[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 107 (Wednesday, June 26, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H4262-H4319]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS
APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
General Leave
Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. 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. 8771, and that I may include
tabular material on the same.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Molinaro). Is there objection to the
request of the gentleman from Florida?
There was no objection.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1316 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. 8771.
The Chair appoints the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Weber) to preside
over the Committee of the Whole.
{time} 1650
In 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. 8771) making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign
operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September
30, 2025, and for other purposes, with Mr. Weber of Texas in the chair.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The Acting CHAIR. 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
California (Ms. Lee) each will control 30 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart).
Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Chair, I also want to apologize, because I am getting over this
pretty bad cold, and so I hope my voice will stand up for the hours
that we have here on the floor.
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to speak on the fiscal year 2025
Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs
appropriations bill for floor consideration here today.
The bill totals $51.7 billion, which is a cut, a reduction, of $7.6
billion from the fiscal year 2024 enacted level. That is 11 percent
less than enacted and nearly 20 percent below the President's budget
request.
This allocation and the policies within the bill will allow us to
build on important changes that House Republicans fought hard to secure
in the fiscal year 2024 bill signed into law only a few months ago.
You are probably going to hear it now. There are some who will say
that cuts of this magnitude jeopardize the United States' leadership in
the world, that we are abandoning our leadership, and that the world
will be less safe.
Let me be very clear. I completely disagree. In fact, it is just the
opposite.
The priorities in this bill are crystal clear. If you are a friend or
an ally of the United States, this bill supports you. If you are an
adversary or are cozying up to our adversaries, then frankly, no, you
are not going to like this bill.
The bill eliminates controversial or ineffective programs that,
frankly, American taxpayers do not support and that, frankly, again,
even our allies and partners don't support either.
This is key: Even with the deep cuts to the top-line spending, this
bill fully funds our ally Israel and increases funding over the
President's request to counter Communist China and to combat the flow
of fentanyl into our country, again while spending less money overall.
Let me tell you what this bill does not do, what this bill does not
fund, Mr. Chairman. Despite the Biden administration's request, this
bill will not fund organizations that employ terrorists, like UNRWA. It
does not fund organizations that provide a platform on the global stage
for the worst human rights abusers, like the Human Rights Council, or
that take bogus legal action against Israel, as it fights for its very
existence, like the International Criminal Court and the International
Court of Justice.
No, this bill does not fund organizations that cower to Communist
China and deny Taiwan even observer status, like the World Health
Organization. This bill also does not pay for other countries' climate
reparations, like the Loss and Damages Fund.
This bill certainly does not permit funds to promote and mobilize
illegal migration to the United States' southern border through
organizations exploiting this administration's dangerous open-border
policies.
Yes, this bill stops funding to all of those organizations and
programs for the reasons that I mentioned, not just because they are a
waste of money, which would be reason enough, but because those
organizations are actually working against our interests and those of
our allies while utilizing American taxpayer money to do so.
I will take a moment to address how this bill treats, for example,
the United Nations. This bill acknowledges the mockery that is the
U.N., unfortunately, and zeros out the U.N. regular budget. The U.N.
does not deserve one more dime of taxpayer money. It just doesn't.
The hypocrisy and the moral decay at the U.N. has only gotten worse
and is rearing its ugly head time and time again with repeated, brazen,
anti-Semitic attacks against Israel.
That is why this bill builds on, frankly, key wins from fiscal year
2024 and adds new conditions on anti-Semitism and anti-Israel bias
throughout the United Nations and other international organizations.
This should be no surprise. Actions have consequences. At least they
should. The U.N. will feel the consequences of their actions in this
bill.
This legislation makes confronting the national security threat posed
by the Communist Chinese Party a top priority. It provides $2.1 billion
to counter the malign influence of the People's Republic of China and
the Communist Party of China. Note this: That is above the President's
request despite spending less money overall.
It also provides $500 million for foreign military financing for
Taiwan's
[[Page H4263]]
security needs and prioritizes funding for other critical partners in
the Indo-Pacific, including the Philippines and the Pacific Island
countries.
I would like to now turn to our hemisphere, which is another top
priority in this bill, which impacts all Americans. This bill includes
funding to combat the trafficking of opiates, and in particular
fentanyl, which is killing so many young Americans. This bill also
holds accountable governments failing to cooperate on countering
narcotics and other issues of critical importance to the United States
and the American people.
Let me give you this example. No funds in this bill can go to Mexico
until a certification is made that an agreement is in place to restore
water deliveries owed to the United States from Mexico.
The bill increases support for freedom and democracy for the people
of Cuba, in this hemisphere, by providing $35 million for democracy
funding and $35 million for the Office of Cuba Broadcasting. It also
reins in attempts by the Biden administration to promote the so-called
entrepreneurs in Cuba's closed, communist economy.
Let's be very clear. The only truly independent entrepreneurs in Cuba
are in prison. While the Cuban people are risking their lives to demand
true freedom and hitting the streets to demand true freedom,
unfortunately, the Biden administration is attempting to throw their
oppressors a lifeline with unilateral sanction relief. That is why the
language is even further tightened this year.
{time} 1700
Finally, this bill includes all longstanding pro-life protections,
including a prohibition on all taxpayer funds from being used to pay
for abortion. It builds on those requirements by applying the
Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance policy to all global health
funding.
You see, Mr. Chairman, it promotes American values by continuing
important funding for democracy, increasing funding for religious
freedom programs abroad, supporting faith-based organizations that are
helping to deliver the United States foreign assistance, and
eliminating programs that use taxpayer dollars for, frankly,
controversial or ineffective agendas.
Now, before I close, Mr. Chairman, if I may, I thank the amazing
staff from the Appropriations Committee for their work on the bill.
Also, I thank my personal office staff who have worked amazingly hard
with very little time, as you know, on this important bill.
Again, Mr. Chairman, I thank you for bringing this legislation to the
floor. I am actually thanking the Speaker of the House for bringing
this legislation to the floor which supports our allies. It protects
our national security in a smart, efficient, and thoughtful way.
Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I reserve
the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to
the House Republican draft of the FY25 State, Foreign Operations, and
Related Agencies appropriations bill.
This woefully underfunded bill will weaken America, and, yes, it will
leave us vulnerable to our adversaries.
The measures Republicans are bringing to the House floor this week
would slash our diplomatic and development programs by a shocking 12
percent, while at the same time seeking to increase military spending
by $8.5 billion.
These cuts would leave America vastly weakened. This continues a
dangerous trend that puts the Pentagon on steroids while leaving
diplomacy and development on life support.
Our national security is built on three pillars: defense, diplomacy,
and development. We need all three to be strong to execute a foreign
policy that advances both our interests and our values. We already
spend 50 percent less in real terms on diplomacy and development than
we did 40 years ago. If only defense is adequately funded, it means
that we will too often rely only on military force, which should be a
last resort, not our first. In the famous words of General Mattis: If
you don't fund the State Department, you need to buy me more
ammunition.
My Republican colleagues like to talk a good game about confronting
China. In truth, this bill is really a gift to Beijing's diplomatic
efforts. Even before the billion-dollar cut to our embassies and
Foreign Service officers, the People's Republic of China now has more
foreign missions and more diplomats than we do.
In addition, the bill's prohibitions on participation in global
venues like the United Nations or the World Health Organization will
simply mean that China's self-interest will go unchecked by the United
States. You can't have it both ways.
I just returned from a bipartisan delegation to Africa where my
colleagues and I, both Democrats and Republicans, met with reformers in
key African democracies. These leaders told us that they preferred to
partner with the United States over China. However, too often, American
presence and investment was missing in action.
They told us over and over and over again: Where are you? You are not
here.
Countering the PRC's influence means, quite frankly, America needs to
show up. Republicans, again, as I said, can't have it both ways. China,
Russia, and all of our adversaries will rush to fill the void left by
this bill.
This bill also takes a really dishonest approach to the existential
threat posed by climate change. People around the world are confronting
the impacts of human-caused climate change right now: life-threatening
temperatures, crop failures, floods and severe weather. Many of us are
experiencing this in our own districts and hometowns.
Now, we can't change the temperature. Climate change is here. The
past 12 months have been the hottest ever measured, but we can help
people and communities around the world to cope with the most life-
threatening impacts.
However, this bill ignores reality. It includes no funding for clean
energy; no funding to help communities adapt to drought, rising
coastlines, or extreme heat; no funding to stop deforestation or
recurring coastal flooding; and the bill cuts off, mind you,
cooperation with other countries.
Once again, Mr. Chair, think of the PRC and what this bill says to
them.
The bill also wages war on women's reproductive freedom. Mr. Chair,
218 million women still cannot access the tools to decide when and how
to have a baby. As a result, hundreds of thousands die in childbirth.
That is a fact. The Republican bill makes it harder for women to access
care. It also cuts off funding for the United Nations Family Planning
Association, the one partner that helps mothers and babies in the
hardest places to reach. Mothers and babies will die because of this.
Nonetheless, the most damaging aspect of this bill is the massive
abdication and retreat of United States leadership around the world.
The bill treats issues and countries as black and white, good and evil;
it is our way or the highway. This is fundamentally undemocratic for a
country that stands for democracy.
A key example is how this bill doubles down and triples down on the
failed, yes, failed Cuban embargo. There is no track record of success
nurturing democracy and human rights by punishing regular people.
Instead of listening to partners and addressing concerns together,
this bill forces the United States to go it alone and reject any
country with a different perspective. Perhaps most telling, the largest
increase in this bill is foreign military financing in the State,
Foreign Operations, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. It zeroes
out the United Nations and outright prohibits half a dozen U.N. bodies.
The message of this bill, once again, is more weapons and less
cooperation.
This is not how the world works. This approach is isolating America.
Yes, human rights violators and countries that do not share democratic
values also participate in these organizations, but that is why we must
stay engaged. If we cede the ground to countries with little regard for
human rights, then we are enabling more injustice.
Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to reject this bill and get to work
on a truly bipartisan approach that will protect and advance America's
security interests and, of course, make sure that we are a country
which leads in forming alliances and cooperates for the sake of the
survivors of our planet.
Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
[[Page H4264]]
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I yield 6 minutes to the
gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro), who is the distinguished
ranking member of the Appropriations Committee.
Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the Republican
majority's State, Foreign Operations, and Related Agencies
appropriations bill.
First, I would also like to thank the majority and minority staff,
especially Erin Kolodjeski, Laurie Mignone, and Stephanie Reed. I also
want to acknowledge Chairman Diaz-Balart and Ranking Member Barbara Lee
for their work on the bill.
It is difficult to imagine this entire institution without
Congresswoman Barbara Lee.
As ranking member of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related
Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, Congresswoman Lee has been a
unique and effective advocate for America wielding influence on the
global stage. Our soft power, our ability to bring other nations
together for the common purposes of democracy, freedom, and human
rights, is as critical to our freedom and prosperity as our defense
capabilities.
I thank Congresswoman Lee for all that she has done for California
and for our Nation.
To the bill, much like last year, the fiscal year 2025 State and
Foreign Operations bill resurrects the doomed isolationism of the early
20th century. Just a few months after Democrats and Republicans voted
for final bipartisan 2024 funding bills, the majority proposes that we
decimate the State and Foreign Operations bill with a 12 percent cut.
Let us take stock for a moment. Around the globe, America's
adversaries threaten the peace and prosperity of the free world. With
wars in the Middle East and Europe and humanitarian crises on nearly
every continent, the world is yearning for American leadership.
Not since the Cold War have our diplomatic influence and soft power
been more critical to keeping Americans safe, yet House Republicans
have proposed a bill that would diminish America's world leadership and
obstruct our ability to support our allies, to deter our adversaries,
to surpass our competitors, to maximize our influence, and to continue
leading the free world.
Whether we are talking about our diplomatic strength, economic
investments, or humanitarian assistance, this bill unravels the hard-
fought credibility and influence we have earned to be global leaders.
This bill threatens our national security, it threatens women's
health globally, it hampers our response to the climate crisis,
undermines our diplomatic corps by underfunding the State Department
and USAID, and completely blocks support for the United Nations Relief
and Works Agency--the backbone of getting humanitarian assistance to
Gazans in need and jeopardizes relief for refugees in Lebanon and in
Jordan--leaving behind some of the most vulnerable people facing the
most unthinkable conditions in the world.
The majority's bill is, yet again, diminishing the global standing of
the United States and what we stand for, what our values are, for our
own people and for people around the world who look to America, the
world's largest economy and oldest constitutional democracy, for
inspiration and, yes, for hope.
This bill abdicates U.S. leadership at the United Nations and other
multilateral and international institutions by not including any
funding for the U.N. regular budget, the U.N. Development Program, U.N.
Women, and for UNICEF, as well.
By withdrawing from these organizations, we will allow our
competitors and our adversaries to take our place and to replace our
influence on the global stage.
By shortchanging USAID at a time when a historic number of people are
facing conflict and instability, we are failing to live up to America's
ideals.
A wide gamut of nonprofit, faith-based, and advocacy organizations
have issued stark warnings of what this bill portends for America's
global leadership and national security. The Global Health Council led
a group of 62 organizations in saying that this bill ``falls woefully
short of the funding necessary to address global converging crises and
would signal a cessation of U.S. leadership and influence on the world
stage.''
Later, at the appropriate time, I will submit this compilation for
inclusion in the Congressional Record.
Our starting point for 2025 must provide, and Democrats will accept
nothing less than, a 1 percent increase in defense and nondefense
funding consistent with the framework set in the Fiscal Responsibility
Act that Republicans demanded. Any increase for defense beyond that 1
percent must be matched with nondefense investments. As we proved
together this spring, final spending bills will be the product of
negotiations between Democrats and the Republicans in the House and
Senate.
For all of these reasons, I cannot support this bill. For the sake of
our national security, for women's health globally, and our response to
the climate crisis, Republicans must abandon this reckless and partisan
path and join Democrats at the table. It is time to govern.
Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
{time} 1715
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Meeks), the distinguished ranking member
of the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Chair, I thank Ranking Member Lee for all the hard
work that she does on SFOPS and her global leadership, which is
tremendously important.
Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong opposition to this legislation.
On this very floor, my Republican colleagues have claimed that
America is falling behind its competitors like China, that we must
counter its spreading malign influence that it has commanded through
foreign investments and other coercive measures.
While Beijing has increased its diplomatic budget over the last
decade to surpass even what we afford our own diplomatic posts and
personnel, what is the Republicans' strategy to grow our own influence
and to outcompete China, Russia, and other national security
competitors and adversaries? What is their plan? They propose this
legislation, a partisan chain saw to our international affairs budget,
which would impose a 12 percent cut on top of the cuts they imposed in
last year's budget. This bill is a white flag of surrender in the
competition for global influence.
I believe there is still a bipartisan majority in this House that is
serious about meeting the national security challenges we face.
Unfortunately, the majority is not being allowed to work its will
today. Instead, this legislation caters to the fringe MAGA wing of the
Republican Party with extreme riders on abortion and family planning,
climate change, and DEI.
The bill cuts funding to international organizations, including the
U.N., where we must demonstrate stronger leadership to advance U.S.
interests.
This bill has sharp cuts to the personnel accounts for both the State
Department and USAID. How are we going to implement programming without
the staffing needed to manage it, or retain the skilled diplomatic
workforce?
Amendments proposed today zero out funding for Ukraine, USAID,
humanitarian and international disaster relief, educational exchange
programs critical to promoting America's standing around the world, and
democracy and human rights programs. This is irresponsible
policymaking.
Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I continue to reserve the balance of my
time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Lois Frankel), a member of the
Appropriations Committee.
Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chair, sadly, I rise in opposition
to the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs
Appropriations Act, 2025, with the hope and expectation that we can do
better.
Mr. Chair, as the leaders of the free world, we have a duty to ensure
that this critical bill reflects the importance of American leadership,
our commitment to developing nations, and our investments in peace and
democracy around the world.
While I am very pleased that this bill includes vital provisions for
our support of Israel and maintains funding for the implementation of
the Women,
[[Page H4265]]
Peace, and Security Act, it ultimately falls short in too many crucial
areas.
My Republican colleagues often emphasize the threats posed by our
global adversaries. However, this bill fails to recognize that poverty,
hunger, disease, conflict, hatred, and climate change are also
formidable enemies.
So, alarmingly, it severely cuts funding for development assistance,
humanitarian aid, and democracy programs, eliminating funding for such
organizations that save lives like UNICEF and UNFPA.
It slashes support for women's healthcare and family planning
services and includes dangerous policy riders that prevent the poorest,
most vulnerable women from accessing abortion, and it shuts down health
clinics just for providing accurate information.
Furthermore, this bill fails to appreciate the diversity of mankind.
It contains provisions that harm the LGBTQ community worldwide and
stifles diplomatic diversity initiatives.
Mr. Chair, by ceding American leadership, this bill creates a vacuum
that will embolden our adversaries, leaving our country and the world
less healthy, less safe, and less prosperous.
Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote against this bill and send a
clear message that we can do better.
Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I continue to reserve the balance of my
time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the
gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Ramirez).
Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Chair, I rise to strongly oppose H.R. 8771.
The fact that we are even debating this ridiculous bill makes it
clear that some of my colleagues still remain, I will say, uninformed,
which will be the kind word, of the ways in which the world is
interconnected.
They deny the devastating consequences when our Nation neglects our
role, defunds diplomacy, and erodes our commitments to the
international community. The multifront global crises facing this
Nation calls for leadership and for our Nation's leaders to step up in
partnership and cooperation.
Instead, Republicans are doubling down on poison pills that roll back
our commitments around reproductive healthcare, LGBTQI+ rights, and
climate change; cut over $1 billion to the United Nations and
international bodies that hold war criminals accountable; decimate
lifesaving humanitarian aid and gut migration and refugee assistance;
and undermine Presidential authority and also international laws.
That is what this bill is about. This bill, in my opinion, is deeply
unserious and dangerous, and I encourage my colleagues to vote ``no.''
Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the
gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Meng), a member of the Appropriations
Committee.
Ms. MENG. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 8771,
the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs
Appropriations Act, 2025.
As a daughter of immigrants and as the Representative of one of the
most diverse communities in our Nation, I know firsthand the impact of
world events on my friends and neighbors in Queens, but for the second
straight year, the GOP is turning our back on the world by cutting
critical investments in U.S. diplomacy and development, attacking
women's rights, and retreating from the world stage.
This government spending bill would slash the State and foreign
operations budget to the lowest level in over a decade. It undermines
America's long legacy of leadership that has lifted millions out of
poverty, stemmed diseases like HIV and malaria, helped millions of
children learn to read and write, and supported the most vulnerable in
their time of need.
Mr. Chair, $7.6 billion in funding cuts will isolate us from our
allies and the international conflicts we are confronting together.
These cuts would gut women's health and rights around the world,
putting maternal health and the well-being of millions of children at
risk.
Furthermore, this bill would codify the Trump-era global gag rule,
forcing healthcare organizations across the world that receive aid from
the U.S. to choose between providing a full range of healthcare options
to their patients or forgoing U.S. assistance altogether.
From healthcare and climate change to diplomacy and security, this
legislation falls woefully short of the resources we need to address
the international crises we are facing today.
America alone is not America First. From my community of Queens and
its connection to so many others across the globe, I am voting against
this bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.
Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I yield myself the balance of my
time.
Mr. Chairman, let me close by saying a couple of things about this
bill once more.
First of all, it is a deeply political, extremist bill that seeks to
satisfy the radical fringe at the expense of our national security,
global human rights, and the well-being of our allies.
Let me say again what I said yesterday in the Rules Committee. We
spend less than 0.5 percent of our GNP on overseas assistance, mind
you. This bill cuts that less than 0.5 percent by 12 percent and 6
percent in last fiscal year.
The world is full of threats that don't respect borders, from climate
change to pandemics to assertive dictators. We can't stick our heads in
the sand and hope that it will all go away.
Investments in development, diplomacy, economic assistance, poverty
alleviation, healthcare, education, and job creation don't just protect
American lives and American interests. They also protect taxpayers'
wallets and promote peace and security for not only the United States
but throughout the planet.
Experts have found that for every $1 we spent on conflict prevention,
it saves us $16 down the road. Mr. Chair, I urge my Republican
colleagues to consider this when they claim this bill is fiscally
responsible.
It has been a tremendous honor, let me say, to serve as both chair
and ranking member of the Subcommittee of State, Foreign Operations,
and Related Programs, but I leave this role deeply concerned that our
politics are leading us in the wrong direction and leaving the United
States alone on the global stage.
Democrats will not support a bill if it means turning our backs to
the world's most vulnerable women or the looming threat of climate
change.
I take some solace in knowing that this partisan Republican draft
bill is dead on arrival in the Senate. When my Republican colleagues
are ready to come to the table and discuss what America's diplomats and
development professionals need to do their jobs, I will be ready to
talk.
Our diplomats, our support staff, our Peace Corps volunteers, our
Foreign Servicemembers, and all those who represent the United States
are impacted by this bill. We owe them a definite deep sense of
commitment and gratitude for their service and for their work. Let's do
that by not gutting the bill that they rely on to do their jobs.
Until we are able to talk, I urge all Members to reject this
dangerous, very weak, and inadequate bill.
Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, this bill does more for our national
security and our allies with less taxpayer money. That is precisely how
government is supposed to work. You do more and better with less money.
That is how government is supposed to work.
Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this good bill, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. COLE. Mr. Chair, the United States has long been the global
leader for peace, stability, and international cooperation. This role
did not come easily or through weakness. It is the result of the great
sacrifice of the American people. It came about not only because of our
armed might, which served to defeat the fascist powers during World War
2, but also because of America's clear commitment to the values of
freedom and democracy, not only for ourselves, but for all of humanity.
Today's measure--the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and
Related Programs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2025--reflects that
persistent commitment to our national values. It also commands American
excellence--we will not only be a participant in the international
conversation, but the global leader of it.
The bill prioritizes programs to protect our national security;
enhance our working relationships with friends, allies, and partners
[[Page H4266]]
around the globe; and promote freedom and democracy abroad.
It supports our allies and partners like Israel and Taiwan, both
democracies that face external threats.
It includes funding to enhance security partnerships in the Indo-
Pacific region, which is critical to countering Communist China's
continued aggression.
And it prioritizes funding for combating fentanyl, a crisis that is
touching every community in every state in the Nation.
The bill accomplishes these goals in a fiscally responsible way,
ensuring that funds are spent where they are needed most. Critically,
the bill also maintains longstanding bipartisan policies to promote
religious freedom and to protect life, which are of great importance to
so many Americans.
I'm deeply proud of the work we have done on this bill, and I applaud
Chairman Diaz-Balart for his hard work. I urge all of my colleagues to
support this bill.
The Acting CHAIR. All time for general debate has expired.
Pursuant to the rule, the bill shall be considered for amendment
under the 5-minute rule.
An amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of
Rules Committee Print 118-39 shall be considered as adopted and the
bill, as amended, shall be considered as an original bill for the
purpose of further amendment under the 5-minute rule and shall be
considered as read.
The text of the bill, as amended, is as follows:
H.R. 8771
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 the Department of
State, foreign operations, and related programs for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, and for other
purposes, namely:
TITLE I
DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND RELATED AGENCY
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Administration of Foreign Affairs
diplomatic programs
For necessary expenses of the Department of State and the
Foreign Service not otherwise provided for, including 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); for the regional bureaus of the Department
of State and overseas activities as authorized by law; 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; and for security activities, $8,406,887,000, of
which $671,726,000 may remain available until September 30,
2026, and of which $3,928,712,000 is for Worldwide Security
Protection, which may remain available until expended, and of
which up to $818,168,000 is for Diplomatic Policy and
Support.
consular and border security programs
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), $491,000,000 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.
capital investment fund
For necessary expenses of the Capital Investment Fund, as
authorized, $389,000,000, to remain available until expended.
office of inspector general
For necessary expenses of the Office of Inspector General,
$137,800,000, of which $28,650,000 may remain available until
September 30, 2026, and of which $26,800,000 may remain
available until September 30, 2026 for the Special Inspector
General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR): Provided,
That funds appropriated under this heading 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: Provided further, That funds appropriated under
this heading that are made available for the printing and
reproduction costs of SIGAR shall not exceed amounts for such
costs during the prior fiscal year.
educational and cultural exchange programs
For necessary expenses of educational and cultural exchange
programs, as authorized, $720,946,000, 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 any substantive modifications from the prior
fiscal year to programs funded under this heading in this Act
shall be subject to prior consultation with, and the regular
notification procedures of, the Committees on Appropriations.
representation expenses
For representation expenses as authorized, $7,415,000.
protection of foreign missions and officials
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, 2026.
embassy security, construction, and maintenance
For necessary expenses for carrying out the Foreign Service
Buildings Act of 1926 (22 U.S.C. 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, $945,210,000, to remain available
until September 30, 2029, 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, $1,012,611,000,
to remain available until expended.
emergencies in the diplomatic and consular service
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''.
repatriation loans program account
For the cost of direct loans, $1,800,000, 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
$5,823,626.
payment to the american institute in taiwan
For necessary expenses to carry out the Taiwan Relations
Act (Public Law 96-8), $38,218,000.
international center, washington, district of columbia
Not to exceed $1,879,587 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.
payment to the foreign service retirement and disability fund
For payment to the Foreign Service Retirement and
Disability Fund, as authorized, $60,000,000.
International Organizations
contributions to international organizations
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, $269,614,000:
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, $1,068,900,000, of which $534,450,000 may remain
available until September 30, 2026: Provided, That none of
the funds made available by this Act shall be obligated or
expended for any new
[[Page H4267]]
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.
International Commissions
For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided for, to meet
obligations of the United States arising under treaties, or
specific Acts of Congress, as follows:
international boundary and water commission, united states and mexico
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:
salaries and expenses
For salaries and expenses, not otherwise provided for,
$81,800,000, of which $12,270,000 may remain available until
September 30, 2026.
construction
For detailed plan preparation and construction of
authorized projects, $168,550,000, to remain available until
expended, as authorized: Provided, That of the funds
appropriated under this heading in this Act and prior Acts
making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign
operations, 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.
american sections, international commissions
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, $17,300,000: Provided,
That of the amount provided under this heading for the
International Joint Commission, up to $1,250,000 may remain
available until September 30, 2026, 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.
international fisheries commissions
For necessary expenses for international fisheries
commissions, not otherwise provided for, as authorized by
law, $65,719,000: 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.
RELATED AGENCY
United States Agency for Global Media
international broadcasting operations
For necessary expenses to enable the United States Agency
for Global Media (USAGM), as authorized, to carry out
international communication activities, and to make and
supervise grants for radio, Internet, and television
broadcasting to the Middle East, $798,196,000, of which
$39,910,000 may remain available until September 30, 2026:
Provided, That of the funds appropriated under this heading,
not less than $35,000,000 shall be made available for the
Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB): Provided further, That
funds made available pursuant to the previous proviso 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 in addition to amounts otherwise
available for such purposes, up to $75,708,000 of the amount
appropriated under this heading may remain available until
expended for satellite transmissions, global network
distribution, and Internet freedom programs, of which not
less than $43,500,000 shall be for Internet freedom programs:
Provided further, That of the funds appropriated under this
heading and made available for the Open Technology Fund, not
less than $5,000,000 shall be made available for grants for
innovative methods to reach audiences inside of Cuba:
Provided further, That such funds are in addition to amounts
otherwise made available for such purposes: Provided
further, That of the funds appropriated under this heading
and made available for USAGM networks, not less than
$5,000,000 shall be made available for programming produced
about Cuba by OCB, which are in addition to funds otherwise
made available for OCB: Provided further, That of the total
amount appropriated under this heading, not to exceed $35,000
may be used for representation expenses, of which $10,000 may
be used for such expenses within the United States as
authorized, and not to exceed $30,000 may be used for
representation expenses of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty:
Provided further, That funds appropriated under this heading
shall be made available in accordance with the principles and
standards set forth in section 303(a) and (b) of the United
States International Broadcasting Act of 1994 (22 U.S.C.
6202) and section 305(b) of such Act (22 U.S.C. 6204):
Provided further, That the USAGM Chief Executive Officer
shall notify the Committees on Appropriations within 15 days
of any determination by the USAGM that any of its broadcast
entities, including its grantee organizations, provides an
open platform for international terrorists or those who
support international terrorism, or is in violation of the
principles and standards set forth in section 303(a) and (b)
of such Act or the entity's journalistic code of ethics:
Provided further, That in addition to funds made available
under this heading, and notwithstanding any other provision
of law, up to $5,000,000 in receipts from advertising and
revenue from business ventures, up to $500,000 in receipts
from cooperating international organizations, and up to
$1,000,000 in receipts from privatization efforts of the
Voice of America and the International Broadcasting Bureau,
shall remain available until expended for carrying out
authorized purposes: Provided further, That significant
modifications to USAGM broadcast hours previously justified
to Congress, including changes to transmission platforms
(shortwave, medium wave, satellite, Internet, and
television), for all USAGM language services shall be subject
to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on
Appropriations.
broadcasting capital improvements
For 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, in addition to
amounts otherwise available for such purposes, $9,700,000, to
remain available until expended, as authorized.
RELATED PROGRAMS
The Asia Foundation
For a grant to The Asia Foundation, as authorized by The
Asia Foundation Act (22 U.S.C. 4402), $19,580,000, to remain
available until expended.
United States Institute of Peace
For necessary expenses of the United States Institute of
Peace, as authorized by the United States Institute of Peace
Act (22 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.), $55,000,000, to remain
available until September 30, 2026, which shall not be used
for construction activities.
Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund
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, 2025, to
remain available until expended.
Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program
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, 2025, 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
[[Page H4268]]
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.
Israeli Arab Scholarship Program
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,
2025, to remain available until expended.
East-West Center
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, $19,580,000.
National Endowment for Democracy
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), $315,000,000,
to remain available until expended, of which $210,316,000
shall be allocated in the traditional and customary manner,
including for the core institutes, and $104,684,000 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.
OTHER COMMISSIONS
Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad
salaries and expenses
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, 2026:
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, 2025:
Provided further, That the Commission shall notify the
Committees on Appropriations prior to exercising such
authority.
