall only apply to aircraft, the primary purpose of which is the transportation of personnel.
(d) Aircraft Operations and Maintenance.--To the maximum extent practicable, the costs of operations and maintenance, including fuel, of aircraft funded by this Act shall be borne by the recipient country.
(e) Application.--Section 484(a)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2291c(a)(2)) shall be applied during fiscal year 2027 as if the following subparagraph was part of such section: "(C) Paragraph (1)(A) shall not apply with respect to unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds.".
Al Green (D-TX)1:00 p.m.
parking fines and real property taxes owed by foreign governments
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Sec. 7053. The terms and conditions of section 7055 of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2010 (division F of Public Law 111-117) shall apply to this Act: Provided, That subsection (f)(2)(B) of such section shall be applied by substituting "September 30, 2026" for "September 30, 2009".
Sec. 7054. (a) Extensions.--The terms and conditions of sections 7086(b)(1) and (2) and 7090(a) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2010 (division F of Public Law 111-117) shall apply to this Act.
(b) Repayment.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct the United States Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to seek to ensure that any loan will be repaid to the IMF before other private or multilateral creditors.
Sec. 7055. (a) Limitation.--None of the funds appropriated in this Act may be used to provide assistance (other than funds provided under the headings "National Security Investment Programs", "International Humanitarian Assistance", "International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement", "United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund", and "Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Assistance") for the central government of a country which has notified the Department of State of its refusal to extradite to the United States any individual indicted for a criminal offense for which the maximum penalty is life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or for killing a law enforcement officer, as specified in a United States extradition request.
(b) Clarification.--Subsection (a) shall only apply to the central government of a country with which the United States maintains diplomatic relations and with which the United States has an extradition treaty and the government of that country is in violation of the terms and conditions of the treaty.
(c) Waiver.--The Secretary of State may waive the restriction in subsection (a) on a case-by-case basis if the Secretary certifies to the Committees on Appropriations that such waiver is important to the national interest of the United States.
Sec. 7056. (a) Notification.--None of the funds made available under titles III through VI of this Act may be made available for Enterprise Funds unless the appropriate congressional committees are notified at least 15 days in advance.
(b) Distribution of Assets Plan.--Prior to the distribution of any assets resulting from any liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of an Enterprise Fund, in whole or in part, the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a plan for the distribution of the assets of the Enterprise Fund.
(c) Transition or Operating Plan.--Prior to a transition to and operation of any private equity fund or other parallel investment fund under an existing Enterprise Fund, the President shall submit such transition or operating plan to the appropriate congressional committees.
Sec. 7057. (a) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available for the United Nations Population Fund.
(b) None of the funds appropriated under title III and under the headings "International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement", "Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs", "Security Sector Programs", "Peacekeeping Operations", and "International Organizations and Programs", in this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs may be made available in contravention of the rule published in the Federal Register on January 27, 2026, entitled "Protecting Life in Foreign Assistance" (91 Fed. Reg. 3319 et seq.).
Sec. 7058. (a) In General.--Funds appropriated by titles III and IV of this Act that are made available for bilateral assistance for child survival activities or disease programs including activities relating to research on, and the prevention, treatment and control of, HIV/AIDS may be made available notwithstanding any other provision of law except for provisions under the heading "Global Health Programs" and the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003 (117 Stat. 711; 22 U.S.C. 7601 et seq.), as amended.
(b) Limitation.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act, not more than $461,000,000 may be made available for family planning/reproductive health.
(c) Pandemics and Other Infectious Disease Outbreaks.--
(1) Global health security.--Funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "Global Health Programs" shall be made available for global health security programs to accelerate the capacity of countries to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks, including by strengthening public health capacity where there is a high risk of emerging zoonotic infectious diseases: Provided, That not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations on the planned uses of such funds.
(2) Extraordinary measures.--If the Secretary of State determines and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that an international infectious disease outbreak is sustained, severe, and is spreading internationally, or that it is in the national interest to respond to a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, not to exceed an aggregate total of $200,000,000 of the funds appropriated by this Act under the headings "Global Health Programs", "National Security Investment Programs", "International Humanitarian Assistance", "Democracy Fund", and "Millennium Challenge Corporation", may be made available to combat such infectious disease or public health emergency, and may be transferred to, and merged with, funds appropriated under such headings for the purposes of this paragraph.
(3) Emergency reserve fund.--Up to $50,000,000 of the funds made available under the heading "Global Health Programs" may be made available for the Emergency Reserve Fund established pursuant to section 7058(c)(1) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2017 (division J of Public Law 115-31): Provided, That such funds shall be made available under the same terms and conditions of such section, except that such section shall be applied by substituting "International Humanitarian Assistance" for "International Disaster Assistance" and substituting "Secretary of State" for "Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development".
(4) Consultation and notification.--Funds made available by this subsection
shall be subject to prior consultation with the appropriate congressional committees and the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.
(d) Limitations.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, none of the funds made available by this Act may be made available to support directly or indirectly--
(1) the Wuhan Institute of Virology located in the City of Wuhan in the People's Republic of China;
(2) the EcoHealth Alliance, Inc.;
(3) any laboratory owned or controlled by the governments of the People's Republic of China, the Republic of Cuba, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, or any other country determined by the Secretary of State to be a foreign adversary; or
(4) gain-of-function research.
Sec. 7059. (a) In General.--Funds appropriated by this Act shall be made available to promote the equality and empowerment of women and girls in United States Government diplomatic and development efforts by raising the status, increasing the economic participation and opportunities for political leadership, and protecting the rights of women and girls worldwide.
(b) Women's Economic Empowerment.--Of the funds appropriated under title III of this Act, $150,000,000 shall be made available to expand economic opportunities for women by increasing the number and capacity of women-owned enterprises, improving property rights for women, increasing women's access to financial services and capital, enhancing the role of women in economic decision-making at the local, national, and international levels, and improving women's ability to participate in the global economy, including through implementation of the Women's Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-428): Provided, That the Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations on the uses of funds made available pursuant to this subsection.
(c) Women's Leadership Program.--Of the funds appropriated under title III of this Act, not less than $37,500,000 shall be made available for the Madeleine K. Albright Women's Leadership Program, as established by section 7059(b) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2023 (division K of Public Law 117-328) for programs specifically designed to increase leadership opportunities for women in countries where women and girls suffer discrimination due to law, policy, or practice, by strengthening protections for women's political status, expanding women's participation in political parties and elections, and increasing women's opportunities for leadership positions in the public and private sectors at the local, provincial, and national levels.
(d) Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls.--
(1) Of the funds appropriated under titles III and IV of this Act, not less than $187,500,000 shall be made available to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls.
(2) Funds appropriated under titles III and IV of this Act that are available to train foreign police, judicial, and military personnel, including for international peacekeeping operations, shall address, where appropriate, prevention and response to violence against women and girls and trafficking in persons, and shall promote the integration of women into the police and other security forces.
(3) Funds made available pursuant to this subsection should include efforts to combat a variety of forms of violence against women and girls, including child marriage, rape, and female genital cutting and mutilation.
(e) Women, Peace, and Security.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the headings "National Security Investment Programs" and "International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement", $112,500,000 should be made available to support a multi-year strategy to expand, and improve coordination of, United States Government efforts to empower women as equal partners in conflict prevention, peace building, transitional processes, and reconstruction efforts in countries affected by conflict or in political transition, and to ensure the equal provision of relief and recovery assistance to women and girls.
(f) Prohibition.--None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be made available for the Gender Equity and Equality Action Fund.
Sec. 7060. (a) Basic Education and Higher Education.--
(1) Basic education.--
(A) Of the funds appropriated under title III of this Act, not less than $691,500,000 shall be made available for the Nita M.
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Lowey Basic Education Fund: Provided, That such funds shall also be used for secondary education activities.
(B) Of the funds appropriated under title III of this Act for assistance for basic education programs, $121,600,000 shall be made available for contributions to multilateral partnerships that support education.
(2) Higher education.--Of the funds appropriated by title III of this Act, not less than $203,250,000 shall be made available for assistance for higher education: Provided, That of such amount, not less than $50,000,000 shall be made available for higher education programs pursuant to section 7060(a)(3) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2021 (division K of Public Law 116-260).
(b) Conservation Programs.--
(1) Biodiversity.--Of the funds appropriated under title III of this Act, not less than $274,313,000 shall be made available for biodiversity conservation programs.
(2) Wildlife poaching and trafficking.--
(A) Of the funds appropriated under titles III and IV of this Act, not less than $89,063,000 shall be made available to combat the transnational threat of wildlife poaching and trafficking.
(B) None of the funds appropriated under title IV of this Act may be made available for training or other assistance for any military unit or personnel that the Secretary of State determines has been credibly alleged to have participated in wildlife poaching or trafficking, unless the Secretary reports to the appropriate congressional committees that to do so is in the national security interest of the United States.
(c) Development Programs.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the heading "National Security Investment Programs", not less than $13,875,000 shall be made available for cooperative development programs.
(d) Food Security and Agricultural Development.--Of the funds appropriated by title III of this Act, not less than $720,000,000 shall be made available for food security and agricultural development programs to carry out the purposes of the Global Food Security Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-195), including not less than $175,000,000 for international agricultural research, of which not less than $72,000,000 shall be made available for the Feed the Future Innovation Labs: Provided, That funds may be made available for a contribution as authorized by section 3202 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246), as amended by section 3310 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-334).
(e) Programs to Combat Trafficking in Persons.--
(1) In general.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the headings "National Security Investment Programs" and "International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement", not less than $105,625,000 shall be made available for activities to combat trafficking in persons internationally, including for the Program to End Modern Slavery, of which not less than $89,500,000 shall be from funds made available under the heading "International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement": Provided, That funds made available by this Act under the heading "National Security Investment Programs" that are made available for activities to combat trafficking in persons should be obligated and programmed consistent with the country-specific recommendations included in the annual Trafficking in Persons Report, and shall be coordinated with the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, Department of State: Provided further, That such funds are in addition to funds made available by this Act under the heading "Diplomatic Programs" for the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons: Provided further, That funds made available by this Act shall be made available to further develop, standardize, and update training for all United States Government personnel under Chief of Mission authority posted at United States embassies and consulates abroad on recognizing signs of human trafficking and protocols for reporting such cases.
(2) Conferences.--Funds appropriated by this Act that are made available to organize or host international conferences should not be made available for such conferences in Tier 3 countries unless the purpose of such conference is to combat human trafficking or it is in the national interest of the United States, and any such use of funds shall be subject to prior consultation with the Committees on Appropriations.
(3) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall report to the appropriate congressional committees on how all grants and contracts awarded in the prior fiscal year by the Department of State are compliant with applicable requirements within section 106(g) of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7104(g)).
(f) Water and Sanitation.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act, not less than $338,250,000 shall be made available for water supply and sanitation projects pursuant to section 136 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, of which not less than $169,125,000 shall be for programs in sub-Saharan Africa.
(g) Deviation.--Unless otherwise provided for by this Act, the Secretary of State may deviate below the minimum funding requirements designated in sections 7059 and 7060 of this Act by up to 20 percent, notwithstanding such designation: Provided, That such deviations shall only be exercised to address unforeseen or exigent circumstances: Provided further, That concurrent with the submission of the report required by section 653(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations in writing any proposed deviations utilizing such authority that are planned at the time of submission of such report: Provided further, That any deviations proposed subsequent to the submission of such report shall be subject to prior consultation with such Committees: Provided further, That not later than November 1, 2028, the Secretary of
State shall submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations on the use of the authority of this subsection.
Sec. 7061. (a) Funding Limitations.--None of the funds appropriated by this Act may made available in contravention of Executive Order 14162, relating to Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements, including--
(1) for a contribution, grant, or any other payment to the--
(A) Green Climate Fund;
(B) Clean Technology Fund; and
(C) Loss and Damages Fund or to pay compensation to any country, organization, or individual for loss and damages attributed to climate change;
(2) to implement the decision by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change's 21st Conference of Parties in Paris, France, adopted December 12, 2015, commonly known as the "Paris Agreement"; and
(3) to support implementation of a carbon tax.
(b) Transit Pipelines.--None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used by the Secretary of State to impede the uninterrupted transmission of hydrocarbons by pipeline through the territory of one Party not originating in the territory of that Party, for delivery to the territory of the other Party as ratified by The Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Canada concerning Transit Pipelines, signed at Washington on January 28, 1977.
Sec. 7062. (a) Operating Plans.--Not later than 45 days after the date of enactment of this Act, each department, agency, or organization funded in titles I, II, and VI of this Act, and the Department of the Treasury and Independent Agencies funded in title III of this Act, shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations an operating plan for funds appropriated to such department, agency, or organization in such titles of this Act, or funds otherwise available for obligation in fiscal year 2027, that provides details of the uses of such funds at the program, project, and activity level: Provided, That such plans shall include, as applicable, a comparison between the congressional budget justification funding levels, the most recent congressional directives or approved funding levels, and the funding levels proposed by the department or agency; and a clear, concise, and informative description/justification: Provided further, That operating plans that include changes in levels of funding for programs, projects, and activities specified in the congressional budget justification, in this Act, or amounts designated in the tables in the report accompanying this Act, as applicable, shall be subject to the notification and reprogramming requirements of section 7015 of this Act.
(b) Spend Plans.--
(1) Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations a spend plan for funds made available by this Act for--
(A) assistance for Pacific Islands countries, Nigeria, and for Colombia;
(B) assistance for the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, Central America Regional Security Initiative, Middle East Partnership Initiative, Indo-Pacific Strategy and the Countering PRC Influence Fund, and Power Africa;
(C) assistance made available pursuant to the following sections in this Act: section 7030; section 7032; section 7033; section 7036; section 7047(d) (on a country-by-country basis); section 7059; and each subsection of section 7060;
(D) funds provided under the heading "International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement" for demand reduction, which shall include bilateral and global programs; and
(E) funds made available pursuant to section 7022 of this Act.
(2) Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations a detailed spend plan for funds made available by this Act under the headings "Department of the Treasury, International Affairs Technical Assistance" in title III and "Treasury International Assistance Programs" in title V.
(c) Clarification.--The spend plans referenced in subsection (b) shall not be considered as meeting the notification requirements in this Act or under section 634A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
(d) Congressional Budget Justification.--The congressional budget justification for national security, Department of State, and related programs shall be provided to the Committees on Appropriations concurrent with the date of submission of the President's budget for fiscal year 2028: Provided, That the appendices for such justification shall be provided to the Committees on Appropriations not later than 10 calendar days thereafter.
Sec. 7063.
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(a) Prior Consultation and Notification.--Funds appropriated by this Act, prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs, or any other Act may not be used to implement a reorganization, redesign, or other plan described in subsection (b) by the Department of State or any other Federal department, agency, or organization funded by this Act without prior consultation by the head of such department, agency, or organization with the appropriate congressional committees: Provided, That such funds shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations: Provided further, That any such notification submitted to such Committees shall include a detailed justification for any proposed action: Provided further, That congressional notifications submitted in prior fiscal years pursuant to similar provisions of law in prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs may be deemed to meet the notification requirements of this section.
(b) Description of Activities.--Pursuant to subsection (a), a reorganization, redesign, or other plan shall include any action to--
(1) expand, eliminate, consolidate, or downsize covered departments, agencies, or organizations, including bureaus and offices within or between such departments, agencies, or organizations, including the transfer to other agencies of the authorities and responsibilities of such bureaus and offices;
(2) expand, eliminate, consolidate, or downsize the United States official presence overseas, including at bilateral, regional, and multilateral diplomatic facilities and other platforms; or
(3) expand or reduce the size of the permanent Civil Service, Foreign Service, eligible family member, and locally employed staff workforce of the Department of State from the staffing levels previously justified to the Committees on Appropriations for fiscal year 2027.
Sec. 7064. (a) Working Capital Fund.--Funds appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available to the Department of State for payments to the Working Capital Fund that are made available for new service centers, shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.
(b) Certification.--
(1) Compliance.--Not later than 45 days after the initial obligation of funds appropriated under titles III and IV of this Act that are made available to a Department of State bureau or office with responsibility for the management and oversight of such funds, the Secretary of State shall certify and report to the Committees on Appropriations, on an individual bureau or office basis, that such bureau or office is in compliance with Department and Federal financial and grants management policies, procedures, and regulations, as applicable.
(2) Considerations.--When making a certification required by paragraph (1), the Secretary of State shall consider the capacity of a bureau or office to--
(A) account for the obligated funds at the country and program level, as appropriate;
(B) identify risks and develop mitigation and monitoring plans;
(C) establish performance measures and indicators;
(D) review activities and performance; and
(E) assess final results and reconcile finances.
(3) Plan.--If the Secretary of State is unable to make a certification required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit a plan and timeline detailing the steps to be taken to bring such bureau or office into compliance.
(c) Other Matters.--
(1) In addition to amounts appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act under the heading "Diplomatic Programs"--
(A) as authorized by section 810 of the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act, not to exceed $5,000,000, to remain available until expended, may be credited to this appropriation from fees or other payments received from English teaching, library, motion pictures, and publication programs and from fees from educational advising and counseling and exchange visitor programs; and
(B) not to exceed $15,000, which shall be derived from reimbursements, surcharges, and fees for use of Blair House facilities.
(2) Funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act under the heading "Diplomatic Programs" are available for acquisition by exchange or purchase of passenger motor vehicles as authorized by law and, pursuant to section 1108(g) of title 31, United States Code, for the field examination of programs and activities in the United States funded from any account contained in title I of this Act.
(3) Consistent with section 204 of the Admiral James W. Nance and Meg Donovan Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2000 and 2001 (22 U.S.C. 2452b), up to $25,000,000 of the amounts made available under the heading "Diplomatic Programs" in this Act may be obligated and expended for United States participation in international fairs and expositions abroad, including for construction and operation of United States pavilions and other major exhibits.
(4)(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available under the heading "Diplomatic Programs" in this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs may be made available for support of a Special Envoy, Special Representative, Special Coordinator, Special Negotiator, Envoy, Representative, Coordinator, Special
Advisor, or other position performing a similar function unless such Special Envoy, Special Representative, Special Coordinator, Special Negotiator, Envoy, Representative, Coordinator, Special Advisor, or other position performing a similar function--
(i) is expressly authorized by statute; or
(ii) has affirmatively received the advice and consent of the Senate.
(B) The limitations of this paragraph shall be construed to include the applicable office personnel and bureau managed funds of such office.
(5) Public libraries.--Subsection (a) of the Passport Act of June 4, 1920 (22 U.S.C. 214(a)) shall be applied during fiscal year 2027 by--
(A) adding at the end the following new paragraph:
"(4) The Secretary of State may authorize a public library, organized as a non-governmental organization, non-profit, charitable organization, or trust, to serve as a passport acceptance facility and to collect and retain the execution fee for a passport accepted by such public library, if such public library is in compliance with the regulations prescribed by the Secretary of State for the acceptance and execution of a passport application."; and
(B) by substituting in subsection (a)(1) of such Act (22 U.S.C. 214(a)(1)), "a State or local government, the United States Postal Service, or a public library which meet the requirements described in paragraph (4)" for "State officials or the United States Postal Service" and by substituting "by such State or local government, Service, or public library." for "by such officials or by that Service.".
Sec. 7065. (a) Disaster Surge Capacity.--Funds appropriated under title III of this Act to carry out part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, may be used, in addition to funds otherwise available for such purposes, for the cost (including the support costs) of individuals whose primary responsibility is to carry out programs in response to natural disasters or man-made disasters, subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.
(b) Personal Service Agreements.--Funds appropriated by this Act under title III may be made available for the Secretary of State to exercise the authorities of section 2669(c) of title 22, United States Code.
(c) Crisis Operations Staffing.--Funds made available in title III of this Act pursuant to, or to carry out the provisions of, part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 may be made available to appoint and employ personnel in the excepted service to prevent or respond to foreign crises and contexts with growing instability: Provided, That functions carried out by personnel hired under the authority of this subsection shall be related to the purpose for which the funds were appropriated: Provided further, That such funds are in addition to funds otherwise available for such purposes and may remain attributed to any minimum funding requirement for which they were originally made available.
Sec. 7066. (a) In General.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the headings "National Security Investment Programs", "International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement", "Security Sector Programs", and "Foreign Military Financing Program", up to $1,500,000,000 may be made available for the America First Opportunity Fund to furnish assistance that makes America safer, stronger, and more prosperous by responding to crises, engaging proactively with strategic partners, and countering threats from adversaries.
(b) Transfer Authority.--Funds appropriated by this Act under the headings "International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement", "Security Sector Programs", and "Foreign Military Financing Program" and made available for such Fund may be transferred to, and merged with, funds appropriated under such headings: Provided, That such transfer authority is in addition to any other transfer authority provided by this Act or any other Act, and is subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.
(c) Availability.--Funds made available pursuant to this section may remain available until September 30, 2029.
(d) Consultation.--The Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations on the allocation of funds made available pursuant to this section not later than 30 days prior to the initial obligation of funds.
Sec. 7067.
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(a) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be obligated or expended to fly or display a flag over a facility of the United States Department of State other than the--
(1) United States flag;
(2) Foreign Service flag pursuant to 2 FAM 154.2-1;
(3) POW/MIA flag;
(4) Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag, pursuant to section 904 of title 36, United States Code;
(5) flag of a State, insular area, or the District of Columbia at domestic locations;
(6) flag of an Indian Tribal government;
(7) official branded flag of a United States agency; or
(8) sovereign flag of other countries.
(b) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to carry out any program, project, or activity that teaches or trains any idea or concept that condones an individual being discriminated against or receiving adverse or beneficial treatment based on race or sex, that condones an individual feeling discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress on account of that individual's race or sex, as well as any idea or concept that regards one race as inherently superior to another race, the United States or its institutions as being systemically racist or sexist, an individual as being inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive by virtue of that individual's race or sex, an individual's moral character as being necessarily determined by race or sex, an individual as bearing responsibility for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race or sex, or meritocracy being racist, sexist, or having been created by a particular race to oppress another race: Provided, That the limitation of this subsection shall be construed to include foreign public diplomacy programs, projects, and activities.
(c) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available in contravention of Executive Order 14151, relating to Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing.
(d) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used in contravention of--
(1) Executive Order 14170, relating to Reforming the Federal Hiring Process and Restoring Merit to Government Service, including the use of funds for hiring practices based on gender, religion, political affiliation, or race; or
(2) Executive Order 14173, relating to Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.
(e) None of the funds made available by this Act or any other Act may be made available in contravention of Executive Order 14187, relating to Protecting Children From Chemical and Surgical Mutilation, or shall be used or transferred to another Federal agency, board, or commission to fund any domestic or international non-governmental organization or any other program, organization, or association coordinated or operated by such non-governmental organization that either offers counseling regarding sex change surgeries, promotes sex change surgeries for any reason as an option, conducts or subsidizes sex change surgeries, promotes the use of medications or other substances to halt the onset of puberty or sexual development of minors, or otherwise promotes transgenderism.
(f) None of the funds made available by this Act or prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs may be used to implement, administer, or enforce any COVID-19 mask or vaccine mandates, including for individuals traveling outside of the United States.
(g) None of the funds appropriated under title III and under the headings "International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement", "Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs", "Security Sector Programs", "Peacekeeping Operations", and "International Organizations and Programs", in this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs may be made available in contravention of the rules published in the Federal Register on January 27, 2026, entitled "Combating Gender Ideology in Foreign Assistance" (91 Fed. Reg. 3332 et seq.) and "Combating Discriminatory Equity Ideology in Foreign Assistance" (91 Fed. Reg. 3345 et seq.).
(h) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available in contravention of Executive Order 14172, relating to Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness, including to create, procure, or display any map that inaccurately depicts the Gulf of America.
(i)(1) Notwithstanding section 7 of title 1, United States Code, section 1738C of title 28, United States Code, or any other provision of law, none of the funds provided by this Act shall be used in whole or in part to take any discriminatory action against a person, wholly or partially, on the basis that such person speaks, or acts, in accordance with a sincerely held religious belief, or moral conviction, that marriage is, or should be recognized as, a union of one man and one woman.
(2) As used in paragraph (1), a discriminatory action means any action taken by the Federal Government to--
(A) alter in any way the Federal tax treatment of, or cause any tax, penalty, or payment to be assessed against, or deny, delay, or revoke an exemption from taxation under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 of, any person referred to in paragraph (1);
(B) disallow a deduction for Federal tax purposes of any charitable contribution made to or by such person;
(C) withhold, reduce the amount or funding for, exclude, terminate, or otherwise make unavailable or deny, any Federal grant, contract, subcontract, cooperative agreement, guarantee, loan, scholarship, license, certification, accreditation, employment, or other similar position or status from or to such person;
(D) withhold, reduce, exclude, terminate, or otherwise make unavailable or deny, any entitlement or benefit under a Federal benefit program, including admission to, equal treatment in, or eligibility for a degree from
an educational program, from or to such person; or
(E) withhold, reduce, exclude, terminate, or otherwise make unavailable or deny access or an entitlement to Federal property, facilities, educational institutions, speech forum (including traditional, limited and nonpublic forum), or charitable fundraising campaigns from or to such person.
(3) The Federal Government shall consider accredited, licensed, or certified for purposes of Federal law any person that would be accredited, licensed, or certified, respectively, for such purposes but for a determination against such person wholly or partially on the basis that the person speaks, or acts, in accordance with a sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction described in paragraph (1).
Sec. 7068. (a) Consular and Border Security Programs.--Of the unobligated balances from amounts made available under the heading "Consular and Border Security Programs" from prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs, $458,100,000 are permanently rescinded.
(b) International Disaster Assistance.--Of the unobligated balances from amounts made available under the heading "International Disaster Assistance" from prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs, $1,000,000,000 are permanently rescinded.
(c) Millennium Challenge Corporation.--Of the unobligated balances from amounts made available under the heading "Millennium Challenge Corporation" from prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs, $385,000,000 are permanently rescinded.
(d) Restriction.--No amounts may be rescinded from amounts that were previously designated by the Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to a concurrent resolution on the budget or section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
Al Green (D-TX)1:00 p.m.
limitation on the use of funds made available for certain online speech-related activities
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Sec. 7069. (a) Prohibition.--None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act, or prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs, may be made available, directly or indirectly, to carry out any activity the purpose of which is to--
(1) deplatform, deboost, demonetize, suppress, or otherwise penalize what in the United States would constitute lawful online speech, a lawful news outlet, or lawful social media account activity;
(2) induce, encourage, coordinate with, or assist any social media company or online platform or intermediary to adopt or enforce any policy or practice that could be expected to deplatform, deboost, demonetize, suppress or otherwise penalize what in the United States would constitute lawful online speech from any news entity or social media account;
(3) induce, encourage, coordinate with, or assist any foreign government, regulator, policymaker, judicial officer, administrative body, supranational body, or international organization to adopt, interpret, or enforce any law, regulation, order, mechanism, or other measure that could be expected to deplatform, deboost, demonetize, suppress, or otherwise penalize what in the United States would constitute lawful online speech from any news entity or social media account;
(4) induce, encourage, coordinate with, fund, or support any person or entity in the online advertising or monetization ecosystem to cut off, reduce, redirect, or otherwise interfere with advertising, sponsorship, payment, or other revenue on the basis of lawful online speech, news production, editorial viewpoint, political viewpoint, or social media activity;
(5) fund, participate in, coordinate with, or support any "platform accountability", "information integrity", "brand safety", "disinformation", "misinformation", "hate speech", "trust and safety", "media literacy", "digital literacy" or similar program or initiative if the purpose or foreseeable effect is to impose legal, regulatory, financial, reputational, commercial, or political costs on a United States-based technology company, United States-based social media platform, United States-based online intermediary, or United States-based digital publisher for carrying speech protected from governmental abridgment by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States;
(6) support, fund, facilitate, coordinate with, or assist any entity in supporting, drafting, promoting, defending, implementing, interpreting, enforcing, or operationalizing any foreign law, regulation, code, judicial or administrative structure, or enforcement mechanism that imposes costs on a United States-based technology company or United States-based social media platform for hosting speech that would be protected from government action under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States; or
(7) create, disseminate, share, or operationalize any blacklist or similar designation system that is used, or is reasonably likely to be used, to support an activity prohibited under paragraphs (1) through (6).