United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
salaries and expenses
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, 2026, including not more than $4,000 for
representation expenses.
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
salaries and 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.), $3,059,000, including not more than
$6,000 for representation expenses, to remain available until
September 30, 2026.
Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China
salaries and expenses
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, 2026.
United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission
salaries and expenses
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), $4,000,000, including not
more than $4,000 for representation expenses, to remain
available until September 30, 2026: 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 2025 and shall apply to funds appropriated under this
heading.
TITLE II
UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Funds Appropriated to the President
operating expenses
For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of
section 667 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961,
$1,214,808,000, of which up to $182,221,000 may remain
available until September 30, 2026: Provided, That none of
the funds appropriated under this heading and under the
heading ``Capital Investment Fund'' in this title may be made
available to finance the construction (including architect
and engineering services), purchase, or long-term lease of
offices for use by the United States Agency for International
Development, unless the USAID Administrator has identified
such proposed use of funds in a report submitted to the
Committees on Appropriations at least 15 days prior to the
obligation of funds for such purposes: Provided further,
That contracts or agreements entered into with funds
appropriated under this heading may entail commitments for
the expenditure of such funds through the following fiscal
year: Provided further, That the authority of sections 610
and 109 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 may be
exercised by the Secretary of State to transfer funds
appropriated to carry out chapter 1 of part I of such Act to
``Operating Expenses'' in accordance with the provisions of
those sections: Provided further, That of the funds
appropriated or made available under this heading, not to
exceed $250,000 may be available for representation and
entertainment expenses, of which not to exceed $5,000 may be
available for entertainment expenses, and not to exceed
$100,500 shall be for official residence expenses, for USAID
during the current fiscal year: Provided further, That of
the funds appropriated under this heading, up to $20,000,000
may be transferred to, and merged with, funds appropriated or
otherwise made available in title II of this Act under the
heading ``Capital Investment Fund'', subject to prior
consultation with, and the regular notification procedures
of, the Committees on Appropriations.
capital investment fund
For necessary expenses for overseas construction and
related costs, and for the procurement and enhancement of
information technology and related capital investments,
pursuant to section 667 of the Foreign Assistance Act of
1961, $259,100,000, to remain available until expended:
Provided, That this amount is in addition to funds otherwise
available for such purposes: Provided further, That funds
appropriated under this heading shall be available subject to
the regular notification procedures of the Committees on
Appropriations.
office of inspector general
For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of
section 667 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961,
$90,000,000, of which up to $19,500,000 may remain available
until September 30, 2026, for the Office of Inspector General
of the United States Agency for International Development.
TITLE III
BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE
Funds Appropriated to the President
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:
global health programs
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, $3,623,712,000, to
remain available until September 30, 2028, and which shall be
apportioned directly to the United States Agency for
International Development: 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 a United States contribution to The GAVI Alliance:
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
[[Page H4269]]
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 USAID Administrator
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
Administrator shall submit to the Committees on
Appropriations a report containing a description of such
violation and the corrective action taken by the Agency:
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 or any other Act authorizing or appropriating funds for
the Department of State, foreign operations, 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, $5,645,000,000, 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
up to 5 percent of the aggregate amount of funds made
available to the Global Fund in fiscal year 2025 may be made
available to USAID for technical assistance related to the
activities of the Global Fund, subject to the regular
notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations:
Provided further, That of the funds appropriated under this
paragraph, up to $22,000,000 may be made available, in
addition to amounts otherwise available for such purposes,
for administrative expenses of the United States Global AIDS
Coordinator, which, consistent with prior years, shall only
be made available to support the prevention, treatment, and
control of HIV/AIDS.
development assistance
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 of the Foreign Assistance Act of
1961, $3,000,000,000, to remain available until September 30,
2028: Provided, That funds made available under this heading
shall be apportioned to the United States Agency for
International Development.
international disaster assistance
For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of
section 491 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for
international disaster relief, rehabilitation, and
reconstruction assistance, $3,452,362,000, to remain
available until expended: Provided, That funds made
available under this heading shall be apportioned to the
United States Agency for International Development not later
than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
transition initiatives
For necessary expenses for international disaster
rehabilitation and reconstruction assistance administered by
the Office of Transition Initiatives, United States Agency
for International Development, pursuant to section 491 of the
Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and to support transition to
democracy and long-term development of countries in crisis,
$80,000,000, to remain available until expended: Provided,
That such support may include assistance to develop,
strengthen, or preserve democratic institutions and
processes, revitalize basic infrastructure, and foster the
peaceful resolution of conflict: Provided further, That the
USAID Administrator shall submit a report to the Committees
on Appropriations at least 5 days prior to beginning a new,
or terminating a, program of assistance: Provided further,
That if the Secretary of State determines that it is
important to the national interest of the United States to
provide transition assistance in excess of the amount
appropriated under this heading, up to $15,000,000 of the
funds appropriated by this Act to carry out the provisions of
part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 may be used for
purposes of this heading and under the authorities applicable
to funds appropriated under this heading: Provided further,
That funds made available pursuant to the previous proviso
shall be made available subject to prior consultation with
the Committees on Appropriations.
complex crises fund
For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of
section 509(b) of the Global Fragility Act of 2019 (title V
of division J of Public Law 116-94), $30,000,000, to remain
available until expended: Provided, That funds appropriated
under this heading may be made available notwithstanding any
other provision of law, except sections 7007, 7008, and 7018
of this Act and section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act of
1961: Provided further, That funds appropriated under this
heading shall be apportioned to the United States Agency for
International Development.
economic support fund
For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of
chapter 4 of part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961,
$3,430,888,000, to remain available until September 30, 2028.
democracy fund
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, 2027,
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 an additional amount for such purposes, $150,500,000,
to remain available until September 30, 2027, which shall be
made available for the Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights,
and Governance, United States Agency for International
Development.
assistance for europe, eurasia and central asia
For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of the
Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, the FREEDOM Support Act
(Public Law 102-511), and the Support for Eastern European
Democracy (SEED) Act of 1989 (Public Law 101-179),
$770,334,000, to remain available until September 30, 2028,
which shall be available, notwithstanding any other provision
of law, except section 7047 of this Act, for assistance and
related programs for countries identified in section 3 of the
FREEDOM Support Act (22 U.S.C. 5801) and section 3(c) of the
SEED Act of 1989 (22 U.S.C. 5402), in addition to funds
otherwise available for such purposes: Provided, That funds
appropriated by this Act under the headings ``Global Health
Programs'', ``Economic Support Fund'', and ``International
Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement'' that are made
available for assistance for such countries shall be
administered in accordance with the responsibilities of the
coordinator designated pursuant to section 102 of the FREEDOM
Support Act and section 601 of the SEED Act of 1989:
Provided further, That funds appropriated under this heading
shall be considered to be economic assistance under the
Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for purposes of making
available the administrative authorities contained in that
Act for the use of economic assistance: Provided further,
That funds appropriated under this heading may be made
available for contributions to multilateral initiatives to
counter hybrid threats.
Department of State
migration and refugee assistance
For necessary expenses not otherwise provided for, to
enable the Secretary of State to carry out the provisions of
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, $2,453,236,000, to remain available until
expended: Provided, That of the funds appropriated under
this heading, not less than $6,500,000 shall be made
available for refugees resettling in Israel.
Independent Agencies
peace corps
(including transfer of funds)
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 $7,300,000 is for the Office of
Inspector General, to remain available until September 30,
2026: 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
[[Page H4270]]
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.
millennium challenge corporation
For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of the
Millennium Challenge Act of 2003 (22 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.)
(MCA), $937,000,000, to remain available until expended:
Provided, That of the funds appropriated under this heading,
up to $146,000,000 may be available for administrative
expenses of the Millennium Challenge Corporation: Provided
further, 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.
inter-american foundation
For necessary expenses to carry out the functions of the
Inter-American Foundation in accordance with the provisions
of section 401 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1969,
$22,500,000, to remain available until September 30, 2026:
Provided, That of the funds appropriated under this heading,
not to exceed $2,000 may be available for representation
expenses.
united states african development foundation
For necessary expenses to carry out the African Development
Foundation Act (title V of Public Law 96-533; 22 U.S.C. 290h
et seq.), $30,000,000, to remain available until September
30, 2026, of which not to exceed $2,000 may be available for
representation expenses: Provided, That funds made available
to grantees may be invested pending expenditure for project
purposes when authorized by the Board of Directors of the
United States African Development Foundation (USADF):
Provided further, That interest earned shall be used only for
the purposes for which the grant was made: Provided further,
That notwithstanding section 505(a)(2) of the African
Development Foundation Act (22 U.S.C. 290h-3(a)(2)), in
exceptional circumstances the Board of Directors of the USADF
may waive the $250,000 limitation contained in that section
with respect to a project and a project may exceed the
limitation by up to 10 percent if the increase is due solely
to foreign currency fluctuation: Provided further, That the
USADF shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional
committees after each time such waiver authority is
exercised: Provided further, That the USADF may make rent or
lease payments in advance from appropriations available for
such purpose for offices, buildings, grounds, and quarters in
Africa as may be necessary to carry out its functions:
Provided further, That the USADF may maintain bank accounts
outside the United States Treasury and retain any interest
earned on such accounts, in furtherance of the purposes of
the African Development Foundation Act: Provided further,
That the USADF may not withdraw any appropriation from the
Treasury prior to the need of spending such funds for program
purposes.
Department of the Treasury
international affairs technical assistance
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.
debt restructuring
For ``Bilateral Economic Assistance--Department of the
Treasury--Debt Restructuring'' there is appropriated
$10,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2028,
for the costs, as defined in section 502 of the Congressional
Budget Act of 1974, of modifying loans and loan guarantees
for, or credits extended to, such countries as the President
may determine, including the costs of selling, reducing, or
canceling amounts owed to the United States pursuant to
multilateral debt restructurings, including Paris Club debt
restructurings and the ``Common Framework for Debt Treatments
beyond the Debt Service Suspension Initiative'': Provided,
That such amounts may be used notwithstanding any other
provision of law.
TITLE IV
INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE
Department of State
international narcotics control and law enforcement
For necessary expenses to carry out section 481 of the
Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, $1,566,183,000, 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 that are
transferred to another 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
$5,000,000, and any agreement made pursuant to section 632(a)
of such Act, shall be subject to the regular notification
procedures of the Committees on Appropriations: 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,
$921,000,000, 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.
peacekeeping operations
For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of
section 551 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961,
$420,458,000, to remain available until September 30, 2027:
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: Provided further, That funds appropriated
under this heading may be made available to pay assessed
expenses of international peacekeeping activities in Somalia
under the same terms and conditions, as applicable, as funds
appropriated by this Act under the heading ``Contributions
for International Peacekeeping Activities'': Provided
further, That funds appropriated under this heading shall be
subject to the regular notification procedures of the
Committees on Appropriations.
Funds Appropriated to the President
international military education and training
For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of
section 541 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961,
$125,425,000, to remain available until September 30, 2027:
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
[[Page H4271]]
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.
foreign military financing program
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), $6,828,049,000: 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 $77,000,000 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 $1,487,254,020 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 by the
Department of Defense during fiscal year 2025 pursuant to
section 43(b) of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C.
2792(b)), except that this limitation may be exceeded only
through the regular notification procedures of the Committees
on Appropriations.
TITLE V
MULTILATERAL ASSISTANCE
International Financial Institutions
global environment facility
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 bank for reconstruction and
development
For payment to the International 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, $206,500,000, to remain available until
expended.
limitation on callable capital subscriptions
The United States Governor of the International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development 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 $1,421,275,728.70.
contribution to the international development association
For payment to the International Development Association by
the Secretary of the Treasury, $1,097,010,000, to remain
available until expended.
contribution to the asian development fund
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.
contribution to the african development bank
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.
limitation on callable capital subscriptions
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.
contribution to the african development fund
For payment to the African Development Fund by the
Secretary of the Treasury, $171,300,000, to remain available
until expended.
contribution to the international fund for agricultural development
For payment to the International Fund for Agricultural
Development by the Secretary of the Treasury, $30,000,000, to
remain available until expended.
TITLE VI
EXPORT AND INVESTMENT ASSISTANCE
Export-Import Bank of the United States
inspector general
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.), $9,600,000, of which up to
$1,440,000 may remain available until September 30, 2026.
program account
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.
administrative expenses
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, 2026: 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, 2025: 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.
program budget appropriations
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
$15,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2028:
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, 2040,
for the disbursement of direct loans, loan guarantees,
insurance and tied-aid grants obligated in fiscal years 2025
through 2028.
receipts collected
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
[[Page H4272]]
year appropriation from the General Fund estimated at $0.
United States International Development Finance Corporation
inspector general
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.), $8,000,000, to remain available
until September 30, 2026.
corporate capital account
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, $769,029,000:
Provided further, That of the amount provided--
(1) $198,000,000 shall remain available until September 30,
2027, 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) $571,029,000 shall remain available until September 30,
2027, 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 the
Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs
for support by the Corporation in upper-middle income
countries shall be subject to prior consultation with the
Committees on Appropriations: Provided further, That in
fiscal year 2025 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 2025
in excess of $769,029,000 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 2025, if such collections are
less than $769,029,000, 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 $354,029,000.
program account
Amounts paid from ``United States International Development
Finance Corporation--Corporate Capital Account'' (CCA) shall
remain available until September 30, 2027: 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 $12,000,000,000.
Trade and Development Agency
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, 2027:
Provided, That of the funds appropriated under this heading,
not more than $5,000 may be available for representation and
entertainment expenses: Provided further, That the United
States Trade and Development Agency may promote United States
private sector participation in development projects in any
country in which the United States Government has strategic
foreign policy goals or national security interests, subject
to prior consultation with the Committees on Appropriations.
TITLE VII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
allowances and differentials
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.
unobligated balances report
Sec. 7002. 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 2025 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.
consulting services
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.
diplomatic facilities
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 the
Department of State, foreign operations, 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 2025,
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 the Department of State,
foreign operations, 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.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, 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
[[Page H4273]]
may be used to move the United States embassy in Israel to a
location other than Jerusalem.
personnel actions
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.
prohibition on publicity or propaganda
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, Iran, or Syria: 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.
coups d'etat
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.
transfer of funds authority
Sec. 7009. (a) Department of State and United States Agency
for Global Media.--
(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) United states agency for global media.--Not to exceed 5
percent of any appropriation made available for the current
fiscal year for the United States Agency for Global Media
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.
(3) 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 United
States Agency for International Development or 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
$1,000,000 and any agreement made pursuant to section 632(a)
of such Act, with funds appropriated by this Act or prior
Acts making appropriations for the Department of State,
foreign operations, and related programs under the headings
``Global Health Programs'', ``Development Assistance'',
``Economic Support Fund'', and ``Assistance for Europe,
Eurasia and Central Asia'' shall be subject to the regular
notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations:
Provided, That the requirement in the previous sentence shall
not apply to agreements entered into between USAID and the
Department of State.
(c) United States International Development Finance
Corporation.--
(1) Transfers.--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, the
Administrator of the United States Agency for International
Development, 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 and USAID.
(2) Transfer of funds from millennium challenge
corporation.--Funds appropriated under the heading
``Millennium Challenge Corporation'' in this Act or prior
Acts making appropriations for the Department of State,
foreign operations, and related programs may be transferred
to accounts under the heading ``United States International
Development Finance Corporation'' and, when so transferred,
may be used for the costs of activities described in
subsections (b) and (c) of section 1421 of the BUILD Act of
2018: Provided, That such funds shall be subject to the
limitations provided in the second, third, and fifth provisos
under the heading ``United States International Development
Finance Corporation--Program Account'' in this Act: Provided
further, That any transfer executed pursuant to the transfer
authority provided in this paragraph shall not exceed 10
percent of an individual Compact awarded pursuant to section
609(a) of the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003 (title VI of
Public Law 108-199): Provided further, That such funds shall
not be available for administrative expenses of the United
States International Development Finance Corporation:
Provided further, That such authority shall be subject to
prior consultation with, and the regular notification
procedures of, the Committees on Appropriations: Provided
further, That the transfer authority provided in this section
is in addition to any other transfer authority provided by
law: Provided further, That within 60 days of the
termination in whole or in part of the Compact from which
funds were transferred under this authority to the United
States International Development Finance Corporation, any
unobligated balances shall be transferred back to the
Millennium Challenge Corporation, subject to the regular
notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.
(d) 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.
[[Page H4274]]
(e) 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 the Department of State, foreign operations, and related
programs entered into between the Department of State or
USAID 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 or USAID, as appropriate,
upon completion of such audits: Provided, That such audits
shall be transmitted to the Committees on Appropriations by
the Department of State or USAID, as appropriate: Provided
further, That funds transferred under such authority may be
made available for the cost of such audits.
prohibition and limitation on certain expenses
Sec. 7010. (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) Prohibition on Promotion of Tobacco.--None of the funds
made available by this Act should be available to promote the
sale or export of tobacco or tobacco products (including
electronic nicotine delivery systems), or to seek the
reduction or removal by any foreign country of restrictions
on the marketing of tobacco or tobacco products (including
electronic nicotine delivery systems), except for
restrictions which are not applied equally to all tobacco or
tobacco products (including electronic nicotine delivery
systems) of the same type.
(d) Email Servers Outside the .gov Domain.--None of the
funds appropriated by this Act under the headings
``Diplomatic Programs'' and ``Capital Investment Fund'' in
title I, and ``Operating Expenses'' and ``Capital Investment
Fund'' in title II that are made available to the Department
of State and the United States Agency for International
Development 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 titles I or
II 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'', ``Development Assistance'',
``Economic Support Fund'', and ``Assistance for Europe,
Eurasia and Central Asia'' 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.
assistance effectiveness and transparency
Sec. 7011. (a) Strategy.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State and the
Administrator of the United States Agency for International
Development shall develop and submit to the appropriate
congressional committees a multi-year strategy to improve the
effectiveness of United States foreign assistance.
(2) Elements.--The strategy required by this subsection
shall include--
(A) methods used to determine the effectiveness of United
States assistance;
(B) analysis on using outcomes to inform the allocation of
such assistance;
(C) results of impact evaluations carried out within the
prior 12 months and a plan for incorporating the results of
such evaluations into the design of future programs funded by
such assistance; and
(D) estimated costs associated with implementation of the
strategy.
(3) Concurrent recommendations.--The Secretary and
Administrator shall--
(A) convene a panel of experts and practitioners to make
recommendations for the strategy required by this subsection;
and
(B) include all such recommendations in an appendix to the
strategy whether or not they were incorporated into the
strategy.
(4) Consultation.--Not later than 45 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary and Administrator shall
consult with the Committees on Appropriations on the
requirements of this subsection.
(b) Beneficiary Feedback.--Funds appropriated by this Act
that are made available for monitoring and evaluation of
assistance under the headings ``Development Assistance'',
``International Disaster Assistance'', and ``Migration and
Refugee 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 and USAID
Administrator 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 $25,000,000, 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-
funded assistance programs: Provided, That of the funds made
available pursuant to this paragraph, $20,000,000 shall be
administered in coordination with the Office of the Chief
Economist, USAID, and may be used for administrative expenses
of such Office: Provided further, That funds made available
pursuant to this paragraph are in addition to funds otherwise
made available for such purposes.
(d) Notification Requirement.--An obligation in excess of
$2,000,000 from deobligated balances of funds appropriated by
prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State,
foreign operations, 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.
(e) Foreign Assistance Website.--Funds appropriated by this
Act under titles I and II, and funds made available for any
independent agency in title III, 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 and the United
States Agency for International Development.
limitation on assistance to countries in default
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.
prohibition on taxation of united states assistance
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, and the
Secretary of State and the Administrator of the United States
Agency for International Development shall expeditiously seek
to negotiate amendments to existing bilateral agreements, as
necessary, to conform with this requirement.
(b) Notification and Reimbursement of Foreign Taxes.--An
amount equivalent to 200 percent of the total taxes assessed
during fiscal year 2025 on funds appropriated by this Act and
prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State,
foreign operations, 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 2026 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,
2026, 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
[[Page H4275]]
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) Implementation.--The Secretary of State shall issue and
update rules, regulations, or policy guidance, as
appropriate, to implement the prohibition against the
taxation of assistance contained in this section.
(g) 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.
reservations of funds
Sec. 7014. (a) Extension of Availability.--The original
period of availability of funds appropriated by this Act and
administered by the Department of State or the United States
Agency for International Development 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 or the USAID Administrator, as
appropriate, 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.
(b) Other Acts.--Ceilings and specifically designated
funding levels contained in this Act shall not be applicable
to funds or authorities 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.
notification requirements
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 the Department of
State, foreign operations, and related programs to the
departments and agencies funded by this Act that remain
available for obligation in fiscal year 2025, 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 the Department of State,
foreign operations, and related programs, to the departments
and agencies funded under such titles that remain available
for obligation in fiscal year 2025, or provided from any
accounts in the Treasury of the United States derived by the
collection of fees available to the department and agency
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'', ``Development Assistance'', ``Economic Support
Fund'', ``Democracy Fund'', ``Assistance for Europe, Eurasia
and Central Asia'', ``Peace Corps'', ``Millennium Challenge
Corporation'', ``International Narcotics Control and Law
Enforcement'', ``Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining
and Related Programs'', ``Peacekeeping Operations'',
``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 (if
known on the date of transmittal of such notification) 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 the Department of
State, foreign operations, 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 estimated costs
associated with, the support or continuation of such program.
(2) Funding.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
funds transferred by the Department of Defense to the
Department of State and the United States Agency for
International Development 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.--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 the Committees on
Appropriations, may 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 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.
(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,
Cambodia, Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala,
Haiti, Honduras, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mexico,
Nicaragua, 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 the Department of State, foreign
operations, 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.
[[Page H4276]]
(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 Global Engagement Center;
(B) the Power Africa and Prosper Africa initiatives;
(C) funds made available under the headings ``International
Disaster Assistance'' and ``Migration and Refugee
Assistance'' that are made available to a country listed in
section 7007 of this Act;
(D) the Prevention and Stabilization Fund and the Multi-
Donor Global Fragility Fund;
(E) the Countering PRC Influence Fund and the Countering
Russian Influence Fund;
(F) assistance made available pursuant to section 7059 of
this Act; and
(G) funds specifically allocated for the Partnership for
Global Infrastructure and Investment.
(2) Democracy program policy and procedures.--Modifications
to democracy program policy and procedures, including
relating to the use of consortia, by the Department of State
and USAID shall be subject to prior consultation with, and
the regular notification procedures of, the Committees on
Appropriations.
(3) 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. 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 the Department of State, foreign
operations, and 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.
(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 and
USAID Administrator, as applicable, 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 or USAID, as appropriate.
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 and the United States Agency for International
Development.
(b) Public Posting of Reports.--
(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), any
report required by this Act to be submitted to Congress by
any Federal agency receiving funds made available by this Act
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 and USAID Administrator
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 under the headings
``Diplomatic Programs'' and ``Capital Investment Fund'' in
title I, and ``Operating Expenses'' and ``Capital Investment
Fund'' in title II, as appropriate, 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 the Department of State and USAID;
(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.
use of funds in contravention of this act
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.
prohibition on funding for abortions and involuntary sterilization
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.
allocations and reports
Sec. 7019. (a) Allocation Tables.--Subject to subsection
(b), funds appropriated by this Act under titles III through
V shall be made available in 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 and the Administrator of
the United States Agency for International Development, as
applicable, may only deviate up to 5 percent from the amounts
specifically designated in the respective tables included in
the report accompanying this Act.
(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.--The Secretary of State, USAID Administrator,
and other designated officials, as appropriate, shall submit
the reports required, in the manner described, in the report
accompanying this Act.
(f) Clarification.--Funds appropriated by this Act under
the headings ``International Disaster Assistance'' and
``Migration and Refugee Assistance'' shall not be included
for purposes of meeting amounts designated for countries in
this Act, unless such headings are specifically designated as
the source of funds.
multi-year pledges
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 was: (1) previously justified, including the projected
future year costs, in a congressional budget justification;
(2) included in an Act making appropriations for the
Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs
or previously authorized by an Act of Congress; (3) notified
in accordance with the regular notification procedures of the
Committees on Appropriations, including the projected future
year costs; or (4) the subject of prior consultation with the
Committees on Appropriations and such consultation was
conducted at least 7 days in advance of the pledge.
prohibition on assistance to governments supporting international
terrorism
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 Reform
[[Page H4277]]
Control 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)
or any other similar provision of law, 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 the Department of State, foreign
operations, 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.
authorization requirements
Sec. 7022. Funds appropriated by this Act, except funds
appropriated under the heading ``Trade and Development
Agency'', may be obligated and expended notwithstanding
section 10 of Public Law 91-672 (22 U.S.C. 2412), section 15
of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 (22
U.S.C. 2680), section 313 of the Foreign Relations
Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995 (22 U.S.C.
6212), and section 504(a)(1) of the National Security Act of
1947 (50 U.S.C. 3094(a)(1)).
definition of program, project, and activity
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
``Economic Support Fund'', ``Assistance for Europe, Eurasia
and Central Asia'', 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, and for the
development assistance accounts of the United States Agency
for International Development, ``program, project, and
activity'' shall also be considered to include central,
country, regional, and program level funding, 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.
authorities for the peace corps, inter-american foundation, and united
states african development foundation
Sec. 7024. Unless expressly provided to the contrary,
provisions of this or any other Act, including provisions
contained in prior Acts authorizing or making appropriations
for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related
programs, shall not be construed to prohibit activities
authorized by or conducted under the Peace Corps Act, the
Inter-American Foundation Act, or the African Development
Foundation Act: Provided, That prior to conducting
activities in a country for which assistance is prohibited,
the agency shall consult with the Committees on
Appropriations and report to such Committees within 15 days
of taking such action.
commerce, trade and surplus commodities
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.
separate accounts
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 Administrator of the
United States Agency for International Development 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 USAID 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.--USAID 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) Applicability of other provisions of law.--Such funds
may be obligated and expended notwithstanding provisions of
law which are inconsistent with the nature of this
assistance, including provisions which are referenced in the
Joint Explanatory Statement of the Committee of Conference
accompanying House Joint Resolution 648 (House Report No. 98-
1159).
(3) Notification.--At least 15 days prior to obligating any
such cash transfer or nonproject sector assistance, the
President shall submit a
[[Page H4278]]
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).
(4) 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.
eligibility for assistance
Sec. 7027. (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 and from funds appropriated under the heading
``Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia'':
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 2025, 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.
promotion of united states economic interests
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.
international financial institutions
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) Whistleblower Protections.--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
effectively implement and enforce policies and procedures
which meet or exceed best practices in the United States for
the protection of whistleblowers from retaliation,
including--
(1) protection against retaliation for internal and lawful
public disclosure;
(2) legal burdens of proof;
(3) statutes of limitation for reporting retaliation;
(4) access to binding independent adjudicative bodies,
including shared cost and selection external arbitration; and
(5) results that eliminate the effects of proven
retaliation, including provision for the restoration of prior
employment.
(f) Grievance Mechanisms and Procedures.--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 support independent
investigative and adjudicative mechanisms and procedures that
meet or exceed best practices in the United States to provide
due process and fair compensation, including the right to
reinstatement, for employees who are subjected to harassment,
discrimination, retaliation, false allegations, or other
misconduct.
(g) 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 institution has completed a thorough analysis of
the development challenges facing the relevant geographical
region, the role of the institution in addressing such
challenges and its role relative to other financing partners,
and the steps to be taken to enhance the efficiency and
effectiveness of the institution;
(2) the capital increase does not increase the voting power
of the People's Republic of China in such institution; and
(3) the governors of such institution have approved the
capital increase.
(h) 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.
(i) 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.
(j) Report to Congress and Withholding.--
(1) 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 indicating the amount of
funds that a financial intermediary fund is budgeting for the
year in which the report is submitted for a country or region
described in subsection (i).
(2) If a report under paragraph (1) indicates that a
financial intermediary fund plans to spend funds for a
country or region described under subsection (i), including
through projects implemented by a multilateral development
bank, then 10 percent of the United States contribution to
such bank shall be withheld from obligation for the remainder
of the fiscal year in which the report is submitted.
(k) Guidance on Multilateral Development Banks.--None of
the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this
Act under the heading ``Multilateral Assistance'' may be used
to implement, administer, or otherwise carry out Executive
Order 14008 (relating to Executive Order on Tackling the
Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad), including the memorandum
entitled ``Guidance on Fossil Fuel Energy at the Multilateral
Development Banks'', issued by the Department of the Treasury
on August 16, 2021.
economic resilience initiative
Sec. 7030. (a) Assistance.--Funds appropriated by this Act
under the heading ``Economic Support Fund'' 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 subsection may only be made available following
consultation with, and the regular notification procedures
of, the Committees on Appropriations, and shall include--
(1) strategic infrastructure investments, which shall be
administered by the Secretary of State
[[Page H4279]]
in consultation with the heads of other relevant Federal
agencies: Provided, That such funds 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 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;
(2) activities to enhance critical mineral supply chain
security, except that 50 percent of funds made available for
such activities shall utilize United States-based entities
following the submission of the report required under this
subsection in the report accompanying this Act;
(3) economic resilience programs administered by the
Administrator of the United States Agency for International
Development; and
(4) 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 ``Economic
Support Fund'' 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):
Provided further, That funds made available pursuant to this
paragraph are in addition to funds otherwise made available
for such purposes and shall be coordinated with the USAID
Administrator, including for relevant USAID programming.
(b) Loan Guarantees.--Funds appropriated under the headings
``Economic Support Fund'' and ``Assistance for Europe,
Eurasia and Central Asia'' by this Act and prior Acts making
appropriations for the Department of State, foreign
operations, and related programs, including funds made
available pursuant to this section, may be made available for
the costs, as defined in section 502 of the Congressional
Budget Act of 1974, of loan guarantees for Costa Rica, Egypt,
Jordan, Panama, Small Island Developing States, and Ukraine,
which are authorized to be provided and which shall be
administered by the United States Agency for International
Development unless otherwise provided for by this Act or any
other provision of law: Provided, That amounts made
available under this subsection for the costs of such
guarantees shall not be considered assistance for the
purposes of provisions of law limiting assistance to a
country: Provided further, That funds made available
pursuant to the authorities of this subsection shall be
subject to prior consultation with the appropriate
congressional committees and the regular notification
procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.