(b) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit the use of funds for the investigation or reporting of conduct constituting a Federal criminal offense, foreign terrorist activity, espionage, sanctions evasion, unlawful foreign intelligence activity, child sexual abuse material, or human trafficking, if such activity is not used as a pretext for conduct otherwise prohibited by this section.
(c) Reporting Requirement.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 120 days thereafter until September 30, 2027, the head of each department, agency or organization funded in the Act shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations a report, in unclassified form, that--
(1) identifies each grant, subgrant, contract, subaward, cooperative agreement, fellowship, consultancy, working group, coalition, or partnership funded in whole or in part with amounts covered by this section;
(2) identifies whether any such activity concerns content moderation, misinformation, disinformation, platform governance, platform accountability, advertiser pressure, brand safety, monetization, or foreign digital-services regulation;
(3) describes the steps taken to ensure compliance with this section;
(4) lists each foreign law, regulation, judicial or administrative proceeding, and policy initiative on which each department, agency or organization funded in the Act, or any recipient of funds made available to such department, agency or organization, has provided financial support, technical assistance, policy advocacy, research support, expert consultation, judicial education, or implementation support; and
(5) to the extent that such reporting requirements might reasonably be expected to compromise the physical security of individual grantees or recipients operating in dangerous regions or conflict zones, the requirements of subsections (c)(1)-(4) herein may be submitted using anonymized records or information for such sensitive programs.
Sec. 7070. None of the funds in this Act shall be used to remove or waive sanctions imposed on an individual against whom credible allegations of child trafficking exist, as determined by the Office of Foreign Assets Control or a Federal court of competent jurisdiction, unless the Secretary of State has certified in writing to the Committees on Appropriations not less than 60 days in advance of sanctions removal that this waiver is necessary for the national security of the United States, and provided written justification of this certification.
Sec. 8001. $0.
This Act may be cited as the "National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027".
The Acting CHAIR1:00 p.m.
All points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 or clause 5(a) of rule XXI are waived.
No amendment to the bill shall be in order except those printed in part A of House Report 119-749, amendments en bloc described in section 4 of House Resolution 1423, and pro forma amendments described in section 5 of that resolution.
Each amendment printed in part A of House Report 119-749 shall be considered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment except as provided by section 5 of House Resolution 1423, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question.
It shall be in order at any time for the chair of the Committee on Appropriations or his designee to offer amendments en bloc consisting of amendments printed in part A of House Report 119-749 not earlier disposed of. Amendments en bloc shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations or their designees, shall not be subject to amendment, except as provided by section 5 of House Resolution 1423, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question.
During consideration of the bill for amendment, the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations or their respective designees may offer up to 10 pro forma amendments each at any point for the purpose of debate.
Text printed in the Record (56 characters)
Amendments En Bloc Offered by Mr. Diaz-Balart of Florida
Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)1:00 p.m.
Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 1423, I offer amendments en bloc.
The Acting CHAIR1:00 p.m.
The Clerk will designate the amendments en bloc.
Amendments en bloc consisting of amendment Nos. 3, 7, 17, 18, 21, 24, 25, 26, and 29, printed in part A of House Report 119-749, offered by Mr. Diaz-Balart of Florida:
Text printed in the Record (3,626 characters)
Page 230, line 16, after the dollar amount, insert "(increased by $5,000,000)".
Page 22, line 15, after the dollar amount, insert "(reduced by 2,000,000)".
amendment no. 17 offered by ms. plaskett of virgin islands
Page 34, line 17, after the dollar amount insert "(reduced by $1,000,000)".
amendment no. 18 offered by ms. plaskett of virgin islands
Page 30, line 19, after the dollar amount insert "(reduced by $1,000,000) (increased by $1,000,000)".
Strike section 7027(a).
Page 193, line 5, strike "30 percent" and insert "50 percent".
Page 7, line 16, after the dollar amount, insert "(reduced by $5,000,000) (increased by $5,000,000)".
Page 172, line 10, after the dollar amount, insert "(reduced by $5,000,000) (increased by $5,000,000)".
Page 31, line 6, after the dollar amount, insert "(reduced
by $5,000,000) (increased by $5,000,000)".
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1423, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Lois Frankel) each will control 10 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart).
Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the bipartisan amendments en bloc, which includes amendments from both sides of the aisle.
The amendments include nine noncontroversial amendments that advance the priorities of both sides, including support for Taiwan, countering the PRC's influence in Latin America and the Caribbean, better leveraging U.S. assistance to Mexico, and increasing funding designated to combat human trafficking.
Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support these amendments, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chair, I rise in support and thank Mr. Diaz-Balart for working with me to include these bipartisan priorities in these amendments. I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the cooperation of my colleagues, the ranking member and others. I urge adoption of these bipartisan amendments en bloc, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Tran).
Mr. TRAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of this en bloc package of bipartisan amendments that includes my amendment, Tran No. 65, which supports the annual U.S.-Vietnam Human Rights Dialogue and reaffirms Congress' commitment to advancing fundamental freedoms and human rights in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
As the United States continues to deepen its engagement with Vietnam, human rights must remain central to the bilateral relationship.
The Vietnamese Government continues to restrict freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and peaceful political expression.
Independent journalists like Le Huu Minh Tuan, human rights activists, religious leaders, and ordinary citizens face harassment, arbitrary detention, and imprisonment simply for exercising their basic rights.
A stronger economic and security partnership between our two nations cannot come at the expense of the democratic values and universal freedoms that the United States has long championed.
My amendment supports a critical diplomatic tool to press the Vietnamese Government on these concerns, including the immediate release of prisoners of conscience.
Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support these amendments en bloc.
Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendments en bloc offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart).
The en bloc amendments were agreed to.
The Acting CHAIR1:10 p.m.
It is now in order to consider amendment No. 1 printed in part A of House Report 119-749.
Lauren Boebert (R-CO)1:10 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR1:10 p.m.
The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
Text printed in the Record (3,123 characters)
Page 4, beginning on line 24, strike ", of which not less
than $287,800,000 shall be for the Fulbright Program".
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1423, the gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms. Boebert) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Colorado.
Ms. BOEBERT. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of fiscal responsibility and protecting Americans from foreign adversaries.
President Trump's domestic policy is defined by his commitment to rid the Federal Government of waste, fraud, and abuse. It is time that Congress followed through on the President's promise.
Last year, the Fulbright Program cost the American taxpayers nearly $300 million, set to be repeated in next year's State Department budget. My amendment returns these funds to the pockets of hardworking American taxpayers.
The President's FY27 budget proposed an 80-percent cut to the Fulbright Program and for good reason. For years, the Fulbright Program acted as a taxpayer-funded handout for trans fanatic, Green New Deal activists and agents of foreign powers seeking to undermine the United States of America.
While the President confronted Fulbright's board of directors about this injustice of their leftist bias, they resigned rather than face the truth.
Every year, nearly 5,000 foreign applicants receive a Fulbright Scholarship. These recipients include citizens of countries with very close ties to adversaries, such as Russia, China, and North Korea, a known pathway for agents of foreign powers to enter the United States and spy on us.
This is an unacceptable risk to the American people and our national security. The Fulbright Program is a bad deal for the American people, and my amendment restores fiscal responsibility and keeps our great Nation safe.
For the good of our country and responsibility to every American taxpayer, we must act to end this harmful and wasteful program.
Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition to this amendment.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chair, the Fulbright Program is one of the most well-established and prestigious exchange programs in the world.
Each year, the best and the brightest globally compete for spots to study in the United States or have American students experience and do research overseas.
The proof is in the results. Fulbright alumni include--listen to this--44 heads of state, 63 Nobel Prize winners, 94 Pulitzer Prize winners, 83 MacArthur Fellows, and numerous national leaders.
Each of these individuals and 450,000 more have had a life-changing experience being exposed to United States culture and values, affecting their impressions of our country for the rest of their lives.
This is a smart investment. May I say, as my mother once said, this is penny-wise and pound-foolish.
This is not just our investment. Mr. Chair, 89 foreign governments also contribute to sending their students to the
United States with more than $90 million annually.
Mr. Chair, this amendment is shortsighted, with all due respect. I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Lauren Boebert (R-CO)1:10 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I have said my piece. I yield back the balance of my time.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)1:10 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart).
Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)1:10 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I thank the ranking member for yielding.
I rise in respectful opposition to the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Colorado. I share, by the way, and understand her desire to reduce spending. As a matter of fact, since 2023, as I mentioned before, I have cut spending under the purview of this subcommittee by $12 billion.
The bill that we are considering right now puts forward an additional $2.7 billion in reductions. In this bill, the education and cultural exchange programs account is also reduced. It is actually $94 million below the fiscal year 2024 enacted level.
We did cut back funding, but we left in place sufficient funds to support exchange programs that we can show make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.
The Fulbright Program is the crown jewel of our exchange programs. It allows the U.S. to develop key relationships with senior leaders of national security, technology, business, and entrepreneurship. Also, it strengthens U.S. relationships in fields that advance U.S. interests.
In a recent official trip to South America, I heard directly from President Trump's ambassadors about how the Fulbright Program is a valuable tool to combat Confucius centers from Communist China and other CCP malign influence efforts in this hemisphere.
This is a program that gives us the opportunity to, again, create those long alliances that have been so helpful. It cultivates future leaders who champion our values, not Chinese values, and also, again, combats Chinese surveillance, data breaches, et cetera.
This bill makes large reductions in wasteful programs, but Fulbright is not one of those programs. It is an important facilitator to our national security goals.
Mr. Chair, I very respectfully urge a "no" vote on this amendment.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)1:10 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR1:10 p.m.
The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms. Boebert).
The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes appeared to have it.
Lauren Boebert (R-CO)1:10 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
The Acting CHAIR1:10 p.m.
Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Colorado will be postponed.
The Acting CHAIR1:10 p.m.
The Chair understands that amendment No. 2 will not be offered.
The Acting CHAIR1:10 p.m.
It is now in order to consider amendment No. 4 printed in part A of House Report 119-749.
Elijah Crane (R-AZ)1:10 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR1:10 p.m.
The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
Text printed in the Record (1,890 characters)
At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the
following:
Sec. __. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made
available by this Act may be used to furnish military
education and training absent reimbursement pursuant to 22
U.S.C. 2347(b).
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1423, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Crane) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona.
Mr. CRANE. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment, which prohibits funds in this act from furnishing international military education and training without the reimbursement required under 22 U.S.C. 2347(b).
My provision does not create new policy. It simply enforces a reimbursement requirement that has been on the books for nearly 50 years and strengthens accountability for how we spend taxpayer dollars.
Under current law, nations using Foreign Military Financing to purchase military training must pay a rate comparable to what grant recipients receive.
This training was never intended to be free. However, because the 1976 law lacked a real reinforcement mechanism, American taxpayers have quietly absorbed these costs instead. My amendment fixes that longstanding problem.
It applies to Foreign Military Financing-purchased training and similar title 22 programs, and it requires that reimbursement actually be collected before this act's funds can be used to provide that training. Importantly, it does not affect international military education and training grants, nor does it affect training for U.S. personnel.
I offered this amendment because Congress' original 1976 language left the door open for lax enforcement. The law says that foreign nations should pay for instruction from the strongest fighting force in the world, but it never included a means to ensure that reimbursement actually occurs.
This can result in training that ends up free for foreign partners at the expense of American taxpayers. The original policy is not flawed. There is currently a gap in collection, and this amendment closes it. Our national debt is approaching $40 trillion, and much of that strain comes from years of weak enforcement and lost accountability across government. It is our responsibility to review every line item, even the small ones, because these costs add up. Given that we already provide substantial protection, personnel, and intelligence support to our partners, we should not absorb the cost of training that Congress has long required foreign nations to reimburse. Our partners are also welcome to use Foreign Military Financing or their own national funds to cover this training rather than defaulting to taxpayer-funded grants. Some of my colleagues may argue this will strain relationship with our partners. That is not the case. This amendment only applies where reimbursement is already required by law. It does not touch International Military Education and Training grants or our core training relationships. Others may suggest this is a minor technical fix unworthy of floor time. I disagree. A gap in reimbursement law is precisely the kind of overlooked taxpayer exposure Congress should address regardless of size. To my colleagues, the status quo is clearly broken. We face unsustainable debt, and too many programs lack real accountability. It is our duty to reinforce existing laws and ensure we are collecting what taxpayers are owed. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this commonsense amendment and relieve hardworking Americans of expenses that they were never meant to bear. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)1:20 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I claim the time to oppose this prohibition for funding for military education and training unless reimbursed.
The Acting CHAIR1:20 p.m.
The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)1:20 p.m.
Mr. Chair, our International Military Education and Training programs provide significant national security benefits at a very low cost.
They strengthen the ability of nations to partner with our Armed Forces in joint and coordinated operations. They help senior and rising military leaders from countries around the world build ties with the United States. They build the professionalism of foreign militaries, increasing respect for human rights, the rule of law, and democratic civilian control of military.
Yet, many of our partners most in need of U.S. military training do not have the resources to pay for it themselves.
Mr. Chair, I saw my son, a United States marine, go to two wars, and I know many of his fellow, I will call them colleagues, brave patriots, they didn't come home to their families, and I just want to say for those families, why would we want to undermine one of the most cost-effective tools we have for building our collective security? Why would we want to do anything that would keep our men and women going to war?
General Donovan, commander of the United States Southern Command, said just this year: The return on investment in the International Military Education Training program is clear, with multiple program graduates going on to serve as ministers of defense and chiefs of defense. The trust and relationships built through these programs extend far beyond the engagements themselves and pay lasting dividends for our shared security and will save the lives of our brave men and women who serve our country.
I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Elijah Crane (R-AZ)1:20 p.m.
Mr. Chair, may I inquire how much time I have remaining.
The Acting CHAIR1:20 p.m.
The gentleman from Arizona has 1\1/2\ minutes remaining.
Elijah Crane (R-AZ)1:20 p.m.
Mr. Chair, like I said, this is already law. We are clearly just not enforcing it. I will reiterate that we are close to $40 trillion in debt. We are spending $2 trillion annually that we don't have.
As a servicemember myself, I am not trying to say that we don't receive anything from cooperation and training with our foreign partners. The point is this is already law. This is already the law. We are just not enforcing it, and we are not collecting these reimbursements which we are entitled to.
For far too long, the United States has borne the brunt of global defense, and I know it doesn't mean a lot to many people in this Chamber that we are $40 trillion in debt, but we continue to spend money that we don't have.
Again, this is already the law. There is just no enforcement. That is what my amendment would take care of. Again, I urge my colleagues to support it, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)1:20 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Elijah Crane (R-AZ)1:20 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)1:20 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I just want to say, when it comes to our security, our prosperity, the lives of our patriots who put on our uniform, it is, as my mom would say, penny-wise and pound-foolish to pass this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR1:20 p.m.
The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Crane).
The amendment was agreed to.
The Acting CHAIR1:20 p.m.
The Chair understands that amendment No. 5 will not be offered.
The Acting CHAIR1:20 p.m.
It is now in order to consider amendment No. 6 printed in part A of House Report 119-749.
Randy Fine (R-FL)1:20 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR1:20 p.m.
The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
Text printed in the Record (39 characters)
Page 42, strike line 6 through line 10.
The Acting CHAIR1:20 p.m.
Pursuant to House Resolution 1423, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Fine) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida.
Randy Fine (R-FL)1:20 p.m.
Mr. Chairman, I will start by acknowledging the extraordinary work of my friend, colleague, and mentor from Florida on this overall package, which I do intend to support, but no matter how great a job we do on anything, there is always room to improve.
At a time and a place in which we have a $40 trillion debt, I have an obligation to be looking to save money wherever we can.
My amendment would strike all funding for the Global Environment Facility, which would save taxpayers $140 million. The GEF, as I see it, is a wasteful fund that spends money to bankroll woke climate initiatives, including grants designed to bring countries such as Namibia and Serbia into compliance with the Paris climate agreement, which President Trump withdrew the United States from because it did not reflect American interests and priorities.
My colleagues across the aisle and other supporters of the GEF and green new scam argue that it is America's responsibility to give millions of taxpayer dollars to unelected bureaucrats because the GEF fights so-called climate change.
Let's examine some examples of the important work that GEF is funding with money that we are borrowing from our children and grandchildren: The Women Ocean Guardians project, which seeks "to strengthen the sustainable use, management, and conservation of large marine ecosystems by enhancing gender-responsive ocean governance, empowering women frontliners in coastal and marine ecosystems and implementing community-led solutions" because we have got to make sure when we fight climate change it is gender responsive.
Second project, in the Central African Republic, "to catalyze land restoration and biodiversity conservation through inclusive and gender-responsive landscape governance." Again, just think of the absurdity of this, gender-responsive landscape governance.
Then there was a grant given in 2024 in Afghanistan for "strengthened resilience of rural communities' livelihoods to climate risks and variability in selected provinces in Afghanistan."
Let me remind all my colleagues that Afghanistan has been under the rule of the Taliban. Do we really think the Taliban is going to use this money to address so-called climate change?
The United States, as I said before, is almost $40 trillion in debt, and that debt continues to grow every single day, every single minute, every single hour that we are here.
I think it is a gross misuse of taxpayer dollars to subsidize an organization that spends money helping other countries comply with an agreement the United States is not even a party to or giving money to the Taliban for any reason, let alone for forestry.
President Trump's budget request eliminated funding for the Global Environment Facility. Congress should follow that example and eliminate this unnecessary $140 million expenditure.
Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)1:30 p.m.
Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition to this amendment.
The Acting CHAIR1:30 p.m.
The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)1:30 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I am opposing this amendment that strikes the Global Environment Facility fund.
This amendment would eliminate the United States' contribution to the Global Environment Facility, a multilateral trust fund that provides grant-based funding to developing countries to address global environmental challenges.
It has long had bipartisan support for very good reason. It benefits the U.S. economy and the environment by addressing problems that cross borders and affect our domestic health, safety, and prosperity.
It helps protect tropical forests. It reduces transboundary pollutants like microplastics. It prevents unsustainable fishing and invasive species. It combats illegal wildlife tracking, which transnational criminal organizations use to finance their very dangerous activities.
Even in our own country, we are challenged. Just look around, Mr. Chair. Put on the news. We are challenged by severe drought, rainfall, storms, and heat. It is pretty hot out there. Land degradation and the loss of soil and water health are threatening livelihoods all over the world.
We are continuing to see ever-greater humanitarian needs caused by these disasters both domestically and abroad. We need to get ahead of these crises.
Helping communities cope, especially those with the least means to do so, is not only moral. It is smart. These are problems that cannot be solved alone. Funding for the Global Environment Facility allows us to work together, leverage contributions of other countries, and provide U.S. leadership to tackle these challenges.
Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Randy Fine (R-FL)1:30 p.m.
Mr. Chairman, may I inquire how much time I have remaining.
The Acting CHAIR1:30 p.m.
The gentleman from Florida has 2 minutes remaining.
Randy Fine (R-FL)1:30 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)1:30 p.m.
Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
Randy Fine (R-FL)1:30 p.m.
Mr. Chairman, I will close by saying this: Irrespective of the ridiculous examples that I gave before, again, the idea that there is gender responsive ways to deal with environmental problems as though somehow men and women would deal with environmental solutions differently, setting all of that ridiculousness aside, I think we have a simple question before us. When you are $40 trillion in debt, Mr. Chair, and the things you are paying for are being borrowed from your children and grandchildren, the question is no longer whether something is a good idea. The question is whether it is worth driving us further into debt to do.
Even if I were to grant that these projects were noble--and I do not--it is not worth borrowing from my two sons and every American's children and grandchildren to do that.
If we do not begin to deal with these problems soon, then we won't have a budget to spend. This is one small step in order to try to get our fiscal house in order.
I hope that all of my colleagues will support my amendment.
Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR (Ms. King-Hinds)1:30 p.m.
The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Fine).
The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes appeared to have it.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)1:30 p.m.
Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
The Acting CHAIR1:30 p.m.
Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Florida will be postponed.
The Acting CHAIR1:30 p.m.
It is now in order to consider amendment No. 8 printed in part A of House Report 119-749.
Thomas Massie (R-KY)1:30 p.m.
Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR1:30 p.m.
The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
Text printed in the Record (307 characters)
At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the following:
Sec. __. (a) None of the funds made available under this Act shall be obligated or expended for Israel.
(b) The amount otherwise made available by this Act for "Foreign Military Financing Program" is hereby reduced by $3,300,000,000.
The Acting CHAIR1:30 p.m.
Pursuant to House Resolution 1423, the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Massie) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Kentucky.
Thomas Massie (R-KY)1:30 p.m.
Madam Chair, my amendment is simple. It strikes $3.3 billion of foreign aid to the country of Israel from the State Department funding bill.
We have $39.4 trillion of debt. We have needs at home, which include our infrastructure, our roads and bridges. We have a shortfall in this fund. We have our locks and dams, and we are perpetually trying to figure out new funding mechanisms to come up with. We have homeless veterans. We are sending more money to Israel in this bill than we spend on homeless veterans in this country.
Just to put it in perspective, there are 3,000 counties in this country, and if we divide that into $3 billion, that is $1 million from every county. This is not an insignificant amount of money that is going overseas.
I think we should stop it. We should put them on a diet. They are the biggest welfare recipient of the United States and have been for many years.
Madam Chair, $310 billion has been received by Israel from the taxpayers of the United States. That is in inflation-adjusted dollars since we have been giving them money. That is why I think this amendment is important.
Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)1:30 p.m.
Madam Chairwoman, I claim time in opposition to the gentleman's amendment.
The Acting CHAIR1:30 p.m.
The gentleman from Florida is recognized for 5 minutes.
Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)1:30 p.m.
Madam Chairwoman, as chairman of this subcommittee since 2023, I am proud to be a leader in this body in providing unwavering support to our friend and ally, Israel, especially--especially--after the October 7 terrorist attack.
The $3.3 billion in foreign military financing for Israel included in this bill supports American--our--national security interests overseas.
We see the same terrorists and terrorist entities that threaten Israel also threaten the United States and our people directly. When we give Israel the tools and capabilities to eliminate these terrorist threats and to protect their homeland, while including the many Americans who visit and live there, we are making America and the American people safer.
The United States and Israel have worked together on successful military operations like those in the past year to decimate Iran's nuclear program and missile capabilities. Israel is also using the overwhelming majority of this funding to actually purchase American-made weaponry, so it actually helps our defense industrial base and our economy.
We have worked together extensively on developing military capabilities and other capabilities. Because of these advancements for our mutual interest and security, there is currently a discussion of moving to a new security partnership with Israel after fiscal year 2028.
Just to be clear, the assistance in this bill for fiscal year 2027 is under the terms of the existing MOU, memorandum of understanding, which runs for 2 more fiscal years.
This does not, in any way, prejudge the outcome of ongoing negotiations. This is about fulfilling our commitment to one of our closest and most important allies that we have in the entire world at a time when terrorists are butchering people around the world.
We made that commitment because it makes the American people--our country--stronger.
Madam Chair, I urge defeat of the amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Thomas Massie (R-KY)1:30 p.m.
Madam Chair, I heard a common refrain in my colleague's arguments there that, oh, don't worry, all this money is going to the military industrial complex.
I have a problem with that. It is not a sustainable economy--buying weapons and letting people use them overseas on other people, oftentimes innocent civilians. I am not compelled by the argument that our job is to be here and enrich the military-industrial complex, now called the defense industrial base.
Madam Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Castro).
Thomas Massie (R-KY)1:40 p.m.
Madam Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Castro), my friend and colleague.
Joaquin Castro (D-TX)1:40 p.m.
Madam Chair, Israel does not need and, quite honestly, does not deserve more American money for weapons.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has taken Israel down an ugly path. The tragedy of October 7 has become a justification for the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinians.
Self-defense does not include indiscriminately bombing homes, hospitals, churches, schools, or refugee camps. There were even credible reports of children intentionally shot in the head and chest.
For decades, our Nation gave Israel billions to facilitate peace and a two-state solution. Instead, Israel has chosen more war and more occupation.
Today, it occupies not only Gaza and the West Bank but parts of Syria and Lebanon.
If there are no consequences, why in the world would Benjamin Netanyahu change what he is doing?
Words are not enough. Condemnations are not enough. If we hope to change Israel's behavior, we must use our leverage.
The American people have seen this tragedy with their own eyes. They have made their judgment. They do not support giving Israel more weapons. Do not reward a wrongdoer. Now it is up to us in this Chamber to take action.
Madam Chair, I support this amendment.
Thomas Massie (R-KY)1:40 p.m.
Madam Chair, may I inquire as to how much time I have remaining.
The Acting CHAIR1:40 p.m.
The gentleman has 1\1/2\ minutes remaining.
Thomas Massie (R-KY)1:40 p.m.
Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)1:40 p.m.
Madam Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Lois Frankel), the distinguished ranking member of the subcommittee.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)1:40 p.m.
Madam Chair, I rise in very strong opposition to this amendment.
Maintaining stability in the Middle East has long been a vital United States strategic interest. What happens there affects our economy, national security, and the safety of our American servicemembers.
As written, this amendment is overbroad in that it prohibits or could limit the use of funds for longstanding initiatives related to peace building, refugee settlement, and U.S. Embassy operations.
This amendment would restrict our country's ability to confront Iran's proxies: Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations in the region who are sworn enemies of the United States, Israel, and our allies.
Madam Chair, a 10-minute debate is not the way to change policy as we have a mission of peace in the region and prosperity, both for Israelis and Palestinians.
Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)1:40 p.m.
Madam Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer).
Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD)1:40 p.m.
Madam Chair, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment, which would dangerously undermine American national security.
As Leader Jeffries rightly pointed out, if adopted, it would limit our ability to confront terrorist organizations, like Hamas and Hezbollah, that expressly target American citizens and military personnel. It would make it harder for America to use our relationships with Israel and regional partners to promote a negotiated two-state solution, the only realistic path to deliver on the promise of peace, security, and self-determination for both Israel and Palestine.
I understand the frustration that many Members feel with some of the policies and actions of the current Israeli Government, as well as their concerns about its commitment to the peace process and a two-state solution. However, this amendment would embolden the enemies of peace, those pursuing the complete elimination of Israel and those who seek the death of Jews.
Madam Chair, it is a vote to weaken our ability to engage in the region and a vote against American security, interest, and safety. Vote "no."
Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)1:40 p.m.
Madam Chair, as I have said before with this bill, and I have said it many times: If you are an ally and a friend of the United States, this bill supports you. If you are an adversary, you are not going to like this bill. We have no stronger ally than the State of Israel. This is our commitment under the MOU, which is why I respectfully, but very strongly--very strongly--oppose this amendment.
Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
Thomas Massie (R-KY)1:40 p.m.
Madam Chair, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.
Madam Chair, Israel has the strongest economy in the Middle East. Their debt per GDP is in much better shape than ours. They don't need our money. In fact, they have claimed recently they want to get off of the welfare. I am concerned that the other funding mechanisms they are talking about, or comingling, our technology and supply chains, we will have even less transparency than what is going on here today, so I am opposed to that as well.
I am opposed to all foreign aid. I didn't pick on Israel here. I offered an amendment to defund Egypt and also to defunding aid to Jordan, which we will talk about in a little bit. I am particularly concerned this year about the foreign aid to Israel. There have been 70,000 casualties in Gaza, and I don't think we should be a part of that. American taxpayers should not be conscripted into funding the military adventures of Israel.
Madam Chair, I urge adoption of my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR1:40 p.m.
The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Massie).
The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes appeared to have it.
Thomas Massie (R-KY)1:40 p.m.
Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
The Acting CHAIR1:40 p.m.
Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Kentucky will be postponed.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)1:40 p.m.
Madam Chair, I rise as the designee of the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro), and I move to strike the last word.
The Acting CHAIR1:40 p.m.
The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)1:40 p.m.
Madam Chair, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman).
Brad Sherman (D-CA)1:40 p.m.
Madam Chair, President Obama signed a 10-year memorandum of understanding. We are now in the ninth year of that memorandum. Mr. Massie would have us repudiate that signature. That is as bad an idea as Donald Trump's repudiation of the JCPOA, the deal with Iran that limited its nuclear program.
We are told that this is about offensive weapons. This $3.3 billion provides the AMRAAM system that defends Israeli apartment buildings and houses from incoming missiles that have as one purpose: to kill as many Israeli civilians as possible.
How are we going to influence the people of Israel and the government of Israel? They need our influence. They need to change their policies. How are we going to influence them? As the missiles are coming in for the sole purpose of killing as many civilians as possible, we say we will not help shoot them down. We will not fund the AMRAAM system that is provided for in a memorandum of understanding signed by President Obama.