(c) CHIPS for America International Technology Security and
Innovation Fund.--
(1) Within 45 days of enactment of this Act, the Secretary
of State shall allocate amounts made available from the
Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS)
for America International Technology Security and Innovation
Fund for fiscal year 2025 pursuant to the transfer authority
in section 102(c)(1) of the CHIPS Act of 2022 (division A of
Public Law 117-167), to the accounts specified and in the
amounts specified, in the table titled ``CHIPS for America
International Technology Security and Innovation Fund'' in
the report accompanying this Act: Provided, That such funds
shall be subject to prior consultation with, and the regular
notification procedures of, the Committees on Appropriations.
(2) Neither the President nor his designee may allocate any
amounts that are made available for any fiscal year under
section 102(c)(2) of the CHIPS Act of 2022 if there is in
effect an Act making or continuing appropriations for part of
a fiscal year for the Department of State, Foreign
Operations, and Related Programs: Provided, That in any
fiscal year, the matter preceding this proviso shall not
apply to the allocation, apportionment, or allotment of
amounts for continuing administration of programs allocated
using funds transferred from the CHIPS for America
International Technology Security and Innovation Fund, which
may be allocated pursuant to the transfer authority in
section 102(c)(1) of the CHIPS Act of 2022 only in amounts
that are no more than the allocation for such purposes in
paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(3) Concurrent with the annual budget submission of the
President for fiscal year 2026, the Secretary of State shall
submit to the Committees on Appropriations proposed
allocations by account and by program, project, or activity,
with detailed justifications, for amounts made available
under section 102(c)(2) of the CHIPS Act of 2022 for fiscal
year 2026.
(4) The Secretary of State shall provide the Committees on
Appropriations quarterly reports on the status of balances of
projects and activities funded by the CHIPS for America
International Technology Security and Innovation Fund for
amounts allocated pursuant to paragraph (1) of this
subsection, including all uncommitted, committed, and
unobligated funds.
(5) Amounts transferred to the Export-Import Bank and the
United States International Development Finance Corporation
pursuant to the transfer authority in section 102(c)(1) of
the CHIPS Act of 2022 (division A of Public Law 117-167) may
be made available for the costs of direct loans and loan
guarantees, including the cost of modifying such loans, as
defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of
1974.
financial management, budget transparency, and anti-corruption
Sec. 7031. (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 $10,000,000
and all funds available for cash transfer, budget support,
and cash payments to individuals.
(3) Suspension of assistance.--The Administrator of the
United States Agency for International Development or the
Secretary of State, as appropriate, shall suspend any direct
government-to-government assistance if the Administrator or
the Secretary has credible information of material misuse of
such assistance, unless the Administrator or 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 2026 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.
(3) Assistance.--Not less than $7,000,000 of the funds
appropriated by this Act under the heading ``Economic Support
Fund'' shall be made available for programs and activities to
assist governments identified pursuant to paragraph (1) to
improve budget transparency and to support civil society
organizations in such countries that promote budget
transparency.
(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.
[[Page H4280]]
(4) Report.--Not later than 30 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter until
September 30, 2026, 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) Assistance.--Funds appropriated by this Act shall be
made available to promote and support transparency and
accountability of expenditures and revenues related to the
extraction of natural resources, including by strengthening
implementation and monitoring of the Extractive Industries
Transparency Initiative, implementing and enforcing section
8204 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
(Public Law 110-246; 122 Stat. 2052) and the amendments made
by such section, and to prevent the sale of conflict
minerals, and for technical assistance to promote independent
audit mechanisms and support civil society participation in
natural resource management.
(2) 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.
(3) 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.
democracy programs
Sec. 7032. (a) Funding.--Of the funds appropriated by this
Act under the headings ``Development Assistance'', ``Economic
Support Fund'', ``Democracy Fund'', ``Assistance for Europe,
Eurasia and Central Asia'', and ``International Narcotics
Control and Law Enforcement'', $2,900,000,000 shall be made
available for democracy programs.
(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) Definition of Democracy Programs.--For purposes of
funds appropriated by this Act, the term ``democracy
programs'' means programs that support good governance,
credible and competitive elections, freedom of expression,
association, assembly, and religion, human rights, labor
rights, independent media, and the rule of law, and that
otherwise strengthen the capacity of democratic political
parties, governments, nongovernmental organizations and
institutions, and citizens to support the development of
democratic states and institutions that are responsive and
accountable to citizens.
(d) Program Prioritization.--Funds made available pursuant
to subsection (a) to strengthen ministries and agencies
should be prioritized in countries that demonstrate a strong
commitment to the separation of powers, checks and balances,
the rule of law, and credible electoral processes.
(e) 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, in consultation with the Administrator of
the United States Agency for International Development,
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 and the
USAID Administrator shall expeditiously seek to negotiate
amendments to existing bilateral agreements, as necessary, to
conform to this requirement.
(f) Continuation of Current Practices.--USAID shall
continue to implement civil society and political competition
and consensus building programs abroad with funds
appropriated by this Act in a manner that recognizes the
unique benefits of grants and cooperative agreements in
implementing such programs.
international religious freedom
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 ``Economic Support Fund'', ``Democracy Fund'', and
``International Broadcasting Operations'', not less than
$50,000,000 shall be made available for international
religious freedom programs: Provided, That funds made
available by this Act under the headings ``Economic Support
Fund'' and ``Democracy Fund'' pursuant to this section shall
be the responsibility of the Ambassador-at-Large for
International Religious Freedom, in consultation with other
relevant United States Government officials, and shall be
subject to prior consultation with the Committees on
Appropriations.
(2) Funds appropriated by this Act under the headings
``International Disaster Assistance'' and ``Migration and
Refugee Assistance'' shall be made available for humanitarian
assistance for vulnerable and persecuted ethnic and religious
minorities.
(c) Authority.--Funds appropriated by this Act and prior
Acts making appropriations for the Department of State,
foreign operations, and related programs under the heading
``Economic Support Fund'' may be made available
notwithstanding any other provision of law for assistance for
ethnic and religious minorities in Iraq and Syria.
(d) Designation of Non-State Actors.--Section 7033(e) 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 2025.
special provisions
Sec. 7034. (a) Victims of War, Displaced Children, and
Displaced Burmese.--Funds appropriated in title III of this
Act that are made available for victims of war, displaced
children, displaced Burmese, and to combat trafficking in
persons and assist victims of such trafficking may be made
available notwithstanding any other provision of law.
(b) Forensic Assistance.--
(1) Funds appropriated by this Act under the heading
``Economic Support Fund'' shall be made available for
forensic anthropology assistance related to the exhumation
and identification of victims of war crimes, crimes against
humanity, and genocide, which shall be administered by the
Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor,
Department of State: Provided, That such funds shall be in
addition to funds made available by this Act and prior Acts
making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign
operations, and related programs for assistance for
countries.
(2) Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the heading
``International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement'', not
less than $10,000,000 shall be made available for DNA
forensic technology programs to combat human trafficking in
Central America and Mexico.
(c) World Food Programme.--Funds appropriated by this Act
under the heading ``International Disaster Assistance'' may
be made available as a general contribution to the World Food
Programme.
(d) Directives and Authorities.--
(1) Research and training.--Funds appropriated by this Act
under the heading ``Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and
Central Asia'' shall be made available to carry out the
Program for Research and Training on Eastern Europe and the
Independent States of the Former Soviet Union as authorized
by the Soviet-Eastern European Research and Training Act of
1983 (22 U.S.C. 4501 et seq.).
(2) Genocide victims memorial sites.--Funds appropriated by
this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for the
Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs
under the headings ``Economic Support Fund'' and ``Assistance
for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia'' 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.
(3) Private sector partnerships.--Of the funds appropriated
by this Act under the headings ``Development Assistance'' and
``Economic Support Fund'' that are made available for private
sector partnerships, including partnerships with
philanthropic foundations, up to $50,000,000 may remain
available until September 30, 2026: Provided, That funds
made
[[Page H4281]]
available pursuant to this paragraph may only be made
available following prior consultation with, and the regular
notification procedures of, the Committees on Appropriations.
(4) Innovation.--The USAID Administrator may use funds
appropriated by this Act under title III to make innovation
incentive awards in accordance with the terms and conditions
of section 7034(e)(4) of the Department of State, Foreign
Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2019
(division F of Public Law 116-6), except that each individual
award may not exceed $500,000.
(5) 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.) and
notwithstanding the exceptions to such rulemaking process in
such Act: 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.
(6) Payments.--Funds appropriated by this Act and prior
Acts making appropriations for the Department of State,
foreign operations, and related programs under the headings
``Diplomatic Programs'' and ``Operating Expenses'', except
for funds designated by Congress as an emergency requirement
pursuant to a concurrent resolution on the budget or the
Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985,
are available to provide payments pursuant to section
901(i)(2) of title IX of division J of the Further
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (22 U.S.C.
2680b(i)(2)): Provided, That funds made available pursuant
to this paragraph shall be subject to prior consultation with
the Committees on Appropriations.
(7) Exemption of transactions.--Financing for transactions
related to civil nuclear facilities, material, and
technologies, and related goods and services and for
transactions under the program on China and Transformational
Exports shall be excluded from the requirements of section
8(g) of the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635
(g)).
(8) Special envoy for holocaust issues.--Funds appropriated
by this Act under the heading ``Diplomatic Programs'' may be
made available for the Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues
notwithstanding the limitation of section 7064(c)(4) of this
Act.
(e) 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 and USAID
Administrator, as appropriate, shall consult with the
Committees on Appropriations: Provided, That the Secretary
and the Administrator shall provide a direct vetting option
for prime awardees in any partner vetting program initiated
or significantly modified after the date of enactment of this
Act, unless the Secretary or Administrator, as applicable,
informs the Committees on Appropriations on a case-by-case
basis that a direct vetting option is not feasible for such
program: Provided further, That the Secretary and the
Administrator 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.
(f) 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.
(g) 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 2025, 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.
(h) 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 2025.
(i) Extension of Authorities.--
(1) Incentives for critical posts.--The authority contained
in section 1115(d) of the Supplemental Appropriations Act,
2009 (Public Law 111-32) shall remain in effect through
September 30, 2025.
(2) Special inspector general for afghanistan
reconstruction competitive status.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, any employee of the Special Inspector
General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) who completes
at least 12 months of continuous service after enactment of
this Act or who is employed on the date on which SIGAR
terminates, whichever occurs first, shall acquire competitive
status for appointment to any position in the competitive
service for which the employee possesses the required
qualifications.
(3) 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 2025.
(4) 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 2025 and shall be
applied to funds appropriated by this Act by substituting
``$40,000,000'' for ``$30,000,000''.
(5) Extension of loan guarantees to israel.--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, 2029'' and inserting ``September 30, 2030'';
and
(B) in the second proviso, by striking ``September 30,
2029'' and inserting ``September 30, 2030''.
(6) Extension of certain personal services contract
authority.--The authority provided in section 2401 of
division C of the Extending Government Funding and Delivering
Emergency Assistance Act (Public Law 117-43) shall remain in
effect through September 30, 2025.
(j) 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 Assistant Administrator for Global Health,
USAID, 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 of
State shall include in the congressional budget justification
an accounting of budgetary resources, disbursements,
balances, and reimbursements related to such fund.
(k) Local Works.--
(1) Funding.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act under
the headings ``Development Assistance'' and ``Economic
Support Fund'', not less than $50,000,000 shall be made
available for Local Works pursuant to section 7080 of the
Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs
Appropriations Act, 2015 (division J of Public Law 113-235),
which may remain available until September 30, 2029.
(2) Eligible entities.--For the purposes of section 7080 of
the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related
Programs Appropriations Act, 2015 (division J of Public Law
113-235), ``eligible entities'' shall be defined as small
local, international, and United States-based nongovernmental
organizations, educational institutions, and other small
entities that have received less than a total of $5,000,000
from USAID over the previous 5 fiscal years: Provided, That
departments or centers of such educational institutions may
be considered individually in determining such eligibility.
(l) 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 the
Department of State, foreign operations, 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) 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 the Department of State, foreign
operations, and related programs'' means funds that remain
available for obligation, and have not expired.
(4) 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.
(5) 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.
[[Page H4282]]
(6) 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.
(7) Successor operating unit.--Any reference to a
particular operating unit or office in this Act or prior Acts
making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign
operations, and related programs shall be deemed to include
any successor operating unit performing the same or similar
functions.
(8) USAID.--In this Act, the term ``USAID'' means the
United States Agency for International Development.
law enforcement and security
Sec. 7035. (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
gender-based violence, 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 ``Peacekeeping
Operations'' 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 ``Peacekeeping Operations'' 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 2025.
(3) Commercial leasing of defense articles.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and 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, 2027:
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) War reserve stockpile authority.--For fiscal year 2025,
section 514(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22
U.S.C. 2321h(b)) shall not apply to defense articles to be
set aside, earmarked, reserved, or intended for use as
reserve stocks in stockpiles in the State of Israel.
(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 2025.
(7) Foreign military financing direct loans and loan
guarantees.--Section 2606(a) of the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103) shall continue
in effect during fiscal year 2025 and shall apply to funds
made available by this Act under the heading ``Foreign
Military Financing Program''.
(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.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
demining equipment available to the United States Agency for
International Development and 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) Crowd control.--If the Secretary of State has
information that a unit of a foreign security force uses
excessive force to repress peaceful expression or assembly
concerning corruption, harm to the environment or human
health, or the fairness of electoral processes, or in
countries that are undemocratic or undergoing democratic
transition, the Secretary shall promptly determine if such
information is credible: Provided, That if the information
is determined to be credible, funds appropriated by this Act
should not be used for tear gas, small arms, light weapons,
ammunition, or other items for crowd control purposes for
such unit, unless the Secretary of State determines that the
foreign government is taking effective measures to bring the
responsible members of such unit to justice.
(4) 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.
(5) Delivery of withheld items.--Any defense article and
defense service withheld from delivery to Israel by the
Department of State as of the date of enactment of this Act,
including those contracted through Direct Commercial Sales
for the Ministry of Public Security, shall be delivered to
Israel not later than 15 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act: Provided, That 50 percent of the funds
appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act under
the heading ``Diplomatic Programs'' and made available for
the Office of the Secretary shall be withheld from obligation
until the Secretary of State certifies and reports to the
Committees on Appropriations that the defense articles and
services described in this paragraph have been delivered to
Israel.
(6) Obligation requirement.--The Secretary of State shall
obligate any remaining unobligated balances of funds
appropriated or otherwise made available before the date of
enactment of this Act for assistance for Israel not later
than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
(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
2024, by country and purpose of assistance, under the
headings ``Peacekeeping Operations'', ``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.
[[Page H4283]]
countering the flow of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs
Sec. 7036. (a) Assistance.--Of the funds appropriated by
this Act under the headings ``Economic Support Fund'' 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.
(c) Reports.--
(1) The Secretary of State shall, in consultation with the
heads of other relevant Federal agencies and not later than
90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, submit a
report to the appropriate congressional committees detailing
and assessing the cooperation of the PRC in countering the
flow of fentanyl, fentanyl precursors, and other synthetic
drugs, and describing actions taken by the United States in
coordination with other countries to engage the PRC on taking
concrete and measurable steps to stop the flow of fentanyl,
fentanyl precursors, and other synthetic drugs from the PRC
to other countries: Provided, That such report shall be
updated and resubmitted quarterly thereafter until September
30, 2026.
(2) Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the
appropriate congressional committees detailing how assistance
for Mexico is strategically aligned to address the
proliferation of fentanyl, fentanyl precursors, and other
synthetic drugs from Mexico to the United States.
palestinian statehood
Sec. 7037. (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'').
prohibition on assistance to the palestinian broadcasting corporation
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.
oversight requirements for the west bank and gaza
Sec. 7039. (a) Oversight.--For fiscal year 2025, 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 ``Economic Support Fund'' for the West Bank and Gaza.
(b) Vetting.--Prior to the obligation of funds appropriated
by this Act under the heading ``Economic Support Fund'' 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 United States Agency for International
Development.--
(1) The Administrator of the United States Agency for
International Development 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 Office of Inspector General of the United
States Agency for International Development 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 2025 under the heading ``Economic
Support Fund'', 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.
limitation on assistance for the palestinian authority
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
[[Page H4284]]
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.
middle east and north africa
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 ``Economic Support Fund''; and
(B) not less than $1,300,000,000 shall be made available
from funds under the heading ``Foreign Military Financing
Program'', to remain available until September 30, 2026:
Provided, That such funds may be transferred to an interest
bearing account in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
(2) Additional security assistance.--In addition to amounts
made available pursuant to paragraph (1), not less than
$75,000,000 of the funds appropriated under the heading
``Foreign Military Financing Program'' shall be made
available for assistance for Egypt.
(3) Directive.--Funds made available pursuant to paragraph
(1)(A) shall include support for higher education programs
for scholarships for Egyptian students with high financial
need to attend not-for-profit institutions of higher
education in Egypt that are currently accredited by a
regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States
Department of Education, or meets standards equivalent to
those required for United States institutional accreditation
by a regional accrediting agency recognized by such
Department, democracy programs, and for development programs
in the Sinai.
(4) 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'', ``Economic Support Fund'',
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. 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 used to--
(A) 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) 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) Iraq.--
(1) Funds appropriated under titles III and IV of this Act
shall be made available for assistance for Iraq for--
(A) bilateral economic assistance and international
security assistance, including in the Kurdistan Region of
Iraq;
(B) stabilization assistance, including in Anbar Province;
(C) programs to support government transparency and
accountability, support judicial independence, protect the
right of due process, end the use of torture, and combat
corruption;
(D) humanitarian assistance, including in the Kurdistan
Region of Iraq;
(E) programs to protect and assist religious and ethnic
minority populations; and
(F) programs to increase United States private sector
investment.
(2) Limitation.--Funds appropriated by this Act under title
III and made available for bilateral economic assistance for
Iraq may not be made available to an organization or entity
for which the Secretary of State has credible information is
controlled by the Badr Organization.
(d) 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 any 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 $450,300,000 shall be
available for the procurement in Israel of defense articles
and defense services, including research and development.
(e) 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 ``Economic Support Fund''
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.
(f) 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--
[[Page H4285]]
(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.
(g) Morocco.--Funds appropriated under titles III and IV of
this Act shall be made available for assistance for Morocco.
(h) Saudi Arabia.--
(1) None of the funds appropriated by this Act under the
heading ``International Military Education and Training''
should be made available for assistance for the Government of
Saudi Arabia.
(2) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made
available by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations
for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related
programs should be obligated or expended by the Export-Import
Bank of the United States to guarantee, insure, or extend (or
participate in the extension of) credit in connection with
the export of nuclear technology, equipment, fuel, materials,
or other nuclear technology-related goods or services to
Saudi Arabia unless the Government of Saudi Arabia--
(A) has in effect a nuclear cooperation agreement pursuant
to section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C.
2153);
(B) has committed to renounce uranium enrichment and
reprocessing on its territory under that agreement; and
(C) has signed and implemented an Additional Protocol to
its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the International
Atomic Energy Agency.
(i) 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 made available pursuant to
paragraph (1) of this subsection--
(A) may not be made available for 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;
(B) may not be made available for activities that further
the strategic objectives of the Government of the Russian
Federation that the Secretary of State determines may
threaten or undermine United States national security
interests; and
(C) may not be used in areas of Syria controlled by a
government led by Bashar al-Assad or associated forces or
made available to an organization or entity effectively
controlled by an official or immediate family member of an
official of such government.
(3) Monitoring, oversight, consultation, and
notification.--
(A) Prior to the obligation of funds appropriated by this
Act and made available for assistance for Syria, the
Secretary of State shall take all practicable steps to ensure
that mechanisms are in place for monitoring, oversight, and
control of such assistance inside Syria.
(B) Funds made available pursuant to this subsection may
only be made available following consultation with the
appropriate congressional committees and shall be subject to
the regular notification procedures of the Committees on
Appropriations: Provided, That such consultation shall
include the steps taken to comply with subparagraph (A) and
steps intended to be taken to comply with section 7015(j) of
this Act.
(j) West Bank and Gaza.--
(1) Limitations.--
(A) None of the funds appropriated under the heading
``Economic Support Fund'' 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.
(2) Application of taylor force act.--Funds appropriated by
this Act under the heading ``Economic Support Fund'' 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).
(3) 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.
(4) 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.
(5) Directive.--Beginning in fiscal year 2025, the
Secretary of State shall bifurcate the budget operating unit
of ``West Bank and Gaza'' into separate units.
(k) Yemen.--None of the funds appropriated by this Act may
be used to revoke the designation of Ansarallah as a
Specially Designated Global Terrorist group.
africa
Sec. 7042. (a) Counter Illicit Armed Groups.--Funds
appropriated by this Act shall be made available for programs
and activities in areas affected by the Lord's Resistance
Army (LRA) or other illicit armed groups in Eastern
Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African
Republic, including to improve physical access,
telecommunications infrastructure, and early-warning
mechanisms and to support the disarmament, demobilization,
and reintegration of former LRA combatants, especially child
soldiers.
(b) Ethiopia.--Funds appropriated by this Act that are made
available for assistance for Ethiopia should be used to
support--
(1) political dialogue;
(2) civil society and the protection of human rights;
(3) investigations and prosecutions of gross violations of
human rights;
(4) efforts to provide unimpeded access to, and monitoring
of, humanitarian assistance; and
(5) the restoration of basic services in areas impacted by
conflict.
(c) Malawi.--Funds appropriated by this Act and prior Acts
making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign
operations, and related programs that are made available for
higher education programs in Malawi shall be made available
for higher education and workforce development programs in
agriculture as described under this section in the report
accompanying this Act.
(d) Power Africa.--Prior to the initial obligation of funds
appropriated by this Act and made available for the Power
Africa program, the Administrator of the United States Agency
for International Development shall submit the report
required under this section in the report accompanying this
Act: Provided, That such funds shall be used for all-of-the-
above energy development consistent with the Electrify Africa
Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-121).
(e) 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 outstanding issues of the Comprehensive
Peace Agreement, mutual arrangements related to post-
referendum issues associated with such Agreement, or any
other viable peace agreement in South Sudan.
(f) 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 outstanding issues of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement,
mutual arrangements related to post-referendum issues
associated with such Agreement, or any other viable peace
agreement in Sudan.
(2) Consultation.--Funds appropriated by this Act and prior
Acts making appropriations
[[Page H4286]]
for the Department of State, foreign operations, 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.
(g) Zimbabwe.--
(1) Instruction.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall
instruct the United States executive director of each
international financial institution to vote against any
extension by the respective institution of any loan or grant
to the Government of Zimbabwe, except to meet basic human
needs or to promote democracy, unless the Secretary of State
certifies and reports to the Committees on Appropriations
that the rule of law has been restored, including respect for
ownership and title to property, and freedoms of expression,
association, and assembly.
(2) Limitation.--None of the funds appropriated by this Act
shall be made available for assistance for the central
Government of Zimbabwe, except for health and education,
unless the Secretary of State certifies and reports as
required in paragraph (1).
east asia and the pacific
Sec. 7043. (a) Burma.--
(1) Uses of funds.--Funds appropriated by this Act under
the heading ``Economic Support Fund'' 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): Provided further,
That for the purposes of section 5575 of the Burma Act of
2022 and assistance for Burma made available by this Act and
prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State,
foreign operations, and related programs, ``non-lethal
assistance'' shall include equipment and associated training
to support--
(A) atrocities prevention;
(B) the protection of civilians from military attack;
(C) the delivery of humanitarian assistance;
(D) investigations into genocide and human rights
violations committed by the Burmese military;
(E) local governance and the provision of services in areas
outside the control of the Burmese military; and
(F) medical trauma care, supplies, and training.
(2) Deserter programs.--Pursuant to section 7043(a)(1)(A)
of division K of Public Law 117-328, as continued in effect
by this subsection, funds appropriated by this Act and prior
Acts making appropriations for the Department of State,
foreign operations, and related programs that are made
available for assistance for Burma shall be made available
for programs and activities to support deserters from the
military junta and its allied entities, following
consultation with the appropriate congressional committees.
(b) Cambodia.--
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this
Act but prior to the initial obligation of funds appropriated
by this Act that are made available for assistance for
Cambodia, the Secretary of State shall submit to the
appropriate congressional committees an assessment of the
extent of the influence of the People's Republic of China in
Cambodia, including on the Government of Cambodia and with
respect to the purposes and operations of Ream Naval Base.
(c) Indo-Pacific Strategy.--
(1) Assistance.--Of the funds appropriated under titles III
and IV of this Act, not less than $2,100,000,000 shall be
made available to support implementation of the Indo-Pacific
Strategy.
(2) Countering prc influence fund.--Of the funds
appropriated by this Act under the headings ``Development
Assistance'', ``Economic Support Fund'', ``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, 2026: 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 the Department of State, foreign operations, 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 USAID Administrator and 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.
(d) North Korea.--
(1) Cybersecurity.--None of the funds appropriated by this
Act or prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of
State, foreign operations, 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.
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 Broadcasting Operations'' 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 ``Economic Support Fund'' 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 ``Economic Support
Fund'' 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
headings ``Diplomatic Programs'' for the Department of State
and ``Operating Expenses'' for the United States Agency for
International Development shall be made available to expand
the United States diplomatic and development presence in
Pacific Islands countries (PICs), including the number and
location of facilities and personnel.
(2) Assistance.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act
under the headings ``Development Assistance'', ``Economic
Support Fund'', ``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.--
(A) None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be made
available for assistance for the Government of the People's
Republic of China or the Chinese Communist Party.
(B) None of the funds made available by this Act 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 first paragraph 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 $180,300,000 shall be
made available for assistance for the Philippines, of which
not less than $80,300,000 shall be made available under the
heading ``Development Assistance'' and not less than
$100,000,000 shall be made available under the heading
``Foreign Military Financing Program''.
(h) Taiwan.--
(1) Global cooperation and training framework.--Of the
funds appropriated by this Act under the heading ``Economic
Support Fund'', 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, 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).
(3) Foreign military financing program loan and loan
guarantee authority.--Funds appropriated by this Act and
prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State,
foreign operations, and related programs under the heading
``Foreign Military Financing Program'', except for amounts
designated as an
[[Page H4287]]
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.
(i) Tibet.--
(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, of the
funds appropriated by this Act under the heading ``Economic
Support Fund'', 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, as authorized by section
346(d) of the Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020
(subtitle E of title III of division FF of Public Law 116-
260).
(2) Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the heading
``Economic Support Fund'', 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,
as authorized by section 346(e) of the Tibetan Policy and
Support Act of 2020 (subtitle E of title III of division FF
of Public Law 116-260): 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
``Economic Support Fund'', not less than $5,000,000 shall be
made available for programs to strengthen the capacity of the
Central Tibetan Administration, as authorized by section
346(f) of the Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020
(subtitle E of title III of division FF of Public Law 116-
260), 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: Provided, That such funds
shall be administered by USAID.
south and central asia
Sec. 7044. (a) Afghanistan.--
(1) Restriction.--None of the funds appropriated by this
Act that are made available for assistance for Afghanistan
may be made available for assistance to the Taliban.
(2) Afghan women.--Funds appropriated by this Act under the
heading ``Economic Support Fund'' that are made available for
assistance for Afghanistan shall be made available for--
(A) programs to investigate and document human rights
abuses against women in Afghanistan; and
(B) a program for Afghan women-led organizations to support
education, human rights, and economic livelihoods in
Afghanistan: Provided, That such program shall be co-designed
by women in Afghanistan.
(3) Afghan students.--Funds appropriated by this Act and
prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State,
foreign operations, and related programs shall be made
available to--
(A) support the higher education of students from
Afghanistan studying outside of the country, including the
costs of reimbursement to institutions hosting such students,
as appropriate: Provided, That the Secretary of State and
the Administrator of the United States Agency for
International Development, as appropriate, shall consult with
the Committees on Appropriations prior to the initial
obligation of funds for such purposes; and
(B) provide modified learning opportunities for women and
girls in Afghanistan, including but not limited to, efforts
to expand internet access, online schooling, and distribution
of educational content.
(b) Pakistan.--
(1) Limitation.--Funds appropriated by this Act under the
heading ``Foreign Military Financing Program'' that are made
available for assistance for Pakistan may only be made
available to support counterterrorism and counterinsurgency
capabilities in Pakistan.
(2) Withholding.--Of the funds appropriated under titles
III and IV of this Act that are made available for assistance
for Pakistan, $33,000,000 shall be withheld from obligation
until the Secretary of State reports to the Committees on
Appropriations that Dr. Shakil Afridi has been released from
prison and cleared of all charges relating to the assistance
provided to the United States in locating Osama bin Laden.
(c) Sri Lanka.--
(1) Assistance.--Funds appropriated under title III of this
Act shall be made available for assistance for Sri Lanka for
democracy and economic development programs, particularly in
areas recovering from ethnic and religious conflict.
(2) Certification.--Funds appropriated by this Act for
assistance for the central Government of Sri Lanka may be
made available only if the Secretary of State certifies and
reports to the Committees on Appropriations that such
Government is taking effective and consistent steps to--
(A) protect the rights and freedoms of the people of Sri
Lanka regardless of ethnicity and religious belief, including
by investigating violations of human rights and the laws of
war and holding perpetrators of such violations accountable;
(B) implement the necessary political, economic, military,
and legal reforms to enable economic recovery and to prevent
conflict and future economic crises;
(C) increase transparency and accountability in governance
and combat corruption, including bringing to justice public
officials who have engaged in significant acts of corruption;
(D) assert its sovereignty against influence by the
People's Republic of China; and
(E) promote reconciliation between ethnic and religious
groups, particularly arising from past conflict in Sri Lanka,
as described under this section in the report accompanying
this Act:
Provided, That the limitations of this paragraph shall not
apply to funds made available for humanitarian assistance and
disaster response; to protect human rights, locate and
identify missing persons, and assist victims of torture and
trauma; to promote justice, accountability, and
reconciliation; to enhance maritime security and domain
awareness; to promote fiscal transparency and sovereignty;
and for International Military Education and Training.
(3) Limitation.--Funds appropriated by this Act that are
made available for assistance for the Sri Lankan armed forces
may only be made available for--
(A) international peacekeeping operations training;
(B) humanitarian assistance and disaster response;
(C) instruction in human rights and related curricula
development;
(D) maritime security and domain awareness, including
professionalization and training for the navy and coast
guard; and
(E) programs and activities under the heading
``International Military Education and Training''.
(4) Consultation.--Funds made available for assistance for
Sri Lanka for international peacekeeping operations training
shall be subject to prior consultation with the Committees on
Appropriations.
latin america and the caribbean
Sec. 7045. (a) Assistance for Latin America and the
Caribbean.--
(1) Assistance.--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--
(A) countering fentanyl and other narcotics trafficking;
(B) respecting norms of democracy, constitutional order,
and human rights;
(C) cooperating in the countering of regional and global
authoritarian threats; and
(D) demonstrating commitment and progress in offsetting
large-scale migration and human trafficking from or through
the Western Hemisphere.
(2) Strategic Priorities.--Not later than 30 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall
consult with the appropriate congressional committees on a
hemispheric plan to further the strategic priorities
contained in paragraph (1): Provided, That such plan shall
include baseline definitions for the requirements in
subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D).
(b) Central America.--
(1) Assistance.--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.
(2) Limitation on assistance to certain central
governments.--
(A) Of the funds made available pursuant to paragraph (1),
60 percent of such funds that are made available for
assistance for each of the central governments of El
Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras may only be obligated after
the Secretary of State certifies and reports to the
Committees on Appropriations that such government is--
(i) cooperating with the United States to counter drug
trafficking, human trafficking and smuggling, and other
transnational crime;
(ii) cooperating with the United States and other
governments in the region to facilitate the return,
repatriation, and reintegration of migrants arriving at the
southwest border of the United States who do not qualify for
asylum, consistent with international law;
(iii) taking demonstrable actions to secure national
borders and stem mass migration towards Mexico and the United
States, including positive governance related to combating
crime and violence, building economic opportunity, improving
services, and protecting human rights;
(iv) improving strategies to combat money laundering and
other global financial crimes, and counter corruption,
including investigating and prosecuting government officials,
military personnel, and police officers credibly alleged to
be corrupt;
(v) improving rule of law and taking positive steps to
counter impunity; and
(vi) improving the conditions for businesses to operate and
invest, including investment-friendly tax reform, transparent
and expeditious dispute resolution, and legal frameworks
protecting private property rights.
(B) Exceptions.--The limitation of subparagraph (A) shall
not apply to funds appropriated by this Act that are made
available for--
[[Page H4288]]
(i) judicial entities to combat corruption and impunity;
(ii) investigation of human rights abuses;
(iii) support for women's economic empowerment;
(iv) prevention of violence against women and girls;
(v) security assistance to combat transnational crime,
including narcotics trafficking;
(vi) security assistance to protect national borders; and
(vii) security assistance associated with migration
protection.
(c) Colombia.--
(1) Pre-obligation report.--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) Limitation.--None of the funds appropriated by this Act
or prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of
State, foreign operations, 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 Substance 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.
(4) Oversight.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act and
prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State,
foreign operations, and related programs under the heading
``Economic Support Fund'', up to $1,000,000 may be used by
the Inspector General of the United States Agency for
International Development for audits and other activities
related to compliance with the limitations in paragraph
(3)(B): Provided, That such funds are in addition to funds
otherwise available for such purposes.
(5) Authority.--Aircraft supported by funds made available
by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for the
Department of State, foreign operations, 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.
(d) Cuba.--
(1) Democracy programs.--Of the funds appropriated by this
Act under the heading ``Economic Support Fund'', not less
than $35,000,000 shall be made available to promote democracy
and strengthen civil society in Cuba, including to support
political prisoners, and shall be administered by the United
States Agency for International Development, the National
Endowment for Democracy, and the Bureau for Democracy Human
Rights and Labor, Department of State: 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.--
(A) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made
available by this Act or prior Acts making appropriations for
the Department of State, foreign operations, and related
programs may be used to revoke the designation of Cuba as a
State Sponsor of Terrorism.
(B) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made
available by this Act or prior Acts making appropriations for
the Department of State, foreign operations, and related
programs may be used to 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.
(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.
(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 title
III may be made available for assistance for the central
government of a country or international organization that is
listed 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 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.--
(1) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made
available by this Act may be used to encourage, mobilize,
publicize, or manage mass-migration caravans towards the
United States southwest border: Provided, That not later
than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of State shall report to the appropriate
congressional committees with analysis on the organization
and funding of mass-migration caravans in the Western
Hemisphere.
(2) Unless expressly authorized by a subsequent Act of
Congress, none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made
available by this Act may be made available--
(A) to designate foreign nationals residing in Mexico and
awaiting entry into the United States on the Mexico side of
the United States border as of May 19, 2023 for Priority 2
processing under the refugee resettlement priority system;
(B) for the Safe Mobility Offices; and
(C) for the Welcome Corps or any successor programs.
(3) Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the heading
``Diplomatic Programs'' and made available for the Office of
the Secretary, 15 percent shall be withheld from obligation
until the Secretary of State reports to the appropriate
congressional committees that negotiations have begun with
each of the governments listed in section 302 of H.R. 2, as
passed by the House of Representatives on May 5, 2023, to
carry out the directives of such section: Provided, That such
report shall detail the status of such negotiations with each
government.
(g) Haiti.--
(1) Assistance.--Funds appropriated by this Act under
titles III and IV shall be made available for assistance for
Haiti to support the basic needs of the Haitian people.
(2) Certification.--Funds appropriated by this Act that are
made available for assistance for Haiti may only be made
available for the central Government of Haiti if the
Secretary of State certifies and reports to the appropriate
congressional committees by January 1, 2025 that elections
have been scheduled or held in Haiti and it is in the
national interest of the United States to provide such
assistance.
(3) Exceptions.--Notwithstanding paragraph (2), funds may
be made available to support--
(A) democracy programs;
(B) anti-gang police, and administration of justice
programs, including to reduce pre-trial detention and
eliminate inhumane prison conditions;
(C) public health, food security, subsistence farmers,
water and sanitation, education, and other programs to meet
basic human needs; and
(D) disaster relief and recovery.
(4) Consultation.--Funds appropriated by this Act and prior
Acts making appropriations for the Department of State,
foreign operations, and related programs that are made
available for any new program, project, or activity in Haiti
shall be subject to prior consultation with the Committees on
Appropriations: Provided, That the requirement of this
paragraph shall also apply to any funds from such Acts that
are made available for support for an international security
force in Haiti.
(5) 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 United States and Mexico have entered into an
agreement to balance the deficit of water deliveries 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. 1219): Provided, 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) 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 arriving at the United
States-Mexico border;
[[Page H4289]]
(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 ``Development Assistance'', 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 $97,500,000 shall be
made available for the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative:
Provided, That funds made available above the fiscal year
2024 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) Assistance.--
(A) Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the heading
``Economic Support Fund'', $50,000,000 shall be made
available for democracy programs for Venezuela.
(B) Of the funds made available pursuant to subparagraph
(A), an amount equal to 50 percent of the amount made
available in the previous fiscal year for elections
programming shall be withheld from obligation until the
Secretary of State determines and reports to the appropriate
congressional committees that elections in 2024--
(i) allowed for the diaspora from Venezuela to participate;
(ii) permitted credible, unobstructed international
observation; and
(iii) permitted opposition candidates selected through
credible and democratic processes to participate.
(C) Funds appropriated by this Act shall be made available
for assistance for communities in countries supporting or
otherwise impacted by migrants from Venezuela: Provided,
That such amounts are in addition to funds otherwise made
available for assistance for such countries and are subject
to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on
Appropriations.
(2) Limitation.--None of the funds appropriated by this Act
may be used to negotiate the lifting of sanctions on the
purchase or trade of gold extracted from Venezuela until the
Secretary of State submits a report to the appropriate
congressional committees on human rights abuses, crimes
against humanity involving Indigenous peoples, environmental
harm, and patrimonial theft associated with state-sponsored
and illegal gold extraction from Venezuela's Orinoco Mining
Arc and in national parks and reserves in Venezuela,
including the Canaima National Park, and following
consultation with such committees.
europe and eurasia
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.--None of the funds made available by this Act
may be used to facilitate or support the sale of defense
articles or defense services to the Turkish Presidential
Protection Directorate (TPPD) under chapter 2 of the Arms
Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2761 et seq.) unless the
Secretary of State determines and reports to the appropriate
congressional committees that members of the TPPD who are
named in the July 17, 2017, indictment by the Superior Court
of the District of Columbia, and against whom there are
pending charges, have returned to the United States to stand
trial in connection with the offenses contained in such
indictment or have otherwise been brought to justice:
Provided, That the limitation in this paragraph shall not
apply to the use of funds made available by this Act for
border security purposes, for North Atlantic Treaty
Organization or coalition operations, or to enhance the
protection of United States officials and facilities in
Turkey.
(d) Ukraine.--
(1) Cost matching.--Funds appropriated by this Act under
the headings ``Economic Support Fund'' and ``Assistance for
Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia'' that are made available
for contributions to the Government of Ukraine may not exceed
50 percent of the total amount provided for such assistance
by all sources: Provided, That the President may waive the
limitation in this paragraph if the President determines and
reports to the appropriate congressional committees that to
do so is in the national security interest of the United
States, including a detailed justification for such
determination and an explanation as to why other donors to
the Government of Ukraine are unable to meet or exceed such
level: Provided further, That following such determination,
the President shall submit a report to the Speaker and
Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, the Majority
and Minority Leaders of the Senate, and the appropriate
congressional committees every 120 days while assistance is
provided in reliance on the determination under the previous
proviso detailing steps taken by the Department of State to
increase other donor contributions and an update on the
status of such contributions: Provided further, That the
requirements of this paragraph shall continue in effect until
funds made available by this Act pursuant to this paragraph
have been expended.
(2) Oversight.--
(A) Staffing.--Funds appropriated under titles I and II of
this Act shall be made available to support the appropriate
level of staff in Ukraine and neighboring countries to
conduct effective monitoring and oversight of United States
foreign assistance and ensure the safety and security of
United States personnel, consistent with the strategy
required in paragraph (1).
(B) In-person monitoring.--The Secretary of State shall, to
the maximum extent practicable, ensure that funds
appropriated by this Act under the headings ``Economic
Support Fund'', ``Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central
Asia'', ``International Narcotics Control and Law
Enforcement'', and ``Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism,
Demining and Related Programs'' and made available for
project-based assistance for Ukraine are subject to in-person
monitoring by United States personnel or by vetted third
party monitors.
(C) Certification.--Not later than 15 days prior to the
initial obligation of funds appropriated by this Act and made
available for assistance for Ukraine under the headings
``Economic Support Fund'', ``Assistance for Europe, Eurasia
and Central Asia'', ``International Narcotics Control and Law
Enforcement'', ``Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining
and Related Programs'', and ``Foreign Military Financing
Program'', the Secretary of State and the USAID Administrator
shall jointly certify and report to the appropriate
congressional committees that mechanisms for monitoring and
oversight of funds are in place and functioning to ensure
accountability of such funds to prevent waste, fraud, abuse,
diversion, and corruption, including mechanisms such as use
of third-party monitors, enhanced end-use monitoring,
external and independent audits and evaluations, randomized
spot checks, and regular reporting on outcomes achieved and
progress made toward stated program objectives, consistent
with the strategy required in paragraph (1): Provided, That
section 7015(e) of this Act shall apply to the certification
requirement of this subparagraph.
(D) Notification.--The requirements of section 1706 of the
Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023
(division M of Public Law 117-328) shall apply to funds
appropriated by this Act under titles I through IV that are
made available for assistance for Ukraine.
(E) Reports.--
(i) Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of
this Act and every 90 days thereafter until all funds
appropriated by this Act and made available for Ukraine have
been expended, the Secretary of State and the USAID
Administrator shall provide a comprehensive report to
[[Page H4290]]
the appropriate congressional committees on assistance made
available for Ukraine since February 24, 2022, in this Act
and prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of
State, foreign operations, and related programs: Provided,
That such report shall include the total amount of such
funds, disaggregated by account and fiscal year, that remain
unobligated, are obligated but unexpended, and are committed
but not yet notified.
(ii) Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of
this Act and every 90 days thereafter until all funds
appropriated by this Act and made available for Ukraine have
been expended, the Secretary of State and the USAID
Administrator shall jointly report to the appropriate
congressional committees on the use and planned uses of funds
made available during fiscal year 2025 for assistance for
Ukraine, including categories and amounts, the intended
results and the results achieved, a summary of other donor
contributions, and a description of the efforts undertaken by
the Secretary and Administrator to increase other donor
contributions: Provided, That such reports shall also
include the metrics established to measure such results, and
determine effectiveness of funds provided, and a detailed
description of coordination and information sharing with the
Offices of the Inspectors General, including a full
accounting of any reported allegations of waste, fraud,
abuse, and corruption, steps taken to verify such
allegations, and steps taken to address all verified
allegations.
(F) Transparency.--The reports required under this
subsection shall be made publicly available consistent with
the requirements of section 7016(b) of this Act.
countering russian influence and aggression
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 the Department of State, foreign operations, and related
programs under the headings ``Assistance for Europe, Eurasia
and Central Asia'', ``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. 9543) and notwithstanding the country limitation in
subsection (b) of such section, and programs to enhance the
capacity of law enforcement and security forces in countries
in Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia and strengthen security
cooperation between such countries and the United States and
the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, as appropriate:
Provided, That funds made available pursuant to this
paragraph under the heading ``Foreign Military Financing
Program'' may remain available until September 30, 2026.
united nations and other international organizations
Sec. 7048. (a) 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; and
(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.
(b) Restrictions on United Nations Delegations and
Organizations.--
(1) Restrictions on united states delegations.--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
Reform Control Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4813(c)), supports
international terrorism.
(2) Restrictions on contributions.--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 Reform
Control 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.
(c) United Nations Human Rights Council.--
(1) None of the funds appropriated by this Act and prior
Acts making appropriations for the Department of State,
foreign operations, and related programs may be made
available in support of the United Nations Human Rights
Council unless the Secretary of State determines and reports
to the appropriate congressional committees that
participation in the Council is important to the national
security interest of the United States and that such Council
is taking significant steps to remove Israel as a permanent
agenda item and ensure integrity in the election of members
to such Council: Provided, That such report shall include a
description of the national security interest served and
provide a detailed reform agenda, including a timeline to
remove Israel as a permanent agenda item and ensure integrity
in the election of members to such Council: Provided
further, That the Secretary of State shall withhold, from
funds appropriated by this Act and prior Acts making
appropriations for the Department of State, foreign
operations, and related programs under the
[[Page H4291]]
heading ``Contributions to International Organizations'' for
a contribution to the United Nations Regular Budget, the
United States proportionate share of the total annual amount
of the United Nations Regular Budget funding for the United
Nations Human Rights Council until such determination and
report is made: Provided further, That if the Secretary is
unable to make such determination and report, such amounts
may be reprogrammed for purposes other than the United
Nations Regular Budget, subject to the regular notification
procedures of the Committees on Appropriations: Provided
further, That the Secretary shall report to the Committees on
Appropriations not later than September 30, 2025, on the
resolutions considered in the United Nations Human Rights
Council during the previous 12 months, and on steps taken to
remove Israel as a permanent agenda item and to improve the
quality of membership through competitive elections.
(2) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made
available by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations
for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related
programs may be made available for a contribution, grant, or
other payment to the United Nations International Commission
of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including
East Jerusalem, and Israel, notwithstanding any other
provision of law.
(d) United Nations Relief And Works Agency.--
(1) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made
available by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations
for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related
programs may be made available--
(A) for a contribution, grant, or other payment to the
United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA),
notwithstanding any other provision of law; or
(B) to solicit or otherwise encourage funds for UNRWA from
other donors and sources, notwithstanding any other provision
of law.
(2) Not later than 45 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a transition
plan to the appropriate congressional committees for
providing assistance in the Middle East without direct or
indirect funding to, or support from, UNRWA.
(e) 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.
(f) 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 2025 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.
(g) Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Peacekeeping
Operations.--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, including 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.
(h) 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. 2227(a)), shall remain
available for obligation until September 30, 2026: 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.
(i) Procurement Restrictions.--None of the funds
appropriated by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations
for the Department of State, foreign operations, 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.
(j) Accountability Requirement.--Prior to the initial
obligation of funds appropriated by this Act and made
available for any international organization that failed to
enter into written agreements pursuant to section 7048(h) of
the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related
Programs Appropriations Act, 2024 (division F of Public Law
118-47), the Secretary of State, in coordination with the
Administrator of the United States Agency for International
Development shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations
a report justifying such obligation and the policies and
procedures in place to provide enhanced oversight of such
international organization.
(k) World Health Organization.--None of the funds
appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act and
prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State,
foreign operations, and related programs may be made
available for a contribution, grant, or other payment to the
World Health Organization.
(l) International Conventions.--
(1) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made
available by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations
for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related
programs shall be made available to implement or support any
international convention, agreement, protocol, legal
instrument, or agreed outcome with legal force drafted by the
intergovernmental negotiating body of the World Health
Assembly or any other United Nations body until such
instrument has been subject to the requirements of Article
II, Section 2, Clause 2 of the Constitution of the United
States, which requires the advice and consent of the Senate,
with two-thirds of Senators concurring.
(2) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made
available by this Act and prior Acts making appropriations
for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related
programs and designated for global health security may be
obligated after such date the President, his designee, or any
other United States official, signs, accedes to, accepts,
approves, ratifies, or otherwise renders itself legally bound
to, by executive agreement or otherwise, any convention,
agreement, or other international instrument on pandemic
prevention, preparedness, and response reached by the World
Health Assembly without first submitting such convention,
agreement, or instrument to the Senate as a treaty that is
subject to the requirements of Article II, Section 2, Clause
2 of the Constitution of the United States, and receiving the
advice and consent of the Senate to that instrument.
(m) IVerify.--None of the funds appropriated or otherwise
made available by this Act and prior Acts making
appropriations for the Department of State, foreign
operations, and related programs may be made available to
support iVerify or any other fact-checking tool of the United
Nations Development Programme or any other international
organization.
(n) International Court of Justice.--None of the funds
appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act and
prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State,
foreign operations, and related programs may be made
available for a contribution, grant, or other payment to the
International Court of Justice, notwithstanding any other
provision of law.
(o) International Criminal Court.--None of the funds
appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act and
prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State,
foreign operations, and related programs may be made
available for a contribution, grant, or other payment to the
International Criminal Court, notwithstanding any other
provision of law.
(p) Arms Trade Treaty.--None of the funds appropriated or
otherwise made available by this Act and prior Acts making
appropriations for the Department of State, foreign
operations, and related programs may be obligated or expended
to implement the Arms Trade Treaty until the Senate approves
a resolution of ratification for the Treaty.
prohibition on censorship
Sec. 7049. (a) Restriction.--(1) Funds appropriated or
otherwise made available by this Act 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.
(2) None of the funds made available for the programs
described in paragraph (1) may be used to--
(A) characterize United States independent news media
companies as creators of disinformation, misinformation, or
malinformation;
(B) advocate to, or act to, censor, filter, or remove
content from a United States entity on social media
platforms; or
(C) take any action designed to influence consumer or
advertising behavior toward United States media companies or
social network platforms.
(b) Global Engagement Center Limitation.--None of the funds
appropriated by this Act under the heading ``Diplomatic
Programs'' may be made available to carry out the functions
of the Global Engagement Center established pursuant to
section 1287 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2017 (22 U.S.C. 2656 note) beyond the termination
date specified in subsection (j) of such Act unless expressly
authorized by a subsequent Act of Congress.
global internet freedom
Sec. 7050. (a) Funding.--Of the funds available for
obligation during fiscal year 2025 under the headings
``International Broadcasting Operations'', ``Economic Support
Fund'', ``Democracy Fund'', and ``Assistance for Europe,
Eurasia and Central Asia'', not less than $94,000,000 shall
be made available for programs to promote
[[Page H4292]]
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).
(b) Coordination and Spend Plans.--After consultation among
the relevant agency heads to coordinate and de-conflict
planned activities, but not later than 90 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State and the
Chief Executive Officer of the United States Agency for
Global Media, in consultation with the President of the Open
Technology Fund, shall submit to the Committees on
Appropriations spend plans for funds made available by this
Act for programs to promote Internet freedom globally, which
shall include a description of safeguards established by
relevant agencies to ensure that such programs are not used
for illicit purposes: Provided, That the Department of State
spend plan shall include funding for all such programs for
all relevant Department of State and United States Agency for
International Development offices and bureaus.
torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment
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.
aircraft transfer, coordination, and use
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 the Department of State, foreign
operations, 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 and the United States Agency for
International Development with funds made available in this
Act or prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of
State, foreign operations, 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 and USAID 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.
parking fines and real property taxes owed by foreign governments
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, 2024'' for ``September 30, 2009''.
international monetary fund
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.
extradition
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 ``Development Assistance'',
``International Disaster Assistance'', ``Complex Crises
Fund'', ``International Narcotics Control and Law
Enforcement'', ``Migration and Refugee Assistance'', ``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.
enterprise funds
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.
limitations related to global health assistance
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 or otherwise made
available by this Act for global health assistance may be
made available to any foreign nongovernmental organization
that promotes or performs abortion, except in cases of rape
or incest or when the life of the mother would be endangered
if the fetus were carried to term.
global health activities
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
Administrator of the United States Agency for International
Development and the Secretary of State, as appropriate, 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'',
``Development Assistance'', ``International Disaster
Assistance'', ``Complex Crises Fund'', ``Economic Support
Fund'', ``Democracy Fund'', ``Assistance for Europe, Eurasia
and Central Asia'', ``Migration and Refugee Assistance'', 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.
(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) Limitation.--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,
[[Page H4293]]
the Republic of Cuba, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the
Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the Russian
Federation, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela under the
regime of Nicolas Maduro Moros, or any other country
determined by the Secretary of State to be a foreign
adversary; or
(4) gain-of-function research.
(e) Childhood Cancer.--Funds appropriated under titles III
and VI of this Act may be made available for public-private
partnerships, including in coordination with relevant
multilateral organizations and research entities, to address
childhood cancer: Provided, That the Secretary and
Administrator shall consult with the appropriate
congressional committees on uses of funds for such
partnerships.
women's equality and empowerment
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, $200,000,000 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 and the Administrator
of the United States Agency for International Development, as
applicable, 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 $50,000,000 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 $250,000,000 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 ``Development Assistance'',
``Economic Support Fund'', ``Assistance for Europe, Eurasia
and Central Asia'', and ``International Narcotics Control and
Law Enforcement'', $150,000,000 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.
sector allocations
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 $922,000,000 shall be made available for the
Nita M. Lowey Basic Education Fund: Provided, That such
funds shall also be used for secondary education activities:
Provided further, That of the funds made available by this
paragraph, $150,000,000 should be available for the education
of girls in areas of conflict.
(B) Of the funds appropriated under title III of this Act
for assistance for basic education programs, not less than
$152,000,000 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 $271,000,000 shall be made
available for assistance for higher education: Provided,
That of such amount, not less than $33,000,000 shall be made
available for new and ongoing partnerships between higher
education institutions in the United States and developing
countries focused on building the capacity of higher
education institutions and systems in developing countries:
Provided further, That of such amount and in addition to the
previous proviso, 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.--
(1) Biodiversity.--Of the funds appropriated under title
III of this Act, not less than $365,750,000 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 $118,750,000 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 ``Development Assistance'', not
less than $18,500,000 shall be made available for United
States Agency for International Development cooperative
development programs and not less than $31,500,000 shall be
made available for the American Schools and Hospitals Abroad
program.
(d) Disability Programs.--Funds appropriated by this Act
under the heading ``Development Assistance'' shall be made
available for programs and activities administered by USAID
to address the needs of, and protect and promote the rights
of, people with disabilities in developing countries.
(e) Food Security and Agricultural Development.--Of the
funds appropriated by title III of this Act, not less than
$960,000,000 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 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).
(f) Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises.--Of the
funds appropriated by this Act, not less than $252,000,000
shall be made available to support the development of, and
access to financing for, micro, small, and medium-sized
enterprises that benefit the poor, especially women.
(g) Programs to Combat Trafficking in Persons.--
(1) In general.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act
under the headings ``Development Assistance'', ``Economic
Support Fund'', ``Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central
Asia'', and ``International Narcotics Control and Law
Enforcement'', not less than $123,400,000 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 $92,000,000 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 headings
``Development Assistance'', ``Economic Support Fund'', and
``Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia'' 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, as defined by section 104 of the Victims of
Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 (Public Law
106-386), 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) Certification.--The Secretary of State shall certify
and report to the appropriate congressional committees not
later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act
that--
(A) all employees of the Department of State and USAID were
provided Counter Trafficking in Persons codes of conduct and
training during fiscal year 2024; and
(B) the Department of State and USAID included Counter
Trafficking in Persons stipulations in all applicable binding
funding and procurement documents with awardees, contractors,
and grantees in fiscal year 2024: Provided, That the
contractors and subcontractors of commercial items and
services as defined in Part 2.101 of the Federal Acquisition
Regulation are exempted.
(4) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
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State and the Administrator of USAID shall report to the
appropriate congressional committees on how all grants and
contracts awarded in the prior fiscal year are compliant with
applicable requirements within title I of Public Law 106-386.
(5) Oversight.--Of the funds appropriated by this Act and
prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of State,
foreign operations, and related programs under the heading
``Economic Support Fund'', up to $1,000,000 may be used by
the Inspectors General of the Department of State and the
United States Agency for International Development for audits
and other activities related to compliance with subparagraphs
(A) and (B) of paragraph (3): Provided, That the Secretary of
State and Administrator of USAID shall ensure that
requirements related to title I of Public Law 106-386 flow
down to awards, contracts, grants, and sub-derivatives of
such funding relationships, subject to standard waiver
exceptions.
(h) Water and Sanitation.--Of the funds appropriated by
this Act, not less than $451,000,000 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 $225,500,000 shall be for programs in sub-Saharan
Africa.
(i) Deviation.--Unless otherwise provided for by this Act,
the Secretary of State and the USAID Administrator, as
applicable, may deviate below the minimum funding
requirements designated in sections 7059 and 7060 of this Act
by up to 10 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, 2026, the Secretary
of State shall submit a report to the Committees on
Appropriations on the use of the authority of this
subsection.
limitations related to environment programs
Sec. 7061. (a) Green Climate Fund.--None of the funds
appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be
made available as a contribution, grant, or any other payment
to the Green Climate Fund.
(b) Clean Technology Fund.--None of the funds appropriated
or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available
as a contribution, grant, or any other payment to the Clean
Technology Fund.
(c) Climate Damages.--None of the funds appropriated or
otherwise made available by this Act may be made available
for the Loss and Damage Fund or to pay compensation to any
country, organization, or individual for loss and damages
attributed to climate change.
(d) Attribution.--Funds appropriated by this Act and made
available for the sectors and programs in sections 7032,
7059, and 7060 shall not be attributed to, or counted toward
targets for, climate change programs.
(e) 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.
(f) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change.--None of the funds made available by this Act may be
used 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''.
(g) Climate Executive Orders.--None of the funds made
available by this Act may be used to implement, enforce, or
otherwise carry out the following--
(1) Executive Order 13990, relating to Protecting Public
Health and the Environment and Restoring Science To Tackle
the Climate Crisis;
(2) Executive Order 14008, relating to Tackling the Climate
Crisis at Home and Abroad;
(3) Section 6 of Executive Order 14013, relating to
Rebuilding and Enhancing Programs To Resettle Refugees and
Planning for the Impact of Climate Change on Migration;
(4) Executive Order 14030, relating to Climate-Related
Financial Risk;
(5) Executive Order 14037, relating to Strengthening
American Leadership in Clean Cars and Trucks;
(6) Executive Order 14057, relating to Catalyzing Clean
Energy Industries and Jobs through Federal Sustainability;
(7) Executive Order 14082, relating to Implementation of
the Energy and Infrastructure Provisions of the Inflation
Reduction Act of 2022; and
(8) Executive Order 14096, relating to Revitalizing Our
Nation's Commitment to Environmental Justice for All.
(h) Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States
shall conduct a study on funds appropriated in prior Acts
making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign
operations, and related programs from fiscal years 2020
through 2024 made available for climate change programs and
whether the use of such funds have had a direct and
measurable impact on lowering global temperatures or on
projections of future global temperatures using the most
plausible and accurate scenarios and models for future
conditions.
budget documents
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, including the
Inter-American Foundation and the United States African
Development Foundation, 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 2025, 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) Prior to the initial obligation of funds, the Secretary
of State or Administrator of the United States Agency for
International Development, as appropriate, shall submit to
the Committees on Appropriations a spend plan for funds made
available by this Act for--
(A) assistance for countries in Central America and the
Caribbean, Colombia, Iraq, Pacific Islands countries, and
Ukraine;
(B) Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, Central America
Regional Security Initiative, Indo-Pacific Strategy and the
Countering PRC Influence Fund, Partnership for Global
Infrastructure and Investment, Power Africa, and Trans-Sahara
Counterterrorism Partnership;
(C) assistance made available pursuant to the following
sections in this Act: section 7032; section 7036; section
7047(d) (on a country-by-country basis); section 7059; and
subsections (a), (b), (e), (g), and (h) of section 7060; and
(D) implementation of the Global Fragility Act of 2019.
(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 heading ``Department of
the Treasury, International Affairs Technical Assistance'' in
title III.