This amendment is a political stunt. Republican leadership has brought it to the floor--not for the purpose of having it become law, but for the purpose of driving a wedge through the middle of the Democratic Party, for the purpose of facilitating Republican advertisements that will put our party on the side of those who are screaming death to America and death to Israel, and to put our party on the side of those who say that Israel has no right to exist.
If you care about not only our Middle East policy but you care about the Democratic Party's position, with the American people, then you must vote "no" on this amendment.
Now that does not mean that there will not be future reductions in our aid to Israel. That does not mean that we will not try to change Israeli policy, but this amendment goes as far as it possibly can to put us on the side not of those who would shoot down the missiles that are aimed at civilian neighborhoods in Israel but on those who are cheering those missiles.
Then we are told that the amount of money involved is the focus. It says $3.3 billion, but that is about an 80th of the aid that we have provided Ukraine and that we should have provided Ukraine.
This is not an attempt to divert a large portion of our money from Israel. This is an attack on the Israeli people.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)1:50 p.m.
Madam Chair, there is no question that going forward there needs to be a thoughtful conversation how we spend our foreign aid money. I know we are all committed to that.
My heart breaks for the suffering of innocent people in Gaza. We must find a way to infuse humanitarian support, how to find a peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians, but let me tell you how we got here.
Since 1979, Iran has repeatedly called for Israel's elimination while arming terrorist proxies. In the past 3 years, those proxies have launched more than 30,000 rockets, missiles, drones, and mortars into Israel while Hamas hid in their billion dollars' worth of building of tunnels, 450 miles of tunnels, beneath civilian areas to wage war, not peace.
This is not a way to handle foreign policy. I join all rational people who say let's have a deliberate conversation how to move forward, but not with a 10-minute debate on the floor of the House.
Let's have our efforts aimed together to a two-state solution where Palestinians and Israelis can live peacefully and prosperously together.
Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR1:50 p.m.
It is now in order to consider amendment No. 9 printed in part A of House Report 119-749.
Thomas Massie (R-KY)1:50 p.m.
Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR1:50 p.m.
The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
Text printed in the Record (6,120 characters)
At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the
following:
Sec. __. (a) None of the funds made available under this
Act shall be obligated or expended for Jordan.
(b) The amounts otherwise made available by this Act for
the following accounts are hereby reduced by the following
amounts:
(1) "Foreign Military Financing Program", $475,000,000.
(2) "National Security Investment Programs",
$500,000,000.
(3) "Global Health Programs", $845,100,000.
(4) "Security Sector Programs", $50,000,000.
(5) "Funds Appropriated to the President International
Military Education and Training", $50,000,000.
(6) "Nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining, and
related programs", $29,900,000.
(7) "United States Emergency Refugee and Migration
Assistance Fund", $50,000,000.
(8) "Democracy Fund", $100,000,000.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1423, the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Massie) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Kentucky.
Mr. MASSIE. Madam Chair, I offer this amendment sincerely for the American people because the price of housing, the price of fuel, the price of everything is going up because our government, frankly, is spending too much money.
We are borrowing money. We are printing money, and why are we doing this? Are we doing this to support our own infrastructure or our own veterans? No. A lot of this money goes overseas, and one of the recipients is the country of Jordan.
I think we should end foreign aid to Jordan. As our debt approaches $40 trillion, it is more and more urgent.
I have noticed that the money that we sent to Jordan has tripled since 2008. It started out at about $600 million, and now it is $2.1 billion. This is too much. We shouldn't be doing it. Jordan is a monarchy. They do not deserve the support of our democratic Republic of this country. I think we should end the support to their country from our taxpayers.
Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Florida is recognized for 5 minutes.
Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Chair, it is a dangerous world, and the Middle East is a very dangerous neighborhood, but Jordan is one of our most important allies in the Middle East. It is a bulwark against extremism and terrorism. Jordan has been on the front line of the fight against ISIS. It is an essential partner in stopping Iran's terrorist proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas.
For decades, Jordan has generously hosted refugees from numerous conflicts across the Middle East, but this is the key point: The United States, the American people, are safer because of Jordan. For that reason, it is well worthwhile to make sure that Jordan has the resources it needs to keep contributing to our collective security.
Madam Chair, I urge defeat of the amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. MASSIE. Madam Chair, this is a very simple amendment. I will just say it again. The monarchy of Jordan doesn't deserve the taxpayers' money from the United States.
In 2021, King Abdullah II secretly purchased over $106 million in luxury properties in Malibu, London, and D.C. through 36 offshore shell companies while 16 percent of the Jordanian population lives in poverty.
It has been said that foreign aid can be described as taking money from poor people in the United States and giving it to rich people in other countries, and that is what is happening in this instance.
How much of this money is going to go toward more luxury properties for the King of Jordan? I would like to know that.
There needs to be more transparency in this money and, frankly, it needs to end completely.
We don't have the money. We are in debt. It is contributing to the high cost of living here in the United States. We would be better off spending this money taking care of our own veterans.
Madam Chair, I urge adoption of my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Chair, I yield to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Lois Frankel), the ranking member of the subcommittee.
Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment.
Jordan has remained a steadfast ally of the United States, despite increased complexities in the world and in the region.
Surrounded by Iraq, Syria, and Egypt, Jordan has been an oasis of stability in the region that has commanded U.S. foreign policy attention for decades.
Jordan is a vital security partner, including regional leadership in the United States' mission against ISIS. They have been generously welcoming neighbors, hosting over 600,000. I will repeat that again: 600,000 Syrian refugees and 2 million Palestinians. I know I have, and I am sure many of my colleagues have personally visited classrooms in Jordan where we have seen Syrian children educated instead of just being left on the streets.
In recent years, encouraged by the United States, Jordan has taken dramatic steps to increase government efficiency, professionalize human resources, improve access to water, and digitize government services. A strong partnership with Jordan directly contributes to a stronger, safer, and more prosperous United States, but they can't do it alone. They need our support, and I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.
Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Chair, to conclude, as I said just a few minutes ago, and I said it at the opening of the debate on this bill: If you are a friend or an ally of the United States, this bill supports you. If you are an adversary or you are cozying up to our adversaries, you are not going to like this bill. All of that we do, by the way, while significantly cutting spending.
The reason we have alliances and partnerships has to be and is to support our own security. Our partnership with Jordan is indispensable in opposing terrorism in the Middle East. Supporting Jordan helps the national security interest of the United States, which is why I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR2:00 p.m.
The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Massie).
The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes appeared to have it.
Thomas Massie (R-KY)2:00 p.m.
Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
The Acting CHAIR2:00 p.m.
Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Kentucky will be postponed.
The Chair understands that amendment Nos. 10 through 16 will not be offered.
The Chair understands that amendment No. 19 will not be offered.
The Acting CHAIR2:00 p.m.
It is now in order to consider amendment No. 20 printed in part A of House Report 119-749.
Chip Roy (R-TX)2:00 p.m.
Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR2:00 p.m.
The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
Text printed in the Record (751 characters)
At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the
following:
Sec. __. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made
available by this Act may be made available to the United
Nations.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1423, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.
Mr. ROY. Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman from Florida for his strong work on making reforms to this appropriations package. He did it in the previous Congress last year. He is doing it
again this year. There have been a number of significant reforms that he deserves credit for, and I wanted that to be clear when I am offering amendments to change the text.
I would note there are still things in the appropriations process that I am not fond of using taxpayer money for, and the United Nations is one of those things. The amendment that I am offering here would prohibit any funds in the bill from being made available to the United Nations at all. The bill continues to fund millions of dollars for the United Nations, despite longstanding concerns over anti-Israel bias, corruption, peacekeeper misconduct, institutional failure, and ways in which the United Nations operates on a regular basis in direct contradiction to the interests of the United States. That is undeniably true for observers of the United Nations, particularly over the last couple of decades and in recent years. When you are a nation that is $40 trillion in debt, when you are a nation that is trying to figure out how to fund the basics of government and find the dollars that we need to secure the Nation with a strong defense, to modernize our military, to ensure border security, all the things that we need to do while we are still racking up debt to the tune of--by the way, paying for interest on the debt to the tune of over a trillion dollars a year, spending more on interest than we are on our own national defense, it strikes me as an inappropriate use of taxpayer money to continue to send that money to an entity that has been working in such negative ways with respect to our interests as a nation. Again, I applaud the chairman for all of his great work on things like UNRWA, working in collaboration with me and others on trying to remove that funding--it was very important--the United Nations Human Rights Council abomination, the United Nations Population Fund, other things that I know that the gentleman has been working on. To be very clear, I am not trying to impugn the bill in any way from that perspective. I just wish to go further. I think it is important that we pull the funds from an entity operating against our interests. It has repeatedly failed to earn the confidence of the American people. It has stood up in solidarity with the worst and most evil countries in the world against our interests and dared to wag their finger at the United States, built on the back of our funding and generosity and, by the way, real estate, to give them a platform to target us and to target our interests, in addition to constantly and consistently going after our friends in Israel. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)2:00 p.m.
Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.
The Acting CHAIR2:00 p.m.
The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)2:00 p.m.
Madam Chair, the United Nations was created after World War II with a simple mission: to help prevent another global war and promote peace among nations.
Today, it brings together nearly every country in the world to resolve disputes through diplomacy instead of conflict. It coordinates humanitarian relief during wars and natural disasters. It feeds millions of hungry people. It helps vaccinate children, support refugees, and deploy peacekeepers to help protect civilians and maintain stability.
The United Nations has made important contributions to the world. Its agencies have helped eradicate smallpox, expand childhood immunizations, delivered lifesaving food and humanitarian assistance to millions, supported peace agreements, protected refugees, promoted human rights, and helped countries work together to combat disease, terrorism, and other threats.
We are at a time when instability and suffering are almost unimaginable. The United Nations is a primary partner in getting food into Sudan through the World Food Programme, delivering health to children in Haiti through UNICEF, or supporting and monitoring peace in places like South Sudan and the Central African Republic.
This amendment will cut that off. It will cut it all off.
The U.N. also establishes international rules that make global travel, trade, shipping, aviation, and communications safer and more reliable.
Look, the United Nations is not perfect. It should always be held accountable and reform when necessary, but when the world faces challenges that no nation can solve themselves, the United Nations provides a place for countries to work together in pursuit of peace, security, and human dignity.
Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Chip Roy (R-TX)2:00 p.m.
Madam Chair, I note that it is just not enough for us to say that they can do better. This is an organization that has too often allowed terrorist infiltration within its own entities and sided with terrorist organizations directly against us and our allies. I have seen repeated reports of misconduct involving United Nations peacekeeping operations and too little accountability for those failures.
We act as if the United States is not capable of working on unilateral, bilateral, and other bases to be able to do all the great things we want to do around the world.
My dad is a polio survivor. There are a lot of things that we can do to try to make sure we are eradicating these things around the world. We don't necessarily need a bureaucratic organization that its entire organizational structure and bias is structured against us, despite the fact that we fund the overwhelming majority of its operations.
The United Nations has been operating against our interests. We are asking American taxpayers to continue to take those dollars and give them to an entity that has, in its open statements to the world, been against our interests so many times, time and time again, including siding with some of the worst countries on the Human Rights Council and the biggest abusers of human rights. The United Nations is put and exalted as somehow being those that we should listen to rather than the United States.
Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)2:00 p.m.
Madam Chair, I have heard folks cite what we call the good, the bad, and the ugly with the U.N.
Let me just say again, at a time when conflict, hunger, disease, and displacement are affecting millions around the world, we need a place where all nations can get together.
What would it mean if the United States walks away? If we walk away, who fills the void? Fill in the blank: China, Russia, maybe even Iran.
As I have said before, penny-wise, pound-foolish.
Madam Chair, I oppose this amendment, and I urge my colleagues to oppose it. I reserve the balance of my time.
Chip Roy (R-TX)2:00 p.m.
Madam Chair, I urge adoption of the amendment to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent on advancing American interests, not funding institutions that too often work against them. We are wholly prepared as a nation to be able to address these issues and concerns. You say, what will happen? China, Russia, and the rest of the world fear the United States. They do not fear the United Nations.
Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)2:00 p.m.
Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR2:10 p.m.
The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy).
The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes appeared to have it.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)2:10 p.m.
Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
The Acting CHAIR2:10 p.m.
Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Texas will be postponed.
The Chair understands that amendment Nos. 22 and 23 will not be offered.
The Acting CHAIR2:10 p.m.
It is now in order to consider amendment No. 27 printed in part A of House Report 119-749.
W. Gregory Steube (R-FL)2:10 p.m.
Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR2:10 p.m.
The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
Text printed in the Record (5,952 characters)
Page 168, line 16, strike "50 percent" and insert "100
percent".
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1423, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Steube) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida.
Mr. STEUBE. Madam Chair, I rise in strong support for my amendment to increase the withholding threshold for assistance to Nigeria from 50 percent to 100 percent, while keeping in place benchmarks that demand Nigeria take effective steps to address the violence and persecution that continue to devastate the country.
Nigeria has faced a horrific wave of violence that its corrupt government has failed to address. For years, and especially in recent months, Christians and other religious minorities in Nigeria have been subjected to violence and terrorism at the hands of extremists who are operating with impunity. Christian women and girls continue to be abducted, assaulted, tortured, and killed. Their churches are burned, and entire communities are erased.
If the aid conditions included in the bill are important enough to withhold half of all the funding to the Nigerian Government, then they are important enough to withhold all of the funding.
The generosity of our taxpayers is a reflection of the American values we hold so firmly. Never should we allow their hard-earned tax dollars to be funneled to corrupt regimes that fail to uphold religious freedom, fail to adequately confront terrorism, and fail to protect the innocent from persecution. So why are we rewarding a government that fails to meet such a basic obligation?
This amendment is simple. It does not remove the aid conditions in the bill but only strengthens such conditions. Most importantly, it upholds a principle that all recipients of American taxpayer assistance should follow: that they must prove that they are willing and able to respond to violence before receiving any funding.
Simply put, meet the standard before receiving support. That is the accountability that the American taxpayer deserves.
Foreign aid should never be a reward for failure, so as our national debt is fast approaching $40 trillion, why on Earth are we still allowing our ourselves to go further into debt by rewarding corrupt foreign governments that tolerate terrorism within their borders?
When churches are burned, women and girls are abducted, and terrorists operate with near impunity, that is not merely an internal disturbance. It is a direct assault on the freedoms our Nation claims to defend, which our foreign assistance must reflect and uphold.
This is not about punishing the Nigerian people. It is about demanding accountability for their government's complacency and ensuring that our foreign aid is leveraged to defend, reflect, and uphold American values.
Even the underlying bill recognizes the Nigerian Government's failure to meet the standard, yet it still allows for half of the funding to be released anyway.
My amendment withholds all funds until they meet basic standards. Accountability can never be divided, nor should we allow anyone to exploit the generosity of the American taxpayer.
I urge my colleagues to uphold accountability in our foreign aid spending and to vote for my amendment.
Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Madam Chair, this amendment would eliminate U.S. health development and security assistance to the central government of Nigeria. This would be a serious mistake.
Nigeria is Africa's most populous nation, one of the largest economies, and a critical partner in promoting stability across West Africa.
Our health programs prevent deadly diseases from spreading across borders and strengthen the capacity to respond to future pandemics.
Our development assistance helps reduce poverty, improve education, expand economic opportunity, and address the conditions that fuel instability, conflict, and migration. Our security and assistance helps Nigeria combat Boko Haram, ISIS, and other violent extremist groups that threaten both regional and global security.
If the United States walks away, the challenges will not disappear. Our influence will. China and Russia will be more than happy to fill the vacuum, expanding their economic, political, and military influence at America's expense.
Engagement does not mean writing a blank check. It means using American leadership to promote accountability, to strengthen democratic institutions, to protect human rights, and to advance our national security interests. Walking away would make neither Nigeria nor the United States more secure.
Ironically, this amendment would end the very programs that this provision is trying to support, so it really doesn't make too much sense.
Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to reject it, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. STEUBE. Madam Chair, this amendment does not end all assistance. It only strengthens the conditions and encourages the Nigerian Government to meet them.
Why should we give 50 percent of the money when the Nigerian Government has not met the criteria established in the underlying bill?
We are approaching $40 trillion in debt. Why are we sending funds to corrupt countries overseas that are unwilling to fully address violence and persecution? The generosity of the American taxpayer should reflect American values. We can't be putting ourselves more into debt to countries that are unwilling to uphold our values.
The U.S. should not borrow money to subsidize foreign governments that fail to protect innocent civilians. If the aid conditions included in the bill are important enough to withhold half of the funding to the Nigerian Government, then they are important enough to withhold all of the funding until the underlying conditions are met.
The Nigerian Government continues to fail to address violence in their country. Why should they still be eligible for funding given their lackluster response to the violence? Christian women and girls continue to be abducted, assaulted, tortured, and killed. Their churches are burned, and entire communities are erased. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)2:10 p.m.
Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
W. Gregory Steube (R-FL)2:10 p.m.
Madam Chair, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining.
The Acting CHAIR2:10 p.m.
The gentleman from Florida has 1\1/2\ minutes remaining.
W. Gregory Steube (R-FL)2:10 p.m.
Madam Chair, the underlying bill contains several conditions for assistance to be made available to Nigeria, which includes taking effective steps to prevent and respond to violence and hold perpetrators accountable; prioritizing resources to support victims of such violence, including internally displaced persons; actively facilitating the safe return, resettlement, and reconstruction of communities impacted by the violence; and allocating sufficient resources to address the aforementioned conditions.
This begs the question: If Nigeria isn't meeting these conditions fully, why should they receive any funding? If they truly want the support of the American taxpayer, then they should be meeting these goals.
Furthermore, while the underlying bill directs prioritization to address the atrocities occurring in Nigeria, they should be showing willingness to utilize the funding provided to address the violence before receiving funds.
Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR2:10 p.m.
The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Steube).
The amendment was agreed to.
The Acting CHAIR2:20 p.m.
It is now in order to consider amendment No. 28 printed in part A of House Report 119-749.
Claudia Tenney (R-NY)2:20 p.m.
Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR2:20 p.m.
The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
Text printed in the Record (156 characters)
Page 20, line 12, after the dollar amount, insert "(reduced by $1,000,000)".
Page 20, line 12, after the dollar amount, insert "(increased by $1,000,000)".
The Acting CHAIR2:20 p.m.
Pursuant to House Resolution 1423, the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Tenney) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New York.
Claudia Tenney (R-NY)2:20 p.m.
Madam Chair, the Temple Mount, or Har HaBayit, as it is called, is the holiest site in the world to the Jewish people. During the periods of the First and Second Temples, Jews from across the land of Israel would travel to the Temple during the three annual pilgrimages. These pilgrims included figures like King Solomon, King Herod, and Jesus of Nazareth, our Lord and Savior.
However, whereas Christians and Muslims enjoy broad access and religious prayer rights at their holiest sites, Jews are severely discriminated against upon the Temple Mount.
Muslims can currently enter the Temple Mount at 11 different gates, but Jews can only enter from 1 gate. Muslims can visit the Temple Mount any day of the week, but Jews cannot ascend the Temple Mount on Friday or Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath. Muslims have broad access to the Temple Mount and can pray openly upon the Temple Mount. Jews are severely restricted in their visits and do not enjoy the freedom to worship or the ability to wear their tallit and tefillin upon the Temple Mount.
And for the Jews that ascend in spite of all these restrictions, they still face harassment from Muslims upon the Temple Mount.
In fact, Muslim leaders have actively desecrated the site, including the planting and cultivating of trees at the inner courts of the Temple, expressly prohibited by Jewish law. Muslim children play soccer, practice boxing, and have picnics upon the Temple Mount, desecrating its holiness, while Jews cannot even freely worship upon the Temple Mount.
You don't have to take my word for it, Madam Chair. There is photo and video evidence of all this freely available. Individuals like Dr. Melissa Jane Kronfeld have spent extensive time documenting all of this. I thank her for her efforts to draw attention to this critical issue.
Further, when one of my staffers ascended the Temple Mount last year, he was harassed by Muslim onlookers, restricted from visiting most of the site, and was only allowed to be upon the Temple Mount for a very short duration of time.
Madam Chair, it is unconscionable that Jews do not enjoy the same access rights to visit and pray at their holiest site that other religions do. This is a basic tenet and principle of religious freedom, and the U.S. must do more on this issue.
That is why my amendment would emphasize the need for the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom to work to ensure religious freedom and equal access for all with respect to the Temple Mount.
I urge all my colleagues to vote for this commonsense amendment and to support religious freedom for all and support the rights of the Jewish people to freely worship at their very holiest site, the Temple Mount.
Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)2:20 p.m.
Madam Chair, I claim the time in opposition to this amendment.
The Acting CHAIR2:20 p.m.
The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
Lois Frankel (D-FL)2:20 p.m.
Madam Chair, while this amendment may be well-intentioned, it risks inflaming tensions at one of the most sensitive religious sites in the world.
The Temple Mount is sacred to both Jews and Muslims. It is at the center of competing historical, political, and religious claims.
History has shown that even small changes to access or worship arrangements can spark violence far beyond Jerusalem. For decades, Israel, Jordan, and the international community have worked to preserve the longstanding status quo, not because it is perfect but because it helps prevent broader conflict while difficult issues remain unsolved.
The appropriations bill is not the place to insert the United States into one of the world's most delicate religious disputes.
Religious freedom is a fundamental American value, but lasting progress at the Temple Mount will come through careful diplomacy and respectful, longstanding efforts that preserve peace and stability, not through an appropriation amendment with 10 minutes of debate.
Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to reject this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Claudia Tenney (R-NY)2:20 p.m.
Madam Chair, I respect the opinion of my colleague across the aisle, but it was also said that moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem was going to be too inflammatory and too dangerous. Many Presidents said they would do it. President Donald Trump did it, and it hasn't proven to be overly inflammatory. In fact, it proved to be the right place and the right thing to do.
I think this is common sense. Why should Jewish people not be able to worship at their holiest site in equal measure that all other religions get to worship at their holiest sites? I think this is a commonsense amendment. I don't think it would be inflammatory. I think it makes sense. It restores dignity, and it also restores fairness to the international religious freedom tenets that we all stand for, foundational type of religious freedoms that we actually revere in this country under our First Amendment.
I urge my colleagues to vote for this commonsense amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR2:20 p.m.
The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Tenney).
The amendment was agreed to.
Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)2:20 p.m.
Madam Chair, I move that the Committee do now rise.
The motion was agreed to. Accordingly, the Committee rose; and the Speaker pro tempore (Ms. Tenney) having assumed the chair, Ms. King-Hinds, Acting Chair of the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union, reported that that Committee, having had under consideration the bill (H.R. 8595) making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, and for other purposes, had come to no resolution thereon.
Recess
Page H4523 · Official textThe SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair declares the House in recess subject to the call of the Chair.
Accordingly (at 2 o'clock and 26 minutes p.m.), the House stood in recess.
After Recess
Page H4523 · Official textThe recess having expired, the House was called to order by the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. Taylor) at 4 p.m.
National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027
Pages H4523–H4528 · Official textThe SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to House Resolution 1423 and rule XVIII, the Chair declares the House in the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for the further consideration of the bill, H.R. 8595.
Will the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) kindly take the chair.
Accordingly, the House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for the further consideration of the bill (H.R. 8595) making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, and for other purposes, with Mr. Bost (Acting Chair) in the chair.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The Acting CHAIR4:00 p.m.
When the Committee of the Whole rose earlier today, amendment No. 28, printed in part A of House Report 119-749, offered by the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Tenney) had been disposed of.
The Acting CHAIR4:00 p.m.
Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, proceedings will now resume on those amendments printed in part A of House Report 119-749 on which further proceedings were postponed, in the following order:
Amendment No. 1 by Ms. Boebert of Colorado.
Amendment No. 6 by Mr. Fine of Florida.
Amendment No. 8 by Mr. Massie of Kentucky.
Amendment No. 9 by Mr. Massie of Kentucky.
Amendment No. 20 by Mr. Roy of Texas.
The Chair will reduce to 2 minutes the minimum time for any electronic vote after the first vote in this series.
The Acting CHAIR4:00 p.m.
The unfinished business is the demand for a recorded vote on amendment No. 1, printed in part A of House Report 119-749, offered by the gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms. Boebert), on which further proceedings were postponed and on which the noes prevailed by voice vote.
The Clerk will redesignate the amendment. The Clerk redesignated the amendment.
The Acting CHAIR4:00 p.m.
A recorded vote has been demanded.
A recorded vote was ordered.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--ayes 79, noes 348, not voting 9, as follows:
Text printed in the Record (3,774 characters)
Bean (FL) Begich Biggs (AZ) Biggs (SC) Boebert Brecheen Burchett Burlison Cline Cloud Clyde Comer Crane Crank DesJarlais Donalds Downing Ezell Fallon Fedorchak Fitzgerald Foxx Fry Fuller Gill (TX) Gooden Gosar Graves Griffith Grothman Haridopolos Harrigan Harris (MD) Harris (NC) Harshbarger Hern (OK) Higgins (LA) Houchin Hudson Hunt Jackson (TX) James Jordan Joyce (PA) Kennedy (UT) Mace Mann Massie Mast McClain McClintock McCormick McGuire Miller (IL) Miller (OH) Miller (WV) Miller-Meeks Mills Moore (AL) Moore (WV) Nehls Norman Ogles Onder Patronis Rose Roy Rulli Schmidt Schweikert Self Smith (MO) Spartz Steube Tiffany Van Duyne Weber (TX) Webster (FL) Wied
Adams Aderholt Aguilar Alford Allen Amo Amodei (NV) Ansari Arrington Auchincloss Babin Bacon Baird Balderson Balint Barr Barragan Barrett Baumgartner Beatty Bell Bentz Bera Bergman Beyer Bice Bilirakis Bishop Bonamici Bost Boyle (PA) Bresnahan Brown Brownley Buchanan Budzinski Bynum Calvert Cammack Carbajal Carey Carson Carter (GA) Carter (LA) Carter (TX) Casar Case Casten Castor (FL) Castro (TX) Chu Ciscomani Cisneros Clark (MA) Clarke (NY) Cleaver Clyburn Cohen Cole Collins Conaway Correa Costa Courtney Craig Crawford Crenshaw Crockett Crow Cuellar Davids (KS) Davidson Davis (IL) De La Cruz Dean (PA) DeGette DeLauro DelBene Deluzio DeSaulnier Dexter Diaz-Balart Doggett Dunn (FL) Edwards Elfreth Ellzey Emmer Escobar Espaillat Estes Evans (CO) Evans (PA) Feenstra Fields Figures Fine Finstad Fischbach Fitzpatrick Fleischmann Fletcher Flood Fong Foster Foushee Frankel, Lois Franklin, Scott Friedman Frost Fulcher Gallagher Garamendi Garbarino Garcia (CA) Garcia (IL) Garcia (TX) Gillen Gimenez Golden (ME) Goldman (TX) Gomez Gonzalez, V. Goodlander Gottheimer Gray Green, Al (TX) Grijalva Guest Guthrie Hageman Hamadeh (AZ) Harder (CA) Hayes Hernandez Hill (AR) Himes Hinson Horsford Houlahan Hoyer Hoyle (OR) Huffman Huizenga Hurd (CO) Issa Ivey Jack Jackson (IL) Jacobs Jayapal Jeffries Johnson (GA) Johnson (SD) Johnson (TX) Joyce (OH) Kamlager-Dove Kaptur Kean Keating Kelly (IL) Kelly (MS) Kelly (PA) Kennedy (NY) Khanna Kiggans (VA) Kiley (CA) Kim King-Hinds Knott Krishnamoorthi Kustoff LaHood LaLota Landsman Langworthy Larsen (WA) Larson (CT) Latimer Latta Lawler Lee (FL) Lee (NV) Lee (PA) Leger Fernandez Letlow Levin Liccardo Lieu Lofgren Loudermilk Lucas Luna Luttrell Lynch Magaziner Malliotakis Maloy Mannion Matsui McBath McBride McCaul McClain Delaney McClellan McCollum McDonald Rivet McDowell McGarvey McGovern McIver Meeks Mejia Menefee Menendez Meng Messmer Meuser Mfume Min Moolenaar Moore (NC) Moore (UT) Moore (WI) Moran Morelle Morrison Moskowitz Moulton Moylan Mrvan Mullin Murphy Neal Neguse Newhouse Norcross Norton Nunn (IA) Obernolte Ocasio-Cortez Olszewski Omar Owens Pallone Palmer Panetta Pappas Pelosi Perez Peters Pettersen Pfluger Pingree Pocan Pou Pressley Quigley Ramirez Randall Raskin Reschenthaler Riley (NY) Rivas Rogers (AL) Rogers (KY) Ross Rouzer Ruiz Rutherford Ryan Salazar Salinas Sanchez Scalise Scanlon Schakowsky Schneider Scholten Schrier Scott (VA) Scott, Austin Sessions Sewell Sherman Shreve Simon Simpson Smith (NE) Smith (NJ) Smith (WA) Smucker Sorensen Soto Stansbury Stanton Stauber Steil Stevens Strickland Strong Stutzman Subramanyam Suozzi Sykes Takano Taylor Tenney Thanedar Thompson (CA) Thompson (MS) Thompson (PA) Timmons Titus Tlaib Tokuda Tonko Torres (CA) Torres (NY) Trahan Tran Turner (OH) Underwood Valadao Van Drew Van Epps Van Orden Vargas Vasquez Veasey Velazquez Vindman Wagner Walberg Walkinshaw Wasserman Schultz Waters Watson Coleman Westerman Whitesides Williams (GA) Williams (TX) Wilson (FL) Wilson (SC) Wittman Womack Yakym Zinke
Davis (NC) Dingell Goldman (NY) Mackenzie Nadler Perry Plaskett Radewagen Stefanik
Messrs. PANETTA, AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia, Ms. SALAZAR, Messrs. McDOWELL, EVANS of Pennsylvania, and PALMER changed their vote from "aye" to "no." Messrs. JAMES, BEGICH, JOYCE of Pennsylvania, ROSE, GOODEN, and WEBER of Texas changed their vote from "no" to "aye." So the amendment was rejected. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
The Acting CHAIR (Mrs. Cammack)4:32 p.m.