(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), up to 10 percent of the
funds contained in a spend plan required by this subsection
may be obligated prior to the submission of such spend plan
if the Secretary of State, the USAID Administrator, or the
Secretary of the Treasury, as applicable, determines that the
obligation of such funds is necessary to avoid significant
programmatic disruption: Provided, That not less than seven
days prior to such obligation, the Secretary or
Administrator, as appropriate, shall consult with the
Committees on Appropriations on the justification for such
obligation and the proposed uses of such funds.
(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 Department of State operations and
foreign operations shall be provided to the Committees on
Appropriations concurrent with the date of submission of the
President's budget for fiscal year 2026: Provided, That the
appendices for such justification shall be provided to the
Committees on Appropriations not later than 10 calendar days
thereafter.
reorganization
Sec. 7063. (a) Prior Consultation and Notification.--Funds
appropriated by this Act, prior Acts making appropriations
for the Department of State, foreign operations, 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, the United States
Agency for International Development, 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 the Department of State, foreign
operations, 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
[[Page H4295]]
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 and USAID
from the staffing levels previously justified to the
Committees on Appropriations for fiscal year 2025.
department of state matters
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)(A) Prior to entering into a bilateral or multilateral
agreement authorized by section 303(a) of the Convention on
Cultural Property Implementation Act (19 U.S.C. 2602) or the
extension of an agreement pursuant to section 303(e) of such
Act, the Secretary of State shall ensure that any import
restrictions authorized by such agreement comply with the
provisions of sections 302 and 305 of such Act.
(B) Reports required by section 303(g) of the Convention on
Cultural Property Implementation Act (19 U.S.C. 2602) shall
also be submitted to the Committees on Appropriations:
Provided, That such reports shall also include information
concerning compliance with section 303(c) of such Act.
(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 the Department of State, foreign
operations, 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.
united states agency for international development management
Sec. 7065. (a) Authority.--Up to $170,000,000 of the 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, including funds appropriated under the heading
``Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia'', may be
used by the United States Agency for International
Development to hire and employ individuals in the United
States and overseas on a limited appointment basis pursuant
to the authority of sections 308 and 309 of the Foreign
Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3948 and 3949).
(b) Restriction.--The authority to hire individuals
contained in subsection (a) shall expire on September 30,
2026.
(c) Program Account Charged.--The account charged for the
cost of an individual hired and employed under the authority
of this section shall be the account to which the
responsibilities of such individual primarily relate:
Provided, That funds made available to carry out this section
may be transferred to, and merged with, funds appropriated by
this Act in title II under the heading ``Operating
Expenses''.
(d) Foreign Service Limited Extensions.--Individuals hired
and employed by USAID, with funds made available in this Act
or prior Acts making appropriations for the Department of
State, foreign operations, and related programs, pursuant to
the authority of section 309 of the Foreign Service Act of
1980 (22 U.S.C. 3949), may be extended for a period of up to
4 years notwithstanding the limitation set forth in such
section.
(e) Disaster Surge Capacity.--Funds appropriated under
title III of this Act to carry out part I of the Foreign
Assistance Act of 1961, including funds appropriated under
the heading ``Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central
Asia'', may be used, in addition to funds otherwise available
for such purposes, for the cost (including the support costs)
of individuals detailed to or employed by USAID 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.
(f) Personal Services Contractors.--Funds appropriated by
this Act to carry out chapter 1 of part I, chapter 4 of part
II, and section 667 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961,
and title II of the Food for Peace Act (Public Law 83-480; 7
U.S.C. 1721 et seq.), may be used by USAID to employ up to 40
personal services contractors in the United States,
notwithstanding any other provision of law, for the purpose
of providing direct, interim support for new or expanded
overseas programs and activities managed by the agency until
permanent direct hire personnel are hired and trained:
Provided, That not more than 15 of such contractors shall be
assigned to any bureau or office: Provided further, That
such funds appropriated to carry out title II of the Food for
Peace Act (Public Law 83-480; 7 U.S.C. 1721 et seq.), may be
made available only for personal services contractors
assigned to the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance.
(g) Small Business.--In entering into multiple award
indefinite-quantity contracts with funds appropriated by this
Act, USAID may provide an exception to the fair opportunity
process for placing task orders under such contracts when the
order is placed with any category of small or small
disadvantaged business.
(h) Senior Foreign Service Limited Appointments.--
Individuals hired pursuant to the authority provided by
section 7059(o) of the Department of State, Foreign
Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2010
(division F of Public Law 111-117) may be assigned to or
support programs in Afghanistan or Pakistan with funds made
available in this Act and prior Acts making appropriations
for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related
programs.
(i) Crisis Operations Staffing.--Up to $86,000,000 of the
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 and section 509(b) of the Global
Fragility Act of 2019 (title V of division J of Public Law
116-94) may be made available for the United States Agency
for International Development 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:
Provided further, That the USAID Administrator shall
coordinate with the Director of the Office of Personnel
Management and consult with the appropriate congressional
committees on implementation of this provision.
stabilization and development in regions impacted by extremism and
conflict
Sec. 7066. Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the
headings ``Economic Support Fund'', ``International Narcotics
Control and Law Enforcement'', ``Nonproliferation, Anti-
terrorism, Demining and Related Programs'', ``Peacekeeping
Operations'', and ``Foreign Military Financing Program'', not
less than $135,000,000 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 such
funds shall be prioritized for countries with national and
local governments with the demonstrated political will and
capacity to partner on strengthening government legitimacy:
Provided further, That the Secretary of State and the
Administrator of the United States Agency for International
Development shall consult with the Committees on
Appropriations on the intended prioritization and allocation
of such funds not later than 60 days prior to submitting the
pre-obligation spend plans required by section 7062(b) of
this Act: Provided further, That funds appropriated under
such headings may be transferred to, and merged with, funds
appropriated under such headings for such purposes: 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 prior consultation with, and the
regular notification procedures of, the Committees on
Appropriations: Provided further, That funds made available
pursuant to this subsection under the heading ``Foreign
Military Financing Program'' may remain available until
September 30, 2026.
[[Page H4296]]
debt-for-development
Sec. 7067. In order to enhance the continued participation
of nongovernmental organizations in debt-for-development and
debt-for-nature exchanges, a nongovernmental organization
which is a grantee or contractor of the United States Agency
for International Development may place in interest bearing
accounts local currencies which accrue to that organization
as a result of economic assistance provided under title III
of this Act and, subject to the regular notification
procedures of the Committees on Appropriations, any interest
earned on such investment shall be used for the purpose for
which the assistance was provided to that organization.
extension of consular fees and related authorities
Sec. 7068. (a) Section 1(b)(1) of the Passport Act of June
4, 1920 (22 U.S.C. 214(b)(1)) shall be applied through fiscal
year 2025 by substituting ``the costs of providing consular
services'' for ``such costs''.
(b) Section 21009 of the Emergency Appropriations for
Coronavirus Health Response and Agency Operations (division B
of Public Law 116-136; 134 Stat. 592) shall be applied during
fiscal year 2025 by substituting ``2020 through 2025'' for
``2020 and 2021''.
(c) Discretionary amounts made available to the Department
of State under the heading ``Administration of Foreign
Affairs'' of this Act, and discretionary unobligated balances
under such heading from prior Acts making appropriations for
the Department of State, foreign operations, and related
programs, may be transferred to the Consular and Border
Security Programs account if the Secretary of State
determines and reports to the Committees on Appropriations
that to do so is necessary to sustain consular operations,
following consultation with such Committees: Provided, That
such transfer authority is in addition to any transfer
authority otherwise available in this Act and under any other
provision of law: Provided further, That no amounts may be
transferred from 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.
(d) In addition to the uses permitted pursuant to section
286(v)(2)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1356(v)(2)(A)), for fiscal year 2025, the Secretary of State
may also use fees deposited into the Fraud Prevention and
Detection Account for the costs of providing consular
services.
(e) Amounts repurposed pursuant to subsection (b) that were
previously designated by the Congress as an emergency
requirement pursuant to the Balanced Budget and Emergency
Deficit Control Act of 1985 or a concurrent resolution on the
budget are designated by the Congress as an emergency
requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the
Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
gaza oversight and other matters
Sec. 7069. (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--
(1) oversight policies, processes, and procedures have been
established by the Department of State and the United States
Agency for International Development, as appropriate, 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
(2) 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 and the USAID Administrator shall submit to the
appropriate congressional committees, concurrent with the
submission of the certification required in subsection (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 and
USAID Administrator 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 or USAID, as
appropriate.
(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 and the USAID Administrator shall jointly 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, 2026, 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 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 and USAID Administrator, as
appropriate, shall consult with the Committees on
Appropriations on the amount and anticipated uses of such
funds.
(h) Inspectors General.--The Inspectors General of the
Department of State and USAID shall conduct investigations of
their respective agency's implementing partners that receive
funds appropriated by this Act or prior Acts making
appropriations for the Department of State, foreign
operations, and related programs and made available for
assistance in the West Bank and Gaza, or entities that
provide logistical support to implementing partners that
receive such funds to determine if allegations or reports
that such entities have employed staff or contractors that
are members of, or affiliated with, a United States
designated terrorist organization or have participated in any
terrorist act, including before, on, or after October 7,
2023, are credible, and, as appropriate, refer their
investigative findings for potential criminal, civil, or
administrative enforcement remedies.
(i) Limitation on Foreign Nationals From Gaza.--None of the
funds appropriated by this Act and prior Acts making
appropriations for the Department of State, foreign
operations, and related programs under the headings
``Migration and Refugee Assistance'' and ``United States
Emergency Refugee and Migration Fund'' may be used to support
the admission and resettlement into the United States of a
foreign national from Gaza.
additional limitations on operations and assistance
Sec. 7070. (a) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise
made available by this Act or prior Acts making
appropriations for the Department of State, foreign
operations, and related programs may be made available for
drag queen workshops, performances, or documentaries.
(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.
(c) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made
available by this Act may be made available to implement,
administer, apply, enforce, or carry out Executive Order
13985 of January 20, 2021 (86 Fed. Reg. 7009), Executive
Order 14035 of June 25, 2021 (86 Fed. Reg. 34593), or
Executive Order 14091 of February 16, 2023 (88 Fed. Reg.
10825).
(d) None of the funds made available by this Act or any
other Act 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.
(e) 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.
(f) None of the funds made available by this Act or prior
Acts making appropriations for the Department of State,
foreign operations, 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 made available by this Act may be
used for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives,
training, programs, offices, officers, policies, or other
executive agency functions.
[[Page H4297]]
(h)(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).
(i) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made
available by this Act may be used for hiring practices based
on gender, religion, political affiliation, or race.
(j) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made
available by this Act may be made available to the Data
Journalism Agency or the Global Disinformation Index.
(k) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made
available by this Act may be made available to InterAction.
(l) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made
available by this Act may be made available to a United
States institution of higher education that has failed to
take administrative action against any student, staff member,
or student group that commits acts of antisemitism while
utilizing the facilities, grounds, or resources of such
institution.
rescissions
(including rescissions of funds)
Sec. 7071. (a) Economic Support Fund.--Of the unobligated
balances from amounts made available under the heading
``Economic Support Fund'' from prior Acts making
appropriations for the Department of State, foreign
operations, and related programs, $640,161,000 are rescinded.
(b) International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement.--
Of the unobligated balances from amounts made available under
the heading ``International Narcotics Control and Law
Enforcement'' from prior Acts making appropriations for the
Department of State, foreign operations, and related
programs, $65,000,000 are rescinded.
(c) Debt Restructuring.--Of the unobligated balances from
amounts made available under the heading ``Debt
Restructuring'' from prior Acts making appropriations for the
Department of State, foreign operations, and related
programs, $111,000,000 are 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.
Sec. 7072. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise
made available by this Act may be made available to the
Republic of Maldives until the Secretary of State determines
that the Republic of Maldives has revoked its ban on Israeli
passport holders.
TITLE VIII--ADDITIONAL GENERAL PROVISION
spending reduction account
Sec. 8001. $0.
This Act may be cited as the ``Department of State, Foreign
Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2025''.
The Acting CHAIR. All points of order against provisions in the bill,
as amended, are waived.
No further amendment to the bill, as amended, shall be in order
except those printed in part B of House Report 118-559, amendments en
bloc described in section 8 of House Resolution 1316, and pro forma
amendments described in section 9 of House Resolution 1316. Pursuant to
section 18 of House Resolution 1316, it shall not be in order to
consider amendment No. 37 printed in part B of House Report 118-559.
Each further amendment printed in part B of House Report 118-559 may
be offered only in the order printed in the report, by the 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 9 of House Resolution 1316, and
shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question. All
points of order against such further amendments are waived.
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 B of House Report 118-559 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
respective designees, shall not be subject to amendment, except as
provided by section 9 of House Resolution 1316, 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.
{time} 1730
Amendments En Bloc Offered by Mr. Diaz-Balart of Florida
Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 1316, I
offer amendments en bloc.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendments en bloc.
Amendments en bloc consisting of amendment Nos. 7, 10, 11, 12, 25,
26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33, 34, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 51, 52, 53, 55,
58, 60, 65, 66, 69, 70, 71, 73, and 74, printed in part B of House
Report 118-559, offered by Mr. Diaz-Balart of Florida:
Amendment No. 7 Offered by MR. burgess of texas
Page 206, line 11, strike ``60 percent'' and insert ``80
percent''.
Amendment No. 10 Offered by MR. connolly of virginia
Page 21, line 8, after the first dollar amount, insert
``(increased by $5,000,000) (reduced by $5,000,000)''.
Amendment No. 11 Offered by MR. connolly of virginia
Page 32, line 15, after the dollar amount, insert
``(reduced by $10,00,000) (increased by $10,000,000)''.
Amendment No. 12 Offered by MR. foster of illinois
Page 2, line 12, after the dollar amount, insert
``(increased by $10,000,000) (reduced by $10,000,000)''.
Amendment No. 25 Offered by MR. issa of california
Page 13, line 8, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced
by $16,000,000) (increased by $16,000,000)''.
Amendment No. 26 Offered by Ms. jackson lee of texas
Page 262, line 2, after the dollar amount, insert
``(reduced by $1,000,000) (increased by $1,000,000)''.
Amendment No. 27 Offered by ms. jackson lee of texas
Page 23, line 21, after the dollar amount, insert
``(increased by $1,000,000) (decreased by $1,000,000)''.
Amendment No. 28 Offered by mr. james of michigan
Page 284, line 8, after the dollar amount, insert
``(increased by $15,000,000)''.
Amendment No. 29 Offered by mr. keating of massachusetts
Page 32, line 15, after the dollar amount, insert
``(increased by $30,000,000) (reduced by $30,000,000)''.
Amendment No. 30 Offered by mr. lalota of new york
Page 2, line 12, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced
by $1,000,000) (increased by $1,000,000)''.
Amendment No. 31 Offered by mr. lawler of new york
Page 2, line 12, after the dollar amount, insert
``(increase by $1,000,000) (decrease by $1,000,000)''.
Amendment No. 33 Offered by mr. lawler of new york
Page 43, line 8, after the dollar amount, insert
``(increased by $1,000,000) (reduced by $1,000,000)''.
AMENDMENT NO. 34 OFFERED BY MR. LAWLER OF NEW YORK
Page 44, line 1, after the dollar amount, insert
``(increased by $30,000,000) (reduced by $30,000,000)''.
[[Page H4298]]
AMENDMENT NO. 40 OFFERED BY MRS. MILLER OF WEST VIRGINIA
Page 2, line 12, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced
by $1,000,000) (increased by $1,000,000)''.
AMENDMENT NO. 41 OFFERED BY MRS. MILLER-MEEKS OF IOWA
Page 2, line 24, after the dollar amount, insert
``(increased by $1,000,000) (reduced by $1,000,000)''.
AMENDMENT NO. 42 OFFERED BY MR. MOLINARO OF NEW YORK
Page 263, line 5, after the dollar amount, insert
``(increased by $5,000,000)''.
AMENDMENT NO. 43 OFFERED BY MR. MOLINARO OF NEW YORK
Page 2, line 12, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced
by $5,000,000)''.
Page 2, line 24, after the dollar amount, insert
``(increased by $5,000,000)''.
AMENDMENT NO. 44 OFFERED BY MS. MOORE OF WISCONSIN
Page 259, line 4, after the dollar amount, insert
``(increased by $1,000,000)''.
AMENDMENT NO. 46 OFFERED BY MR. MOYLAN OF GUAM
Page 43, line 8, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced
by $5,000,000) (increased by $5,000,000)''.
AMENDMENT NO. 51 OFFERED BY MR. OGLES OF TENNESSEE
Page 34, line 12, after the second dollar amount, insert
``(increased by $2,700,000)''.
AMENDMENT NO. 52 OFFERED BY MR. OGLES OF TENNESSEE
Page 197, line 6, after the dollar amount, insert
``(increased by $10,000,000)''.
AMENDMENT NO. 53 OFFERED BY MR. OGLES OF TENNESSEE
At the end of the bill (before the short title), add the
following:
TITLE IX--ADDITIONAL LIMITATION PROVISION
Sec. 9001. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise
made available by this Act may be made available to create,
procure, or display any map that inaccurately depicts the
occupied country of Tibet as part of the People's Republic of
China.
AMENDMENT NO. 55 OFFERED BY MR. PFLUGER OF TEXAS
Page 2, line 12, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced
by $1,000,000) (increased by $1,000,000)''.
AMENDMENT NO. 58 OFFERED BY MR. SCHWEIKERT OF ARIZONA
Page 264, line 3, after the dollar amount, insert
``(increased by $1,000,000)''.
AMENDMENT NO. 60 OFFERED BY MR. STEIL OF WISCONSIN
Page 39, line 7, after the dollar amount, insert
``(increased by $1,000,000) (reduced by $1,000,000)''.
Amendment No. 65 Offered by Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania
Page 4, line 3, after the dollar amount, insert
``(increased by $500,000) (reduced by $500,000)''.
Amendment No. 66 Offered by MR. TIFFANY of wisconsin
At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the
following:
Sec. ___. None of the funds made available by this Act may
be used in contravention of section 221 of the Immigration
and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994 (Public Law
103-416; 108 Stat. 4321; 8 U.S.C. 1101 note).
Amendment No. 69 Offered by MS. TITUS of nevada
Page 30, line 23, after the dollar amount, insert
``(increased by $30,000,000) (reduced by $30,000,000)''.
Amendment No. 70 Offered by MR. vasquez of new mexico
Page 2, line 24, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced
by $5,000,000) (increased by $5,000,000)''.
Amendment Number 71 Offered by Mr. Waltz of Florida
Page 174, line 10, strike ``;'' and insert ``, including in
the Supreme Judicial Council of Iraq under its leadership by
President Faiq Zidan;''.
Amendment No. 73 Offered by Mr. Wilson of South Carolina
Page 31, line 10, after the dollar amount, insert
``(reduced by $15,000,000) (increased by $15,000,000)''.
Amendment No. 74 Offered by Mr. Wilson of South Carolina
Page 179, line 18, after ``, Syria'' insert ``(including
northwest Syria)''.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1316, the gentleman
from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms.
Lee) each will control 10 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida.
Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the bipartisan en
bloc amendment, which represents amendments with support from both
sides of the aisle.
The amendment includes 32 noncontroversial amendments that advance
the priorities of both sides, including support for Taiwan, training
for security partners in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting the vital work
of the Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, and improving passport
processing.
Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this
amendment, and I thank Chairman Diaz-Balart for working with me to
include these bipartisan priorities in this amendment.
Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of my
Amendment No. 10 to support civil society in Tunisia.
My amendment will increase and decrease funding of this bill by five
million dollars to express concern for Tunisia's authoritarian
trajectory and an intensified crackdown against political opponents
which has dissolved parliament, annulled the existing constitution, and
disbanded the independent judicial system.
Since President Saied's takeover in July 2021, Tunisian authorities
have deliberately dismantled fundamental freedoms, imprisoned political
opponents and perceived critics, and ramped up rhetoric disparaging
civil society and sub-Saharan migrants.
Tunisia-based NGO's and journalists have also documented an increase
in racially motivated assaults against sub-Saharan Africans by ordinary
citizens.
More dissenting voices continue to be arrested or summoned for
questioning on an almost daily basis.
Recently, the Tunisian government has weaponized a draconian
cybercrime law, Decree 54, to silence free expression and imprison
journalists and lawyers who have criticized the government.
President Saied has continued to assert that there is a foreign
conspiracy to increase migration to Tunisia, and has accused civil
society groups helping migrants of committing ``treason''.
These alarming developments and Tunisia's continued autocratic
consolidation not only endanger the country's stability in a period of
deep economic insecurity, but they also raise serious concerns about
the future of the U.S.-Tunisia relationship, which since 2011 has been
anchored by a shared commitment to democratic principles.
It was these shared values that led the House Democracy Partnership
to partner with Tunisia's parliament, and the U.S. Government to
designate Tunisia as a Major Non-NATO ally, strengthen security
cooperation, and dramatically increase bilateral aid over the past 12
years.
My amendment reiterates concern for Tunisia's authoritarian
trajectory and an intensified crackdown against political opponents
which has dissolved parliament, annulled the existing constitution, and
disbanded the independent judicial system.
These developments undermine the confidence in the rule of law that
is essential for a flourishing U.S.-Tunisia relationship.
Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of my
bipartisan Amendment No. 11 to support the Georgian people in their
Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
My amendment will increase and decrease funding of this bill by $10
million to emphasize our commitment to a future for Georgia that
follows a Euro-Atlantic trajectory, one where democratic institutions
are upheld, not denigrated.
Mr. Chair for the past decade, I have served as co-chair of the
Georgia Caucus here in the House of Representatives.
It has been from that position that I have advocated for Georgia's
territorial integrity and their turn away from Russia and towards the
West.
As we meet here today, Russia still illegally occupies and controls
20 percent of sovereign Georgian territory.
Russian officials continue to commit human rights violations and
brutally repress Georgians living in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Let us make clear that South Ossetia and Abkhazia are Georgian, just
as Kherson, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhizhia, and Crimea are Ukrainian.
And it is equally important for us to support the Georgian people in
their wishes to join the European community, which received a boost
with Georgia being granted EU candidate status on June 23, 2022.
But we must speak out about Georgia's current trajectory and make
clear that the democratic backsliding in Georgia, which has culminated
in the passage of a Foreign Agents Law that mimics what Putin used to
eviscerate civil society in Russia, is unsustainable.
As we speak, Georgia's democracy is in danger. Boundless
investigations of political parties, changes in election systems that
violate the Venice Commission and OSCE, and now the Foreign Agents Law,
bring Georgia further away from EU membership, not closer.
Attacks on the United States Ambassador, against independent judges,
civil society members, the political opposition, and the rights of
[[Page H4299]]
LGTBQ+ individuals only push Georgia closer to the Russian model, and
away from the liberal democratic model of the West.
Our amendment makes clear that the United States will continue to
stand with the Georgian people, in support of its democratic
institutions, in support of the rule of law, in support of
accountability for those that engage in corruption, in support of an
independent judiciary, and in support of Georgia's Euro-Atlantic
aspirations.
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.
Amendment No. 1 Offered by Mr. Brecheen
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 1
printed in part B of House Report 118-559.
Mr. BRECHEEN. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
Page 4, line 3, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced
by $20,000,000)''.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1316, the gentleman
from Oklahoma (Mr. Brecheen) and a Member opposed each will control 5
minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Oklahoma.
Mr. BRECHEEN. Mr. Chairman, this amendment is going to reduce funding
for educational and the cultural exchange programs back to the 2019
levels.
This is a modest cut that will reduce spending by less than 3
percent, back to 2019 spending levels. It leaves $700 million for these
programs.
There is nothing inherently wrong with exchange programs. However,
there is something wrong about continuing to increase Washington's
spending on unnecessary programs when our national debt continues to
climb $34 trillion-plus.
This commonsense amendment simply returns spending for these programs
back to pre-COVID levels. With this appropriations bill, we have
already reduced 28 accounts to 2019 levels, with strong Republican
support. I encourage my colleagues to continue this trend of returning
to those pre-COVID spending levels and curbing unnecessary spending
increases.
To help my colleagues understand how bad Washington's spending
problem is, the CBO projects our Federal deficit to be $1.9 trillion,
an uptick of $400 billion. That had to be modified, if Members paid
attention to what happened this last week with the CBO. It is going to
grow to $2.9 trillion by 2034. An annual deficit of almost $3 trillion
is facing us less than 10 years away.
This excessive spending is going to drive the national debt to record
levels and continue to exacerbate the inflation crisis that everybody
in America is feeling. The devaluation of our currency because of
excessive spending all ties together. The average family of four is
spending $1,300 more a month to afford the same goods and services as
compared to January of 2021, which amounts to $16,000 lost to
devaluation of the currency because of what we are doing with excessive
spending. We can fix this.
I will add one more little tidbit to this. According to Zillow,
Americans are having to earn $106,000 to be able to afford a home. That
is an 80 percent increase, according to Zillow, from what they saw in
2020, which was $59,000 in 2020.
How can we, in good conscience, continue to contribute to this
economic crisis by excessive spending being felt around the country.
Mr. Chair, I encourage my colleagues to support returning to pre-
COVID on this, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition
to the amendment.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman from California is recognized for 5
minutes.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to
this amendment.
The Department of State Educational and Cultural Exchanges account
funds people-to-people engagement, which supports our country's foreign
policy objectives. These programs foster mutual understanding between
the people of the United States and of other countries and promote
peace and understanding. Lord knows we need this.
They allow us to promote our values of democracy, freedom of the
press, and civic participation, as well as promote dialogue,
collaboration, and the sharing of diverse perspectives, especially for
the cultivation of the next generation of global leaders. These
programs also help us understand those who may or may not share our
values, but we at least have an opportunity to engage.
One of our best-known programs is the Fulbright Program. Each year,
over 13,000 United States students and scholars submit an application
for the Fulbright Program. This program also leverages over $100
million from partner governments, who see a value in supporting their
students coming to the United States.
These students will be future presidents, generals, scientists, and
writers of partner nations in the future. In fact, leaders in more than
120 countries around the world in both government and business were
exposed to American culture and values through State-sponsored
exchanges.
This amendment threatens the Fulbright Program, as well as hundreds
of other professional and academic exchanges that expose U.S. citizens
to the rest of the world and the rest of the world to the United States
and to our ideals. What is wrong with that? I think the world needs
this at this point.
It doesn't make any sense to cut these programs. These programs are
some of the best diplomatic investments that we make.
Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BRECHEEN. Mr. Chairman, returning back to pre-COVID spending
levels, I have to ask the question to any colleague, whether it be
Democrat or Republican: Was not the amount of government spending pre-
COVID in 2019 enough? There is an old saying that however much
government you want is how much government you have to be willing to
pay for.
The problem is with Congress. We are deficit spending because we are
not willing to make cuts. We are not willing to make prioritization
occur to be able to afford these programs. We are passing the tab on to
our kids and our grandkids. Our housing costs and inflation are the
result of this.
Mr. Chairman, this is pre-COVID spending levels, and I encourage my
colleagues to support it. I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, once again, I am urging
opposition to this amendment because it is just an example of what I
said earlier in terms of withdrawing from the rest of the world. Our
young people, people who want to engage with the world to make this
world a better place, deserve to be able to do that.
This cut takes us back to, I think, the levels at 2019. That is
unacceptable.
Mr. Chairman, I oppose this amendment, and I yield back the balance
of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Brecheen).
The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes
appeared to have it.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Oklahoma
will be postponed.
Amendment No. 2 Offered by Mr. Brecheen
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 2
printed in part B of House Report 118-559.
Mr. BRECHEEN. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
Page 47, line 10, after the dollar amount, insert
``(reduced by $139,575,000)''.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1316, the gentleman
from Oklahoma (Mr. Brecheen) and a Member opposed each will control 5
minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Oklahoma.
Mr. BRECHEEN. Mr. Chairman, this amendment would eliminate funding
[[Page H4300]]
for the Global Environment Facility at the World Bank, saving American
taxpayers nearly $140 million.
This amendment represents a roughly 0.3-percent reduction in spending
for the bill overall. The Global Environment Facility is an
international fund under the World Bank, which uses donor countries'
money to pay for climate agenda projects in developing countries. The
United States' contribution to this fund is $140 million for fiscal
year 2025.
Proponents of global climate initiatives often use phrases like
``shared global responsibility'' to sell programs that cost taxpayers
millions and give up American sovereignty to unelected bureaucrats.
However, this funding has nothing to do with responsibilities at all.
This year's roughly $140 million donation to the GEF is over $10
million more than China's, the world's largest polluter. China has
contributed, during the entire 33-year lifetime of the program, less
than this year's singular allocation by the United States.
Meanwhile, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the Federal
deficit is going to be $1.9 trillion for fiscal year 2024. That is 27
percent greater than CBO projected at the beginning of this year, a
$400 billion change in a matter of months.
Where is the responsibility to American taxpayers? As Members of
Congress, our responsibility is to those taxpayers. We should not be
forcing and punting the price tag for this to our kids and our
grandkids. We should not be sending millions of dollars overseas when
we cannot get our fiscal house in order.
The Trump administration's budget request for fiscal year 2020
rightly asked for no funding for the Global Environment Facility. Under
President Trump, the U.S. withdrew from the one-sided Paris climate
accord and became a net energy exporter for the first time in over 70
years.
The Trump administration recognized that American strength and
prosperity are advanced by supporting pro-growth policies, cutting
spending and regulations, and unleashing American energy.
Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to follow the example of that
administration and vote ``yes'' on this amendment. The U.S. Government
should not send one more taxpayer dollar to unelected bureaucrats in
support of other countries' climate agendas, and I reserve the balance
of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition
to the amendment.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman from California is recognized for 5
minutes.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this
amendment.
Once again, we are retreating from the world, and this amendment,
again, makes that point. It would eliminate the United States'
contribution to the Global Environment Facility.
Now, the Global Environment Facility is a multilateral trust fund
that provides grant-based funding to developing countries to address
global environmental challenges. These are some of the most vulnerable
countries in the world.