The unfinished business is the demand for a recorded vote on amendment No. 6, printed in part A of House Report 119-749, offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Fine), on which further proceedings were postponed and on which the ayes prevailed by voice vote.
The Clerk will redesignate the amendment. The Clerk redesignated the amendment.
The Acting CHAIR4:32 p.m.
A recorded vote has been demanded.
A recorded vote was ordered.
The Acting CHAIR4:32 p.m.
This will be a 2-minute vote.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--ayes 178, noes 247, not voting 11, as follows:
Text printed in the Record (3,775 characters)
Aderholt Allen Amodei (NV) Arrington Babin Baird Balderson Barr Barrett Baumgartner Bean (FL) Begich Bentz Bergman Bice Biggs (AZ) Biggs (SC) Bilirakis Boebert Bost Brecheen Bresnahan Burchett Burlison Cammack Carey Carter (GA) Ciscomani Cline Clyde Collins Comer Crane Crank Crawford Crenshaw Davidson De La Cruz DesJarlais Donalds Downing Emmer Estes Evans (CO) Ezell Fallon Fedorchak Feenstra Fine Finstad Fischbach Fitzgerald Flood Fong Foxx Franklin, Scott Fry Fulcher Fuller Gallagher Gill (TX) Golden (ME) Goldman (TX) Gooden Gosar Graves Griffith Grothman Guest Hageman Hamadeh (AZ) Haridopolos Harrigan Harris (MD) Harris (NC) Harshbarger Hern (OK) Higgins (LA) Hill (AR) Hinson Houchin Hudson Huizenga Hunt Issa Jack James Johnson (SD) Jordan Joyce (PA) Kelly (MS) Kelly (PA) Kennedy (UT) Kiggans (VA) King-Hinds Knott Kustoff LaHood Langworthy Latta Lee (FL) Letlow Loudermilk Luna Luttrell Mace Malliotakis Mann Massie Mast McClain McClintock McCormick McDowell McGuire Messmer Miller (IL) Miller (OH) Miller (WV) Miller-Meeks Mills Moolenaar Moore (AL)
Moore (NC) Moore (WV) Moran Murphy Nehls Norman Ogles Onder Owens Palmer Patronis Perez Pfluger Reschenthaler Rogers (AL) Rose Rouzer Roy Rulli Scalise Schmidt Schweikert Scott, Austin Self Sessions Shreve Smith (MO) Smith (NE) Smith (NJ) Smucker Spartz Stauber Steil Steube Strong Stutzman Taylor Tenney Thompson (PA) Tiffany Timmons Van Drew Van Duyne Van Epps Van Orden Wagner Walberg Weber (TX) Webster (FL) Westerman Wied Williams (TX) Wilson (SC) Yakym Zinke
Adams Aguilar Alford Amo Ansari Auchincloss Bacon Balint Barragan Beatty Bell Bera Beyer Bishop Bonamici Boyle (PA) Brown Brownley Buchanan Budzinski Bynum Calvert Carbajal Carson Carter (LA) Carter (TX) Casar Case Casten Castor (FL) Castro (TX) Chu Cisneros Clark (MA) Clarke (NY) Cleaver Clyburn Cohen Cole Conaway Correa Costa Courtney Craig Crockett Crow Cuellar Davids (KS) Davis (IL) Dean (PA) DeGette DeLauro DelBene Deluzio DeSaulnier Dexter Diaz-Balart Doggett Dunn (FL) Edwards Elfreth Ellzey Escobar Espaillat Evans (PA) Fields Figures Fitzpatrick Fleischmann Fletcher Foster Foushee Frankel, Lois Friedman Frost Garamendi Garbarino Garcia (CA) Garcia (IL) Garcia (TX) Gillen Gimenez Gomez Gonzalez, V. Goodlander Gottheimer Gray Green, Al (TX) Grijalva Guthrie Harder (CA) Hayes Hernandez Himes Horsford Houlahan Hoyer Hoyle (OR) Huffman Hurd (CO) Ivey Jackson (IL) Jacobs Jayapal Jeffries Johnson (GA) Johnson (TX) Joyce (OH) Kamlager-Dove Kaptur Kean Keating Kelly (IL) Kennedy (NY) Khanna Kiley (CA) Kim Krishnamoorthi LaLota Landsman Larsen (WA) Larson (CT) Latimer Lawler Lee (NV) Lee (PA) Leger Fernandez Levin Liccardo Lieu Lofgren Lucas Lynch Magaziner Maloy Mannion Matsui McBath McBride McCaul McClain Delaney McClellan McCollum McDonald Rivet McGarvey McGovern McIver Meeks Mejia Menefee Menendez Meng Meuser Mfume Min Moore (UT) Moore (WI) Morelle Morrison Moskowitz Moulton Moylan Mrvan Mullin Neal Neguse Newhouse Norcross Norton Nunn (IA) Obernolte Ocasio-Cortez Olszewski Omar Pallone Panetta Pappas Pelosi Peters Pettersen Pingree Pocan Pou Pressley Quigley Ramirez Randall Raskin Riley (NY) Rivas Rogers (KY) Ross Ruiz Rutherford Ryan Salazar Salinas Sanchez Scanlon Schakowsky Schneider Scholten Schrier Scott (VA) Sewell Sherman Simon Simpson Smith (WA) Sorensen Soto Stansbury Stanton Stevens Strickland Subramanyam Suozzi Sykes Takano Thanedar Thompson (CA) Thompson (MS) Titus Tlaib Tokuda Tonko Torres (CA) Torres (NY) Trahan Tran Turner (OH) Underwood Valadao Vargas Vasquez Veasey Velazquez Vindman Walkinshaw Wasserman Schultz Waters Watson Coleman Whitesides Williams (GA) Wilson (FL) Wittman Womack
Cloud Davis (NC) Dingell Goldman (NY) Jackson (TX) Mackenzie Nadler Perry Plaskett Radewagen Stefanik
The Acting CHAIR (during the vote). There is 1 minute remaining. Mr. BEYER changed his vote from "aye" to "no." Mr. MOOLENAAR changed his vote from "no" to "aye." So the amendment was rejected. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
The Acting CHAIR4:38 p.m.
The unfinished business is the demand for a recorded vote on amendment No. 8, printed in part A of House Report 119-749, offered by the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Massie), on which further proceedings were postponed and on which the noes prevailed by voice vote.
The Clerk will redesignate the amendment. The Clerk redesignated the amendment.
The Acting CHAIR4:38 p.m.
A recorded vote has been demanded.
A recorded vote was ordered.
The Acting CHAIR4:38 p.m.
This is a 2-minute vote.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--ayes 104, noes 314, answered "present" 10, not voting 9, as follows:
Text printed in the Record (3,789 characters)
Amo Ansari Auchincloss Balint Barragan Beyer Bonamici Brownley Carbajal Carson Carter (LA) Casar Castro (TX) Chu Clark (MA) Crockett Crow Davis (IL) Dean (PA) DeGette Deluzio DeSaulnier Dexter Doggett Escobar Evans (PA) Foushee Friedman Frost Garamendi Garcia (CA) Garcia (IL) Garcia (TX) Goodlander Green, Al (TX) Grijalva Harder (CA) Hayes Hernandez Horsford Houlahan Hoyle (OR) Ivey Jackson (IL) Jacobs Jayapal Johnson (GA) Johnson (TX) Kamlager-Dove Keating Kelly (IL) Khanna Lee (PA) Leger Fernandez Lofgren Lynch Magaziner Mannion Massie Matsui McBride McGarvey McGovern McIver Mejia Menefee Min Moore (WI) Moulton Mullin Neal Neguse Ocasio-Cortez Omar Pelosi Pettersen Pingree Pocan Pressley Quigley Ramirez Randall Raskin Ross Ryan Salinas Scanlon Schakowsky Scott (VA) Simon Smith (WA) Stansbury Takano Thompson (MS) Tlaib Tokuda Tonko Trahan Tran Underwood Vasquez Velazquez Waters Watson Coleman
Adams Aderholt Aguilar Alford Allen Amodei (NV) Arrington Babin Bacon Baird Balderson Barr Barrett Baumgartner Bean (FL) Beatty Begich Bell Bentz Bergman Bice Biggs (AZ) Biggs (SC) Bilirakis Bishop Boebert Bost Boyle (PA) Brecheen Bresnahan Buchanan Budzinski Burchett Burlison Calvert Carey Carter (GA) Carter (TX) Case Casten Castor (FL) Ciscomani Cisneros Clarke (NY) Cleaver Cline Cloud Clyburn Clyde Cohen Cole Collins Comer Conaway Correa Costa Courtney Craig Crane Crank Crawford Crenshaw Cuellar Davids (KS) Davidson De La Cruz DeLauro DelBene DesJarlais Diaz-Balart Donalds Downing Dunn (FL) Edwards Ellzey Emmer Espaillat Estes Evans (CO) Ezell Fallon Fedorchak Feenstra Fields Figures Fine Finstad Fischbach Fitzgerald Fitzpatrick Fleischmann Fletcher Flood Fong Foster Foxx Frankel, Lois Franklin, Scott Fry Fulcher Fuller Gallagher Garbarino Gill (TX) Gillen Gimenez Golden (ME) Goldman (NY) Goldman (TX) Gomez Gonzalez, V. Gooden Gosar Gottheimer Graves Gray Griffith Grothman Guest Guthrie Hageman Hamadeh (AZ) Haridopolos Harrigan Harris (MD) Harris (NC) Harshbarger Hern (OK) Higgins (LA) Hill (AR) Himes Hinson Houchin Hoyer Hudson Huizenga Hunt Hurd (CO) Issa Jack Jackson (TX) James Jeffries Johnson (LA) Johnson (SD) Jordan Joyce (OH) Joyce (PA) Kaptur Kean Kelly (MS) Kelly (PA) Kennedy (NY) Kennedy (UT) Kiggans (VA) Kiley (CA) Kim King-Hinds Knott Krishnamoorthi Kustoff LaHood LaLota Landsman Langworthy Larsen (WA) Larson (CT) Latimer Latta Lawler Lee (FL) Lee (NV) Letlow Levin Liccardo Lieu Loudermilk Lucas Luna Luttrell Mace Malliotakis Maloy Mann Mast McBath McClain McClain Delaney McClellan McClintock McCormick McDonald Rivet McDowell McGuire Meeks Menendez Meng Messmer Meuser Mfume Miller (IL) Miller (OH) Miller (WV) Miller-Meeks Mills Moolenaar Moore (AL) Moore (NC) Moore (UT) Moore (WV) Moran Morelle Moskowitz Moylan Mrvan Murphy Nehls Newhouse Norcross Norman Norton Nunn (IA) Obernolte Ogles Olszewski Onder Owens Pallone Palmer Panetta Patronis Perez Peters Pfluger Pou Reschenthaler Riley (NY) Rivas Rogers (AL) Rogers (KY) Rose Rouzer Roy Ruiz Rulli Rutherford Salazar Scalise Schmidt Schneider Scholten Schrier Schweikert Scott, Austin Self Sessions Sewell Sherman Shreve Simpson Smith (MO) Smith (NE) Smith (NJ) Smucker Sorensen Soto Spartz Stanton Stauber Stefanik Steil Steube Stevens Strickland Strong Stutzman Subramanyam Suozzi Sykes Taylor Tenney Thanedar Thompson (PA) Tiffany Timmons Titus Torres (CA) Torres (NY) Turner (OH) Valadao Van Drew Van Duyne Van Epps Van Orden Vargas Veasey Vindman Wagner Walberg Walkinshaw Wasserman Schultz Weber (TX)
Webster (FL) Westerman Whitesides Wied Williams (GA) Williams (TX) Wilson (FL) Wilson (SC) Wittman Womack Yakym Zinke
Bera Brown Bynum Elfreth Huffman McCollum Morrison Pappas Sanchez Thompson (CA)
Cammack Davis (NC) Dingell Mackenzie McCaul Nadler Perry Plaskett Radewagen
The Acting CHAIR (during the vote). There is 1 minute remaining. So the amendment was rejected. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
The Acting CHAIR4:43 p.m.
The unfinished business is the demand for a recorded vote on amendment No. 9, printed in part A of House Report 119-749, offered by the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Massie), on which further proceedings were postponed and on which the noes prevailed by voice vote.
The Clerk will redesignate the amendment. The Clerk redesignated the amendment.
The Acting CHAIR4:43 p.m.
A recorded vote has been demanded.
A recorded vote was ordered.
The Acting CHAIR4:43 p.m.
This is a 2-minute vote.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--ayes 6, noes 421, not voting 10, as follows:
Text printed in the Record (3,787 characters)
Brecheen Burlison Davidson Mace Massie Roy
Adams Aderholt Aguilar Alford Allen Amo Amodei (NV) Ansari Arrington Auchincloss Babin Bacon Baird Balderson Balint Barr Barragan Barrett Baumgartner Bean (FL) Beatty Begich Bell Bentz Bera Bergman Beyer Bice Biggs (AZ) Biggs (SC) Bilirakis Bishop Boebert Bonamici Bost Boyle (PA) Bresnahan Brown Brownley Buchanan Budzinski Burchett Bynum Calvert Cammack Carbajal Carey Carson Carter (GA) Carter (LA) Carter (TX) Casar Case Casten Castor (FL) Castro (TX) Chu Ciscomani Cisneros Clark (MA) Clarke (NY) Cleaver Cline Cloud Clyburn Clyde Cohen Cole Collins Comer Conaway Correa Costa Courtney Craig Crane Crank Crawford Crockett Crow Cuellar Davids (KS) Davis (IL) De La Cruz Dean (PA) DeGette DeLauro DelBene Deluzio DeSaulnier DesJarlais Dexter Diaz-Balart Doggett Donalds Downing Dunn (FL) Edwards Elfreth Ellzey Emmer Escobar Espaillat Estes Evans (CO) Evans (PA) Ezell Fallon Fedorchak Feenstra Fields Figures Fine Finstad Fischbach Fitzgerald Fitzpatrick Fleischmann Fletcher Flood Fong Foster Foushee Foxx Frankel, Lois Franklin, Scott Friedman Frost Fry Fulcher Fuller Garamendi Garbarino Garcia (CA) Garcia (IL) Garcia (TX) Gill (TX) Gillen Gimenez Golden (ME) Goldman (NY) Goldman (TX) Gomez Gonzalez, V. Gooden Goodlander Gosar Gottheimer Graves Gray Green, Al (TX) Griffith Grijalva Grothman Guest Guthrie Hageman Hamadeh (AZ) Harder (CA) Haridopolos Harrigan Harris (MD) Harris (NC) Harshbarger Hayes Hern (OK) Hernandez Higgins (LA) Hill (AR) Himes Hinson Horsford Houchin Houlahan Hoyer Hoyle (OR) Hudson Huffman Huizenga Hunt Hurd (CO) Issa Ivey Jack Jackson (IL) Jackson (TX) Jacobs James Jayapal Jeffries Johnson (GA) Johnson (LA) Johnson (SD) Johnson (TX) Jordan Joyce (OH) Joyce (PA) Kamlager-Dove Kaptur Kean Keating Kelly (IL) Kelly (MS) Kelly (PA) Kennedy (NY) Kennedy (UT) Khanna Kiggans (VA) Kiley (CA) Kim King-Hinds Krishnamoorthi Kustoff LaHood LaLota Landsman Langworthy Larsen (WA) Larson (CT) Latimer Latta Lawler Lee (FL) Lee (NV) Lee (PA) Leger Fernandez Letlow Levin Liccardo Lieu Lofgren Loudermilk Lucas Luna Luttrell Lynch Magaziner Malliotakis Maloy Mann Mannion Mast Matsui McBath McBride McCaul McClain McClain Delaney McClellan McClintock McCollum McCormick McDonald Rivet McDowell McGarvey McGovern McGuire McIver Meeks Mejia Menefee Menendez Meng Messmer Meuser Mfume Miller (IL) Miller (OH) Miller (WV) Miller-Meeks Mills Min Moolenaar Moore (AL) Moore (NC) Moore (UT) Moore (WI) Moore (WV) Moran Morelle Morrison Moskowitz Moulton Moylan Mrvan Mullin Murphy Neal Neguse Nehls Newhouse Norcross Norman Norton Nunn (IA) Obernolte Ocasio-Cortez Ogles Olszewski Omar Onder Owens Pallone Palmer Panetta Pappas Patronis Pelosi Perez Peters Pettersen Pfluger Pingree Pocan Pou Pressley Quigley Ramirez Randall Raskin Reschenthaler Riley (NY) Rivas Rogers (AL) Rogers (KY) Rose Ross Rouzer Ruiz Rulli Rutherford Ryan Salazar Salinas Sanchez Scalise Scanlon Schakowsky Schmidt Schneider Scholten Schrier Schweikert Scott (VA) Scott, Austin Self Sessions Sewell Sherman Shreve Simon Simpson Smith (MO) Smith (NE) Smith (NJ) Smith (WA) Smucker Sorensen Soto Spartz Stansbury Stanton Stauber Stefanik Steil Steube Stevens Strickland Strong Stutzman Subramanyam Suozzi Sykes Takano Taylor Tenney Thanedar Thompson (CA) Thompson (MS) Thompson (PA) Tiffany Timmons Titus Tlaib Tokuda Tonko Torres (CA) Torres (NY) Trahan Tran Turner (OH) Underwood Valadao Van Drew Van Duyne Van Epps Van Orden Vargas Vasquez Veasey Velazquez Vindman Wagner Walberg Walkinshaw Wasserman Schultz Waters Watson Coleman Weber (TX) Webster (FL) Westerman Whitesides Wied Williams (GA) Williams (TX) Wilson (FL) Wilson (SC) Wittman Womack Yakym Zinke
Crenshaw Davis (NC) Dingell Gallagher Knott Mackenzie Nadler Perry Plaskett Radewagen
The Acting CHAIR (during the vote). There is 1 minute remaining. So the amendment was rejected. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
The Acting CHAIR4:46 p.m.
The unfinished business is the demand for a recorded vote on amendment No. 20, printed in part A of House Report 119-749, offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy), on which further proceedings were postponed and on which the ayes prevailed by voice vote.
The Clerk will redesignate the amendment. The Clerk redesignated the amendment.
The Acting CHAIR4:46 p.m.
A recorded vote has been demanded.
A recorded vote was ordered.
The Acting CHAIR4:46 p.m.
This is a 2-minute vote.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--ayes 136, noes 291, not voting 9, as follows:
Text printed in the Record (3,775 characters)
Aderholt Alford Allen Arrington Babin Baird Balderson Barrett Baumgartner Bean (FL) Begich Bergman Bice Biggs (AZ) Biggs (SC) Bilirakis Boebert Bost Brecheen Burchett Burlison Cammack Carter (GA) Ciscomani Cline Cloud Clyde Collins Comer Crane Crank Davidson DesJarlais Donalds Downing Ellzey Emmer Evans (CO) Ezell Fallon Fedorchak Fine Finstad Fischbach Franklin, Scott Fry Fulcher Fuller Gill (TX) Goldman (TX) Gooden Gosar Graves Griffith Grothman Hageman Hamadeh (AZ) Haridopolos Harrigan Harris (MD) Harris (NC) Harshbarger Hern (OK) Higgins (LA) Houchin Hunt Jack Jackson (TX) James Jordan Joyce (PA) Kelly (MS) Kennedy (UT) Knott Kustoff Langworthy Lee (FL) Loudermilk Luna Luttrell Mace Mann Massie Mast McClain McClintock McCormick McDowell McGuire Messmer Miller (IL) Miller (OH) Miller (WV) Miller-Meeks Mills Moore (AL) Moore (NC) Moore (WV) Moran Nehls Norman Ogles Onder Palmer Patronis Reschenthaler Rogers (AL) Rose Rouzer Roy Rulli Rutherford Scalise Schmidt Schweikert Scott, Austin Self Smith (MO) Smith (NE) Smucker Spartz Stauber Stefanik Steube Strong Taylor Tiffany Timmons Van Drew Van Duyne
Van Orden Weber (TX) Webster (FL) Westerman Wied Yakym
Adams Aguilar Amo Amodei (NV) Ansari Auchincloss Bacon Balint Barr Barragan Beatty Bell Bentz Bera Beyer Bishop Bonamici Boyle (PA) Bresnahan Brown Brownley Buchanan Budzinski Bynum Calvert Carbajal Carey Carson Carter (LA) Carter (TX) Casar Case Casten Castor (FL) Castro (TX) Chu Cisneros Clark (MA) Clarke (NY) Cleaver Clyburn Cohen Cole Conaway Correa Costa Courtney Craig Crawford Crenshaw Crockett Crow Cuellar Davids (KS) Davis (IL) De La Cruz Dean (PA) DeGette DeLauro DelBene Deluzio DeSaulnier Dexter Diaz-Balart Doggett Dunn (FL) Edwards Elfreth Escobar Espaillat Estes Evans (PA) Feenstra Fields Figures Fitzgerald Fitzpatrick Fleischmann Fletcher Flood Fong Foster Foushee Foxx Frankel, Lois Friedman Frost Gallagher Garamendi Garbarino Garcia (CA) Garcia (IL) Garcia (TX) Gillen Gimenez Golden (ME) Goldman (NY) Gomez Gonzalez, V. Goodlander Gottheimer Gray Green, Al (TX) Grijalva Guest Guthrie Harder (CA) Hayes Hernandez Hill (AR) Himes Hinson Horsford Houlahan Hoyer Hoyle (OR) Hudson Huffman Huizenga Hurd (CO) Issa Ivey Jackson (IL) Jacobs Jayapal Jeffries Johnson (GA) Johnson (SD) Johnson (TX) Joyce (OH) Kamlager-Dove Kaptur Kean Keating Kelly (IL) Kelly (PA) Kennedy (NY) Khanna Kiggans (VA) Kiley (CA) Kim King-Hinds Krishnamoorthi LaHood LaLota Landsman Larsen (WA) Latimer Latta Lawler Lee (NV) Lee (PA) Leger Fernandez Levin Liccardo Lieu Lofgren Lucas Lynch Magaziner Malliotakis Maloy Mannion Matsui McBath McBride McCaul McClain Delaney McClellan McCollum McDonald Rivet McGarvey McGovern McIver Meeks Mejia Menefee Menendez Meng Meuser Mfume Min Moolenaar Moore (UT) Moore (WI) Morelle Morrison Moskowitz Moulton Moylan Mrvan Mullin Murphy Neal Neguse Newhouse Norcross Norton Nunn (IA) Obernolte Ocasio-Cortez Olszewski Omar Owens Pallone Panetta Pappas Pelosi Perez Peters Pettersen Pfluger Pingree Pocan Pou Pressley Quigley Ramirez Randall Raskin Riley (NY) Rivas Rogers (KY) Ross Ruiz Ryan Salazar Salinas Sanchez Scanlon Schakowsky Schneider Scholten Schrier Scott (VA) Sessions Sewell Sherman Shreve Simon Simpson Smith (NJ) Smith (WA) Sorensen Soto Stansbury Stanton Steil Stevens Strickland Stutzman Subramanyam Suozzi Sykes Takano Tenney Thanedar Thompson (CA) Thompson (MS) Thompson (PA) Titus Tlaib Tokuda Tonko Torres (CA) Torres (NY) Trahan Tran Turner (OH) Underwood Valadao Van Epps Vargas Vasquez Veasey Velazquez Vindman Wagner Walberg Walkinshaw Wasserman Schultz Waters Watson Coleman Whitesides Williams (GA) Williams (TX) Wilson (FL) Wilson (SC) Wittman Womack Zinke
Davis (NC) Dingell Larson (CT) Letlow Mackenzie Nadler Perry Plaskett Radewagen
The Acting CHAIR (during the vote). There is 1 minute remaining. So the amendment was rejected. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
The Acting CHAIR4:50 p.m.
There being no further amendment, under the rule, the committee rises.
Accordingly, the Committee rose; and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. Kennedy of Utah) having assumed the chair, Mrs. Cammack, Acting Chair of the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union, reported that that Committee, having had under consideration the bill (H.R. 8595) making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, and for other purposes, and, pursuant to House Resolution 1423, she reported the bill back to the House with sundry amendments adopted in the Committee of the Whole.
The SPEAKER pro tempore4:50 p.m.
Under House Resolution 1423, the previous question is ordered.
Is a separate vote demanded on any amendment reported from the Committee of the Whole? If not, the Chair will put them en gros.
The question is on the amendments.
The amendments were agreed to.
The SPEAKER pro tempore4:50 p.m.
The question is on the engrossment and third reading of the bill.
The bill was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time, and was read the third time.
Gabe Amo (D-RI)4:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.
The SPEAKER pro tempore4:50 p.m.
The Clerk will report the motion to recommit.
The Clerk read as follows:
Text printed in the Record (96 characters)
Mr. Amo of Rhode Island moves to recommit the bill H.R. 8595 to the Committee on Appropriations.
The SPEAKER pro tempore4:50 p.m.
Pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX, the previous question is ordered on the motion to recommit.
The question is on the motion to recommit.
The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that the noes appeared to have it.
Gabe Amo (D-RI)4:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore4:50 p.m.
Pursuant to clause 9 of rule XX, the Chair will reduce to 5 minutes the minimum time for any electronic vote on the question of passage.
This is a 5-minute vote.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 209, nays 216, not voting 6, as follows:
Text printed in the Record (3,734 characters)
Adams Aguilar Amo Ansari Auchincloss Balint Barragan Beatty Bell Bera Beyer Bishop Bonamici Boyle (PA) Brown Brownley Budzinski Bynum Carbajal Carson Carter (LA) Casar Case Casten Castor (FL) Castro (TX) Chu Cisneros Clark (MA) Clarke (NY) Cleaver Clyburn Cohen Conaway Correa Costa Courtney Craig Crockett Crow Cuellar Davids (KS) Davis (IL) Dean (PA) DeGette DeLauro DelBene Deluzio DeSaulnier Dexter Doggett Elfreth Escobar Espaillat Evans (PA) Fields Figures Fletcher Foster Foushee Frankel, Lois Friedman Frost Garamendi Garcia (CA) Garcia (IL) Garcia (TX) Gillen Golden (ME) Goldman (NY) Gomez Gonzalez, V. Goodlander Gottheimer Gray Green, Al (TX) Grijalva Harder (CA) Hayes Himes Horsford Houlahan Hoyer Hoyle (OR) Huffman Ivey Jackson (IL) Jacobs Jayapal Jeffries Johnson (GA) Johnson (TX) Kamlager-Dove Kaptur Keating Kelly (IL) Kennedy (NY) Khanna Krishnamoorthi Landsman Larsen (WA) Larson (CT) Latimer Lee (NV) Lee (PA) Leger Fernandez Levin Liccardo Lieu Lofgren Lynch Magaziner Mannion Matsui McBath McBride McClain Delaney McClellan McCollum McDonald Rivet McGarvey McGovern McIver Meeks Mejia Menefee Menendez Meng Mfume Min Moore (WI) Morelle Morrison Moskowitz Moulton Mrvan Mullin Neal Neguse Norcross Ocasio-Cortez Olszewski Omar Pallone Panetta Pappas Pelosi Perez Peters Pettersen Pingree Pocan Pou Pressley Quigley Ramirez Randall Raskin Riley (NY) Rivas Ross Ruiz Ryan Salinas Sanchez Scanlon Schakowsky Schneider Scholten Schrier Scott (VA) Sewell Sherman Simon Smith (WA) Sorensen Soto Stansbury Stanton Stevens Strickland Subramanyam Suozzi Sykes Takano Thanedar Thompson (CA) Thompson (MS) Titus Tlaib Tokuda Tonko Torres (CA) Torres (NY) Trahan Tran Underwood Vargas Vasquez Veasey Velazquez Vindman Walkinshaw Wasserman Schultz Waters Watson Coleman Whitesides Williams (GA) Wilson (FL)
Aderholt Alford Allen Amodei (NV) Arrington Babin Bacon Baird Balderson Barr Barrett Baumgartner Bean (FL) Begich Bentz Bergman Bice Biggs (AZ) Biggs (SC) Bilirakis Boebert Bost Brecheen Bresnahan Buchanan Burchett Burlison Calvert Cammack Carey Carter (GA) Carter (TX) Ciscomani Cline Cloud Clyde Cole Collins Comer Crane Crank Crawford Crenshaw Davidson De La Cruz DesJarlais Diaz-Balart Donalds Downing Dunn (FL) Edwards Ellzey Emmer Estes Evans (CO) Ezell Fallon Fedorchak Feenstra Fine Finstad Fischbach Fitzgerald Fitzpatrick Fleischmann Flood Fong Foxx Franklin, Scott Fry Fulcher Fuller
Gallagher Garbarino Gill (TX) Gimenez Goldman (TX) Gooden Gosar Graves Griffith Grothman Guest Guthrie Hageman Hamadeh (AZ) Haridopolos Harrigan Harris (MD) Harris (NC) Harshbarger Hern (OK) Higgins (LA) Hill (AR) Hinson Houchin Hudson Huizenga Hunt Hurd (CO) Issa Jack Jackson (TX) James Johnson (LA) Johnson (SD) Jordan Joyce (OH) Joyce (PA) Kean Kelly (MS) Kelly (PA) Kennedy (UT) Kiggans (VA) Kiley (CA) Kim Knott Kustoff LaHood LaLota Langworthy Latta Lawler Lee (FL) Letlow Loudermilk Lucas Luna Luttrell Mace Malliotakis Maloy Mann Massie Mast McCaul McClain McClintock McCormick McDowell McGuire Messmer Meuser Miller (IL) Miller (OH) Miller (WV) Miller-Meeks Mills Moolenaar Moore (AL) Moore (NC) Moore (UT) Moore (WV) Moran Murphy Nehls Newhouse Norman Nunn (IA) Obernolte Ogles Onder Owens Palmer Patronis Pfluger Reschenthaler Rogers (AL) Rogers (KY) Rose Rouzer Roy Rulli Rutherford Salazar Scalise Schmidt Schweikert Scott, Austin Self Sessions Shreve Simpson Smith (MO) Smith (NJ) Smucker Spartz Stauber Stefanik Steil Steube Strong Stutzman Taylor Tenney Thompson (PA) Tiffany Timmons Turner (OH) Valadao Van Drew Van Duyne Van Epps Van Orden Wagner Walberg Weber (TX) Webster (FL) Westerman Wied Williams (TX) Wilson (SC) Wittman Womack Yakym Zinke
Davis (NC) Dingell Mackenzie Nadler Perry Smith (NE)
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Cammack) (during the vote). There are 2 minutes remaining. So the motion to recommit was rejected. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
The SPEAKER pro tempore4:58 p.m.
The question is on the passage of the bill.
Pursuant to clause 10 of rule XX, the yeas and nays are ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore4:58 p.m.
This is a 5-minute vote.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 217, nays 209, not voting 5, as follows:
Text printed in the Record (3,733 characters)
Aderholt Alford Allen Amodei (NV) Arrington Babin Bacon Baird Balderson Barr Barrett Baumgartner Bean (FL) Begich Bentz Bergman Bice Biggs (AZ) Biggs (SC) Bilirakis Boebert Bost Brecheen Bresnahan Buchanan Burchett Burlison Calvert Cammack Carey Carter (GA) Carter (TX) Ciscomani Cline Cloud Clyde Cole Collins Comer Crane Crank Crawford Crenshaw Davidson De La Cruz DesJarlais Diaz-Balart Donalds Downing Dunn (FL) Edwards Ellzey Emmer Estes Evans (CO) Ezell Fallon Fedorchak Feenstra Fine Finstad Fischbach Fitzgerald Fitzpatrick Fleischmann Flood Fong Foxx Franklin, Scott Fry Fulcher Fuller Gallagher Garbarino Gill (TX) Gimenez Golden (ME) Goldman (TX) Gooden Gosar Graves Griffith Grothman Guest Guthrie Hageman Hamadeh (AZ) Haridopolos Harrigan Harris (MD) Harris (NC) Harshbarger Hern (OK) Higgins (LA) Hill (AR) Hinson Houchin Hudson Huizenga Hunt Hurd (CO) Issa Jack Jackson (TX) James Johnson (LA) Johnson (SD) Jordan Joyce (OH) Joyce (PA) Kean Kelly (MS) Kelly (PA) Kennedy (UT) Kiggans (VA) Kiley (CA) Kim Knott Kustoff LaHood LaLota Langworthy Latta Lawler Lee (FL) Letlow Loudermilk Lucas Luna Luttrell Mace Malliotakis Maloy Mann Mast McCaul McClain McClintock McCormick McDowell McGuire Messmer Meuser Miller (IL) Miller (OH) Miller (WV) Miller-Meeks Mills Moolenaar Moore (AL) Moore (NC) Moore (UT) Moore (WV) Moran Murphy Nehls Newhouse Norman Nunn (IA) Obernolte Ogles Onder Owens Palmer Patronis Pfluger Reschenthaler Rogers (AL) Rogers (KY) Rose Rouzer Roy Rulli Rutherford Salazar Scalise Schmidt Schweikert Scott, Austin Self Sessions Shreve Simpson Smith (MO) Smith (NE) Smith (NJ) Smucker Spartz Stauber Stefanik Steil Steube Strong Stutzman Taylor Tenney Thompson (PA) Tiffany Timmons Turner (OH) Valadao Van Drew Van Duyne Van Epps Van Orden Wagner Walberg Weber (TX) Webster (FL) Westerman Wied Williams (TX) Wilson (SC) Wittman Womack Yakym Zinke
Adams Aguilar Amo Ansari Auchincloss Balint Barragan Beatty Bell Bera Beyer Bishop Bonamici Boyle (PA) Brown Brownley Budzinski Bynum Carbajal Carson Carter (LA) Casar Case Casten Castor (FL) Castro (TX) Chu Cisneros Clark (MA) Clarke (NY) Cleaver Clyburn Cohen Conaway Correa Costa Courtney Craig Crockett Crow Cuellar Davids (KS) Davis (IL) Dean (PA) DeGette DeLauro DelBene Deluzio DeSaulnier Dexter Doggett Elfreth Escobar Espaillat Evans (PA) Fields Figures Fletcher Foster Foushee Frankel, Lois Friedman Frost Garamendi Garcia (CA) Garcia (IL) Garcia (TX) Gillen Goldman (NY) Gomez Gonzalez, V. Goodlander Gottheimer Gray Green, Al (TX) Grijalva Harder (CA) Hayes Himes Horsford Houlahan Hoyer Hoyle (OR) Huffman Ivey Jackson (IL) Jacobs Jayapal Jeffries Johnson (GA) Johnson (TX) Kamlager-Dove Kaptur Keating Kelly (IL) Kennedy (NY) Khanna Krishnamoorthi Landsman Larsen (WA) Larson (CT) Latimer Lee (NV) Lee (PA) Leger Fernandez Levin Liccardo Lieu Lofgren Lynch Magaziner Mannion Massie Matsui McBath McBride McClain Delaney McClellan McCollum McDonald Rivet McGarvey McGovern McIver Meeks Mejia Menefee Menendez Meng Mfume Min Moore (WI) Morelle Morrison Moskowitz Moulton Mrvan Mullin Neal Neguse Norcross Ocasio-Cortez Olszewski Omar Pallone Panetta Pappas Pelosi Perez Peters Pettersen Pingree Pocan Pou Pressley Quigley Ramirez Randall Raskin Riley (NY) Rivas Ross Ruiz Ryan Salinas Sanchez Scanlon Schakowsky Schneider Scholten Schrier Scott (VA) Sewell Sherman Simon Smith (WA) Sorensen Soto Stansbury Stanton Stevens Strickland Subramanyam Suozzi Sykes Takano Thanedar Thompson (CA) Thompson (MS) Titus Tlaib Tokuda Tonko Torres (CA) Torres (NY) Trahan Tran Underwood Vargas Vasquez Veasey Velazquez Vindman Walkinshaw Wasserman Schultz Waters Watson Coleman Whitesides Williams (GA) Wilson (FL)
Davis (NC) Dingell Mackenzie Nadler Perry
The SPEAKER pro tempore (during the vote). There are 2 minutes remaining. So the bill was passed. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
Hour of Meeting on Tomorrow
Page H4528 · Official textMr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Barrett)
Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Pennsylvania?
There was no objection.
Recognizing Historic Ceremony at Independence Hall
Pages H4528–H4529 · Official text(Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a historic ceremony at Independence Hall earlier this month celebrating America's semiquincentennial.
On July 2, a group of Representatives traveled to Philadelphia, the birthplace of our country, to commemorate the exact date when the Second Continental Congress voted to declare independence from Great Britain.
Mr. Speaker, the origins of our Republic trace back to Pennsylvania, and Independence Hall has served as a physical representation of the birthplace of the United States.
Within those hallowed Halls, delegates from the original Thirteen Colonies debated in good faith and voted for independence. This building has long been the symbol of freedom and democracy around the world.
Mr. Speaker, Pennsylvania has always been my home, and the Keystone State, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, has stood firm in its commitment to freedom and prosperity.
Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the 37 Members of Congress for traveling to Philadelphia and for their efforts to preserve our legacy for future generations, just as the Founding Fathers intended it.
Recognizing Academia De Baile Tradicion Y Cultura
Page H4529 · Official text(Mrs. GRIJALVA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride to recognize a remarkable milestone for Tucson's Academia de Baile Tradicion y Cultura as it celebrates 25 years of inspiring young people--including my own children, nieces, and nephews--from across Tucson and southern Arizona through dance, culture, and community.
For a quarter of a century, Academia de Baile has provided generations of students with exceptional dance instruction, fostered confidence, discipline, and a deep appreciation for the rich cultural traditions that make southern Arizona so vibrant.
I want to congratulate the dedicated directors and instructors whose passion and dedication have made this achievement possible, the students whose hard work, talent, and artistry continue to impress us, and the families whose unwavering support have helped make this academy flourish for so many years.
Academia de Baile is proof of how the arts bring people together, preserve our heritage, and strengthen our communities. Their legacy is reflected not only in the performances on stage but in the lives that they have touched across Tucson and southern Arizona.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Arizona's Seventh Congressional District, I say "congratulations," "muchisimas felicidades" to Academia de Baile on their 25th anniversary and wish them many more years of success.
Honoring Ismael Quintana on His Retirement
Page H4529 · Official text(Mr. LAWLER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary veteran, public servant, and advocate, Ismael "Izzy" Quintana, and to congratulate him on his well-earned retirement.
After serving our Nation as a major in the United States Army Reserve, Izzy never stopped answering the call to serve. As the veteran outreach coordinator for BRIDGES PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Program (Vet to Vet), he has dedicated himself to helping veterans in crisis, connecting them with critical resources and ensuring they never face their struggles alone.
Drawing on his military and law enforcement experience, Izzy has trained police recruits to respond to veterans in crisis while helping veterans find housing, navigate difficult circumstances, and access support.
His volunteer work with The American Legion, his church's food pantry, and other local organizations embodies what it truly means to put service above self.
This year Izzy received the New York State Suicide Prevention Center Pair-Up Award. I am proud to recognize him as one of New York's 17th District Veterans of the Year.
Mr. Speaker, his selfless service is an example to us all. I thank Izzy for his extraordinary service to our veterans, community, and country. I wish my friend the very best in his retirement.
Honoring Office Interns
Page H4529 · Official text(Mr. LATIMER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, as I have recognized the excellent staff members who were working with me in this term, may I also recognize and thank the young people, college students, and recent college graduates who have labored in the inglorious role of intern doing day-to-day grunt work necessary but often boring.
They have given months of their young lives on my behalf, and I am grateful. They are: Isabel Tenney, Anna Barlis, Piper Genkin, Mariana Ortega, Sebastian Rojas, Miles Genkin, Krisna Rivera, Tim Manson, and Tommy Cole.
Mr. Speaker, I trust this experience was a good one and that in the years to come, they will achieve great professional and personal success.
Recognizing Volunteer Firefighters of Beulah, Colorado
Page H4529 · Official text(Mr. HURD of Colorado asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the volunteer firefighters of Beulah, Colorado, for their extraordinary service during the Aspen Acres fire in Pueblo County.
When shifting winds drove the fire toward the town of Beulah, the town's 22-member volunteer fire department stood between the flames and their community. Several firefighters lost their own homes during this fire. Even so, they remained on the line, working to protect their neighbors and the town they call home.
That choice says more about their character than any words I could offer today. It reflects courage, duty, and the deeply rooted sense of community that defines Beulah and so much of Colorado's Third District.
Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the Beulah Volunteer Fire Department and to thank every firefighter who chose service to others over personal loss.
Honoring Antoinette Naddour
Page H4529 · Official text(Mr. CORREA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)
Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor Major Antoinette Naddour, an Orange County resident, a veteran, and a person who spent her career serving the homeless and at-risk veterans.
Antoinette began her career after witnessing a surge of servicemembers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who were homeless. This motivated her to cofound a Veterans Legal Institute in Orange County where she focused on developing veteran-focused legal services.
This month, she is retiring from her role as executive director of the Veterans Legal Services, but she will continue to make a difference in the lives of veterans serving as an ambassador and supporting fundraising efforts to ensure that our veterans receive the legal help that they deserve.
Mr. Speaker, today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Antoinette Naddour for the profound impact that she has made in the lives of our veterans.
Congratulating Miriam Washut
Pages H4529–H4530 · Official text(Ms. HAGEMAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate high school senior Miriam Washut of Lander on winning the grand prize in the Presidential 1776 Award.
This national civics contest challenges high school students across the country on their knowledge of the Founders, the Revolutionary War, and the documents that delivered the birth of our Republic.
Miriam demonstrated her superior knowledge of America's founding at every stage of this national competition, earning her a well-earned prize of a $150,000 scholarship and a trip to the Oval Office where she told the President her plans to attend Wyoming Catholic College.
Mr. Speaker, 250 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed, students like Miriam show the promise of our revolutionary principles carried on by the next generation for another 250 years.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Miriam for making Wyoming proud with her profound interest in America's founding.
Remembering Srebrenica Massacre
Page H4530 · Official text(Mr. BELL asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the proud Representative of the largest Bosniak population outside of Bosnia and Herzegovina and to stand in solidarity with them.
Over the weekend, we marked 31 years since more than 8,300 Bosniaks were murdered at Srebrenica. Today, we remember the victims and stand with the families and survivors.
Srebrenica should never have happened, and yet it did--not because the world didn't know but because in too many places, the world chose to look away.
As co-chair of the Bosnia Caucus and as a St. Louisan, I will do everything I can to ensure we are reaffirming our commitment to truth and remembrance. We have an obligation to honor that history and to support those who live with its legacy and trauma every day.
Remembering Firefighters Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson, and Sydney Watson
Page H4530 · Official textREMEMBERING FIREFIGHTERS EMILY BARKER, NICK HUTCHERSON, AND SYDNEY WATSON (Mr. KENNEDY of Utah asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, right now as we stand in this Chamber, devastating wildfires are tearing across our lands. I thank the brave crews who are working around the clock on the front lines. Their courage is keeping our communities standing. Our prayers are with them.
We especially hold in our hearts the families of the brave firefighters who we recently lost along the Utah-Colorado border, including Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson, and Sydney Watson.
These individuals made the ultimate sacrifice, and we owe them a debt of gratitude we can never truly repay. Possibly the most frustrating part is that, in many cases, we already have the solutions to deal with these wildfires. We know how to thin overgrown brush. We know how to clear hazardous fuels. We know how to restore health to our forest through proactive management. The obstacle isn't a lack of knowledge. It is bureaucracy.
Decades of bloated regulation delay critical mitigation work for years, but a wildfire does not wait for a multiyear environmental review. The flames do not pause for paperwork.
That is why we passed the Fix Our Forests Act. That is why I introduced the Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act. Our communities cannot afford another year of congressional inaction.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to cut the red tape, pass commonsense and often lifesaving legislation, and protect our lands.
Congratulating Michigan Chapter of Huntington's Disease Society of America
Page H4530 · Official textCONGRATULATING MICHIGAN CHAPTER OF HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE SOCIETY OF AMERICA (Ms. TLAIB asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)
Mr. Speaker, I am so proud that our Michigan chapter of the Huntington's Disease Society of America is Chapter of the Year.
They got their award, and it is an incredible team that elevates the personal stories of so many of our residents. They advocate for increased research funding, improved access to care, and policies that better support our families living with Huntington's disease.
This includes Andy Zeman, who received the Youth Huntington's Disease Award. After losing his birth mother to Huntington's disease and being diagnosed himself, he continues to bring incredible courage and optimism to this space.
I will also honor Dave Stickles, who also received the Marjorie Guthrie Award, for his unwavering commitment to supporting families. I am so incredibly proud of our Michigan chapter.
These national awards recognize advocates who have turned personal hardship into public service. Their tireless advocacy has now helped hundreds, if not thousands, of families living with Huntington's disease. They have given many people a voice, and I am so incredibly proud that they have received this award.
Honoring Officer Edgar Salazar
Page H4530 · Official text(Mr. NEWHOUSE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor Moses Lake Police Officer Edgar Salazar for his public service and congratulate him on being named the 2026 Hometown Hero by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Washington.
This well-deserved award is in recognition of Officer Salazar's heroic actions at the Gorge Amphitheater Campground in 2023, when he put his life on the line and helped to prevent a mass shooting.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Officer Salazar for the remarkable courage he displayed that day in saving dozens of lives and for his continued service to the Moses Lake community. He represents the best in law enforcement and we are all grateful for his service.
Honoring Commander Gabriel Edwards
Page H4530 · Official text(Ms. HOYLE of Oregon asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in honor of Commander Gabriel Edwards, from Oakland, Oregon, who died while serving as the commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5 in the Arabian Sea.
After 4 days of searching over 14,000 square miles, the Navy declared him lost at sea during an emergency helicopter landing.
Gabriel earned his wings as a helicopter pilot in 2008 and received several awards during his service, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. He knew he wanted to be a pilot at just 4 years old.
This is how his wife, Rebecca, described him: "Gabe has dedicated his life to serving his country with honor, courage, and commitment. He led with humility, integrity, and compassion, always putting his people before himself. To those who served alongside him, he was a respected leader and mentor."
My thoughts are with Rebecca and their two children during this time. I am glad to know the Secretary of the Navy has directed that Edwards be posthumously promoted to the rank of captain.
His heroism will never be forgotten, and I know all of us in Oregon and around the country thank him for his honorable service. May his memory be a blessing.
Recognizing First Presbyterian Church of Macon's 200th Anniversary
Pages H4530–H4531 · Official textRECOGNIZING FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF MACON'S 200TH ANNIVERSARY (Mr. CARTER of Georgia asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 200th anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church of Macon, Georgia.
Organized on June 18, 1826, by the Reverend Benjamin Gildersleeve and Reverend Joseph C. Stiles, the church began with just 25 founding members. Since 1858, its historic sanctuary on Mulberry Street has stood as a landmark of downtown Macon and a fixture on the National Register of Historic Places.
For two centuries, First Presbyterian has served as the mother church to several congregations across middle Georgia and has equipped its members in every area of life through worship, discipleship, fellowship, and mission.
Today, First Presbyterian continues to welcome more than a thousand members, carrying forward a legacy that has spanned wars, revitalization, and generations of middle Georgia families.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the leaders and congregation of First Presbyterian Church on this remarkable milestone, and I thank them for 200 years of faithful ministry to the city of Macon.
Honoring Betty Ann Amison-Lewis
Page H4531 · Official text(Ms. KAPTUR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, tonight, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Toledo resident Betty Ann Amison-Lewis, a community builder.
An erudite woman with a true servant's heart, Betty looked for every opportunity she could to serve our community of northwest Ohio.
As founding director of Toledo's Grace Community Center, Betty devoted decades to others with the same grace for which the community center was named.
She supported young men and women as they navigated parenthood. She offered after-school care to thousands of children and reinvigorated Toledo seniors with a sense of belonging.
Our community will miss Betty deeply. We grieve with her loved ones. Our community celebrates her life and will remember her fondly for the tenacity with which she served others. Her life and legacy will live on in the unrelenting mission of Grace Community Center to better the lives of northwest Ohio families.
To her husband, Morris; her children, Yvette, Anika, Chantel, Alvin, Alysha; stepchildren, Morris, Terrance, Myron; and her beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other family and friends who will miss her dearly, know that she was profoundly grateful and awed by your love.
May Betty's good work and positive energy live on in your minds and hearts. Her amazing spirit is invincible, and I know it is alive and at work in our community and world. May her life be blessed.
Honoring Steven Lampley
Page H4531 · Official text(Mr. BURLISON asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Steven Lampley, a devoted husband, loving father, faithful servant of God, and tireless advocate for the people of southwest Missouri.
Steve was a genuinely good man. He loved his wife, Kathy. He loved his children, William, Rachel, and Hailey. Nothing made him happier than spending time with them, whether hunting, fishing, camping, or just being together.
More than anything else, that is how I know Steve would want to be remembered.
The values that guided Steve at home were the same values that guided his service to our community. A lot of people complain about the state of our government, but Steve believed the answer wasn't just to complain. It was to get involved, and, boy, did he do that.
Through his work with the Greene County Republican Central Committee and the Missouri Republican Assembly, he devoted countless hours to strengthening the grassroots and serving his fellow Missourians, spending his own time and money driving to Jefferson City, advocating for legislation, and getting bills that protected people's constitutional rights across the finish line.
If you knew Steve, you knew he never asked someone else to do something he wasn't willing to do himself. He stepped up when leadership was needed, treated everyone with dignity and respect, and quietly went about doing what he believed was right.
My prayers are with Kathy, William, Rachel, Hailey, and everyone who loved Steve. May God comfort them in these days ahead, and may they always find peace in the life and legacy that he lived and the example that he leaves behind. May he rest in peace.
Honoring George E. Johnson
Page H4531 · Official text(Mr. JACKSON of Illinois asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, there are some people who build companies, and there are others who build confidence. George E. Johnson did both.
He understood something this Nation too often refused to see--that Black people did not need permission to be beautiful, brilliant, or prosperous. We simply needed the opportunity to define ourselves.
Through Afro Sheen, he did more than create a successful business. He challenged a culture that had spent centuries teaching Black men and women to doubt the beauty that they saw in the mirror.
Every bottle that left his factory carried more than a product. It carried a declaration that Black enterprise could flourish and that Black excellence could employ thousands, inspire generations, and transform neighborhoods. His success was not measured merely in dollars, but in dignity. He proved that ownership is more than economics. It is self-determination.
George Johnson, a beloved family friend, invested not only in hair care, but in human care. He invested in communities, education, churches, and young dreamers who needed someone to believe that greatness could look like them.
He understood that wealth finds its highest purpose when it creates opportunities for others. His legacy reminds us that freedom is incomplete if it cannot produce opportunity. It reminds us that equality is unfinished if it cannot nurture enterprise, and justice remains unfinished if the gifts of a people are ignored.
Today, we honor not simply a businessman but a visionary who helped America become more fully itself by insisting that Black genius belonged not on the margins of its history but at its very center core.
Mr. Speaker, may we remember George E. Johnson not only for what he sold but for what he restored: confidence, possibility, and pride.
May his life continue to remind every child who dares to dream that the greatest investment one can ever make is in the limitless potential of one's own people.
To a beloved friend and an outstanding American, I love you, and I honor you, the honorable George E. Johnson.
HONORING THE LIFE OF HELEN DiGIROLAMO
Page H4531 · Official text(Mr. FITZPATRICK asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Helen DiGirolamo of Bensalem, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who we sadly lost on July 10, 2026, at the age of 98.
Born in Philadelphia in 1928, Helen was a cherished member of the St. Ephrem Church in Bensalem for 55 years, where she rooted her life in faith, in service, and in her community.
In her younger years, she loved bowling. Throughout her life, she was known for her exceptional cooking, especially during the holiday gatherings with her family surrounding her at the table.
Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 45 years, Eugene, and their daughter, Janice. She is survived by her children, Gene and Joanne; her son-in-law, Michael; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Mr. Speaker, her son, Gene, was so good to her in all of her years, particularly her later years, when every single Sunday he dedicated to spending time with her.
Helen DiGirolamo will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the family and the community she so dearly loved.
Farewell to Doge
Pages H4531–H4534 · Official text(Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 3, 2025, Ms. Stansbury of New Mexico was recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the minority leader.)
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material in the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from New Mexico?
There was no objection.
Mr. Speaker, we rise tonight to acknowledge that DOGE is, indeed, dead.
Mr. Speaker, the scandals, the gossip--when New Mexicans tune in to see what is happening here in Washington, it feels like they are tuning into an episode of a reality TV show rather than another day in the people's House, but the messiest House isn't an overseas villa. It is the White House.
The President has a lot of messy friends and a lot of messy breakups, but the biggest breakup of all was the breakup between President Trump and Elon Musk 1 year ago.
One day, Elon is sending a love letter of hundreds of millions in campaign donations to the President's campaign, and the next, he is wondering where it all went wrong. After all the insults, all of the public arguing, and a very public divorce, today, we are here to say to Elon Musk and his so-called Department of Government Efficiency: I am so sorry, but you have not been chosen, and you will be dumped from the villa.
Now that the season of DOGE is over, it is time to look back and have a reunion episode and answer the question on everyone's mind: Where did it all go wrong? Was it all talk, or did Elon actually deliver on his promises because when DOGE was created and Americans heard what they were up to, there were some very big promises. He said that he could save $2 trillion by cutting waste, fraud, and abuse across the Federal Government.
Well, the honeymoon is over, and I think the numbers say it all. He didn't even save a fraction of that amount. In fact, what we know is that due to disruptions in government services and firings and litigation, he may have actually cost the Federal Government more money than he saved.
In fact, here is what we know about DOGE's impacts: Large-scale loss of experienced Federal employees. Our agencies lost tens of thousands of employees through layoffs, deferred resignations, early retirements and hiring freezes.
They reduced the institutional knowledge of generations across our agencies and made it impossible to do basic functions that our communities needed: Forest Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and our nuclear agencies who protect the nuclear and national security of this country.
They disrupted government services. Agencies were unable to process basic functions. They attacked Social Security. They laid off thousands of veterans across our Federal Government who had served this great country and given their sacrifice in service, only to find themselves eliminated by a cheap date in the West Wing.
Legal challenges--we don't even know how many lawsuits there have been in the wake of DOGE--personnel actions, agency restructuring, illegal orders, withholding of funds, and many, many more that are still awaiting to be adjudicated by the courts.
Let us not forget that they stole your data. That is right. They came in talking a big talk, saying that they were going to digitize our Federal Government and modernize it and help us actually make the government work for the people. It was a front for stealing your personal data--your IRS data, your Social Security data, your bank account data. They not only went into the most private systems of the Federal Government and stole your data, but they exported it and gave it to private companies.
This is not just a run-of-the-mill exercise of modernizing the government. They stole your data for a profit, for campaign advancement, and to ensure that they would be able to continue to access your data for power.