The Global Environment Facility fund benefits the U.S. economy and
the environment by addressing problems that affect our domestic health,
safety, and prosperity, such as by protecting tropical forests,
reducing transboundary pollutants, and combating illegal wildlife
tracking, which I know is a concern of both sides of the aisle and
Members on both sides of the aisle.
Every one of our districts has been challenged by severe drought,
rainfall, storms, and heat. We are continuing to spend more and more on
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 both moral and
smart.
Why are we demonizing these programs and cutting ourselves off from
these valuable tools? These are not problems anyone can solve alone. We
must work with others, which makes cooperation and our multilateral
tools, such as the Global Environment Facility, real. Cuts will disrupt
and dismantle what we are trying to accomplish in this world, and that
is to make sure that our children have a future on this planet.
Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment. I
reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BRECHEEN. Mr. Chairman, I respectfully disagree. We are not
retreating on the world stage. What we are trying to do is get our
fiscal house in order so that America can cheat history as a republic
that can outlast most democracies. I will contend we are not a
democracy. We are, specifically, a republic. We are cheating history if
we can get our fiscal house in order and continue this great
experiment.
Retreating on the world stage is what I am afraid is going to happen.
We are about to run out of the funds to be able to continue this great
experiment in self-governance.
I would ask Members to consider that Chairman Arrington of the Budget
Committee sent some of us this story from the Asia Times, and it is
called: ``U.S. Debt Moving Toward $50 Trillion Isn't Whole Story.''
This is the Asian perspective about what they are looking at in America
as us heading toward a sovereign debt crisis and us losing the reserve
world currency.
{time} 1745
We are up against a great threat. I am greatly concerned about the
future of this country. We are not retreating. We are trying to
strengthen. There is an old African proverb: If there is no enemy on
the inside, the enemy on the outside can do you no harm. We have to get
strong within.
Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I must say that if Republicans
really want to get our fiscal house in order, then they would be the
first to repeal these terrible Trump tax cuts that have created an even
bigger hole in our fiscal house.
Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Brecheen).
The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes
appeared to have it.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Oklahoma
will be postponed.
Amendment No. 3 Offered by Mr. Brecheen
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 3
printed in part B of House Report 118-559.
Mr. BRECHEEN. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
Page 16, line 12, after the dollar amount, insert
``(reduced by $16,366,000)''.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1316, the gentleman
from Oklahoma (Mr. Brecheen) and a Member opposed each will control 5
minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Oklahoma.
Mr. BRECHEEN. Mr. Chair, this amendment would return funding for the
U.S. Institute of Peace back to fiscal year '19 funding levels. In
doing so, this amendment would save $16.3 million.
This amendment, again, returns spending for this specific agency back
to pre-COVID spending levels. To be clear, this is a modest proposal in
the context of the overall spending of the bill.
This amendment would reduce spending in the bill by 0.03 percent.
That is less than half a percent of the top line for this bill.
Side note for all of us who have paid attention to the numbers: Post-
COVID, our discretionary budget overall is up 30 percent. That is of
note.
Why go back to pre-COVID spending levels? If you look at the
inflationary index, if you look at what has happened with the housing
prices, going back to pre-COVID has a lot of net positives in terms of
our Federal outlays.
Year after year, the Federal Government continues to outpace spending
and outpace revenues. It outpaces the growth of our economy. In a
recent report, the Congressional Budget Office estimated the Federal
deficit for 2024 is going to reach $1.9 trillion.
[[Page H4301]]
The COVID-era spending spree drastically accelerated the growth of
our national debt. In the next decade, the CBO expects the Federal
deficit to grow to $2.9 trillion. That is a $3 trillion annual deficit.
We didn't get to $1 trillion in gross national debt until 1980. 200
years of governance and in 1980, we reached $1 trillion. Within 10
years, we are headed to be three times that in annual deficit debt
spending when it took us almost 250 years as a Nation to get to $1
trillion.
This is going to be a cumulative sovereign debt crisis. Today, we are
at $34.5 trillion, and it is just going to tick up.
As a result, the current state of our national debt means that the
Federal Government will require that every taxpayer give up $267,000 to
pay off your share of this balance. The growth of this debt is causing
a corresponding increase in the amount of interest payments due each
year, which are threatening to crowd out critical spending on national
defense, contributing toward the severe inflation crisis.
Mr. Chair, I call on my colleagues to get serious about the massive
debt. Let's return so many of these programs back to fiscal year '19
pre-COVID spending levels.
Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition to
the amendment.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to this
amendment. Now, the United States Institute of Peace, that is p-e-a-c-
e, or USIP, is one of the best tools the United States has to bring
people together to prevent wars. Government officials, civil society
practitioners, and defense experts creatively solve our world's
problems and our world's thorniest issues.
Congress created the United States Institute of Peace in 1984. Again,
I will spell it, p-e-a-c-e. Some Members don't even like to use the
term ``peace.'' We created it in 1984. It applies practical solutions
directly in conflict zones and provides analysis, education, and
resources to those working for peace, p-e-a-c-e.
USIP has specialized teams of mediators, trainers, and others in some
of the world's most dangerous places and works to equip communities
with the skills necessary to prevent or resolve their own violent
conflicts before they threaten the United States.
It is in our own national security interest not to cut programs that
cut the budget of the United States Institute of P-e-a-c-e.
The USIP works on the ground with local partners on the root causes
of conflict that all too frequently result in America's military gains
or diplomatic development investments going to waste.
In a world that grows more dangerous and complex every day with wars
and rumors of wars, we need the services and the creative thinking of
the United Institute of P-e-a-c-e.
Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I hope
that you all will begin to use the word ``peace'' a little bit more
because I think your children and grandchildren would be grateful.
Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BRECHEEN. Mr. Chair, peace through strength is something that
many of us believe in. It is the concern over the lack of our economic
prowess, the lack of our strength why this amendment is before this
body.
Again, was there not enough government spending in 2019? Returning
back to 2019 pre-COVID spending levels is what this does. It would save
us $16 million.
Mr. Chair, I encourage my colleagues to put the best, long-term
interests of our Nation ahead of short-term policy concerns or policy
considerations or parochial considerations. It is the long-term
longevity that has to rule the day.
Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, it doesn't make any sense to
support this amendment, cutting resources for the United Institute of
Peace, p-e-a-c-e, while we increase funding for the Department of
Defense where we know there is over $200 billion in waste, fraud, and
abuse.
Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR (Mr. Burlison). The question is on the amendment
offered by the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Brecheen).
The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes
appeared to have it.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Oklahoma
will be postponed.
Amendment No. 4 Offered by Mr. Burchett
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 4
printed in part B of House Report 118-559.
Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the
following:
Sec. ___. The salary of Setareh Sieg, Special Assistant to
the Director of Programming at Voice of America, shall be
reduced to $1.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1316, the gentleman
from Tennessee (Mr. Burchett) and a Member opposed each will control 5
minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Tennessee.
Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Chair, a couple of weeks ago, the House Foreign
Affairs Committee released a report on the U.S. Global Agency for
Global Media's failure to vet its staff properly. Specifically, one of
its executives, Setareh Sieg, lied on her resume, misused taxpayer
dollars, and reportedly committed workplace misconduct.
Ms. Sieg was fired under the Trump administration, then rehired under
the Biden administration, under suspicious circumstances, mind you.
Whistleblowers contacted the Foreign Affairs Committee requesting an
investigation into Sieg, which the committee launched in 2021.
Among other things, the report stated she lied about having a Ph.D.
on her resume and played favorites with overtime. She reportedly hired
a senior official based on favoritism.
I learned about Ms. Sieg's actions a year ago. I tried to cut her
salary in last year's appropriations bill. She was fired by the Trump
administration, then the Biden administration, of course, hired her
back, despite multiple reports of misconduct.
This is not the transparency, Mr. Chair, that Americans deserve from
our government. She doesn't deserve a salary and she should be removed
from this position immediately.
Mr. Chair, I have a 17-year-old daughter, and I tell her
continuously: Baby, you play by the rules. You work hard. You tell the
truth. You will be rewarded for that. Then I go home and tell her: No,
I was wrong. You don't play by the rules. You lie about who you are.
You mistreat people. You get rewarded by this government.
Mr. Chair, that is wrong and that needs to be changed. I urge all my
colleagues to vote for this amendment to reduce Ms. Sieg's salary to
$1.
Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition to
the amendment.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to this
amendment.
Quite frankly, it is despicable to target dedicated public servants
and threaten their livelihoods.
Public servants doing their job and carrying out the policies of this
administration or any administration that they serve should be
commended, not demonized.
Our government is dependent on being able to attract the best talent
to bring their skills to public service, especially when, in most
cases, they could earn much more in the private sector. Who is going to
be willing to do that if their names can be dragged through the
political mud?
The subject of this amendment has been a public servant at USAGM for
nearly 25 years speaking truth to Iranians and promoting the democratic
values of American society.
[[Page H4302]]
This is a personnel matter and should be dealt with as such. It is
not for appropriations. If you have an issue with the policy, let's
discuss that, not penalize public servants who are representing the
administration that they serve and have dedicated their careers to the
United States.
Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I yield
back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR (Mr. Bost). The question is on the amendment offered
by the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Burchett).
The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes
appeared to have it.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Tennessee
will be postponed.
Amendment No. 5 Offered by Mr. Burchett
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 5
printed in part B of House Report 118-559.
Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the
following:
Sec. __. None of the funds made available by this Act may
be used to fund the United States Agency for Global Media.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1316, the gentleman
from Tennessee (Mr. Burchett) and a Member opposed each will control 5
minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Tennessee.
{time} 1800
Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Chairman, I am offering this amendment to withhold
funding from the United States Agency for Global Media. This agency has
misused taxpayer money and also failed properly to vet its own staff.
I ask you, Mr. Chairman, is the policy of this great Nation to misuse
taxpayer money and fail to properly vet its own staff that is allowed
to lie on their resumes?
Back in January 2021, it was recommended the agency suspend one of
its executives, Setareh Sieg, following an investigation regarding her
professional behavior.
The investigation concluded that Ms. Sieg lied on her resume. She
lied. She misused taxpayer dollars for personal expenses and provided
lavish contracts for friends. Is this the policy of this country, Mr.
Chairman, I ask you?
However, just weeks later, and just hours after President Biden was
sworn into office, guess what? Ms. Sieg was reinstated to her previous
position without loss of pay or seniority.
The United States Agency for Global Media should be focused on its
mission to inform and engage with people around the world in support of
freedom and democracy, not a policy of allowing its employees to lie on
their resumes, Mr. Chairman. Instead, they are playing political games
and misusing our taxpayer dollars.
I recommend we withhold funding until a time when the U.S. Agency for
Global Media can prove it is capable of removing employees that have
deceitful and irresponsible work histories and is capable of properly
vetting its own staff.
I reserve the balance of my time, Mr. Chairman.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition
to this amendment.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this
amendment. Let me just start by saying if we are really talking about
misusing taxpayer money, remember that the Pentagon has flunked six
audits.
This amendment prohibits any funding from going to the U.S. Agency
for Global Media, or USAGM. USAGM informs, engages, and connects people
around the world, giving them an opportunity for independent media that
may not be available in their own country.
At a time when more democracies are declining and even sliding into
autocracies than any other point in the last century, we cannot afford
to cut USAGM programs.
Funding for these programs targets programming in the languages of
Iran, Russia, the PRC, and other authoritarian States to push back on
false narratives about American policies that these adversaries are
spreading and builds the capabilities that USAGM needs to deliver
content to its global audience quickly and reliably.
One of the organizations that USAGM oversees, Voices of America, has
an audience of more than 358 million people around the world.
Their trusted and objective news is translated into 48 languages in
order to share American stories and perspectives that locals would not
otherwise have access to.
Another organization, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, provides
uncensored news in countries where free press is threatened and
disinformation is pervasive.
These programs are key to outcompeting China and combating Russian
disinformation. They are key to our success on the global stage.
USAGM's open technology fund provides a range of tools to help
audiences overcome internal restrictions, especially in countries like
Iran where the internet can be a lifeline.
Through its grantees and Federal agencies, USAGM is reaching more
than 420 million people weekly, and the great majority of those
audiences have reported that they find the information they receive to
be trustworthy.
USAGM deserves our continued support, and I urge my colleagues to
oppose this shortsighted amendment. I reserve the balance of my time
Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Chair, at the inception of these wonderful
organizations that my colleague across the aisle described, I would say
they probably were very effective. I would say now they have very
little effect.
I can't imagine somebody in one of these countries turning on the
radio and deciding, hey, I am not going to go down this path anymore
because somebody from another country is on the radio telling me to do
otherwise.
I find the policy that we have of promoting people who lie and who
mistreat others because of political power or their connections very
offensive, and that is exactly why Americans do not trust this town.
They do not trust Congress. They do not trust government because they
see people continuously getting ahead in life that cheat, lie, and do
things that are inappropriate.
Things that we would not allow in our own homes, in our own
businesses, in our churches or our places of worship we sure as heck
shouldn't allow in the seat of this government, and this continues.
Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my
time.
Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Burchett).
The amendment was agreed to.
Amendment No. 6 Offered by Mr. Burchett
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 6
printed in part B of House Report 118-559.
Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
At the end of the bill (before the short title), add the
following:
TITLE IX--ADDITIONAL LIMITATION PROVISION
Sec. 9001. None of the funds made available by this Act
may be used for the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1316, the gentleman
from Tennessee (Mr. Burchett) and a Member opposed each will control 5
minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Tennessee.
Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate your service to our great
country in the Marine Corps. I should have said that earlier.
I offer this amendment to prohibit any funding for the Special
Presidential Envoy for Climate. This is just another group of unelected
bureaucrats making decisions for the American people with no input from
Congress, no
[[Page H4303]]
input from the people's House, Mr. Chairman.
President Biden promised to be the most transparent President in
history, and he is about as transparent as a brick wall. He promised
honesty and accountability for the American people, and he has not
delivered.
This special envoy is the opposite of transparency, Mr. Chairman. We
have requested the names of the office staff as well as their titles
and amount of their salaries. We are trying to do our jobs and conduct
oversight over the executive branch's operations, but we have not
received one bit of information from them.
If the executive branch wants to make climate decisions, it must come
through Congress first. John Kerry used to be in charge of this office.
When I asked him how much his climate treaties were going to cost the
American people, he responded with one word: Trillions, Mr. Chairman.
This is completely unacceptable. We are $32 trillion in debt. Every
hundred days, we add another trillion dollars to our debt load. We have
no plan to pay it back.
It is misuse of Americans' hard-earned dollars to push this
administration's political agendas, and it is putting Americans out of
work.
This office of unelected bureaucrats operates like a bunch of climate
dictators, and it must not receive any funding from Congress.
Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to
this amendment. Climate change has resulted in lives upended in Texas,
Florida, and Oklahoma, and has led to extreme heat across the entire
Northeast just last week.
The climate crisis poses threats to the stability of countries,
heightens social and political tensions, and adversely affects food
prices and availability. This is according to our own military.
The need for foreign assistance will only increase if we do not
address the significant driver of crises around the world.
No country can solve the climate crisis alone. This requires a
multilateral effort. Our climate envoy is lending his energy and
talents and collaborating with other countries to address these
concerns. His relationships with foreign leaders are a benefit to the
United States and our efforts.
I would think we would want to thank him for doing this. Again, we
should be thanking people who are serving the American people, not
demonizing them for it.
Funding the Special Presidential Envoy and his office is a
requirement if we are to protect national security, strengthen the
economy, and leave behind a safer planet for our children and
grandchildren.
I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I reserve the
balance of my time.
Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Chairman, I can remember in 1977 there was a TV
show I used to like. It was called ``In Search of . . . ''
That year I remember very well because I had to go to school at
Bearden Junior High School on Saturdays because of snow days. We used
up all of our snow days.
The show ``In Search of . . . '' had one episode that was: ``In
Search of . . . The Coming Ice Age,'' and that was the talk. We are
going into an ice age. Then it was acid rain. Then it was global
warming.
All these reactionary things that happen to us, all they end up doing
is costing us more money and making some advisory group, a bunch of fat
cats, rich.
Every time we put these environmental regulations on this great
country, these unelected bureaucrats get out here and get together, and
then they figure out what we are going to do, and guess what? We are
the only dadgum country in the world that follows them.
We cut a deal with China. They don't honor it. In China, for
instance, when they put a new coal-fired plant together, it is our
1950s technology. We follow the rules. No one else does.
These unelected bureaucrats fly around in their big jets, they look
down their noses at us, and we have to suffer the consequences.
Let's talk about the reality here. This is just another boondoggle so
we can run for reelection and scare people.
The water that we drink and the air that we breathe now is cleaner
and safer than it ever has been in my lifetime. Those are the facts.
Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my
time.
Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Burchett).
The amendment was agreed to.
Amendment No. 8 Offered by Mr. Burlison
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 8
printed in part B of House Report 118-559.
Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
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 for the World
Economic Forum.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1316, the gentleman
from Missouri (Mr. Burlison) and a Member opposed each will control 5
minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Missouri.
Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of this amendment
to prohibit funding for the World Economic Forum.
Every year, the World Economic Forum hosts its annual luxury
conference in Davos where CEOs, world leaders, and other globalists
take their private jets to some ski town in Switzerland to discuss
carbon emissions, which is ironic, erasing borders of our nations, and
other high-minded ideas like encouraging a transition to eating insects
because the Earth is ``running out of protein.''
The founder of the World Economic Forum, Klaus Schwab, says it
provides a platform for high-powered leaders to ``shape global,
regional, and industry agendas.''
All that really means is bigger governments, more taxes and spending,
more surveillance of citizens, and more open borders.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Schwab was the guy pushing for ``the
great reset'' to ``reshape the world.'' When Klaus Schwab says things
like ``You will own nothing, and you will be happy,'' we should take
him at his word.
When globalist elites get together to talk about their plans for
world domination, we should not ignore them. We definitely should not
be sending them our U.S. taxpayer dollars to legitimize their efforts.
If these Marxist hypocrites want to get together on their own dime,
so be it. Since 2023, the State Department has funneled nearly 60
million taxpayer dollars to the World Economic Forum.
This amendment would simply prohibit the State Department from
funneling any money from U.S. taxpayers to the World Economic Forum.
No matter how much they talk about ``protecting liberal democracy,''
these people, the globalists, are the problem.
If we are truly going to represent Americans, and if we are truly
going to stand for our national sovereignty and the freedom to govern
ourselves, then we need to stop legitimizing these globalists with our
money.
I urge the adoption of this amendment, and I reserve the balance of
my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition
to the amendment.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to
this amendment, which would prohibit any funding to the World Economic
Forum, which we don't fund.
The reality is that no funds from this bill go to the World Economic
Forum. Therefore, this amendment would establish another prohibition
for no reason.
[[Page H4304]]
This is the appropriations process, a process that historically
focused on making things happen rather than making prohibitions on
things that are not being done, just in case you all didn't know.
I will tell you that this is really quite amazing to me that we could
prohibit funding for something we don't fund.
Since this is my last appropriations process, I cannot be more
disheartened with what is happening to the essential work of this
committee when we start defunding what we don't fund.
I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I reserve the
balance of my time.
{time} 1815
Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Chair, the gentlewoman says that there is nothing
in this that sends money, yet since 2013, the State Department has
funneled nearly $60 million to the World Economic Forum's efforts. It
can't be both. Even if it is the case, then this amendment shouldn't
worry anyone. It is belt and suspenders.
At the end of the day, when the American people are $34 trillion in
debt--that is over $250,000 per taxpayer that they owe as their share
of the national debt--we should not be taking out more debt to send to
these globalists and fund their agenda.
Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, this is mind-boggling. I guess,
once again, we are doing something that does not make any sense in this
process.
The other point I think I would like to make in closing is that, once
again, this is something that will be supposedly defunded that we don't
fund that has to do with the world. It has to do with retreating from
the world in terms of just the agenda of the Republicans.
Mr. Chairman, I urge a ``no'' vote, and I hope that Members will look
at how they are manipulating and misrepresenting this appropriations
process because when we start defunding what we don't fund, that is
very disingenuous and misleading to the public.
Mr. Chairman, I urge a ``no'' vote, and I yield back the balance of
my time.
Mr. BURLISON. Mr. Chairman, it is a fact that, since 2013, we have
funneled nearly $60 million to the efforts of this globalist elite
organization. I don't think that the taxpayers of the United States
should foot the bill for their agenda, which I think is an un-American
agenda.
Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Burlison).
The amendment was agreed to.
Amendment No. 9 Offered by Mr. Burchett
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 9
printed in part B of House Report 118-559.
Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Chair, I rise as the designee of the gentlewoman
from Florida (Mrs. Cammack), and I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
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 implement, administer,
or enforce any major rule under subparagraph (A) of section
804(2) of title 5, United States Code.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1316, the gentleman
from Tennessee (Mr. Burchett) and a Member opposed each will control 5
minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Tennessee.
Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of Representative
Cammack's amendment, which would restrict funds at the Department of
State from being used to finalize any rules and regulations with an
annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more.
Under the Biden administration, hundreds of billions of dollars in
regulatory costs have fallen on the American people with no input from
Congress--once again, unelected bureaucrats.
Biden's State Department is pursuing radical climate initiatives
abroad funded by American tax dollars--again, none of our business.
A 2021 Department memo directed funding away from carbon-intensive
initiatives overseas, threatening projects with national security
implications, Mr. Chair. Now, taxpayer dollars are being used to
subsidize clean energy initiatives abroad while our own electricity
prices are still outpacing inflation.
We should not allow unelected bureaucrats to impose regulatory costs
behind closed doors. Our Nation needs major regulatory reform, and this
amendment is a crucial step forward to a more transparent and
accountable government.
Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment to restore
congressional oversight over burdensome executive actions and require
that any major rule be approved by Congress before taking effect.
Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman from California is recognized for 5
minutes.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this
amendment.
Let me say a couple of things about any new rule. Any new rule being
proposed by a government agency is required to assess the potential
costs and benefits of such a rule change and submit it to OMB.
In some cases, it may make sense to pursue such a rule. In many
cases, the benefits will outweigh the costs, and the rulemaking process
is designed to make these decisions in a clear and transparent manner.
A blanket prohibition, such as this amendment, just aims at tying an
administration's hands while carrying out the laws that Congress
enacted.
For the State and Foreign Operations bill, the State Department has
advised that they have only pursued one rule recently that would be
considered significant. That was to increase the consular fee
structure. The consular operation of the State Department is self-
funding through fees, so it is important that those fees reflect the
costs of passports, visas, and other consular documents.
Congress delegates rulemaking authority to government agencies and
has oversight over them. Congress also has the ability to disapprove of
a rule through the Congressional Review Act. This amendment is overly
broad and unnecessary.
Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I ask for a ``no'' vote, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Burchett).
The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes
appeared to have it.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Tennessee
will be postponed.
Amendment No. 13 Offered by Mr. Gosar
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 13
printed in part B of House Report 118-559.
Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
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 TechCamp
public diplomacy program of the Bureau of Educational &
Cultural Affairs.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1316, the gentleman
from Arizona (Mr. Gosar) and a Member opposed each will control 5
minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona.
Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of my amendment No.
13 to the fiscal year 2025 State-Foreign Operations bill.
This amendment prohibits funds for the TechCamp public diplomacy
program within the State Department's
[[Page H4305]]
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
If you believe its website, the TechCamp ``creates connections,
sparks innovation, and empowers civil society to solve the world's most
pressing challenges through technology.''
In reality, the actual purpose of the TechCamp program is to spread
progressive ideology around the world. What is even more shocking is
that the TechCamp is linked to Anatoly Bondarenko, and he is a trainer
for the taxpayer-funded program. Bondarenko is a founder of the
Texty.org.UA, which placed me and 116 Representatives on a hit list for
not supporting Ukraine.
Americans should not have to fund efforts to propagandize foreign
countries with progressive ideology. Neither should they have to fund
programs that have taxpayer-funded organizations that create hit lists
that potentially threaten the security of American leaders.
Let's defund the wasteful TechCamp program. Mr. Chair, I urge my
colleagues to vote ``yes'' on my amendment, and I reserve the balance
of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition
to this amendment.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this
amendment, which seeks to cut all funding for the TechCamp public
diplomacy program.
TechCamp is designed to support good governance and mitigate violent
extremism. Through TechCamp workshops, the State Department connects
private-sector technology experts with key populations--journalists,
nongovernmental organizations, and civil society advocates--to explore
and apply innovative tech solutions to global issues. TechCamp also
boosts U.S. economic engagement around the globe by highlighting the
United States' technical and private-sector innovation.
I understand that attention to this program has increased after a
former participant was involved in activity that some Members take
exception to. There are thousands of participants from more than 110
countries making an impact through this program. An effective foreign
policy tool should not be disposed of because of the actions of one
participant a decade after they left the program.
This past year, one TechCamp in Nepal funded a digital outreach
campaign for the management of antimicrobial resistance. Another in
Kazakhstan educates people in Central Asian countries on how to protect
themselves from Russian propaganda and fact-check information as well
as develop cybersecurity skills in women in the region through online
webinars. These are not programs we should be cutting.
Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment. I reserve
the balance of my time.
Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chairman, I find this priceless, that it is hindering
violent extremism. I just indicated that over 100 of my colleagues were
listed on a hit list. Talk about extremism. That is the key component
of this.
If everybody has to suffer, I don't think that we will have any
problems when we hang these people out to dry that have actually abused
this program, and maybe we will have some more civil society in that
regard.
Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I urge a ``no'' vote, and I yield
back the balance of my time.
Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chair, once again, I ask everybody to vote for this
amendment because it is hypocrisy at its finest. I yield back the
balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar).
The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes
appeared to have it.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Arizona will
be postponed.
Amendment No. 14 Offered by Mr. Gosar
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 14
printed in part B of House Report 118-559.
Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
At the end of the bill (before the short title), add the
following:
Sec. _. None of the funds made available by this Act may
be used to approve Foreign Military Sales authorized under
the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2751 et seq.) to
Ukraine.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1316, the gentleman
from Arizona (Mr. Gosar) and a Member opposed each will control 5
minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona.
Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of my amendment No.
14 to the fiscal year 2025 State-Foreign Operations bill.
My amendment prohibits funds for foreign military sales to Ukraine.
The Foreign Military Sales, or FMS, Program is a form of security
assistance authorized by the Arms Export Control Act.
As of June 7, the United States has spent nearly $600 million in
active government-to-government sales cases with Ukraine under the FMS
Program. The United States should not approve of foreign military sales
to authoritarian foreign countries like Ukraine.
Ukraine has arrested priests, raided a monastery, suspended 11
opposition political parties, and consolidated all television platforms
into a single state channel. The country does not even allow
Presidential elections.
Even more shocking is that the FMS Program may be used to supply
Ukraine with American weapons that can be used to strike inside Russia.
Last May, the State Department approved a possible emergency foreign
military sale to Ukraine of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or
HIMARS. Concerningly, just last month, an American-supplied HIMARS
rocket system was reportedly likely used in an attack inside of Russia.
I, for one, would rather not have American weapons being used on the
territory of a country we are not even at war with.
President Eisenhower once said: ``A vital element in keeping the
peace is our military establishment.''
We cannot keep the peace when the weapons of our military
establishment are being wielded against a third party, against another
great power. If you truly support global democracy and liberty, end the
foreign military sales to Ukraine.
Mr. Chair, I ask that my colleagues vote ``yes,'' and I reserve the
balance of my time.
Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Florida is recognized for 5
minutes.
Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, we use the term ``my friend'' all the
time here, but I will tell you that the gentleman from Arizona and I
are friends. I have great respect for him, but I do have to claim the
time in opposition.
Congress recently provided $1.6 billion in foreign military financing
for Ukraine--not in this bill; that was already done--and other
countries impacted by the situation in Ukraine.
{time} 1830
While foreign military financing funds in this bill are not
designated for Ukraine--there aren't any--let me tell you why I still
respectfully have to stand in opposition.
I think this sends a pretty bad message during a time of active war.
I think it would be a monumental mistake, potentially emboldening our
enemies, including Russia, and send a dangerous signal of United
States' weakness, something that, unfortunately, this administration
does every single day, and a lack of resolve to others around the
world, including potentially Communist China and other adversaries.
I will also note that House Republicans successfully secured language
in the fiscal year 2024 State and Foreign Operations bill that brings
unprecedented transparency and oversight requirements on all assistance
going to Ukraine, which I think is a very important thing to do, and I
think all of us agree with that.
[[Page H4306]]
I want to repeat: There are no FMF funds in this bill for Ukraine.
The only FMF we have in this bill goes to other key partners, and I
mentioned that, like Taiwan.
I think that a prohibition potentially sends a very bad message.
There are no funds, but I think this would send a very bad message.
I have great respect for somebody who actually is a friend of mine.
We are good friends, but I respectfully have to oppose this amendment.
Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chair, yes, we are very good friends.
I will tell you once again, saying this out loud and putting it in
writing is very important, because this is going to go to the Senate,
and the Senate is going to have an objective. When you put something
down on a piece of paper, they are going to have to take notice of
this. From that standpoint, that is why I want this in this bill. It
may not have a place yet in this bill, but the Senate also has to know
the intentions of this House. The House has its own independent
inclinations.
I have got to tell you: We are a third party in an unending war. You
have got to be kidding me. I thought we were the only ones who could
declare war, the House, the Congress. I have to object to my dear
friend and say, listen, I would like this to be put in there.
Mr. Chair, I would ask everybody to vote for this amendment, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from
California (Ms. Lee).
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to this
amendment.
Russia's brutal and unprovoked attack in Ukraine is not just a threat
to Ukraine and its neighbors but to the world, including our own
country.
If Russia succeeds in its aggression, other unprovoked attacks are
inevitable. Ukraine's democracy is being undermined every single day.
Entire cities have been demolished, women and girls are being sexually
abused by Russian soldiers, and children are being kidnapped.
Hospitals and schools, which should be safe havens, are being
intentionally attacked. Thousands of innocent children and their
families have been brutally murdered. Millions of Ukrainians have been
forced to flee their country.