In addition to that, they broke key aspects of our Federal Government. They disrupted contracts. They gave themselves private contracts. They gave away billions of dollars in Federal taxpayer dollars for defense contracts to their friends, for NASA contracts for their friends, for weather service contracts for their friends. They disbanded decades of scientific research on every single continent across this planet.
The reductions in workforce not just impacted the functioning of the Federal Government but disrupted local economies across the country, especially in our rural communities.
Let us not forget the most consequential impacts that we know came as a result of Elon Musk's dangerous date with the White House, and that is the dismantling of the USAID. We know that, as a direct result of the dismantling of public health programs that have been in place across the world for decades, that literally thousands of children across the world died as a direct result.
Medicine, food--they came in claiming that they were trying to cut waste, and they left food for starving children to sit in warehouses and rot while children did not have anything to eat.
They let medicine expire in warehouses and actually threw it away rather than give it to people for whom it would save their lives.
What do they have to answer for it as they have come here to testify before Congress? Is there any remorse for the lives that were lost? Is there any remorse for the thousands of children whose lives were taken because they could not access medicine? Is there any remorse for the thousands of nonprofit organizations who serve our communities every day who have been impacted? Is there any remorse for the hundreds of thousands of Federal workers who they fired and whose lives they disrupted?
No. There is no remorse. And let me tell you this: This has been one toxic relationship since the very beginning.
So here is what we know. DOGE, you are voted off the island, and we do not want to ever see you back here again.
The American people want efficiency. The American people want a government that serves them. The American people want to make sure that their leaders care for the communities that they live in and will care for them.
The American people do not want toxic billionaires trying to steal their taxpayer dollars and dismantling the basic services that keep them well.
So we bid good-bye to DOGE. We say farewell. We won't miss you. We won't miss you as you leave the island and take your big exit.
What we will say is that we will continue to fight every single day for the American people. We will continue to actually work to make this government work for the American people, to actually cut real waste and real fraud and real abuse and the real abusers who are sitting in the White House and committing waste, fraud, and abuse on the American people every single day.
We will commit that when we take back this House, when we take back the White House, that we will fight for a nation that fights for our people. We will bring a new deal to this country that serves the working people of this country, that invests in housing and healthcare and food, that protects the environment, that fights for climate action, and that cares for the human dignity of our people.
That is our promise. We don't want any more toxic relationships. We just say this: The American people deserve better, girl, and we are here for you.
Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Oregon.
Val T. Hoyle (D-OR)5:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, at the beginning of the 119th session, I was ready to work with anyone to root out waste, fraud, and abuse in the government. We are here to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars, and we should want our government to be efficient.
That is not what happened. We started with a bipartisan congressional effort, and then President Trump appointed Elon Musk, who stood there with a chainsaw, brought in a bunch of unqualified DOGE bros, who said that they were going to make $2 trillion in savings from the Federal budget, but made no meaningful impact in spending.
They tortured and went after our public employees that cost the taxpayers $10 billion through the deferred resignation program. Mr. Speaker, 300,000 Federal workers were fired or urged to retire, including 100,000 veterans.
This wasn't done in a strategic way. People were fired without understanding what their jobs were. For instance, off the Oregon coast, they fired the people who knew how to operate the tsunami warning system. That isn't rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse.
They shut down promising innovations, like direct file, at the request of big businesses that stood to financially benefit. That hurt low-income and working Americans who now have to pay to file their taxes.
They slowed response time to complaints made to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which had previously helped return $21 billion to Americans.
They purged USAID by getting rid of 83 percent of USAID projects. Impact Counter estimates that 757,000 people died, mostly children. We lost the benefit of soft power that we had when we invested in this very effective program.
They tried to end NIOSH and canceled $3.8 billion in NIH grants. They laid off 1,300 critical Federal workers from NOAA.
If you want to talk about government overreach and small government, that is not what happened with DOGE. They gained access to personal data, like our Social Security numbers, our tax returns, and our health records.
Waste, fraud, and abuse still exist in the Federal Government. For instance, if we want to root out waste, fraud, and abuse, let's start with the Pentagon that failed the last eight audits. There is a ton of waste, fraud, and abuse.
They have awarded more than $208 billion in contracts to companies that have been cited for repeated or willful violations. Why are we not addressing that?
We should want government to be more efficient. We should want to root out waste, fraud, and abuse. I will work with anyone to make that happen.
Instead, we gave a chainsaw to a trillionaire who made his money off of Federal grants, Federal research, and Federal projects, and we cut critical investments to make our government work better for the working people.
On July Fourth, DOGE shut down. It doesn't intend to publish a final report because they would have to report a giant failure that cost taxpayers $10 billion. I say, good-bye, good riddance, and let's not do this again.
Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)5:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, there are so many things to be said about DOGE and the waste of money and lives that happened over the course of the year and a half that it was officially on the books.
Mr. Speaker, I also want to take a moment to talk about our country at a crossroads. Do we continue to use American taxpayer dollars to fund the killing of civilians, children, and families abroad, or do we finally say, enough?
Today, I took a vote for the children, for peace, and for the future of this country, by voting "yes" on an amendment to block $3.3 billion in offensive military aid. This is money that should be used to build roads, to build housing, and to lower the cost of food and childcare for families who are struggling right here in the United States.
I did not come to Congress to write blank checks to the military. I did not come to Congress to write blank checks to foreign militaries to bomb civilians, and I did not come here to support an unending and illegal war in the Middle East.
That is why I chose today to block offensive military aid. Today, I choose our people over weapons. I choose peace over war. I choose accountability over silence, and I will continue to choose that every single time.
Now, Mr. Speaker, as we close out this debate and the broken promises of DOGE and this administration, let us be reminded that when President Trump and Elon Musk first created DOGE, the American people were promised that it would cut waste, fight fraud and abuse, and save the taxpayers $2 trillion across the government. Many of us hoped that was actually true because cutting waste, fraud, and abuse is not a partisan issue. It is just good government. All of us want a government that actually works for the people of this country.
Actions speak louder than words. When it comes to the legacy of DOGE and this administration, its actions speak for themselves. Instead of cutting waste, they cut over 100,000 jobs of veterans across the Federal Government, veterans in my district who worked at the VA and across our Federal agencies, who wanted nothing more than to continue their service to this country.
They cut workers in charge of maintaining our nuclear stockpile, only to scramble to rehire them. They fired some of our Nation's top scientists, who were responsible for making sure our national security is taken care of.
They attacked Social Security. They fired thousands of workers across the Social Security Administration, including in my district where people were struggling just to get access to their basic needs being met.
DOGE cut back hours and fired hundreds across New Mexico. It pushed seniors, children, and veterans to the brink.
Instead of saving taxpayers money, DOGE cost taxpayers billions of dollars in lost productivity, lost revenue, and the cost to hire essential civil servants they fired. Instead of fighting abuse, DOGE gave the richest man on planet Earth direct influence over government decisionmaking and access to our personal and financial data.
We will never know the true damage that DOGE did because the administration won't even release the final information or final report explaining what they did. This is not okay.
Let me say this to this administration: You better bet we will be investigating every inch of what you did through DOGE and your behavior in the administration.
The American people deserve transparency. The American people deserve a government that works for them. The American people deserve a government and leaders who tell the truth. The American people deserve accountability for their taxpayer dollars. The American people deserve respect, especially those who have served this great Nation.
Even though DOGE's disaster is officially over on the books, we already have another agency whose job is to find waste, fraud, and abuse. We will continue to investigate what happened through DOGE. We will continue to do the work of improving our government, and we will continue to investigate what has happened.
Our question is: After all that has been said and done, will the Republicans of this body continue to support the lies that this administration has put forward through DOGE? Will they continue to support the dismantling of our Federal agencies, as is happening right now at the Department of Education, as we stand here, and the Education Committee?
Will they continue to raid agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and steal money from the taxpayers?
Will they continue to allow this administration to steal your taxpayer dollars and give it to the military to bomb civilians overseas?
Will they continue to allow an out-of-control President to make billions of dollars in self-dealing while lining his pockets and demolishing the White House or will they actually stand up for the American people?
That is the real waste, fraud, and abuse, and that is the real corruption, a President who is wasting our taxpayer dollars on an unending and illegal war, painting a pool filled with algae, a golden ballroom, and trying to put his name on the Kennedy Center, spending millions of dollars, taxpayer dollars litigating over illegal actions he has taken since taking office, all while giving private contracts to his own family members and the very man who started DOGE in the first place.
While DOGE may be over, let the lesson be that when we take back the House, we will hold them accountable. We will build a government that works for the American people, that is stronger. We will stop billionaires from coming in and using their money to achieve their own political ends and line their own pockets.
We will stop the self-dealing not only in the White House, but that happens in this Chamber. We will work to get big money out of politics, to end Citizens United, and to ensure that we have a system that actually represents the people of this country.
We will rebuild better the agencies that were dismantled. We will create a whole new generation of public servants who want to serve this great Nation, and we will bring a new deal for this country that is about results, that is about dignity, that puts people and services ahead of profits and not empty promises.
That is why, Mr. Speaker, we are here today to celebrate the end of this dark chapter and bring DOGE to a conclusion.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore6:00 p.m.
Members are reminded to refrain from engaging in personalities toward the President.
Prioritizing Reining in Our National Debt
Pages H4534–H4535 · Official text(Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 3, 2025, Mr. Moore of Utah was recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the majority leader.)
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the topic of this Special Order.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Utah?
There was no objection.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
In 10 years, the deficit will be greater than every penny spent by the Federal Government between 1789 and 2023. As we celebrate our 250th, this is the time to reflect on it and to focus on it. I am going to share something tonight that is going on every single day, specifically about trying to find the opportunity for deficit reduction.
I have another colleague who will be here momentarily as well, but this is, obviously, an evergreen topic, something that we are constantly focused on, something that members of the Budget Committee, members of the Bipartisan Fiscal Forum, members of various groups that focus more heavily on this than maybe some other issues.
I am proud to count myself as part of that. I remember voting against debt ceiling increases that didn't have some type of spending reduction, even when my own side was proposing them, that didn't have some type of spending reduction, a spending cap, or even a fiscal commission. There are many solutions. It is a key aspect, and it is something that we need to reflect on.
In President Trump's first year, as we started the 119th Congress, taking that first entire year, calendar year 2025, and comparing it to calendar year 2024, a very unique thing happened: We had about $360 billion worth of deficit reduction.
We ran an approximately $1.8 to $1.9 trillion deficit over the last few years, and it has gone up considerably since COVID, during President Biden's 4 years. The first year that Republicans had the White House, House, and Senate, we had an extraordinary feat of $360 billion worth of deficit reduction.
There were spending constraints. There was restructuring of how we approached some of the student loan aspect of the budget, various elements within the entirety of the appropriations process from different agencies across the board that were pulling back and withholding some of their planned spending. That, mixed with revenues from tariffs, created a $360 billion deficit reduction. It doesn't get reported much, doesn't get talked about.
A portion of that tariff money after the SCOTUS ruling will be refunded back, so of that 360, there will be money going back ultimately to some of these companies that are involved in this. The world of tariff and trade policy will continue to play out where you will still get revenue to help us offset some of the deficits.
I have been critical of some of the tariff policy. I have been supportive of some of the tariff policy. I want two specific things from tariffs. I want them to be consistent. If they are going to exist, I want them to be consistent, something the companies, business folks, and families can plan on, as well as be a positive contributor to reducing deficits. I think there is an opportunity to do both of those things, and we are seeing that play out.
I am going to talk a little bit tonight about what is actually going on with one of the most important aspects of the constant churn of us reducing deficits, and that is what is taking place within some of our administrative agencies on finding fraud. I am going to share some anecdotes and some data. I look forward to doing that.
Before I do that, I have a colleague here who is going to share a brief message. I yield to the gentleman from the great State of North Carolina (Mr. Edwards).
Mr. Speaker, our national debt has now surpassed $39 trillion, and every second that we fail to address it, that number continues to grow, placing an even greater burden on future generations.
Families across western North Carolina understand just a simple truth: You can't spend money that you don't have. They balance their budgets, make difficult decisions, and expect their government to do the same. Unfortunately, Washington has spent far too long doing just the opposite.
Decades of unchecked spending have left us with rising interest payments, growing deficits, and fewer resources available for the priorities that really matter.
As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have worked to ensure that we are good stewards of every taxpayer dollar. That means supporting our national defense, strengthening border security, helping communities recover from disasters like Hurricane Helene, and funding the essential functions of government while still looking for every opportunity to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse.
Through the fiscal year 2027 appropriations process, House Republicans continued efforts to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars by identifying several savings, reducing unnecessary spending, eliminating wasteful programs, and ensuring funding is focused on the Federal Government's core responsibilities.
We didn't create a $39 trillion debt overnight, and we are not going to solve it overnight, but every responsible spending decision moves us in the right direction.
The American people deserve a government that lives within its means, just as they do every day. It is time to restore fiscal responsibility, reduce the deficit, and leave the next generation with a far stronger financial future.
Blake D. Moore (R-UT)6:10 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from North Carolina for his message and focus on very important issues.
Mr. Speaker, as I was mentioning, there is no question that we have a major issue in front of us. Over the last 18 months, I have gone back home and had a chance to share a lot of the specifics as to the gains that we are making from the reductions. I want to just highlight some of this.
Our Federal debt continues to grow unsustainably, and major trust fund programs face looming insolvency. To add insult to injury here, there is rampant fraud across our country.
If we want to get a handle on our national debt, then we also need to address what I will call the invisible tax on the American people. The data is staggering. The Government Accountability Office estimates that the U.S. Government loses as much as $500 billion in Federal funds every year to fraud. Half a trillion dollars is wasted because fraudsters and scammers cheat our systems. That is $4,000 per American household every year completely wasted. If there is one thing that infuriates every American, it is the waste of their hard-earned taxpayer dollars.
I find that in my own life. My wife and I are budgeting. The part that is frustrating is that it is not that we don't have to spend or invest in areas, but we have to eliminate the waste. Families are working hard to play by the rules, and fraudsters are stealing hundreds of millions of dollars from childcare programs,
To address this, the House Republicans recently passed the Stop Child Care Scams Act, forcing accountability when States repeatedly fail to fix fraud and serious program violations.
Fake ghost students are draining $180 million in financial aid that should be helping hardworking American students, so I am supporting ID verification before tax dollars to support those programs go out the door.
Our reports have exposed fraud in States like Minnesota and California. They have industrial-scale theft, and it has gone unabated for years. Even States like Florida have had many issues in this regard.
One-third of all hospices in the entire country are in Los Angeles, and CMS estimates that at least one-half of those are fraudulent. Eight hundred of those hospices have now been suspended. The numbers I had from just a couple of months ago were that they suspended licenses of 400. They have even had a chance to do more, but they have suspended 400 licenses and really only heard back from 12, meaning that 12 were probably running legitimate businesses.
They identified, through good data analytics, investing in targeting the right areas where we anticipate there being significant fraud, and they are taking action. If somebody reaches out and says, "Wait, what is going on? Why did you cancel our license?" if they are a legitimate business doing legitimate work, they can show that. The overwhelming majority were actually pinpointed. They suspected some level of fraud, and it appears to be very accurate.
Another anecdote that I just got recently, just this week, from a meeting with members within this agency, CMS, is that they have sent letters to the Medicare patients. Patients in hospice care are signed up for treatment with a number to show they are in hospice care. They have an opportunity to send correspondence to these folks just confirming that they have initiated hospice care.
Mr. Speaker, 15 percent have come back from States--I think the exact States were in the Southwest, California, Nevada, and, I believe, Arizona. Those three States came back with 15 percent of the people whom they were sending letters to saying, no, they are not on hospice. The majority of that was focused in this area. For some reason, the Los Angeles area went rampant in this hospice world. Ninety companies were associated with one address.
I have worked in the durable medical equipment industry before. There is equipment, call centers, and a workforce. You can't run 90 companies out of one location, Mr. Speaker, but this is what these dedicated men and women within our organizations within this administration are going out trying to find.
These are real numbers. These are real examples. This is not made up.
When I get the chance to go back and share this at home, they are really frustrated. They are also proud that this type of fraud doesn't stem from Utah. It is a moment of some recognition that States have a huge responsibility to play with respect to how these programs are implemented, and the States need to do a good job.
I am proud to say that Utah has been deemed to be very strong in this case. I am really impressed with the professionalism of what I am seeing. They continue to go and identify this. They are using good data analytics to be able to figure out where the potential might be next and go after it.
It is something that I share tonight as we highlight these issues of deficits, that this is going on daily, and as part of that first year of success of $360 billion, this is part of it. This is the type of stuff that Americans love to see because it is wasteful and fraudulent. People need to be held accountable. That is all taking place and happening.
Just this week, the Labor Department sent a strike team to New York to crack down on unemployment insurance fraud that is costing taxpayers an estimated $2 million a day. New York recorded more than $750 million in improper unemployment insurance payments and $507 million in fraudulent payments just last year.
House Republicans are focused on making sure the services get to the people who actually need them and are not wasted or stolen.
In the Ways and Means Committee, we have worked to put new guardrails on the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program to mitigate improper payments and ensure States are paying their fair share for this critically important program.
Empowering agencies to investigate and root out fraud and making targeted investments into fraud prevention and recovery programs is a giant step forward.
For every dollar Medicare spends on monitoring programs, the government sees almost $25 in savings. Mr. Speaker, you will see Dr. Oz communicate this, and you will see his team communicate this. They have team members under Dr. Oz's purview who have said: I will come back and work in this job again.
They worked in the first Trump administration. They said: I will come back if we can be even more laser focused and really go after the fraud.
That was Dr. Oz's mission, and that is what his team's mission is. They do an incredible job of explaining and sharing with us the proper information. It is not hyperbole; it is not rhetoric; it is literally data. They talk about these numbers with respect to spending a dollar on these efforts, site visits, sending out communication to find out if they are truly actual patients on hospice. That takes a little bit of resources, but we are getting back a strong yield from that, $1 for $25 in savings.
For every dollar Medicare spends on monitoring programs, the government sees almost $25 in savings. We need more programs like this to root out fraud and recover improper payments.
To that end, I am working on legislation that will allow more of the money recovered by the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Program to be reinvested directly into the fraud prevention program. The areas that this money needs to be reinvested back into are the trust funds and also back into the programs that will help us continue to be strong in this regard.
Earlier this year, House Republicans passed the Fraud Prevention and Accountability Act, legislation that strengthened fraud prevention across the Federal Government and help protect taxpayer dollars from fraud, scams, and abuse.
Families are stretching every dollar right now. Fraudsters are cashing in on taxpayer-funded programs like childcare, student aid, and safety-net programs. Americans play by the rules. Scammers should not get rewarded.
This is the right fight. Every dollar stolen through fraud is a dollar taken from workers, families, seniors, veterans, and small businesses that actually need the support.
We have got enough excuses, loopholes, and taxpayer money disappearing into fraud and abuse. Our government programs have a problem, and our taxpayers are the ones paying the price. These are the loopholes we are closing. We are cracking down on this and holding negligent State leaders accountable. We cannot lower our deficit without addressing the fraudulent spending throughout our country.
For a year and a half, Republicans have shone a light on the amount of fraud, abuse, and the sheer waste. We are reducing the deficit by cutting this spending, and it is happening on daily basis.
As I mentioned earlier, the data that I have here, I was told several months ago that they had canceled 400 licenses and only heard back from 12. That is obviously a green light to then reach out and identify more. If you cancel a license and you don't hear from that company or those stakeholders, you have definitely nailed that right aspect of finding that fraudulent activity.
It is a point that I hope that every American can really understand. This is not a partisan issue. Everything back here becomes partisan, but if you look at it and just actually take the data, this is a sensational thing that is going on, and it is going to continue to go on for the duration of this administration.
We must continue to courageously work to solve this crisis, and we cannot let it get too late.
Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to bring Utah's sound fiscal policies to Washington on the House Budget Committee, and I will continue to fight for the American family as we seek to give our children a better economic future.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Honoring the 158th Anniversary of the 14th Amendment
Pages H4535–H4537 · Official text(Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 3, 2025, Ms. Mejia of New Jersey was recognized for 30 minutes.)
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of this Special Order.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from New Jersey?
There was no objection.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the proud co-chair of the House Democratic Caucus' Defend the 14th Amendment Task Force.
This month, we mark the 158th anniversary of one of the most important amendments ever added to our Constitution.
Forged in the aftermath of the Civil War and paid for by the blood, sweat, and tears of Black freedom fighters and their allies, the 14th Amendment declared that every person born in these United States is anointed with inalienable rights and responsibilities, never to be infringed upon by the actions of any State or entity.
Together, with the 13th and 15th amendments, it marked what historians call: The second founding of our Nation, an effort to build a democracy that truly includes everyone.
History reminds us that writing rights into our Constitution is only the beginning.
For decades after Reconstruction, millions of Black Americans were denied those very rights through segregation, voter suppression, and racial violence.
The Constitution had not changed. What changed was whether or not our country chose to enforce it. It took generations of organizing and sacrifice before Congress passed the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and began making good on the promise that existed for nearly a century.
That history matters because it teaches us an important lesson: Constitutional rights do not appear or disappear overnight. They are built or weakened piece by piece, action by action. Court decisions, legislation, political rhetoric, actions that slowly erode the institutions designed to protect our democracy.
Viewed in isolation, the current challenges to birthright citizenship, due process, equal protection, and the freedom to vote may seem like isolated political actions, but viewed together it becomes crystal clear that our Constitution and the promise of our second founding is under attack.
What is more? It is clear that it is our duty as true patriots to combat it. That is why House Democrats created the Defend the 14th Amendment Task Force.
Our mission is simple: Defend the constitutional rights that generations of Americans fought to secure. Our rights are not guaranteed simply because they are written down. They endure because people defend them.
The generations before us marched, organized, and sacrificed to make the promises of the 14th Amendment real. They understood that democracy requires participation, accountability, and constant vigilance.
Now, that responsibility belongs to us. Every generation faces a defining test. For generations that ratified the 14th Amendment, it was whether America would finally recognize citizenship and the humanity of those who had been enslaved.
For the generations that marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, it was whether every American would have an equal voice at the ballot box.
Our generation faces a different question: Will we preserve those constitutional guarantees for the generations that follow? As long as I have the privilege of serving in this House, I will continue fighting to protect that promise for every family, community, and generation to come.
Mr. Speaker, the Constitution is only as strong as our willingness to defend it.
Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Cleaver).
Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the proud co-chair of the Defend the 14th Amendment Task Force because I believe in one simple truth: The 14th Amendment is now under siege.
For more than 150 years this amendment has stood as one of the greatest promises our Nation has ever made: That every person born in this country is entitled to equal protection under the law and that no government may deny anyone due process simply because of who they are or where they were an immigrant from.
It was born from one of the darkest chapters in American history. After slavery ended, our Nation faced a choice: We could preserve injustice under a different name, or we could expand the promise of freedom.
The 14th Amendment was our answer. It declared boldly that citizenship could not be rationed, equality could not be optional, and liberty belonged to all of us.
Today, that promise is being tested. This administration has made no secret of its willingness to chip away at the constitutional protections generations of Americans have fought, marched, bled, and even died to secure.
They are using every tool at their disposal to weaken the very rights that safeguard us all. For me, this fight is deeply personal.
I was born in the Jim Crow South, little place called Waxahachie, Texas. I came of age in a nation where equal protection existed only on paper long before it existed in practice.
I marched with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference starting when I was 15 years old. The SCLC was led by a young preacher by the name of Martin Luther King, Jr. I marched because I believed America could become what it claimed to be. I believed that the Constitution should protect every citizen equally. I witnessed firsthand what happens when governments decide some people deserve fewer rights than others.
The progress we celebrate today did not happen by accident. It happened because brave Americans demanded that the 14th Amendment finally be honored. It was the Equal Protection Clause that became the constitutional foundation for Brown v. Board of Education, ending legally sanctioned segregation in our public schools.
It was the 14th Amendment that strengthened the fight against discriminatory voting laws, housing discrimination, and unequal treatment in employment.
It was the 14th Amendment that has protected interracial marriage, expanded equality for women, safeguarded the rights of people with disabilities, and affirmed the dignity of LGBTQ Americans.
Time and time again, when our Nation has taken a step toward justice, it has done so because someone stood up and insisted that the words of the 14th Amendment actually meant what they say. That is why attack of any kind on equal protection and due process are not isolated legal disputes. They are attacks on the very foundation of modern civil rights.
They are attacks on the constitutional principle that tell every child they matter before the law. They are the attacks on the guarantees that protect workers from exploitation, families from discrimination, religious liberty, voting rights, and the simple expectation that government must treat people fairly.
When government weakens these protections for one group, it weakens them for everyone.
History teaches us that constitutional rights are rarely lost all at once. They are chipped away slowly, one exception, one excuse, one precedent at a time until Americans wake up and discover that what once seemed guaranteed has quietly disappeared.
We cannot allow this to happen.
Our constituents know what is at stake. They understand that the promise of America has been bigger than politics. They know that the Constitution belongs to every American, not just those in power.
As the co-chair of the 14th Amendment Task Force, I stand with my colleagues in defense of one of the most important guarantees ever written into our Constitution. We will defend equal protection. We will defend due process. We will defend, yes, birthright citizenship. We will continue fighting until the promise of the 14th Amendment is not merely something we celebrate in history books, but something that every American can experience in their daily lives.
The struggle to perfect our Union has never been easy, but every generation is called to protect the freedoms it inherited. Now, it is our turn.
Analilia Mejia (D-NJ)6:30 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Randall), my fellow co-chair.
Emily Randall (D-WA)6:30 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Mejia for her leadership.
Mr. Speaker, the 14th Amendment means what it says: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States. . . ." Those are the words on paper.
Donald Trump and Stephen Miller attempted to rewrite the Constitution through an executive order banning birthright citizenship for the children of undocumented immigrants. It is the same legal arguments that were first used when a white supremacist wanted to deny U.S. citizenship to Chinese Americans.
Four Supreme Court Justices dissented in the ruling to protect the 14th Amendment. That tells us that we are not safe from these continuous attacks from Donald Trump and his administration on our Constitution, on our freedom, and on our neighbors.
We know that the White House is currently scheming to have Trump's activist Supreme Court rehear the case that upheld the 14th Amendment, that upheld birthright citizenship.
This is all part of a larger agenda to dehumanize Black and Brown people in this country, to strip away their rights, and to normalize questioning who belongs here. Who is American enough?
It is why Republicans have funded Donald Trump's immigration agenda by $200 billion and why on the 158th anniversary of the 14th Amendment, my colleagues and I launched the Defend the 14th Amendment Task Force.
Our goal is simple: to defend the Constitution, to coordinate oversight and public education efforts, and to respond strongly to the Trump administration's attacks on our rights, on our freedom, on our Constitution, our country, and our communities.
We will stand up to these attacks on civil liberties. We must continue this fight to ensure that the citizens of the United States are protected and that nothing erodes these constitutional protections. It is our duty. It is our responsibility, and it is the oath we swore when we took this public office.
Mr. Speaker, I am so proud to be a co-chair of this task force and so proud to stand here in defense of our Constitution.
Analilia Mejia (D-NJ)6:30 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Chair Aguilar and my fellow co-chairs, Representatives Cleaver, Randall, Simon, and Subramanyam, for their leadership in launching the Defend the 14th Amendment Task Force.
This work is about protecting the Constitution's promise that every person deserves equal protection, due process, and the full rights of citizenship.
Those principles have shaped generations of progress in our country, and they are worth defending today just as they were 158 years ago. We owe it to those who came before us and those who will follow us to ensure that that promise endures.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Our Borrowing Is Terrifying
Pages H4537–H4540 · Official text(Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 3, 2025, Mr. Schweikert of Arizona was recognized for 30 minutes.)
Mr. Speaker, and to the room, I apologize. I was doing a tour for a former firefighter, who actually was paralyzed in the scope of his duties, but we were close.
Mr. Speaker, I am going to take 1 or 2 seconds here to try to straighten this out just a little bit.
The presentation tonight is going to be a little bit technical. Sorry about that. If you don't like math, if you don't like demographics, if you don't actually want to deal with the math I am going to give you, now would be a good time to go find something on Netflix.
I have been trying to make a point over and over around here that our borrowing is terrifying, and it is much worse than almost anyone is willing to talk about.
We actually had some of the Joint Economic economists meet with some of the Penn Wharton modelers over the last couple of days. When they used their population statistics, some of the coming years are even uglier than we get from CBO, what we get from OMB, and actually what we get from some of the other scorers.
Let's actually just sort of start this and put this in perspective and then understand there are solutions. You don't pay off the debt, but you can stabilize it.
What is the number one driver of U.S. sovereign debt? It is shocking how many of even our brothers and sisters here in this building get the math wrong. It is demographics, and it is the one thing we are really not supposed to tell the truth about.
Next year, there is a model that says we will have fewer under 18 than we had 20 years ago, but we will have almost double 65 and up than we had 20-plus years ago. It is baby boomers, and we have gone decade and decade without enough children. It is just math. Is that Republican or Democrat? It is just math.
Once again, all right, let's do this. For those of you who have actually paid attention over the years, you have noticed that over the time we talked about discretionary outlays. Today, it is down to about 25 percent. What is blue here is what you remember that Congress actually gets to vote on. What is red here is almost all formulaic, and that is part of the problem.
As Members of Congress today, we could all hold hands, sing kumbaya, love each other, get rid of every dime that is discretionary--now, that is nondefense and defense, but it is what we vote on--and you still couldn't balance the budget.
Remember, last year, for every dollar we took in, we spent $1.43. So far this year--and, look, I am hoping it bends back down, but this year, the number is even worse.
Interest this year, our model--just interest, total interest, so the interest we have to pay back the trust funds, the interest we have to pay the people who are willing to buy U.S. bonds, it is the second biggest expense in the Federal Government, so Social Security, interest, Medicare, Medicaid and ObamaCare subsidies, defense--once again, remember, defense, the thing that is in the Constitution, is actually number five.
That interest may come in close to $1.3 trillion this year. That is about 20 percent. One of my charts is going to say 19, but my math is closer to 20 percent of all tax receipts go just to pay interest.
I am going to say this two or three times in different ways. In 9 budget years, we have a model that says 30 to 33 percent of all the tax receipts will go just to interest. So you pay a dollar. In 9 years, what happens if a third of that money's function is just covering the interest on the debt pileup?
It is important to understand this chart and why I show it. I start with it all the time.
All right. Let's keep doing this.
Net interest as a percentage of total revenues would approach 30 percent, and understand, we have a model that actually is over 30. It is actually as high as 33 percent.
Here we are. Right now, we are in this slot here, so 19 to 20 percent of all of our tax receipts is going to interest in 9 budget years.
This should terrify you. How many bridges, how much helping people get healthy, how many benefits is the interest paying? No. I mean, it does benefit those who buy the bonds, and there is the Ray Dalio theory that it is still money circulating back into the economy, but it is money that does not go to meet the mission of the Federal Government. It is basically paying for past spending.
The ethical question here is: Is borrowing a tax hike? Now, for some of the antitax groups--I love them. I would cut spending dramatically. I voted that way, and I am in a tough district.
Let's be honest, what is the running joke here, Mr. Speaker? No one ever got unelected by spending too much money.
It is sort of perverse, but the bond market will basically be running the Federal Government in the next few years because of the influence it will have and the damage it can do to us.
That is a percentage to understand.
Let's actually dig in a little bit more. The boards, because I started late, are all upside down. So forgive me, I am going to be bouncing these around.
The rising national debt will lower wages. This is something we have been looking at over and over. We keep talking about affordability. Two weeks ago, I brought an academic paper and showed some charts that basically said if mortgage rates--a 30-year home loan rate today is what? Today, it is running 6.5, 6.7. If we weren't borrowing as much money as we are today, it would be 5.5, a full percentage point lower. I was showing how that is several thousand dollars a year on the average home price in America.
The next time someone is talking about we need to do stuff on home affordability, we absolutely do. One of the most powerful things we could do is actually convince the bond markets that the borrowing isn't going to keep going up and going up, that actually the Federal Government--and, remember, it is federal governments all over the world just bingeing because of their demographics. They now have their retirement populations. They need to finance those benefits, and almost everything we are doing now is on borrowed money.
Just to understand, there is a principle out there, whether it be your home loan being actually over a full point higher in interest rates because of Federal Government borrowing, but we are also suppressing your wages. Because that capital, when it is in the market, helps a business, plant and equipment, keep investing in more productivity. Higher productivity actually means you can pay people more.
Remember your old high school economics class? The two ways you raise wages: inflation--well, that doesn't get you anything; it just means your wages go up, but your purchasing power has gone down--or productivity. You are making more whatever you did because you invested in plant and equipment or better processes or better technology. That technology can't be financed because the Federal Government pushed up interest rates and consumed the capital.
All right, that hopefully is making sense.
Let's do this. Remember I was trying to talk about housing affordability? This is also another chart to just sort of understand what this means. On an average-priced home in my marketplace, which is the Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe sort of area, a home is just a little under $500,000 with no downpayment, so we just mortgage the whole thing. What if you could get what our model says, if we weren't borrowing so much, and get a 5.5 percent rate in today's market?
If you actually look at what we have done to mortgage rates, that differential costs homeowners several thousand dollars over that year, just to understand what this does.
Let's have a little more fun here. Now, I did this one because I am going to do a whole section here on labor force participation. You go, who cares?
It is a big deal, and we are seeing some really funky numbers out there in some of that, and some of it is because we are getting older. Some of it is younger people are entering the labor force later, but there is some hope on that side of the ledger.
But there is some difficulty here. So I decided I would actually grab a couple of slides from Arizona just to sort of demonstrate labor force participation rates in Arizona. You see this red line here? So the blue is America.
Why has Arizona crashed? Well, we actually had some problems. Arizona, particularly the Phoenix and Tucson area, had become sort of the back office, the call centers, the back-office accounting centers of America. Much of this type of job has now become automated, and now we are starting to see it in our job numbers and the number of people who are actually choosing to leave the labor force because they are older and they actually have given up looking.
But take a look at this chart, and you start to understand what we are seeing, and this number is actually fairly recent. This is as of May 2026, so this is old data.
We always think of Arizona as being this remarkable growth center. The reality right now: We have stumbled, and we are going to have to really do some things to actually start to deal with the reality of what is going on in our labor market.
As you actually take a look at it even further--just because I love my State and I care--this is the national unemployment rate. You see this spiking here? This is basically us right now, particularly what has been happening over the last several months. Our employment rates are actually really starting to spike up more; we are starting to see a real differential in Arizona compared to the rest of the country. This is what happens when you don't fixate on bringing the next generation of employment into your marketplace.
All right? So let's geek out a little bit more. I am going to show you this chart because it is absurd. It is a chart that makes me--Social Security actuaries basically published a report, what, 3 weeks ago, and, yes, I have a tabbed copy, and I meant to bring it up here, but we were out doing the tour.
I want you to see something. You tell me how the Social Security actuaries came up with this number. So right here, this is actually the U.S. population and they have it falling and falling and falling. So a little beyond--so call it 2027, and then, suddenly, they have the U.S. population coming back up.
We don't see this on Census Bureau data. We don't see this in some of the university data. We don't see this on some of the population statistics groups. Somehow the actuaries for Social Security actually say that we are going to get several years down. The population is going to--you know, birthrates are going to continue to fall. Fertility rates are going to continue to fall, but then, suddenly, magically, they are going to come back.
And that is why so many of us are so concerned about the long-run numbers they have published, because this growth rate in fertility population, I don't think matches reality.
When you have people talking about in 6 years to 6 years and 3 months, the Social Security actuaries have the trust fund being empty, but don't worry, because the long-run rate is we are in real trouble. But it actually has, we believe, completely unsupportable population statistics in it.
All right. So that was my attempt to mock the Social Security actuarial report.
I am sorry for me going fast, but I only have about 20 more minutes to try to do this.
This chart is really, really important, and it is new to us.
So net entries into the labor force. If the Social Security trust fund is empty in 6 years and 3 months, if the Medicare trust fund is empty pretty much at the same time, the model says that if we follow the law, those of us on Social Security will take a 22 percent to 24 percent cut. That means the doubling of senior poverty in 6\1/2\ years to 7 years from now.
The Medicare trust fund will be empty. One of our problems in the Medicare healthcare spending is that we refuse to have a conversation of how to lower healthcare prices. We keep having discussions of how to manipulate and do financial engineering on healthcare.
So we have turned healthcare into a financing issue instead of the adoption of technology, where you can functionally wear your own medical lab, you can use technology to actually refer yourself, those things. Because we are terrified to actually explain to the armies in our hallways who are here lobbying us that in less than 7 years, Medicare spending will double.
It will go from $1 trillion last year to some 6 years to 7 years from now, $2 trillion, and, at that time, the trust fund is empty. If you are a hospital, you are taking at least a 12 percent cut.
This is what is happening in the numbers. Why this is important is that: One of the ways you grow an economy is either with a stable or growing population, and particularly if that population has risen in skill sets. That is why so many countries around the industrialized world fight like hell for talent-based immigration.
You don't bring mass poverty across the border. You go out and recruit really smart people, because they pay a hell of a lot of taxes. This chart is basically saying that in just a few years, our labor force actually starts to decrease, and that is 2.8 million in 2030. That is how many years from now, Mr. Speaker? It is 2026. So think of this. In 4 years, the data says that the U.S. available labor population actually starts to shrink by over 2.8 million people.
Now, you tell me. How am I supposed to make the money, the math, the data, and the finances work for these programs? You have to do the unified theory of--whether it be a talent-based immigration system, the adoption of technology, the redesigning of incentives, you are going to have to do dozens and dozens of things, and we are not willing to do that yet.
All right. Look, this is a complicated board. It doesn't work on television. It doesn't really work on a floor speech, but I just need you to understand that what we are looking at is because we are aging as a population without enough young people, that our percentages of who are available to us--this is 2026. This is 1977. It would basically explain that when I was a kid in the 1970s, for every dollar we spent on seniors, we spent almost $7 on people who were functionally young.
Today, that number has flipped, and it has just flipped because the demographics have flipped. It is the same thing as what happened here with who is available to be in the labor force.
Much of our labor force population now is much older. The jobs available for the young are half what we had when I was young. It is just baby boomers.
We knew people were going to turn 65 for how many years? I mean, this place, in some ways, is so incredibly absurd in its unwillingness to basically do basic math. I remember sitting in a statistics class in around 1981, and the professor then was talking about what baby boomers meant to the economy. Here I am, a Member of Congress all these years later, and it is like we are just now discovering it.
All right. Here is actually something--it is hopeful, but the next slide will actually take the wind out of your sails.
So prime-age labor force participation, so the people we consider sort of in their prime working years, actually, we are doing really well here. Some of the growth in the economy, some of the investment in the economy, for prime age, we have 84 percent. But here is my problem: Labor force participation of those 55 and up has been crashing.
There are lots of reasons to debate this and discuss this. Is this skill sets? Is it the adoption of technology? Is it the wealth effects of as asset prices have gone up so much, we have people who are able to retire early? It is a combination of everything, but these workers are often our most productive.
So just understand that prime working-aged people are actually doing really well working and being in the labor force. Those of us who are older, we have been disappearing like crazy, and we actually see that in our productivity numbers.
All right. Mr. Speaker, I warned you this was going to be a little geeky.
Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time I have remaining.
The SPEAKER pro tempore6:50 p.m.
The gentleman from Arizona has 10 minutes remaining.
David Schweikert (R-AZ)6:50 p.m.
Excellent. I am probably going to use every one of them. No, I will try to go as fast as I can here.
The U.S. population age 65 and up, and I go back to 2011: 41 million. This year, I have 63 million.
Okay. Wonderful. I am one of these. I am basically 64. Now, understand, my wife and I are both 64, and I have a 4-year-old and a 10-year-old, so we are very optimistic about the future, or we are out of our minds, but we all knew this was happening.
David Schweikert (R-AZ)7:00 p.m.
We did what to shore up the trust funds? We did what to basically incentivize our brothers and sisters to stay in the labor force if they wanted to?
We had dozens of things--I have been here 16 years, and I have spent most of that time trying to get this place to actually deal with the reality of let's save Social Security. Let's actually save Medicare. Let's do those things that help us grow. Let's adopt the technology so we can crash the price of healthcare.
I have had some success on the edges, but I lose to the armies of lobbyists that are in the hallways here that lose their minds because we may change their business models.
Mr. Speaker, we are now borrowing about $90,000 every second. Today, we will borrow about $7 billion. The current burn rate so far this fiscal year, just this fiscal year, we are going come in close to $2.2 to $2.3 trillion of borrowing, and yet, we have higher interest rates.
How long is the bond market going to keep saying we are going to finance you because how much of the benefits that our brothers and sisters who are older have earned we are actually borrowing the money?
Seniors per hundred workers--and actually, here is just the simple math. How many of us grew up always hearing you have got 23 people per retiree, and that is how we finance Social Security? I have shown some charts here where in the end of a decade from now, you have about 2.3, and it is this: In 2011, we had 21.9 working-age folks per senior. Today, actually, that number has eroded 47 percent increase in that change. It is almost a 50 percent change in that time, and it actually steepens. Part of the steepening isn't because we have more seniors. It is also because we have substantially fewer young people.
All right. Mr. Speaker, 65 will continue to grow as a share of the population. In 9 budget years, 21.4 percent of the population will be in their benefit ages. Our system wasn't prepared for this. In 25 or 26 months from now, I should have double checked the math, over half of the Federal spending will go to those of us 65 and up. That is not half of the tax receipts.
Remember, if we are borrowing $2.3 trillion on top--but think about that. Our government functionally is an insurance company with an Army.
All right. This is actually one of my intense frustrations. Let's take a look. The trustee's report projects this significantly more optimistically than the other sources. Remember I showed you a chart there, and I was somewhat mocking the trustee's report, basically saying they have this magic thing where fertility rates crash and crash and crash, and that is within the next 9 years, and then suddenly, magically it explodes upward. No one else has that.
Here is the Medicare and Social Security actuary's trustees saying, oh, well, we are going to go along, but magically when we get to 2030, they are going to start to go up. This has created a distortion. That is actually why you see groups like my Joint Economic Committee, Penn Wharton, so many of the others, saying the trustees are missing it. The debt the United States is in is dramatically more devastating.
Mr. Speaker, 2030, 2035 isn't that far away.
I am sure we are all going to get together and decide we are going to do a debt deficit commission. I am sure we are all going get together and lay out the incentives of how we actually manage this crisis. I am sure we are going to do those things to convince the bond markets that we are creditworthy because here is part of the frustration.
Greece, today, can sell a 10-year bond cheaper than the United States. Greece today has a better forward credit rating than the United States. We are now 13 or 14 on the credit stack where other countries can actually sell a 10-year bond cheaper than we can.
And I keep wondering. I have been coming behind this microphone for almost a decade and a half. We have been introducing pieces of legislation that could revolutionize the costs of healthcare, could actually make government dramatically more efficient, and I almost can't get a single Member of Congress to consponsor any of this legislation because you have to go to war with all the lobbyists because it means changing the bureaucracies or the business models out there. It is like they basically have this attitude: Screw the society. Screw my kids. Screw your retirement, as long as I don't have to tell the truth about the math.
Today, your government borrowed about $90,000 a second. Yesterday, we borrowed about $90,000 a second. Tomorrow, we are going to borrow--that is like $7 billion today. We will argue for hours here on the floor for millions.
I need you to see a chart. If this is a billion dollars, if this is a trillion dollars, millions is basically this tiny little--the lack of calculators here is a destruction of this Republic.
There are those who actually tell me, David, it is waste and fraud. It is this and that. I have done presentations to show you our best calculations of waste and fraud. It is a problem, but it is a sliver because the majority of what we call waste and fraud is actually the waste. It is the way we have designed programs.
Mr. Speaker, I don't believe my brothers and sisters here are actually willing to do the hard things and tell the truth about the math and then redesign these programs because it means getting the crap kicked out of you by the lobbying and the business models out there. That means creating a revolution of taking on the debt and deficits.
We will pay a remarkable price for the fact that the Penn Wharton models within a decade had us actually already approaching the no-go numbers of being able to sell our U.S. debt. At that point the bonds explode, and the bond market runs this country.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Honoring Senator Lindsey Graham
Pages H4540–H4543 · Official text(Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 3, 2025, Mr. Wilson of South Carolina was recognized for 30 minutes.)
Mr. Speaker, the South Carolina House delegation is humbled to pay tribute to our beloved late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham. We have several Members here tonight to speak.
Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from South Carolina, (Mr. Norman) of Rock Hill.
Mr. Speaker, first of all, I thank Congressman Wilson for organizing this tribute to a dear friend of all of us, not only in South Carolina but all over every State in this country.
I wish everyone could have been in the Senate well when Darline, his sister, took the oath of office from the President pro-tempore of the Senate and then took the desk that Lindsey had occupied for 24 years in the Senate. It was moving. It was a tribute to Lindsey Graham that she was able to do this and appointed by Governor McMaster.
Lindsey understood that success in South Carolina meant looking out for every South Carolinian. Whether it was a major defense project or a small-town infrastructure need, he fought to bring Federal resources back to South Carolina and make sure that every corner of our State had a voice in Washington, D.C.
From securing the Medal of Honor for a marine, Major James Capers--it was a 5-year timeframe to work to get Major Capers the Medal of Honor, Lindsey was a part of that--to supporting our military installations, strengthening our border security, defending the rights of States and advancing priorities that benefit South Carolina, we worked side-by-side on issues that mattered to those back home.
He believed in delivering results, not just making speeches. He knew that the work of elected officials is measured by what they accomplish for the people they represent, and he consistently fought to ensure that South Carolina received its fair share of opportunities.
We didn't have to agree on every issue. Lindsey never had an enemy that I knew of, and you could disagree with him while not being disagreeable.
When there was an opportunity to move the State forward, Lindsey was willing to put the work in. This was evidenced to me when I went on a trip to Munich, Germany, back in 2020. I think it was a 4-day trip.
I watched him go to every meeting of every country that was there primarily to share our ideas and to bring companies back to the United States, which benefited every State in the Union. He had a passion for that, particularly a passion for Ukraine and other countries that he had a belief in.
His legacy will include far more than legislation. He will be remembered in the communities that benefited from his advocacy, the veterans he fought for, the historic sites he worked to preserve, and the love he continuously included and worked for for countless South Carolinians.
Lives were improved, families benefited from the efforts that they showed. He had a constituency staff second to none. If you called Lindsey Graham's office, he did what he could to help you out, regardless of whether you were from South Carolina or not.
He was a funny man. Like any good comedian, it is not what he said, it is how he said it.
Lindsey Graham made his life work for the betterment of South Carolina and the betterment of others. He will be sorely missed in this State and sorely missed by Darline, who he raised and adopted after both parents died.
We thank him for a life well lived. Again, I thank Joe for having this moment to recognize a great man.
Joe Wilson (R-SC)7:10 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Norman for his heartfelt comments.
Indeed, I agree with and appreciated talk radio show host Kelly Nash, WVOC, who correctly began statewide broadcasting Monday that South Carolinians are heartbroken upon learning of the passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham on Saturday.
I will always be grateful for my decades-long association with Senator Graham, as we served together. He was the South Carolina Air Guard Staff Judge Advocate, and I was the South Carolina Army Staff Judge Advocate serving together. Courageously, after one of our drill days, he announced to me his candidacy for the State House from Oconee County, South Carolina.
I immediately congratulated him, but then I caught myself, and I remembered that, in fact, nobody from our party had ever been elected from Oconee County to the State House. Indeed he made history and became the first Republican elected from Oconee to the State House of South Carolina.
Sunday morning, when I spoke with President Donald Trump, I knew he shared the grief of all South Carolinians. It was just heartfelt to hear him as we reviewed the service of Senator Graham, understanding that he truly was a champion for peace through strength, dedicated to public service, his military career, his service as a veteran, and his service in the State House, U.S. Senate, and in every way backing up the people of South Carolina.
Senator Graham's last week of life was symbolic of his dedication for America. He attended the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkiye. While he was there, he met with President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria. It was really very significant because he had been skeptical, as many people, about the new Government of Syria. He, upon meeting with President al-Sharaa, identified that President Donald Trump was correct, give Syria a chance, and so it was exciting that he announced that he looked forward to actual progress with the new Government of Syria to be working with the United States.
Additionally, he next went to Kyiv, Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. While he was there, it was so impressive that he had the opportunity to also visit a drone manufacturing facility to see the extraordinary success of the people of Ukraine, who are going to be victorious over war criminal Putin.
With the development of drone technology, indeed, the people of Ukraine are an inspiration. While he was there, he was able to announce that in working with President Donald Trump that there would be sanctions on war criminal Putin and on Russia. Indeed, it is so meaningful that indeed as soon as we got back to Washington, the U.S. Senate--I thank Senator John Cornyn and others--have made it possible that there will be a Russian Sanctions Act which, indeed, will be in the name of Lindsey Graham as the Lindsey Graham Russian Sanctions Act. It will be so impressive to help back up the people of Ukraine.
Additionally, when Senator Graham arrived back in Washington on Saturday, how incredible that he had the strength and fortitude to have a very long conversation with President Donald Trump to review the activities of the week and the successes that he saw of the Trump administration to provide peace through strength, but suddenly there was sudden death right after the phone call.
With that, myself personally, when I learned of the passing of the Senator, I was at Souda Bay in Greece visiting Navy personnel of the U.S. Navy to, indeed, thank them for their service. As soon as I heard about the passing, within an hour, I sent a tweet: "With the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham, he will always be cherished as an American patriot, tireless for peace through strength, successful defeating totalitarians. All three generations of the Wilson family extend deepest sympathy and appreciation of his dedicated service."
The three generations of the Wilson family begin with my wife, Roxanne, and myself. I am really grateful our son, Attorney General Alan Wilson, who we have really been so appreciative, was to be on the Lindsey Graham Republican ticket as the nominee for Governor of South Carolina in November. The Wilson family is so happy to work with persons and now with Darline Graham, what a wonderful person.
Then our third generation actually, Houston Wilson of SMU served as a Graham U.S. Senate floor page. Over and over again, our family appreciates personally and the people of South Carolina are so grateful for the service of Senator Lindsey Graham.
I am very happy that we have been joined by Congressman Russell Fry of Surfside Beach, and I now yield to him.
Russell Fry (R-SC)7:10 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Joe Wilson for organizing this fitting tribute to a statesman who we will surely miss. I join my colleagues here both from South Carolina but really around the country, and indeed around the world, in mourning the passing of our senior Senator, statesman Lindsey Graham.
Lindsey was more than just a Senator. He was a dedicated public servant, a fierce advocate for South Carolina, and an even better person and a great friend. His life, his legacy are the people and the lives that he touched, the energy that he brought to public service, the dedication to issues, the enjoyment of a good argument, even when you disagreed with him, and the humor that he always had really in almost every situation. It really was kind of a hallmark of who he was.
He was from central South Carolina, born to working-class parents who died very early. He was placed in an incredible predicament, at 21 years of age, to take care of his 13-year-old sister. What an insane thing to think about in our country right now, that somebody would do that and that they would not just try to do it--a lot of people would try to care for their siblings--but that they would be successful in that endeavor and really stop and take a moment and make sure that your number one mission was the success of your family and your young sister.
Lindsey's entire world was turned upside down when he lost his parents, but he did a remarkable job. I think that shows who he is as a person.
He has had a lot of titles, Mr. Speaker. He was in the State legislature; he was a Congressman; and he was our Senator for 30 years. In South Carolina, we have Senators for a long time. Thirty years is a long time in this body, and what a mark it is that he left.
Some people come up to Washington, D.C., and hit "yes," hit "no," and think that they have done something impactful, but Lindsey Graham was a mover and a shaker. He really understood how to maneuver and how to work with people to accomplish something.
I think it was said by Mr. Wilson earlier that even when you disagreed with him, he found something that we could work on together. That is a hallmark of who he was.
I first saw Lindsey when I was 18 years old, and he was campaigning for the first time for the United States Senate. It was after 9/11. He was in Congress at the time but was campaigning. Our President then, George W. Bush, was campaigning with him in Columbia, South Carolina. I just remember at such a young age, just the moment after 9/11, how impacted the country was and the feeling of unity. Certainly, the President captured that at the time. He captured that, and it really helped land him in the United States Senate.
I, fortunately, interned for him. It was an interesting summer because Lindsey always liked to tackle tough issues. He didn't come up here to not be in the middle of the fray.
President Teddy Roosevelt talks about the man in the arena, that even if he fails, he does so striving valiantly. That particular summer, Mr. Speaker, was the summer that he tried to tackle comprehensive immigration reform, which landed him in a lot of hot water from both sides of the political aisle.
I just remember that summer. Of course, I loved it. I had never been to D.C., but I loved the experience of fielding phone calls and seeing how our government works. That was who he was.
Later, Mr. Speaker, when I got elected to Congress, the Senator jokingly asked if I wanted my desk back from when I was an intern and my old headset back, but the scars from that summer were still fresh. I did not take him up on that offer.
The great thing about the Senator that I would say, just as a person who grew up watching his career and then being part of Team South Carolina and fighting for the State, was that he really invested in people. He would work with Congressman Wilson's office and Congressman Clyburn, the whole delegation. He would work with our new addition, our fantastic addition, Mrs. Biggs, to try to find ways to advance issues that she was working on.
He worked on things that mattered to South Carolina, whether it was an appropriation for a firehouse in Cheraw, South Carolina, whether it was a piece of legislation that he and I worked on, the Logan Federico act, it would be a phenomenally good change in the way that we track violent criminals in this State.
He always had his finger on the pulse of what was going on. He was always thinking about how to make the lives of South Carolinians and the American people a little bit better.
Everyone knows how impactful he was not just in the Senate but with the White House. He was the unofficial whisperer to President Trump, how to navigate and have success in this body and in this town, making sure that you are delivering an agenda that the American people elected you to do.
That takes real courage, that takes guts, and that takes a lot of long days and evenings navigating that endless array of traps that you could fall into, Mr. Speaker, but that was who he was. He didn't sit around and wait for things to happen. He was always in the middle, trying to make sure that we were delivering on the things that we said we would.
It was always an honor, Mr. Speaker, to work with him and Mr. Wilson, of course, and this whole delegation. It matters greatly. His loss is going to be tough to deal with just on a personal level but also on the way that he helped deliver for South Carolina.
In 2 Timothy, the Apostle Paul writes: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for His appearing."
My friend, Lindsey Graham, has fought the good fight. He has kept the faith. Although unexpectedly, I know he is reunited with his parents. He has received that crown, and in the midst of that beautiful reunion, he has heard the words: Well done, My good and faithful servant.
Joe Wilson (R-SC)7:20 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Russell Fry from the Seventh District. Indeed, 2 Timothy is a proper reference from the Bible of a person whom we so admire.
We are so fortunate to be joined this evening by the Congresswoman from the Third District of South Carolina, Sheri Biggs.
Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from South Carolina (Mrs. Biggs).
Sheri Biggs (R-SC)7:20 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding. I really appreciate the leadership of Congressman Wilson and Congressman Fry's friendship.
Mr. Speaker, today, South Carolina mourns the loss of one of its most dedicated public servants, Senator Lindsey Graham. I can't tell you how many calls I have gotten this week, some of them not even our constituents and some of them not even from the State of South Carolina. I think the impact that Senator Graham made was worldwide, as my colleagues have already mentioned.
I know this week Governor McMaster appropriately named Darline to fill her brother's term, and I applaud that decision. We wish her success and Team South Carolina is here to assist in anything that she may need during her term.
Lindsey's story was a South Carolina story. He was raised in the town of Central, which is in my district. He learned the value of hard work in his family's restaurant.
After losing both his parents while attending college, he became the guardian of his younger sister, Darline, putting family before himself and demonstrating the character that would define his life.
As a healthcare provider, as a psychiatric mental health practitioner, I can't help but think about what that must have been like for that young man, the enormous responsibility and how he put everything before his own self. From that moment on, service became the defining purpose of his life.
Senator Graham earned his law degree. He served our Nation in the United States Air Force, retiring as a colonel after more than three decades. He devoted over 30 years to representing the people of South Carolina in the statehouse, in the United States House of Representatives, and in the United States Senate.
His commitment to service, his love for South Carolina, and his unwavering devotion to the people he represented will leave a legacy that endures for generations.
I have had members of the military call in this week to express their sincere condolences for our loss in South Carolina.
He was a friend to South Carolina, but he was also a friend to other States and other nations. He will be missed dearly.
Throughout his career, he was a steadfast champion of our conservative principles. Not everyone agreed with his politics and his policies, but one thing I think that we can agree on is that he did love his State and loved his country.
He fought hard to shape the conservative Supreme Court as we know it today. He defended the sanctity of life. He championed our servicemembers and veterans. He remained one of the strongest advocates for our allies abroad.