I have visited Ukraine, and I immediately recognized the love of the
Ukrainian people for their country and their democracy. Since the war
broke out, I have been to Poland, and I met with Ukrainians to hear
firsthand about the dire situations they face amidst Russian
aggression. I have talked to civil society organizations funded by the
United States who, facing danger and violence, are supporting refugees,
vulnerable people, women and children. I was deeply moved by their
stories and their commitment.
Mr. Chair, we must be able to ensure that Ukraine has the funding and
support it needs to defend itself and that vulnerable people continue
to receive lifesaving assistance.
Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.
Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar).
The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes
appeared to have it.
Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Arizona will
be postponed.
Amendment No. 15 Offered by Mr. Gosar
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 15
printed in part B of House Report 118-559.
Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
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 implement,
administer, or enforce the Bilateral Security Agreement
Between the United States of America and Ukraine.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1316, the gentleman
from Arizona (Mr. Gosar) and a Member opposed each will control 5
minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona.
Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of my amendment No. 15
to the fiscal year 2025 State-Foreign Operations appropriations bill.
Amendment No. 15 prohibits funds for the Bilateral Security Agreement
between the United States of America and Ukraine. The Bilateral
Security Agreement between the United States and Ukraine was signed
this month by Joe Biden and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The agreement erroneously implies that Ukraine is a democracy,
despite being an authoritarian country that does not even allow
Presidential elections.
The agreement also reaffirms that ``Ukraine's future is in NATO,''
even though the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO is one reason the
Russian-Ukraine conflict escalated, on top of other things.
While war hawks and neocons are further provoking conflict with
Russia, they are also cheapening their golden calf, NATO, by advocating
for Ukraine's admission into the alliance.
The agreement further states: ``It is the policy of the United States
to support providing sustainable levels of security assistance for
Ukraine in support of the objectives outlined in the Bilateral Security
Agreement and associated implementation arrangements.''
By putting pen to paper on an executive agreement, Joe Biden is
doubling down on billions more of future taxpayers' support for
Ukraine. The United States has given $175 billion in emergency support
to Ukraine so far while the invasion along our southern border goes
ignored by this administration.
When is enough enough? Only Congress should have the power of the
purse.
Under the National Emergency Act, we see that the President and the
executive branch actually share that power with us. We should not be
strong-armed by an executive who wants to drag America into another
forever war. Let's put this administration in check.
Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on my amendment, and
I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition to
the amendment.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this
amendment, which is an attack on our commitment to strengthen our
security and economic cooperation with Ukraine, as well as to pursue
accountability for Russia's actions there, by prohibiting funds for
implementing the Bilateral Security Agreement recently signed between
the United States and Ukraine.
No specific funds are committed through the security agreement, but
the signal this amendment sends to our Ukrainian partners is damaging.
Mr. Chair, I ask for a ``no'' vote, and I reserve the balance of my
time.
Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chair, there is a great message that this sends. It
says this is the time for peace.
When are we going to stop these forever wars? Why don't we get out on
top of this aspect and really come clean with the American people?
How do wars even start? Does anybody say that Russian President Putin
actually went to the U.N. twice to say: Listen, there was an invasion
in my country where 14,000 of my citizens were killed?
I have no fond respect for Vladimir Putin, but he has a right to
protect his people. I say that this sends a very clear message that it
is time for peace. In fact, I was one of those people who actually
offered that. The Cactus League in Arizona is a great time to have
people out in Arizona to watch baseball games, and you can talk peace
afterward. It is time for peace, not war.
Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my
time.
Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chair, I ask everybody to vote for this amendment, and
I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar).
[[Page H4307]]
The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes
appeared to have it.
Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Arizona will
be postponed.
Amendment No. 16 Offered by Mr. Gosar
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 16
printed in part B of House Report 118-559.
Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
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 for the U.S.
Special Representative for Ukraine's Economic Recovery.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1316, the gentleman
from Arizona (Mr. Gosar) and a Member opposed each will control 5
minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona.
Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of my amendment No. 16
to the fiscal year 2025 State-Foreign Operations appropriations bill.
My amendment prohibits funds for the Special Representative for
Ukraine's Economic Recovery. Think about that: Special Representative
for Ukraine's Economic Recovery.
The purpose of the Special Representative for Ukraine's Economic
Recovery is to work with various actors to ``help forge Ukraine's
future as a prosperous, secure, European democracy.'' A European
democracy, that is pretty interesting.
It is a slap in the face of hardworking Americans that we are wasting
taxpayer dollars to pay for this Special Representative for Ukraine's
Economic Recovery, but there is no such position for America's economic
recovery that has been so ravaged by this administration's
Bidenflation.
Our national debt is approaching $35 trillion, with $1 trillion being
added to that debt every 100 days. The national debt is the leading
cause of Bidenflation, the downgrade in credit rating, and overall poor
economy.
Since this administration took office, the price index for food
consumed at home increased by 21 percent. Energy prices have shot up by
more than a third since Biden assumed office.
The U.S. economy is hurting, and American families are struggling.
While Americans find it difficult to afford energy and healthy food
because of this administration's disastrous domestic economic policies,
this administration is giving Ukraine a blank check. This is
unacceptable.
Let's defund the wasteful Special Representative for Ukraine's
Economic Recovery and commit to putting America first.
Mr. Chair, I ask for a ``yes'' vote on my amendment, and I reserve
the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition to
the amendment.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, this amendment prevents the United
States Special Representative for Ukraine's Economic Recovery from
helping forge Ukraine's future as a prosperous, secure, European
democracy and accelerate Ukraine's economic transformation. This
position is key to ensuring that Ukraine not only survives but thrives,
standing on its own.
The Ukrainian people are defending their country from the front line
to the assembly line. Their ability to emerge from this conflict
depends on their economic resilience.
A Coca-Cola bottling plant outside of Kyiv, the largest in Europe,
was shelled, and many of the plant's 1,600 workers fought not only to
liberate it but to get it back up and running. Eighty-four percent of
American companies in Ukraine are back up and running.
Ukraine's economic recovery is not just key to the stability of
Europe but also dinner tables around the world. In January of 2024, the
Black Sea corridor brought more than 8.7 million tons of Ukrainian
grain to global markets feeding much of the world.
Ukraine and its people have not given up on their aspirations. The
Special Representative for Ukraine's Economic Recovery is doing
critical work to ensure Ukraine can see economic success and not be
dependent on donor assistance. This should be supported, not
demagogued.
Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
{time} 1845
Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chair, European democracy: There is an oxymoron right
there.
How about Europe handling this person?
How can there be economic recovery in Ukraine when we can't even do
it here at home?
That is sick. That is absolutely sick.
Our taxpayer dollars, $36 trillion, how well are we going to have the
establishment in this world bearing $36 trillion in debt, soon to be
$50 trillion?
I find this unacceptable that this should be flying right through
because this is unbelievable. We are in a proxy war that we never
condoned.
We are over here funneling money right and left, and we can't even
support our southern border?
Give me a break. Give me a break. Give the American taxpayers a
break.
It is time for us to get serious about this. It is time for peace. It
is time for us to show our power in the fact that we can mitigate
peace, and everybody can honor their promises to each other.
Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I urge a ``no'' vote on this,
and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chair, I urge all my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on
this, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar).
The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes
appeared to have it.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Arizona will
be postponed.
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider Amendment No. 17
printed in part B of House Report 118-559.
Amendment No. 18 Offered by Ms. Greene of Georgia
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 18
printed in part B of House Report 118-559.
Ms. GREENE of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the
following:
Sec. __. The salary of Samantha Power, Administrator of
the United States Agency for International Development, shall
be reduced to $1.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1316, the gentlewoman
from Georgia (Ms. Greene) and a Member opposed each will control 5
minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Georgia.
Ms. GREENE of Georgia. Mr. Chair, my amendment reduces the salary of
Samantha Power, the administrator of the United States Agency for
International Development, to $1.
Samantha Power is a globalist leftwing activist who uses government
positions to force the regime's views on the American people and the
rest of the world.
When Samantha Power took office in 2021, she set three priorities for
USAID in her New Vision for Global Development: one, broadening the
coalition by increasing the number and diversity of voices at USAID;
two, focusing assistance more on the voices and needs of the most
marginalized; and, three, making aid more responsive by better
incorporating the perspectives of those on the ground.
Under Samantha Power, USAID has focused on food security in response
to the Ukraine war, climate change, democracy, and governance.
Also under Samantha Power, USAID has installed diversity, equity, and
inclusion advisers in all bureaus, offices,
[[Page H4308]]
and overseas missions and has created an agencywide dashboard and DEI
scorecards to track staff compliance with the administration's DEI
directives.
These blatantly political scorecards demand ideological conformity
and should have no place in the government workplace or elsewhere.
Furthermore, Samantha Power has repeatedly met with influential
leftwing foundations while serving in the role.
According to nearly 700 pages of internal calendar entries obtained
by FOX News, Power met with George Soros' Open Society Foundation
multiple times. Of course, she did. She also has met with the Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation at least five times. She also held meetings
with several other powerful groups like the Ford and Rockefeller
Foundations.
Power's intimate association with these entities exemplifies how the
Biden administration and its officials and agencies keep close contact
with leftwing outside groups who help execute extreme policy
initiatives.
When Samantha Power served as Obama's ambassador to the United
Nations, she made hundreds of requests to intelligence agencies to
unmask names associated with the 2016 Trump campaign in order to
support the Russia hoax narrative. For her activism, the Biden
administration granted Samantha Power a permanent seat on the National
Security Council, a more prominent role than the USAID administrator
she has had under previous administrations.
A person who abuses her position in government to meddle in
democratic elections should be nowhere near public office. Instead of
fulfilling her role as an administrator, Samantha Power is focused on
imposing a leftwing agenda throughout the entire U.S. Government and
its proxies around the world.
My amendment will ensure that she is held accountable and that the
American people no longer have to fund her salary.
Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this
amendment.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to
this amendment. This amendment seeks to punish Administrator Power,
likely due to differences of opinion with the amendment's sponsor.
Given the administrator covers all worldwide issues, it is natural
that differing opinions would arise. However, we cannot decide to
defund the salary of the leadership of a United States Government
agency simply because a Member of Congress does not agree with all the
positions the administration takes on issues pertaining to foreign
affairs.
Administrator Power is a patriot. She cares about inclusion. She
wants diversity, equity, and inclusion reflected as a policy in the
State Department so that the State Department and countries reflect the
diversity not only of our own country but throughout the world. It
means people like myself would be part of this program. Her career has
been very distinguished, serving as our ambassador to the United
Nations. She is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author. I think we should
thank Samantha Power for trying to make sure that our USAID is
inclusive and that it reflects our democracy.
If my colleagues want to debate the merits of our foreign policy,
then let's do it. However, it is beneath this body to really take on a
public servant for just doing their job.
Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I yield
back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentlewoman from Georgia (Ms. Greene).
The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes
appeared to have it.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Georgia
will be postponed.
Amendment No. 19 Offered by Ms. Greene of Georgia
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 19
printed in part B of House Report 118-559.
Ms. GREENE of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
At the end of the bill (before the short title), add the
following:
Sec. _. None of the funds made available by this Act may
be used for assistance to Ukraine.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1316, the gentlewoman
from Georgia (Ms. Greene) and a Member opposed each will control 5
minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Georgia.
Ms. GREENE of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, my amendment would ensure that
no additional funding is appropriated for Ukraine through the State
Department. To date, Congress has appropriated $174.2 billion in
emergency supplemental funding. Of this amount, about $58 billion of
which 33 percent has been provided through the Department of State and
USAID, and there is virtually no oversight to tell the American people
how much of their money is going where.
We know the money goes to humanitarian and economic assistance and
other nonmilitary assistance, but there is much fraud and abuse
suspected and widely reported.
The economic support fund for Ukraine's Government goes toward
providing food, energy, and healthcare services for the people of
Ukraine. It is also used to counter Russian disinformation and
supporting small- and medium-sized agribusinesses and natural gas
purchases by Ukraine.
According to some reports, Ukraine has actually been purchasing
Russian natural gas from third parties during the war. It seems
counterintuitive for the U.S. to sanction Russian oil and then send
taxpayer dollars to Ukraine only for them to turn around and use the
money to buy Russian oil.
USAID provides direct budget support to the Ukrainian Government
through three trust funds: the multidonor trust fund, the single donor
trust fund, and public expenditures for administrative capacity
endurance.
This budget support funds the salaries of healthcare workers, first
responders, school employees, and assistance for pensioners and
internally displaced persons in Ukraine.
While our southern border is being invaded daily, Joe Biden cares
more about protecting the borders of Ukraine than the country he swore
to protect.
About one-half of Americans think the U.S. is spending too much money
helping Ukraine according to the most recent AP poll. According to a
recent CBS poll, over 60 percent of Republicans do not support
additional aid to Ukraine, and even one in four Democrats don't support
it anymore. After all, the American people are over $34.5 trillion in
debt, but Joe Biden doesn't care about what Americans on either side of
the political spectrum think. Joe Biden and his family have profited so
much off of Ukraine's corruption that he must think it is only fair to
return the favor.
It is truly disturbing to watch American taxpayer dollars go down the
drain or, actually, should we say in foreigners' pockets for foreign
purposes that are not our own. Nevertheless, President Biden is
beholden to a foreign government.
My amendment will ensure that no American taxpayer money is sent to
continue an endless failed war in that corrupt country which is
murdering an unknown amount of Ukrainian men.
Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of my amendment, and
I reserve the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. Members are reminded to refrain from engaging in
personalities toward the President.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this
amendment.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to
this amendment. Russia's brutal and unprovoked attack on Ukraine is not
just a threat to Ukraine and its neighbors but to the world.
If Russia succeeds in its aggression, other unprovoked attacks are
inevitable.
Ukraine's democracy is being undermined every single day. Entire
cities
[[Page H4309]]
have been demolished, women and girls are being sexually abused by
Russian soldiers, and children are being kidnapped. Hospitals and
schools which should be safe havens are being intentionally attacked.
Thousands of innocent children and their families have been brutally
murdered. Millions of Ukrainians have been forced to flee their
country.
As I have said earlier, I have visited Ukraine, and I immediately
recognized the love of the Ukrainian people for their country and their
democracy.
Since the war broke out, I have met with Ukrainians in Poland to hear
firsthand the dire situation that they face amidst Russian aggression.
I have talked to civil society organizations funded by the United
States who are facing danger and violence. They are supporting
refugees, vulnerable people, and women and children. I was deeply moved
by their stories and their commitment.
However, we must continue to ensure that Ukraine has the funding and
support it needs to defend itself and that vulnerable people continue
to receive lifesaving assistance.
Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. GREENE of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, may I ask how much time I have
remaining.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman has 1\1/2\ minutes remaining.
Ms. GREENE of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, hearing my colleague across the
aisle talking about the rape and murder of women, I remind everyone
that American women and children are being raped and murdered by
illegal alien monsters that this Biden administration is allowing into
the country, releasing into our country and paying for them to travel
via buses and planes to all 50 States.
If this United States House of Representatives should care about any
women, girls, and children being raped and murdered, it should be
American women, girls, and children, but this body cares most about
Ukraine.
{time} 1900
I remind everyone that, just recently, a Ukrainian group called Texty
published a list of Ukrainian enemies that includes almost 400
Americans, including Republican U.S. lawmakers, conservative
influencers and media groups, and antiwar activists.
This group receives money from the U.S. State Department through a
program called TechCamp. So the State Department is funding a group
called Texty that has published a Ukrainian kill list, basically, and
that involves American lawmakers and conservative influencers and media
groups. It is unbelievable that American taxpayers would be used for
this.
This is outrageous, Mr. Chair. I ask the House to vote in favor of my
amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, support for Ukraine is in the
interests of the United States.
Also, we have to deplore women being raped and children being
kidnapped anywhere in the world, including in Ukraine.
Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentlewoman from Georgia (Ms. Greene).
The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes
appeared to have it.
Ms. GREENE of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Georgia
will be postponed.
Amendment No. 20 Offered by Ms. Greene of Georgia
The Acting CHAIR (Mr. Obernolte). It is now in order to consider
amendment No. 20 printed in part B of House Report 118-559.
Ms. GREENE of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
At the end of the bill (before the short title), add the
following:
Sec. _. None of the funds made available by this Act may
be used for the United States Agency for International
Development.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1316, the gentlewoman
from Georgia (Ms. Greene) and a Member opposed each will control 5
minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Georgia.
Ms. GREENE of Georgia. Mr. Chair, the American people are over $34.5
trillion in debt thanks to the decisions made here in Washington, D.C.
My amendment would prohibit $1.6 billion of funding for the United
States Agency for International Development, USAID, which sends
billions of American taxpayer dollars every single year to foreign
nations across the world.
USAID was responsible for the management of more than $40 billion in
combined annual appropriations in fiscal year 2022, representing more
than one-third of the funds provided in the Department of State,
Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act.
Imagine if this money went to Americans, who, by the way, are paying
for it, instead of foreign countries. Maybe we could solve some of the
problems we have here at home.
That year, USAID provided assistance to over 130 foreign countries.
The top countries that received money from most to least were Ukraine,
Ethiopia, Yemen, South Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria, Afghanistan, the Congo,
Syria, and Sudan.
Among the wasteful things USAID has funded in recent years--under
Samantha Power's tenure, by the way--are programs like $385 million
DREAMS Initiative--Determined Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored
and Safe--a program under PEPFAR which aims to reduce rates of HIV
among adolescent girls around the world. We certainly care about girls
around the world, but we really care about our American taxpayers
helping Americans at home.
DREAMS has provided millions of girls with family planning
counseling, contraceptives, and referrals. In 2022, more than 275,000
sex workers and many others around the world received HIV medication
from USAID.
Again, the American people are over $34.5 trillion in debt, and 300
Americans die every single day from fentanyl poisoning.
USAID also implements programs that identify and respond to the
unique needs of women, men, girls, boys, and those of other gender
identities--by the way, there aren't any; there are only two--of all
ages and abilities, and in all their diversity, so they can equally
access and use HIV prevention and treatment services, protect
themselves and practice healthy behaviors, exercise their rights, and
live free from violence, stigma, and discrimination.
I think Americans here would like to live free from violence, but
again, our border is overrun.
Since 2014, USAID has led the coordination and implementation of
PEPFAR's Sustainable Financing Initiative. PEPFAR, by the way, is
receiving over $5 billion in funding from the American people.
With investments of $48 million, the USAID-led SFI generated more
than $361 million of domestic resources across 16 countries and two
regional programs over 6 years. In Tanzania, USAID helped access $7.8
million in private-sector financing for private clinics. This
investment resulted in a 35 percent increase in HIV testing, with over
10,000 patients tested and 100 percent of positive patients linked to
care. In Nigeria, USAID engaged in private pharmacies to provide HIV
treatment.
Meanwhile, the fentanyl drug crisis continues to rage across America,
but we continue to fund USAID with billions of dollars to address AIDS
and other diseases all over the world.
We should be caring about Americans, and we should be funding
treatments for Americans here at home from a weapon of mass destruction
that is murdering Americans every single day.
American taxpayers are funding this, and American taxpayers want
their problems solved. They want Americans protected. They want to feel
safe and secure at home, not to be the piggy bank of the world, which
is what USAID is.
Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the
amendment.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
[[Page H4310]]
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to
this amendment.
The United States Agency for International Development is essential
to global stability, asserting United States leadership and foreign
policy influence, and advancing security and prosperity worldwide.
USAID is the leader of the United States' global humanitarian and
development work, ensuring strong stewardship and accountability of
U.S. tax dollars and making tangible improvements in the lives of
millions of people all around the world.
This amendment would force USAID to close all of its missions and
terminate its programs overseas. It is highly ironic that the
Department of Defense, which this Congress cannot seem to give enough
money to, would be the first people to decry the loss of these programs
in building security and stability around the world.
Without USAID, millions of children with malaria would go untreated,
and hundreds of thousands of people would die of tuberculosis. Without
USAID, millions of the most vulnerable people in the world would be
hungrier as well as lose access to quality education and clean water.
USAID teams are working day and night to address catastrophic
humanitarian crises in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and beyond. Continued
battering from a growing number of natural disasters during this
particularly strong El Nino has led to a number of people requiring
humanitarian assistance, increasing by nearly a third from $274 million
in 2022 to $363 million at the end of 2023.
With regard to PEPFAR, yes, I was the author of PEPFAR and worked
with Republicans, primarily President Bush, to make sure that the
United States was on the right side of history by just basically saving
lives. We have saved over 25 million lives thanks to PEPFAR.
I think that is a real testament to how it was in the past in this
House of Representatives, where Democrats and Republicans worked
together to save lives. I am very proud of that effort, and I know that
this amendment would harm that effort to achieve an AIDS-free
generation by 2030. It is harmful.
We must not reduce our development and humanitarian efforts. We
wouldn't be able to counter the PRC's or Russia's influence. What we
are doing is opening the door for their expanded global influence, if
that is all my colleagues care about.
Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. GREENE of Georgia. Mr. Chair, may I inquire how much time I have
remaining.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman from Georgia has 30 seconds
remaining.
Ms. GREENE of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I also would like to tell the House
that USAID has been an arm of the Democratic Party. Ninety-six percent
of all political contributions from USAID employees go to Democratic
Party candidates or PACs.
Also, just months before the national elections, over 1,000 USAID
staff issued a statement echoing Democratic talking points.
Here is the issue: Our government is not a charity. The American
people are the most generous people in the world, sending unknown
amounts of money constantly to every cause to save people's lives.
I urge the House to pass my amendment, support our America. America
First.
Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, let me just say that I realize
the United States is not a charity, but I believe there are many in
this country who believe we are our brothers' keepers, our sisters'
keepers, and we have a duty to those less fortunate.
In fact, USAID is providing remarkable humanitarian assistance to
those who need the United States' generosity and support.
Mr. Chair, I ask for a ``no'' vote on this amendment, and I yield
back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentlewoman from Georgia (Ms. Greene).
The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes
appeared to have it.
Ms. GREENE of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Georgia
will be postponed.
Amendment No. 21 Offered by Ms. Hageman
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 21
printed in part B of House Report 118-559.
Ms. HAGEMAN. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
At the end of the bill (before the short title), add the
following:
Sec. _. None of the funds made available by this Act may
be used to provide funding to the Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1316, the gentlewoman
from Wyoming (Ms. Hageman) and a Member opposed each will control 5
minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Wyoming.
Ms. HAGEMAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in favor of my amendment No. 21 to
H.R. 8771, which blocks funds for the United Nations Food and
Agriculture Organization, or FAO.
The FAO exists within the U.N. system as a specialized agency. It has
194 member states, and it has a mission to improve food quality and
combat hunger in over 130 countries.
This sounds like a good cause, so why my amendment. Simply, FAO is
the current target of the Chinese Communist Party influence strategy
within the multilateral system, facilitated by FAO Director General Qu
Dongyu, a Chinese citizen and former Vice Minister of Agriculture and
Rural Affairs of the CCP.
It is no secret that the CCP is waging a multilateral influence
operation with the intent to undermine the U.S. as a world power while
reorienting the global system in its favor. Seeking to advance this
cause by gaining legitimacy inside the U.N., the CCP is targeting
elections for leadership positions within these specialized agencies,
then seeking to shift its policies in the CCP's favor.
Over the course of the last 12 years, China has run the World Health
Organization, the U.N. Industrial Development Organization, the
International Civil Aviation Organization, the International
Telecommunications Union, and now the FAO. In 2020, China nearly
succeeded in its bid to lead the World Intellectual Property
Organization.
All of these organizations coordinated major sectors crucial for
development in modern life, yet I am concerned that the State
Department is not taking these threats seriously and only engages with
countering Chinese ascensions to these leadership positions when
elections get down to the wire or if there is media scrutiny.
It is time to step up and counter CCP influence. It starts by
engaging with agencies to prevent CCP control.
The U.S. contributes 22 percent of the FAO's regular budget compared
to China's 12 percent. If we are going to foot the bill at
international organizations, we should not do so at the expense of
promoting the CCP.
Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
{time} 1915
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition
to this amendment.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this
amendment, which would prohibit funding to the Food and Agriculture
Organization because the agency head is a citizen of the People's
Republic of China.
The FAO deputy director general is a U.S. citizen, and there are
numerous Americans in high-level positions across FAO, all elevating
the United States' priorities and interests. Americans have always held
one of these three deputy director general positions.
There are 735 million people who face hunger worldwide. The United
States' support to the FAO in 2022 provided assistance to 30 million
people in places like Ukraine, Yemen, South Sudan, Somalia, and
Afghanistan to address food insecurity, famine, and drought.
[[Page H4311]]
FAO is also aggressively pursuing partnerships with American private-
sector companies, working with Google on monitoring natural resources,
Mars, Inc. on antimicrobial resistance mitigation, and others on
agribusiness.
FAO collaborates with the United States land grant universities on
agricultural technology programs, such as with Penn State on their
desert locust early-warning system and Mississippi State University on
a reference center for antimicrobial resistance and aquaculture
biosecurity.
This amendment is another example of approaching the world as black
and white. The FAO director general was reelected last summer unopposed
by the FAO membership.
The United States pulling out from an organization that we have an
interest in is only detrimental to us. Our ability to improve the
operations of multilateral institutions and make sure their stances
reflect our values hinges on the United States being an active,
participating member of the organization.
While I agree that reform should be considered regarding appointments
at the U.N., this is not the way to go about such a change. This
amendment would reduce U.S. engagement in a United Nations agency based
on where a leader is from.
We need to pay our dues, contribute to U.N. agencies, and be an
active participant. You don't have a say in what happens at the table
if you are not at the table.
Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. HAGEMAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr.
Diaz-Balart).
Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleague for bringing this
important amendment to the floor.
Mr. Chairman, the CCP's influence at the FAO is real. It is dramatic,
and it is real, as the gentlewoman mentioned in her opening statement.
I think she did a great job explaining it.
If there is a change in leadership in that organization, maybe we can
start supporting this organization, but there have to be consequences.
Mr. Chairman, I am grateful to my colleague for bringing this
important amendment. I strongly support it.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, how can we counter CCP influence
if we pull out of these organizations? We also agree that the United
States should be more serious about leadership, but we have to be there
to do it.
Mr. Chairman, I urge a ``no'' vote on this amendment, and I yield
back the balance of my time.
Ms. HAGEMAN. Mr. Chairman, for my colleagues who may share my concern
about CCP influence but are concerned about not supporting the FAO
mission, I would also note that Director Dongyu's tenure has been
marked with criticism, including from U.N. officials, for mismanaging
the agency and failing to properly respond to global food shortages.
A December 2022 Politico article, interviewing more than a dozen U.N.
officials and diplomats, highlighted these concerns. These officials
criticized the top-down authoritarian management of the FAO, saying,
``It is not him. It is China,'' and, ``I am not convinced he would make
a single decision without first checking it with the capital,''
referring to China.
It is a matter of fact that the invasion of Ukraine, a major food
exporter, further contributed to food shortages, especially for
Ukraine's trading partners. U.N. officials criticized the FAO for
refusing to realize this reality, even though it falls directly within
its jurisdiction. The concern got so bad that U.S. and EU officials had
to force an emergency meeting of the FAO council.
Under his watch, the priorities of the collective FAO have been
sidelined for the director general's priorities, which the West has
warned are similar to China's Global Development Initiative.
I would also note that, according to the base text of this bill,
there is precedent for such a policy, as section 7048 restricts funds
for a specialized agency chaired or presided over by a country which
supports international terrorism.
Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentlewoman from Wyoming (Ms. Hageman).
The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes
appeared to have it.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Wyoming
will be postponed.
Amendment No. 22 Offered by Ms. Hageman
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 22
printed in part B of House Report 118-559.
Ms. HAGEMAN. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the
following:
Sec. __. None of the funds made available by this Act may
be made available to the International Organization for
Migration for support of activities in countries and areas of
the Western Hemisphere.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1316, the gentlewoman
from Wyoming (Ms. Hageman) and a Member opposed each will control 5
minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Wyoming.
Ms. HAGEMAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in favor of my amendment No. 22 to
H.R. 8771, which prohibits funding for the United Nations'
International Organization for Immigration, or IOM, activities in the
Western Hemisphere.
What is at stake with this amendment is twofold: ending the channels
connecting U.S. taxpayer dollars to activities facilitating mass
migration to the southern border and reclaiming Congress' control over
the allocation of funding.
The underlying bill allocates $2.4 billion for migration and refugee
assistance to carry out sections 2(a) and 2(b) of the Migration and
Refugee Assistance Act, which allow for membership and contributions
for IOM and the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. Congress broadly
allocates this pot of money for these purposes, and then the State
Department and USAID have the discretion to allocate these funds as
they see fit.
While this process alone should raise concern about the
appropriations authority, we should be even more concerned that this
system is helping the IOM, which is facilitating mass illegal
migration, creating the crisis at our southern border.
We have uncovered the fact that the IOM is using contributions from
countries, including the United States, to lobby the Biden
administration to repeal and replace policies that secure the southern
border and also engage in activities providing assistance that
facilitates mass migration to that same border.
Shortly after President Biden took office, IOM issued a statement in
support of his executive orders, which set this administration off on
its destructive border and immigration agenda. The IOM has also risen
in support of the Biden administration's creation of unlawful parole
categories, the kind this body impeached Secretary Mayorkas for, and
continued to criticize the U.S. for keeping title 42 restrictions in
place.
The IOM also pressured the Biden administration to end the remain in
Mexico policy, which it considers ``inhumane and against international
law.''
Of the most concern is how U.S. taxpayer dollars provided to the IOM
are then being provided directly to illegal migrants, facilitating the
mass migration to our southern border, causing this problem.
Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition
to this amendment.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to
this amendment.
Both the Department of State and USAID rely on IOM's expertise as an
implementing partner to support the United States' foreign policy
priorities worldwide, including strengthening border security,
countering trafficking
[[Page H4312]]
in persons, combating the smuggling of migrants, providing humanitarian
and emergency relief, and assisting involuntary repatriation.
State's Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration has funded the
IOM to support migrants who have experienced violence, exploitation,
and/or abuse, and includes victims of trafficking and unaccompanied and
separated children. IOM does not facilitate, assist, or encourage
illegal or mass migration in any way, period.