I was thinking earlier today, when we were in Seneca, South Carolina, with some Members who were supporters of Israel. We talked about our faith. I remember him standing in front of that congregation. It was at a church, and he was so passionate about his work and those people. He didn't hesitate for 1 minute to talk about his faith. Those are the things that I will remember, how strong he was and how he didn't waver one bit.
Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Senator Lindsey Graham's extraordinary life of service and in praying for his family and all who mourn his loss.
Joe Wilson (R-SC)7:20 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Sheri Biggs for her words. Indeed, it is such a great honor for all of us to serve with the gentlewoman.
Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time remains.
The SPEAKER pro tempore7:20 p.m.
The gentleman from South Carolina has 9 minutes remaining.
Indeed, I am grateful because I wanted to really bring to the attention of the American people and to the people in South Carolina the deep affection that President Donald Trump had for our senior Senator Lindsey Graham.
In fact, the White House statement upon his death is so clear, and that is that President Trump reflects on the life and legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham following his sudden passing this weekend. It is a really touching situation. President Trump describes the loss as deeply personal. "He's a tough one to lose. He was great. He was unique in every way . . . I just can't believe it. He was like a member of the family to me. It's very tough, actually. He was such an advocate."
Additionally, President Trump reflected on his final conversation with Senator Graham: "It's devastating. I thought he was fine. He called me last night . . . What a terrible loss it is. He was a great politician. He was a natural. There are very few of them. He was a natural politician. He got along with everybody."
Additionally, President Trump singled out Senator Graham's passionate defense of Brett Kavanaugh as a stand-out Senate moment. "I think his finest moment was his defense of Brett Kavanaugh, who's a terrific guy and was treated very, very unfairly by the Democrats . . . I think it was a top 10, maybe a top 5, moment in the history of the Senate. It was an incredible display, and he did it from the heart. He felt strongly about Brett, and he did it from the heart, and he turned the whole thing around."
President Trump praised Senator Graham's political skill and ability to build relationships. The President says: "He got along with everybody and yet, he was a tough cookie in a lot of ways. Honestly, he was a great politician. People don't realize what a good politician he was . . . This man was a great politician. He really got it."
Additionally, he reflected on the broader legacy of Senator Graham: "We lost great man. He was a great man. He was a great politician, and he was a kind man . . . The real loser was the United States of America. We lost a great person, a kind person, a very smart person . . . Everything for him was about work. It was about loving the country."
It has been really so remarkable to see the outpouring around the world: There were calls from members of the National Assembly of Bulgaria, from the Bundestag in Germany, and from the National Assembly in Thailand.
As Congresswoman Biggs has so carefully and clearly stated, worldwide Lindsey Graham was appreciated for what he has done for Peace Through Strength, to our rebuild our military and alliances around the world.
Additionally, I am very grateful that there were a number of editorials that I hope people will look up. For example, it was very meaningful to me, the New York Post had a wonderful tribute to him, indeed: "Washington in shock as Senate stalwart dies suddenly at 71 Death of a Patriot." How clear that is. The article further identifies what an extraordinary individual the Senator was.
With that, they also had an editorial that truly was meaningful, in that the sudden passage of Senator Graham "immediately brought well-deserved, fulsome tributes from across the political spectrum, but actions can speak louder than words--and his colleagues in Washington and his beloved South Carolina have clear opportunities to honor his legacy by continuing it.
"Specifically, the House and Senate can pass the additional `secondary' sanctions on Vladimir Putin's Russian war machine that Graham pushed in recent months." Indeed, that is being done today.
Also, I want to commend that there has been a remarkable editorial that I hope some people read from The Wall Street Journal: Lindsey Graham, the Senator was an influential voice for global world leadership.
I want to thank the chairman of the Republican Party, Drew McKissick, for his heartfelt tribute from the South Carolina Republican Party that truly indicates the love and affection that the people of South Carolina have for Lindsey Graham.
Then it goes on to I am really grateful for the National Review--which was the initial conservative publication for so many of us and with a South Carolina connection--William F. Buckley, Jr. and the Buckley family of Camden, South Carolina. The National Review had a wonderful review by Jeffrey Blehar on July 14, indicating what an extraordinary individual Senator Lindsey Graham was.
Then it continues with references by other publications from around the world as to the accomplishments of Senator Lindsey Graham and all of us that have had the opportunity to serve with him.
I also want everyone to know that the other Members of Congress had different conflicts, but bipartisan Congressman Jim Clyburn wanted to extend his greatest sympathy. He and Senator Graham really had a great working relationship. It was bipartisan.
I am grateful to the Congresswoman from the First District, Congresswoman Nancy Mace, who indeed has been grief-stricken and released statements.
I appreciate the statements from Congressman William Timmons of Greenville, Congressman Ralph Norman, Congressman Russell Fry, Congresswoman Sheri Biggs, and Senator Tim Scott. We are so fortunate, the Federal delegation that we have is so tied together with deep appreciation of the service that each of us have had.
Mr. Speaker, I am humbled to be here tonight to pay tribute to a great American, a great patriot, and a South Carolinian who will always be cherished.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Adjournment
Page H4543 · Official textMr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.
The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 7 o'clock and 36 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 9 a.m.
Executive Communications, Etc.
Page H4543 · Official textUnder clause 2 of rule XIV, executive communications were taken from the Speaker's table and referred as follows:
Text printed in the Record (5,717 characters)
EC-4081. A letter from the Assistant to the Board, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, transmitting the Board's final rule -- Financial Data Transparency Act Joint Data Standards [Docket No.: R1837] (RIN: 7100-AG-79) received June 26, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Financial Services.
EC-4082. A letter from the Secretary, Division of Investment Management, Securities and Exchange Commission, transmitting the Commission's final rule -- Financial Data Transparency Act Joint Data Standards [Release No.: 33-11420; 34-105536; IA-6967; IC-36163 File No.: S7-2024-05] (RIN: 3235-AN32) received June 26, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Financial Services.
EC-4083. A letter from the Acting Deputy Secretary, Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education, transmitting the Department's Major final rule --Accountability in Higher Education and Access Through Demand-Driven Workforce Pell: Student Tuition and Transparency System (STATS) and Earnings Accountability [Docket ID ED-2026-OPE-0100] (RIN: 1840-AE06) received July 1, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Education and Workforce.
EC-4084. A letter from the Regulations Coordinator, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Department of Health and Human Services, transmitting the Administration's final rule -- Reducing Bureaucracy and Burden for Children, Youth, and Family Programs (RIN: 0970-AD37) received July 6, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Education and Workforce.
EC-4085. A letter from the Assistant Secretary for Legislation, Department of Health and Human Services, transmitting the Department's Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee 2024-2025 Strategic Plan Update: Understanding the Impact of Co-occurring Conditions in Autistic Individuals, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 280i-2(b)(6)(B); July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title III, Sec. 399CC (as amended by Public Law 118-180, Sec. 3(c)(1)(C)); (138 Stat. 2617); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
EC-4086. A letter from the Assistant Secretary for Legislation, Department of Health and Human Services, transmitting the 2022 Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) Summary of Advances in Autism Research and the 2024 IACC Summary of Advances in Autism Research, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
EC-4087. A letter from the Regulations Coordinator, Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, transmitting the Department's final rule --Amendment and Revocation of Organizational Information Regulations [Docket No.: FDA-2026-N-6404] (RIN: 0910-AJ24) received June 2, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
EC-4088. A letter from the Chief Regulatory Officer, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security, transmitting the Department's Major final rule --Alien Registration Form and Evidence of Registration [CIS No.: 2810-25; DHS Docket No.: USCIS-2025-0004] (RIN: 1615-AC96) received June 29, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on the Judiciary.
EC-4089. A letter from the Manager, Legal Litigation and Support, AGC-010, FAA, Department of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Amendment of Using Agency and Controlling Agency for Restricted Areas R-5301, R-5302A, R-5302B, and R-5302C; NC [Docket No.: FAA-2026-7162; Airspace Docket No.: 26-ASO-10] (RIN: 2120-AA66) received July 10, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
EC-4090. A letter from the Manager, Legal Litigation and Support, AGC-010, FAA, Department of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters [Docket No.: FAA-2025-2551; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00191-R; Amendment 39-23386; AD 2026-13-04] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received July 10, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
EC-4091. A letter from the Manager, Legal Litigation and Support, AGC-010, FAA, Department of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters [Docket No.: FAA-2026-3482; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01288-R; Amendment 39-23390; AD 2026-13-08] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received July 10, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
EC-4092. A letter from the Chief, Regulatory Development Division, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Department of Transportation, transmitting the Department's final rule -- Removal of Self-Reporting Requirement [Docket No.: FMCSA-2025-0111] (RIN: 2126-AC85) received June 29, 2026, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
EC-4093. A letter from the Clerk of the House, Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives, transmitting the annual compilation of financial disclosure statements filed with the Clerk of the House of Representatives (H. Doc. No. 119--174); to the Committee on Ethics and ordered to be printed.
Reports of Committees on Public Bills and Resolutions
Page H4543 · Official textUnder clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of committees were delivered to the Clerk for printing and reference to the proper calendar, as follows:
Text printed in the Record (350 characters)
Mr. STEIL: Committee on House Administration. H.R. 9368. A bill to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require the provision of identification as a condition of casting a ballot in an election for Federal Office, and for other purposes; with an amendment (Rept. 119-750). Referred to the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
Public Bills and Resolutions
Pages H4543–H4545 · Official textUnder clause 2 of rule XII, public bills and resolutions of the following titles were introduced and severally referred, as follows:
Text printed in the Record (11,930 characters)
By Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania (for himself, Ms. Schrier,
Mr. Murphy, Mr. Bera, Mr. Dunn of Florida, Mr.
Conaway, Mr. Harris of Maryland, Ms. Morrison, Mrs.
Miller-Meeks, Ms. Dexter, Mrs. Harshbarger, Mr.
Veasey, Mr. Carter of Georgia, Ms. Sewell, Mr. Onder,
Ms. DelBene, Mr. Babin, Mr. Panetta, Mr. McCormick,
Mr. Suozzi, Mrs. Biggs of South Carolina, Mrs.
Fletcher, Mr. Bilirakis, Mrs. Trahan, Mrs. Miller of
West Virginia, Mr. LaHood, Ms. Kelly of Illinois, and
Mr. Van Drew):
H.R. 9693. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to modify certain physician payments under the Medicare program; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mr. MASSIE (for himself, Mr. Khanna, and Ms. Leger
Fernandez):
H.R. 9694. A bill to amend the Epstein Files Transparency Act with respect to enforcement by an attorney general of a State, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Mr. BENTZ (for himself, Ms. Hoyle of Oregon, and Mr.
Crane):
H.R. 9695. A bill to require the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to review and update Federal Aviation Administration regulations, policies, and guidance related to low-altitude airspace safety, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
By Mr. BEYER (for himself, Mr. Van Drew, and Ms.
Schrier):
H.R. 9696. A bill to improve the quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of diagnosis in health care, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
By Mr. BURCHETT:
H.R. 9697. A bill to authorize the President of the United States to issue cyber letters of marque and reprisal, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
By Mr. CASTRO of Texas (for himself, Mr. Lynch, Ms.
Tlaib, Ms. Crockett, Mr. Garcia of Illinois, Mr.
Ruiz, and Ms. Norton):
H.R. 9698. A bill to promote equity in advanced coursework and programs at elementary and secondary schools; to the Committee on Education and Workforce.
By Ms. CHU (for herself, Ms. Castor of Florida, Ms. Lee
of Pennsylvania, Mr. Pappas, Mr. Beyer, Ms. Clarke of
New York, Ms. DelBene, Mr. Carson, Ms. Dexter, Mr.
Doggett, Mr. Evans of Pennsylvania, Ms. Goodlander,
Ms. Matsui, Ms. McCollum, Ms. Moore of Wisconsin, Mr.
Mfume, Ms. Norton, Mr. Panetta, Ms. Ross, Ms.
Schakowsky,
Mr. Schneider, Mr. Takano, Ms. Tlaib, and Ms.
Williams of Georgia):
H.R. 9699. A bill to require the Department of Health and Human Services to release documents, communications, and other information relating to most favored nation pricing agreements and other private or confidential drug pricing deals struck with manufacturers, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Ms. KAPTUR:
H.R. 9700. A bill to establish the Ratepayer Justice Fund and a Federal process to reimburse ratepayers and communities harmed by utility and utility executive misconduct, including corruption, and to hold accountable those responsible for such misconduct, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Transportation and Infrastructure, Small Business, Financial Services, and Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mr. CLINE (for himself, Mr. Pfluger, Mr. Aderholt,
Ms. Hageman, Mr. Cloud, Mr. Fine, Mr. Rulli, Mr.
Clyde, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Austin Scott of Georgia, Mr.
Messmer, Mr. Barrett, Mr. Gallagher, Mr. Downing, Mr.
Patronis, Mr. Stutzman, Mr. Baumgartner, Mr. Self,
Mr. Wilson of South Carolina, Mr. Bentz, and Mr.
Webster of Florida):
H.R. 9701. A bill to amend title 36, United States Code, to modify the Federal charter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution to clarify its membership eligibility requirements, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Ms. CRAIG (for herself, Ms. Norton, and Mr.
Quigley):
H.R. 9702. A bill to establish a public health plan; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mrs. DINGELL:
H.R. 9703. A bill to require the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to test allowing blood transfusions to be paid separately from the Medicare hospice all-inclusive per diem payment; to the Committee on Ways and Means.
By Mr. FIGURES (for himself and Mr. Thompson of
Mississippi):
H.R. 9704. A bill to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to make economic assistance payments to qualifying producers for certain revenue losses with respect to covered commodities, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture.
By Ms. GOODLANDER (for herself and Mrs. Miller of West
Virginia):
H.R. 9705. A bill to require the Secretary of the Army to issue guidance relating to the review of applications for alteration or temporary or permanent occupation or use of certain hydropower projects, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
By Mr. GOTTHEIMER (for himself, Mr. Van Drew, Mr.
Panetta, Mr. Soto, Mr. Torres of New York, Mr.
Bresnahan, Ms. McDonald Rivet, Mr. LaLota, Mr.
Suozzi, and Mr. Westerman):
H.R. 9706. A bill to require operators of wagering or prediction market platforms to use facial recognition technology to verify the age of users of such wagering or prediction market platforms, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mr. HARRIGAN (for himself and Mr. Mackenzie):
H.R. 9707. A bill to protect the national security of the United States by strengthening review of foreign adversary investments in the general aviation sector, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Energy and Commerce, Transportation and Infrastructure, Oversight and Government Reform, and Small Business, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mrs. HARSHBARGER:
H.R. 9708. A bill to provide transparency in short-term rental listings, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
By Mr. KEAN (for himself and Mrs. Kim):
H.R. 9709. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to adjust the applicability of the income related monthly adjustment amount to premiums under part B of Medicare; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Ms. MACE:
H.R. 9710. A bill to prohibit aliens who are nationals of certain countries of identified concern from entering the United States, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Mr. MOOLENAAR:
H.R. 9711. A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to prescribe safety standards for autocycles and related equipment, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
By Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin (for herself, Mrs. Dingell,
Ms. Pressley, Ms. Adams, Ms. Underwood, Ms. Norton,
Mr. Green of Texas, Mrs. Grijalva, Mr. Lieu, and Ms.
Schakowsky):
H.R. 9712. A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide coverage under the Medicaid program for services provided by doulas, midwives, and lactation support providers, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
By Mr. PERRY:
H.R. 9713. A bill to remove the United States from the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank Group, or the Asian Development Bank if such an institution assists in providing debt relief to the People's Republic of China, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services.
By Ms. SCHOLTEN (for herself, Mr. Walkinshaw, and Ms.
Norton):
H.R. 9714. A bill to limit the total number of schedule C and schedule G positions in the Federal Government, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
By Mr. SCHWEIKERT:
H.R. 9715. A bill to permit the use of artificial intelligence in arbitration, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Mr. SELF (for himself, Mr. Crane, and Mr. Clyde):
H.R. 9716. A bill to prohibit Federal law enforcement agencies from using or accessing State or local surveillance equipment or data to circumvent warrant requirements, to establish a Jurisdictional Wall List of covered technologies, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mr. THANEDAR (for himself and Mrs. Cammack):
H.R. 9717. A bill to amend the Commodity Exchange Act to authorize certain treatment of customer property during commodity broker bankruptcy; to the Committee on Agriculture.
By Mr. WIED (for himself, Ms. Van Duyne, and Mr.
Ellzey):
H.R. 9718. A bill to require the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to maintain a website for small business concerns relating to onshoring manufacturing capacity, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Small Business.
By Mrs. HAYES (for herself, Mr. Bell, Mr. Cohen, Mrs.
Dingell, Mr. Jackson of Illinois, Mr. Mannion, Mr.
Mullin, Ms. Norton, Ms. Schakowsky, Ms. Simon, Ms.
Titus, Ms. Tlaib, and Ms. Wilson of Florida):
H. Con. Res. 112. Concurrent resolution recognizing the need to improve physical access to many federally funded facilities for all persons of the United States, particularly persons with disabilities; to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Transportation and Infrastructure, Energy and Commerce, and Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mr. MASSIE (for himself, Mr. Khanna, and Ms. Leger
Fernandez):
H. Res. 1430. A resolution providing for consideration of the bill (H.R.185) to advance responsible policies; to the Committee on Rules.
By Mr. STEUBE:
H. Res. 1431. A resolution impeaching John Edwin Steele, Senior District Judge for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, for high crimes and misdemeanors; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Mr. DAVIS of Illinois (for himself, Ms. Chu, Mr.
Gomez, Mr. Panetta, Ms. Sanchez, Mr. Schneider, Mr.
Thompson of California, Ms. Barragan, Ms. Clarke of
New York, Ms. Omar, Mr. Jackson of Illinois, Ms.
Budzinski, Ms. Schakowsky, Mr. Carbajal, Mr. Min, Mr.
Foster, Mr. Huffman, Ms. DeGette, Ms. Kelly of
Illinois, Mr. Quigley, Mr. Casten, Ms. Brownley, Mr.
Sorensen, and Mr. Cisneros):
H. Res. 1432.
Text printed in the Record (2,292 characters)
A resolution of inquiry requesting the President and directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to transmit, respectively, certain documents to the House of Representatives relating to the freeze on State-based Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Child Care and Development Fund, and Social Services Block Grant payments for California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York; to the Committee on Ways and Means.
By Mr. FULLER:
H. Res. 1433. A resolution honoring the life and military and public service of Colonel Lindsey O. Graham, United States Air Force Reserve (Retired), late Senator from South Carolina, and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Judge Advocate General's School of the United States Air Force should be renamed in his honor; to the Committee on House Administration.
By Mr. FULLER:
H. Res. 1434. A resolution supporting the efforts of the Trump Administration to obtain a rehearing of the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States in Trump v. Barbara, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Ms. OMAR (for herself, Mr. Carson, Ms. Tlaib, Ms.
Velazquez, and Mr. Garcia of Illinois):
H. Res. 1435. A resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should ratify the Rome Statute and join the International Criminal Court; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Ms. VAN DUYNE (for herself, Mr. Pfluger, Ms. Tenney,
Mrs. Houchin, Mr. Weber of Texas, Mr. Nehls, Mr.
Cloud, Mr. Self, Mr. Hunt, Mr. Moran, Mr. Jackson of
Texas, Mr. Fallon, Mr. Goldman of Texas, Mr. Ellzey,
Mr. Babin, Mr. Roy, Mr. Crenshaw, Mr. McCaul, Mr.
Arrington, Mr. Gill of Texas, Mr. Williams of Texas,
Mr. Carter of Texas, Mr. Luttrell, Mr. Fine, and Mr.
Hamadeh of Arizona):
H. Res. 1436. A resolution condemning Omar Suleiman for celebrating the death of Senator Lindsey Graham and acknowledging that House Democrats invited him to serve as the Guest Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2019; to the Committee on House Administration.
Memorials
Page H4545 · Official textUnder clause 3 of rule XII, memorials were presented and referred as follows:
Text printed in the Record (580 characters)
ML-108. The SPEAKER presented a memorial of the Senate of the State of Kansas, relative to Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 1604, requesting the Congress of the United States call a convention of the states to propose amendments to the Constitution of the United States; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
ML-109. Also, a memorial of the Legislature of the State of Louisiana, relative to Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 54, to support H.R. 1514 and S. 1078 of the 119th Congress, entitled the "Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission Act"; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Constitutional Authority Statement
Page H4545 · Official textPursuant to clause 7 of rule XII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the following statements are submitted regarding the specific powers granted to Congress in the Constitution to enact the accompanying bill or joint resolution.
Additional Sponsors
Page H4546 · Official textUnder clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors were added to public bills and resolutions, as follows:
Text printed in the Record (4,697 characters)
H.R. 251: Ms. Van Duyne.
H.R. 381: Ms. Bonamici.
H.R. 569: Ms. Van Duyne and Mr. Fitzgerald.
H.R. 576: Mr. Bell.
H.R. 738: Mr. Bell.
H.R. 1004: Ms. DeGette and Mrs. Hinson.
H.R. 1189: Ms. Brown and Mr. Figures.
H.R. 1464: Mr. Tonko.
H.R. 1502: Mr. Fulcher and Mr. Finstad.
H.R. 1538: Ms. Ross.
H.R. 1657: Mr. Gomez, Ms. Brownley, Ms. Dean of Pennsylvania, Mr. Gimenez, and Mr. Van Drew.
H.R. 1667: Mr. Mfume and Ms. Jayapal.
H.R. 2004: Mr. Meuser.
H.R. 2089: Mr. Sorensen.
H.R. 2145: Mr. Bishop.
H.R. 2381: Ms. Lois Frankel of Florida.
H.R. 2495: Ms. Craig.
H.R. 2531: Mrs. Trahan and Mr. Carson.
H.R. 2736: Ms. McClellan.
H.R. 2784: Mr. Goldman of Texas and Mr. Weber of Texas.
H.R. 3036: Mr. Suozzi, Mr. Jackson of Illinois, Mr. Fields, and Ms. Scanlon.
H.R. 3045: Mr. Aguilar, Mr. Ivey, Ms. Meng, Mr. Torres of New York, and Mr. Scott of Virginia.
H.R. 3164: Mr. Fleischmann.
H.R. 3184: Mr. Sorensen.
H.R. 3243: Ms. Jacobs, Mr. Veasey, Mrs. McClain Delaney, Mr. Hoyer, Mr. McGovern, and Ms. Dean of Pennsylvania.
H.R. 3277: Mr. Aguilar.
H.R. 3513: Mr. McGarvey, Mr. Pappas, and Ms. Brown.
H.R. 3543: Ms. Pressley.
H.R. 3565: Mr. Ryan and Ms. Pou.
H.R. 3757: Ms. Escobar.
H.R. 3906: Mr. Bell.
H.R. 3954: Mr. Vindman.
H.R. 4201: Mrs. Biggs of South Carolina.
H.R. 4382: Mr. Schweikert, Mr. Rouzer, Mr. Feenstra, Mr. Ryan, Ms. Budzinski, Ms. Lee of Nevada, Mr. Bean of Florida, Mr. Burchett, and Mr. Downing.
H.R. 4615: Ms. Craig.
H.R. 4676: Mr. Calvert.
H.R. 4694: Ms. Scanlon.
H.R. 4837: Mr. Van Orden.
H.R. 4876: Ms. Waters and Mrs. Torres of California.
H.R. 4919: Mr. Stanton and Mr. Biggs of Arizona.
H.R. 5232: Mrs. Biggs of South Carolina.
H.R. 5267: Mr. Arrington.
H.R. 5275: Ms. Tenney.
H.R. 5469: Mr. Kean.
H.R. 5475: Mr. Patronis and Mr. Landsman.
H.R. 5523: Mr. Biggs of Arizona.
H.R. 5526: Mr. Goldman of Texas.
H.R. 5543: Mr. McCormick.
H.R. 5549: Mr. Kean.
H.R. 5926: Mr. Suozzi.
H.R. 6056: Ms. Escobar.
H.R. 6213: Mr. Moolenaar.
H.R. 6683: Mr. Lawler.
H.R. 6694: Mr. Jeffries.
H.R. 6960: Mr. Langworthy and Ms. Budzinski.
H.R. 7016: Mr. Garcia of California.
H.R. 7385: Mr. Lynch.
H.R. 7411: Ms. Letlow.
H.R. 7539: Mr. Moore of Alabama and Ms. Van Duyne.
H.R. 7543: Mr. Horsford, Ms. Scanlon, Mr. Larson of Connecticut, and Ms. Lofgren.
H.R. 7545: Ms. Escobar.
H.R. 7548: Ms. Lofgren.
H.R. 7651: Mr. Mills, Mr. Joyce of Ohio, Mr. Calvert, Mr. Carter of Georgia, Mr. Kelly of Mississippi, and Mr. Ciscomani.
H.R. 7960: Ms. Bonamici.
H.R. 8041: Ms. DeLauro, Mr. Kean, Mr. Garcia of California, and Mr. Vasquez.
H.R. 8077: Mrs. Biggs of South Carolina.
H.R. 8137: Mr. Van Orden.
H.R. 8245: Ms. Van Duyne.
H.R. 8330: Mr. Kelly of Mississippi, Mr. Langworthy, and Mr. Fulcher.
H.R. 8331: Mr. Scott Franklin of Florida.
H.R. 8492: Mr. Van Drew.
H.R. 8730: Mr. Mackenzie and Mr. Morelle.
H.R. 8776: Mr. Kean.
H.R. 8876: Mr. Huizenga and Mrs. Dingell.
H.R. 8940: Mrs. Sykes.
H.R. 8961: Mrs. Watson Coleman.
H.R. 8976: Ms. McClellan.
H.R. 9034: Ms. Bonamici.
H.R. 9035: Ms. Bonamici.
H.R. 9048: Mr. Panetta, Mr. Mannion, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Doggett, Ms. Moore of Wisconsin, and Mr. Rulli.
H.R. 9072: Mr. Lawler.
H.R. 9097: Ms. McBride and Mr. McCaul.
H.R. 9150: Ms. Underwood.
H.R. 9169: Ms. DelBene.
H.R. 9250: Mr. Dunn of Florida, Mr. Subramanyam, Mr. Pfluger, and Mr. Larsen of Washington.
H.R. 9251: Ms. Pettersen.
H.R. 9265: Ms. Wilson of Florida.
H.R. 9281: Mr. Thanedar.
H.R. 9289: Mr. Larsen of Washington.
H.R. 9325: Ms. Van Duyne.
H.R. 9350: Mr. Lynch.
H.R. 9417: Mr. Wilson of South Carolina and Mr. Baird.
H.R. 9454: Ms. Wasserman Schultz.
H.R. 9468: Mr. Carey.
H.R. 9473: Mr. Luttrell and Mr. Tran.
H.R. 9489: Mr. McGuire and Ms. Escobar.
H.R. 9540: Ms. Schakowsky.
H.R. 9544: Ms. Hoyle of Oregon.
H.R. 9579: Ms. Johnson of Texas.
H.R. 9589: Mr. Van Orden.
H.R. 9590: Mr. Soto.
H.R. 9596: Mr. Fitzpatrick and Mr. Subramanyam.
H.R. 9626: Mr. Lawler.
H.R. 9633: Mr. Austin Scott of Georgia.
H.R. 9638: Ms. Tokuda and Ms. Williams of Georgia.
H.R. 9656: Mr. Rulli.
H.R. 9669: Mr. Ivey and Mrs. Watson Coleman.
H.J. Res. 195: Ms. Waters.
H. Con. Res. 4: Mr. Scott Franklin of Florida.
H. Con. Res. 12: Mr. Fry.
H. Res. 410: Ms. Clarke of New York.
H. Res. 1038: Ms. Mejia.
H. Res. 1186: Mr. Liccardo and Ms. Clarke of New York.
H. Res. 1270: Mrs. Biggs of South Carolina.
H. Res. 1285: Mrs. McClain Delaney.
H. Res. 1374: Mr. Webster of Florida.
H. Res. 1394: Mr. Grothman.
H. Res. 1405: Mrs. Torres of California and Ms. Salinas.
H. Res. 1426: Mrs. Luna and Mr. Lawler.
H. Res. 1428: Mrs. Ramirez, Ms. Chu, and Ms. Velazquez.
H. Res. 1429: Mrs. Miller of Illinois.