By supporting the humanitarian needs of migrants, such as basic
sanitation, healthcare, and food, it makes migrants less likely to
resort to harmful coping strategies, such as child labor, family
separation, or forced marriage.
This amendment would prevent support for IOM programming in Haiti,
where it is the only agency providing emergency relief to returned
Haitian migrants.
More people are on the move globally, 117 million, than at any point
in human history, and most of those displaced are taking refuge in
neighboring low-income countries.
IOM supports the stability of our neighbors and partners that are
struggling to host a larger number of refugees. The infrastructure--
shelter, water, sanitation, health, and education--of these states is
overwhelmed. This aid relieves the strain and advances our national
security interests. Left unaddressed, the strain will feed instability
and trigger more violence in these regions.
It is in the United States' interests that these vulnerable people
are cared for and hosting countries are willing to continue to receive
them.
Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. HAGEMAN. Mr. Chairman, to add insult to injury, U.S. dollars
provided to the U.N. are also sent to NGOs that use these funds to
provide cash, debit cards, food, clothing, medical treatment, shelter,
and even ``humanitarian transportation'' to U.S.-bound illegal
immigrants in Latin American nations and Mexico. In short, U.S.
taxpayer dollars are being sent over our borders to the IOM, which is
then using them to facilitate the crisis at our border.
The IOM is using U.S. taxpayer dollars to push our government to
lower its border security policies and then aiding in programs rushing
illegal migrants to the border, overwhelming the system in place and
helping to facilitate the crisis we are facing.
Mr. Chairman, I urge all of my colleagues to support this amendment,
and I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I urge a ``no'' vote, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. HAGEMAN. Mr. Chairman, this amendment does not harm the United
States' ability to help refugees if it so desires.
First, it keeps in place U.S. funding for IOM activities in other
regions where there are refugee crises. It simply blocks U.S. funding
for activities in the Western Hemisphere that are harming our own
border security.
Second, if the United States wants to provide refugee services, it
should do so directly and not rely on international organizations to
administer these services.
To the extent that the U.S. does want to engage with international
organizations, this does not mean it should not review how its funds
are used and whether the organization is operating in the best
interests of the United States. In this instance, the IOM is not, and
the U.S. should not be complicit in bad policies that harm our country.
Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentlewoman from Wyoming (Ms. Hageman).
The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes
appeared to have it.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Wyoming
will be postponed.
Amendment No. 23 Offered by Mr. Issa
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 23
printed in part B of House Report 118-559.
Mr. ISSA. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
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 for any official
document, statement, or other communication that refers to
the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party by the
title of ``President''.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1316, the gentleman
from California (Mr. Issa) and a Member opposed each will control 5
minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
Mr. ISSA. Mr. Chairman, spokespeople across the United States
Government routinely refer to Xi Jinping as President of China. The
only problem is he is not the President. He holds a number of titles in
the Communist Party. They include three jobs. First, he is general
secretary of the Communist Party; second, he is chairman of the Central
Military Commission; and, third, he is state chairman, which is a
ceremonial position.
Mr. Chairman, I include two articles in the Record to describe this
in more detail.
[From CNN, Sept. 2020]
US Lawmakers Want to Stop Calling Xi Jinping a President. But Will He
Care?
(By Jessie Yeung)
Chinese leader Xi Jinping holds so many titles that he has
earned himself a nickname: the ``Chairman of Everything.''
Since taking office in 2012, he has become head of not only
the state, the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and the
armed forces, as is normal for the country's leader--but also
of multiple new party super-committees, prompting speculation
from international commentators that he is less of a
president and more of an autocrat.
Now a new bill in the United States Congress wants to strip
Xi of the title ``President,'' which most Western governments
and English-language news organizations--including CNN--refer
to him by.
The bill, called the ``Name the Enemy Act,'' was introduced
to the House of Representatives on August 7 by Republican
Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania. It would prohibit the
federal government from creating or disseminating any
documents that ``refer to the head of state of the People's
Republic of China as anything other than General Secretary of
the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, or
alternatively, as General Secretary,'' according to a draft
of the bill.
``The leadership of the People's Republic of China has gone
unchallenged in its perverse pursuits of human rights abuses
across decades,'' the bill reads. ``Addressing the head of
state of the People's Republic of China as a `President'
grants the incorrect assumption that the people of the state,
via democratic means, have readily legitimized the leader who
rules them.''
Xi's titles have been a topic of controversy and some
confusion. None of his official Chinese titles include the
word ``president,'' or translate to it--but all Chinese
leaders since the 1980s, when the country began to open up
its economy, have had that official English title in China.
Perry isn't the first to call for a change in designation;
for years, critics have argued that this split in Xi's
Chinese and English titles allows him to project an image of
openness and representative leadership to the international
community that is at odds with his authoritarian style and
consolidation of power at home.
``China is not a democracy, and its citizens have no right
to vote, assemble, or speak freely, said the US-China
Economic and Security Review Commission, a US government
panel, in a 2019 report to Congress. ``Giving General
Secretary Xi the unearned title of `President' lends a veneer
of democratic legitimacy to the CCP and Xi's authoritarian
rule.''
A quick history
Xi is known by three main titles in Chinese.
As State Chairman (guojia zhuxi), he is the head of state;
as Chairman of the Central Military Commission (zhongyang
junwei zhuxi), he is the commander-in-chief of the People's
Liberation Army (PLA); and as General Secretary of the CCP
(zong shuji), he is head of China's ruling (and effectively
only) political party.
These titles are used depending on context; the military
title is used when Xi is dealing with PLA matters, for
instance.
In English-language government communiques and state-run
media, however, Xi is referred to as the President--but that
wasn't always the case.
The country's 1954 constitution, which was adopted several
years after the founding of the People's Republic of China,
refers to the
[[Page H4313]]
Chinese leader as ``Chairman'' in its original English
translation.
Mao Zedong was the first to hold this position. In 1975, he
pushed through a new constitution that emphasized the
Communist Party's authority over the state's, by eliminating
the State Chairman office entirely and granting sweeping new
powers to the Party Chairman instead.
It wasn't until 1982, under a new leader pushing to open
China to the world, that another constitution was introduced.
It reversed many of Mao's changes by re-establishing the
State Chairman's office, rebranding the Party Chairman as
General Secretary--and introducing the new official English
translation of ``President,'' which has since been used for
each successive leader.
The word ``president'' has Latin roots that mean ``to sit
before,'' which is why it was initially used for heads of
colleges or committee leaders. Its meaning doesn't inherently
have anything to do with elections or democracy; but the
United States was the first country to use the word as a
title for the head of a republic, and other countries
followed suit.
The 1980s were a time of sweeping reform and globalization
in China, as then-leader Deng Xiaoping loosened government
control over the economy and certain personal freedoms.
The newly adopted English title of ``President'' reflected
this spirit of opening up and increased international
diplomacy. It also put distance between the country's new
leadership and Mao's authoritarian regime, during which up to
45 million people starved to death, and inched closer to how
other modern countries referred to their leaders.
The shift indicated ``kind of an external alignment with
international practices,'' said Janny Leung, a professor of
linguistics at Hong Kong University's School of English, in
contrast to Soviet-era Chinese titles which ``have a strong
Communist historical association.''
Even the state-run paper China Daily said in 2009 that the
new title was introduced because ``the heads of state in the
world's republic countries are all called President in
English.''
Some Western newspapers adopted the term president
immediately, while others continued using ``leader of the
Communist Party.''
But as China prepared to join the World Trade Organization
in the late 1990s, which was taken as a sign that it was
tracking towards a more democratic future, the use of
``Chinese President'' as a title became more widespread.
International pushback
China looks very different today than during Deng's era. It
has cemented its position as a world leader, and its GDP has
jumped from $150 billion in 1978 to $14 trillion last year,
becoming the world's second-largest economy.
The country's leadership and political landscape have also
transformed. Whereas Deng, and other officials of his time,
carefully stepped away from the Mao era, Xi has worked to
increase Communist Party control over nearly all aspects of
society, drawing parallels between his and Mao's governing
style.
In 2016, Xi was named ``the core of the Chinese Communist
Party''--cementing his position above his peers and
demonstrating his grip on power. The title was originally
granted to Mao, then to Deng and Jiang Zemin, Deng's
handpicked successor.
A year later, his name and political ideology, Xi Jinping
Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New
Era, often simply known as ``XI Jinping Thought,'' was
formally written into the Communist Party constitution--an
echo of ``Mao Zedong Thought.'' No other sitting Chinese
leader has had their names enshrined in the party
constitution this way; ``Deng Xiaoping Theory'' was added to
the party constitution after Deng's death.
The most stunning move came in 2018, when the country's
constitution was amended to abolish presidential term
limits--leaving Xi free to serve indefinitely as China's head
of state.
At the time, the CPP justified the change as necessary to
align the presidency with Xi's two other, more powerful,
posts--heads of the party and the military--which have no
term limits.
Xi's tightening grip and crackdown on dissent have prompted
some journalists, policy experts, and others in the West to
urge dropping the English title ``President,'' arguing that
it doesn't accurately represent the nature of his leadership.
Instead, they say, foreign media and governments should adopt
the literal translated version of Xi's Chinese titles, which
better reflect his role.
And in its 2019 report to Congress, the US-China Economic
and Security Review Commission announced it would begin
referring to Xi using ``the title by which he derives his
authority: General Secretary of the Chinese Communist
Party.''
A `war of words'
Perry's bill comes as relations between China and the US
continue to hit new lows. In recent months, the countries
have blamed each other over the spread of Covid-19, and
closed a pair of consulates over a worsening national
security spat. US authorities have taken aim at several
Chinese tech firms and threatened to ban the popular apps
TikTok and WeChat.
This rise in tensions has been reflected in how top US
officials refer to Xi.
In the past two months alone, FBI Director Christopher
Wray, US Attorney General William Barr, National Security
Advisor Robert O'Brien and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo
have all referred to Xi by the title of General Secretary in
speeches and statements--a clear departure from the White
House's previous practice of referring to the Chinese leader
as ``President Xi.''
Pompeo has also taken steps to distinguish the CCP from its
citizens in recent criticism, saying in July that the Chinese
people ``are completely distinct from the Chinese Communist
Party''--rhetoric that Xi has bristled at, and that experts
say is designed to further delegitimize the CCP by driving a
wedge between the party and those it supposedly represents.
As the latest push to officially change Xi's title, the
``Name The Enemy Act'' is more of a political statement than
a linguistic adjustment, said Leung, the Hong Kong University
professor.
After all, she said, there are plenty of authoritarian
countries that use terms associated with democracy--for
instance, North Korea's official name is Democratic People's
Republic of Korea. And Russian leader Vladimir Putin is still
referred to as ``President,'' even though opposition figures
and critics have accused the country's elections as being
``fake.''
The move to strip Xi of his title of President is a ``war
of words--a way to diminish the legitimacy of the CCP in this
current US-China tension,'' Leung said.
``If a foreign country then tells China, `No we're not
going to use your official name,' it just causes China to
lose face, regardless of what the term means,'' she added.
``If that's the term they choose and if you are denying or
(refusing) to acknowledge it, I think that itself challenges
the face of the country.''
It's unclear how likely the bill is to pass; though it has
four other Republican cosponsors, there are also only a few
months left in this congressional session. If it isn't signed
into law by the session's end in January, it'll have to be
scrapped and later re-introduced.
The power of such a law, however, rests on one thing: the
assumption that Xi still wants to be called President. Some
experts argue he might, instead, prefer to revive the retired
title of Party Chairman, last held by Mao.
``This year we can see a lot of steps (by Xi) in
preparation for the coming 20th Party Congress (scheduled for
2022), but also we could see such change in the English title
of Chairman,'' said Wu Qiang, a political commentator in
Beijing. ``The title of Chairman means the top, absolute top,
absolute authority. The totalitarian title for the leader of
the Party.''
If Xi brings the title back, it would be his most
significant step in following Mao's legacy, Wu Qiang added--a
sign that ``he wants to turn back to the Maoist era.''
And adopting the term ``Chairman'' could help Xi
consolidate even more power, said Leung--perhaps turning him,
literally, into the Chairman of Everything.
Opinion It's Time to Stop Calling Xi Jinping the `President' of China
(By Katherine Wilhelm)
In Chinese philosophy we find the concept of ``rectifying
names'' (zheng ming). Confucius taught that failing to call
things by their proper names is a failure to recognize
reality, which leads to social and moral disorder.
He was right. One excellent case in point: what to call Xi
Jinping.
This week, as the world's media are following the Chinese
Communist Party's 20th National Congress reporters have been
referring to Xi almost universally as China's ``president.;''
But that's misleading. The congress is likely to give Xi an
unusual third five-year term as the leader of the Communist
Party. We know the title he holds as party leader: general
secretary. And we also know that his immense power as the
paramount leader of China derives from this party position,
not from his concurrent position as head of state. So why on
earth do we persist in calling him ``president'' instead of
``general secretary''?
The position that we have come to call ``president'' in
English is actually styled ``state chairman'' (guojia zhuxi)
in the Chinese constitution. Mao Zedong held the same post
for five years in the 1950s but gave it up because he was
bored by the paperwork. The next ``state chairman'' was Liu
Shaoqi, who died in detention during the Cultural Revolution,
a year after being stripped of all his titles for alleged
disloyalty to Mao.
The position fell into disuse but was revived in the 1982
constitution, with fewer powers. In a reflection of the
party's post-Mao backlash against excessive concentration of
power, the chairmanship was held by a series of respected
veteran members of the party politburo. In 1993, when China
was trying to overcome the brief international chill caused
by the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, then-party General
Secretary Jiang Zemin grabbed the post, and it's been held
concurrently by the party general secretary ever since.
It is generally believed that CCP leaders find the title of
president useful when dealing with foreign countries. They
can meet as peers with other heads of state rather than with
the heads of other countries' ruling parties--who might not
be the same person.
Indeed, the title was so valuable to Xi that in 2018, he
had the constitution amended to remove the two-consecutive-
term limit on
[[Page H4314]]
the presidency. Everyone in China immediately understood this
as a signal that Xi intended to remain party general
secretary for more than two terms. The general secretary
position had no such term limit.
The state post holds no charm of its own for an ambitious
politician. Mao, not one to share power, was happy to give it
up--perhaps because its powers are mostly ceremonial. We
never see photos of Xi sitting in a presidential office doing
presidential things. It's not clear that there even is a
presidential office per se, with its own staff. The only time
we hear from Xi as president is when he signs one-sentence
orders proclaiming new laws that have been approved by the
National People's Congress, appoints new ambassadors who have
already been approved by the NPC, or takes similar
ministerial actions. Virtually all of the powers conferred on
the president by the constitution are shared with the NPC or
its standing committee. Only the pomp and circumstance of
international travel as head of state belong to Xi alone.
Foreign offices and media seem to assume that no harm comes
from referring to the CCP general secretary almost
exclusively by his state title. But the practice generates a
lot of unnecessary confusion about how China's political
system works. Ultimate power in China is held by the
Communist Party, with state officials operating solely as its
agents. Indeed, under Xi, the party has boldly stepped out of
the shadows, issuing more and more policy documents jointly
with government bodies or entirely in its own name. When we
insist on using Xi's state title while ignoring his party
title, we participate in a charade that pretends important
decisions in China are made by the apparatus of the state,
instead of by the party.
In China's own media, Xi is almost always identified as the
party general secretary. Let's follow their example and ditch
the word ``president.''
Mr. ISSA. Mr. Chairman, calling the state chairman a President helps
the Communist Party offer a more presentable face to the world, and it
hides the party's iron fist in a velvet glove of ceremonial title.
{time} 1930
It sows confusion about Communist China's Government, presenting it
akin to democracy instead of an authoritarian police state.
We should stop playing by the rules Beijing's propaganda would have
us do as to Xi and give him his actual titles. I urge my colleagues to
do so.
I might note, Mr. Chair, that, in fact, many people that I don't
particularly agree with, including President Bashar al-Assad and
others, have the title, but if China doesn't give itself the title and
rather he is the head of the Communist Party, we should continue to
call him that and not erroneously make him look like a democratic
leader.
Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition to
the amendment.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this
amendment, which prohibits funding for materials that refer to the
General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party by the title
``President.''
The United States House of Representatives does not get to pick what
other countries call their head of state. This is not a serious policy.
In the United States of America, we should not resort to pettiness,
and we should treat others with respect, even when we have vehement
disagreements. This is how you solve problems.
I must reflect on the fact that this is the appropriations process, a
process that is derived by the United States Constitution. It is a
privilege to serve in this House and on the Appropriations Committee.
This amendment does not meet the stature of this process.
Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ISSA. Mr. Chair, the gentlewoman from California, who I greatly
admire is, in fact, in this case, wrong. She is making a mistake that I
hope to correct in this debate.
Xi Jinping is not the President. That is not the title that their
government gives him. As I said in my opening remarks and I will
clarify, President Bashar al-Assad of Syria is a President. That is the
title his country gives him. The President of Egypt is a President.
There are plenty of Presidents.
We would not call Bibi Netanyahu President when he is the Prime
Minister, and, of course, we would call the President of Israel
President.
I am only making the clear point that Xi Jinping has three titles,
none of which includes, in any reasonable translation, the word
``President.'' He is the head of state. He is the chairman of his
party. He is the chairman of, in fact, his military.
As a member of Foreign Affairs, it is an important technical
correction. I am in earnest agreeing with my friend, the gentlewoman
from California, that we should not arbitrarily refuse to take any
title given by their country. China could call him President if they
wanted to; they do not.
My amendment only says we need to stop changing his title. When the
gentlewoman says that we shouldn't arbitrarily or in a petty way change
a title, I agree. The title should be one of those three titles or, of
course, he is the head of state and that can be used.
Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, first of all, let me just say, we
should allow the State Department to manage protocol. We don't need a
funding prohibition.
Mr. Chair, I urge a ``no'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my
time.
Mr. ISSA. Mr. Chair, in closing, I completely agree that the State
Department should have reasonable diplomatic ability, but it has become
a problem of a misstatement. As I said earlier, Prime Minister Bibi
Netanyahu should not be referred to as President even if the State
Department wants to. They have both a President and a Prime Minister,
as does France.
It is important that titles reflect what, in fact, their titles are.
The head of China has three titles. If they want to give him a fourth,
they may, but until they do, I believe it is completely inappropriate
to call a rose by any other name than the one that, in fact, the rose
possesses.
Mr. Chair, I close by urging passage, and I yield back the balance of
my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentleman from California (Mr. Issa).
The amendment was agreed to.
Amendment No. 24 Offered by Mr. Issa
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 24
printed in part B of House Report 118-559.
Mr. ISSA. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the
following:
Sec. __. None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be
made available to support the implementation or negotiations
toward an extension of the Scientific and Technological
Cooperation Protocol Between the United States of America and
China.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1316, the gentleman
from California (Mr. Issa) and a Member opposed each will control 5
minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
Mr. ISSA. Mr. Chair, my amendment simply recognizes that over the
last half-century things have changed.
When I was a young private, Richard Nixon opened up the gate to
China. A matter of less than a decade later, Jimmy Carter added them to
the Science and Technology Agreement, recognizing that this emerging
country needed our help, and that as we spread them and push them away
from the Soviet Union, that this was one more way to work together.
I commend what those men, those Presidents, did during their decades,
but in the six decades since that time, things have changed. The fact
is, China isn't just a competitor; they are, in fact, the world's
greatest thief of technology, and cooperation simply leads to greater
espionage and theft.
For that reason, it is time to end our agreement that gives them one-
way access to our technology. Simply put, we can no longer support the
stealing of technology. In the words of Vladimir Lenin: ``The
capitalists will sell us the rope with which we will hang them.'' That
has not changed.
Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition to
the amendment.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this
amendment.
[[Page H4315]]
This Science and Technology Agreement, or STA, with the PRC was
extended for 6 months in March and it does not commit us to a permanent
agreement. The extension will allow the administration time to amend
and strengthen the terms of the STA. Without the STA, the United States
would lose valuable insight into China's technical advances.
Additionally, many scientific STA outcomes have been deeply
beneficial to the United States and the rest of the world. This
includes determining the importance of folic acid supplementation in
preventing birth defects and decreasing China's air pollution, which
blows across the Pacific contributing to our West Coast's air
pollution.
Opponents of this agreement cite concerns that the PRC would exploit
civilian research partnerships for military purposes. However, all
legitimate concerns about information sharing can be addressed through
modifications to the STA rather than eliminating it entirely.
This is being actively negotiated now, and we need to give
negotiators a chance to come to a stronger agreement.
Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ISSA. Mr. Chair, my friend, the gentlewoman from California,
knows that the acid rain that falls on California and throughout the
United States comes from the knowing and willful burning of coal with
no scrubbers in China.
They don't need technology agreements to fix that. The technology
exists. They need a will to do it.
If we are going to talk about what we would get in the way of air
quality, the answer is, we are not getting air quality because they
simply won't make those expenses. That is a sadly hollow reason to
continue it.
Additionally, there are subagreements within the STA. Those do not go
away. Some of the things that were cited, if they are appropriate,
would continue.
Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I ask for a ``no'' vote, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. ISSA. Mr. Chair, for all of us who serve on the Science
Committee, there is no greater investment that we have made around the
world than the one we made in CERN. The one in that supercollider; the
one that gave us the PET scan, which gave us a lot of other technology
that made us understand after the atomic age began what a proton was,
how an electron worked, and these particle beams have been huge.
It has been something to which we have contributed hundreds of
millions of dollars a year asking only that our scientists be able to
study with the others.
I was just in CERN. The scientists there, who are of one world as any
scientist you would find, both Americans and Europeans and others, they
were in shock because many of their colleagues had just returned from
China where they found that the entire design for the future particle
collider which is going to be built in North Dakota had been stolen in
its entirety. Every part of that sensitive information had been taken
to China.
When they went there, the most galling thing they could see was the
Chinese bragging about having it, that they were going to get it built
first and that people would have to come to them years before it would
be available in the United States.
We have been in a science cooperation that included the Chinese at
every step. It is time to recognize that we have gotten little from
them except lies about the origin of COVID. We have, in fact, been lied
to by them and theft is systemic. We cannot and should no longer enter
into those kinds of agreements.
Mr. Chair, for that reason, I urge passage of this simple but
important amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentleman from California (Mr. Issa).
The amendment was agreed to.
Amendment No. 32 Offered by Mr. Lawler
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 32
printed in part B of House Report 118-559.
Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
Page 2, line 12, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced
by $20,000,000)''.
Page 34, line 12, after the first dollar amount, insert
``(increased by $20,000,000)''.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1316, the gentleman
from New York (Mr. Lawler) and a Member opposed each will control 5
minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York.
Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Chair, today, I rise in support of my amendment to
increase funding for the Peace Corps. This investment is a commitment
to our Nation's values and our role on the global stage, and we should
not back away from it.
The Peace Corps represents the best of America. It embodies our
spirit and our generosity. It helps build communities across the globe
and exposes them to the good that America does in the world. These
initiatives are more crucial than ever in today's world where American
soft power, which the Peace Corps is a projection of, must be at the
forefront of the pushback against authoritarian countries like Russia
and China.
As we consider the challenges and opportunities before us, let us
come together to ensure the Peace Corps is equipped to continue its
mission. Supporting this amendment means supporting sustained American
leadership and goodwill across the globe.
Thousands of Americans serve in the Peace Corps every year and
reducing their funding would prevent them from accomplishing their
critical mission. I have heard from many constituents about their
personal experiences with the Peace Corps and they can tell you, as
good as anyone, how impactful serving has been and how many volunteers
go on to incredible careers in public service.
I ask my colleagues to stand together to fund this vital program for
the next generation of Americans and enhance our Nation's legacy of
making a positive impact worldwide.
Mr. Chair, I urge all Members to support this amendment, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
{time} 1945
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, this is the only amendment that
I will reluctantly oppose. This amendment seeks to increase funding to
the Peace Corps to the fiscal year 2024 level.
I do agree with the premise that the Peace Corps should receive
additional funding in this bill. The reality is that there is not
enough funding for the offset where the gentleman is identifying this
money, and that is the State Department diplomatic programs. It is
already $1 billion below the fiscal year 2024 level.
This amendment highlights that the allocation for this bill is just
simply too low. We cannot expect to address the variety of global
challenges to foster peace and support our diplomatic efforts with the
12 percent decrease in the top line of this bill.
I support the mission of the Peace Corps fully. They are our best
diplomats. I commend all of the volunteers who serve our country.
I was recently in Africa on a bipartisan delegation, and we met with
many Peace Corps members. They are serving this country, and they are
helping in so many ways in the most vulnerable places on the planet. I
thank them for that.
This amendment, though, is just robbing Peter to pay Paul. I urge my
colleagues to oppose this amendment, again, reluctantly.
Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Chairman, I respect my colleague across the aisle,
but to my knowledge, my colleagues across the aisle never offered an
amendment to increase funding for the Peace Corps, and this is an
amendment that is before us to do just that.
We are constrained by the Fiscal Responsibility Act. We are trying to
stay within the confines of the law and make sure that our spending is
in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
[[Page H4316]]
If my colleague agrees with me that we need to increase funding for
the Peace Corps, I can't understand why we would be opposed to an
amendment that would do just that.
Yes, we all think every program is vital. Yes, we would love to see
it at every level we would like to raise it to.
This is an amendment that increases spending for the Peace Corps. If
you agree with that, even if it is not up to the level you would like,
I am not sure why you would oppose it.
At the end of the day, this is an amendment that I believe all of my
colleagues should support, and I think it is unfortunate that my
colleagues across the aisle would oppose it simply because it doesn't
go high enough. It is still higher than is in the base text.
If you believe in the mission of the Peace Corps, I encourage all of
my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of
my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, let me just say once again that
taking $1 billion from our State Department diplomatic programs is
wrong. That is why I oppose this amendment.
I think we need to increase funding for the Peace Corps, but, also,
we need the State Department diplomatic programs to support the
infrastructure and to support our diplomats.
Why in the world would we take $1 billion from our diplomats? I,
again, believe that we should increase funding for both. Here we are
faced with a 12 percent cut, so no way.
Again, I reluctantly oppose this. If we could find a new offset that
is not going to take money away from our diplomatic programs, a billion
dollars, then we could talk.
At this point, I urge a ``no'' vote, and I reserve the balance of my
time.
Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Chairman, we are supporting a critical program while
staying within the confines of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which
this body, this Congress, and this President agreed to.
That is what we are seeking to do while supporting the critical
mission of the Peace Corps. That is why I encourage all of my
colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my
time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my
time and ask for a ``no'' vote.
Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Lawler).
The amendment was agreed to.
Amendment No. 35 Offered by Ms. Mace
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 35
printed in part B of House Report 118-559.
Ms. MACE. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the
following:
Sec. __. None of the funds made available by this Act may
be obligated, expended, or otherwise be made available to the
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1316, the gentlewoman
from South Carolina (Ms. Mace) and a Member opposed each will control 5
minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from South Carolina.
Ms. MACE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of my amendment to
ensure that no funds in the Department of State and Foreign Operations
appropriations bill from being obligated, expended, or otherwise made
available to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, or
UNHCR.
In 2022, the United States contributed a total of $2.2 billion to the
UNHCR, which accounts for approximately 40 percent of total funding.
You might think that given America's outsized role in funding of the
UNHCR that it might work to serve in the national interests of the
United States. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
Like many international institutions, including the International
Organization for Migration, which we debated earlier, the UNHCR has
become hostile to American sovereignty and undermined our border
security.
UNHCR's 2018 report, which the Trump administration wisely voted
against, emphasized a need to limit detention of migrants that arrive
at our borders, which is inconsistent with Federal law and inconsistent
with our national interests. We need to be detaining more illegal
aliens that arrive at our border, not less.
In 2021, in the thick of COVID-19, the UNHCR was actively lobbying
the United States to terminate title 42, which allowed the U.S. to
expel migrants back to Mexico or their country of origin. This is one
of the most important tools to stem the tide of illegal immigration.
While Americans were stuck in their homes under onerous pandemic
restrictions, UNHCR wanted to fling American borders wide open to
illegal aliens.
In perhaps the most egregious misuse of taxpayer dollars, UNHCR and
other international entities hand out cash, debit cards, and other
funds for lodging, movement, and other expenses to migrants in South
and Latin America bound for the United States.
These migrants receive cards with hundreds of dollars on them,
funding migrants from throughout the world to travel to our southern
border.
U.N. documents say the money can be handed out as cash in envelopes
and transferred to bank accounts for lodging assistance and even for
transportation costs to move migrant caravans.
In one Mexican town on the road to the United States, UNHCR was
doling out $400 payments every 15 days to migrants, funded on the backs
of American taxpayers. These funds are unrestricted and unconditional
and can be used for any purpose.
America is experiencing the worst crisis at our southern border in
our Nation's history, and these policies UNHCR is advocating and the
cash payments they are handing out to migrants are only making the
problem worse.
They call these payments cash-based intervention. My amendment
ensures that we give the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees a cash-
based intervention by cutting off Federal funding.
We cannot continue to fund the invasion of our own country, and I
strongly urge the passage of my amendment. I reserve the balance of my
time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition
to the amendment.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, this amendment would zero out
funding for the United Nations' Office of High Commissioner for
Refugees, which is a global organization established after World War II
to help people who lost their homes.
They work in 136 countries to provide lifesaving assistance,
including shelter, food, water, and medical care for people forced to
flee conflict and persecution, many of whom have nobody left to turn
to.
Just last week, the United States recognized World Refugee Day,
reaffirming our tradition as a beacon of hope for refugees and
persecuted people around the globe.
In the United States, refugees contributed almost $124 billion to the
growth of the United States' economy from 2005 to 2019.
According to UNHCR, the overall forced displacement rose to 120
million in May 2024 and reflects the 12th year of a consecutive
increase.
At this level, the global displaced population is the equivalent of
the 12th largest country in the world, which is about the size of
Japan.
Responsibility sharing is essential to meet humanitarian needs so
that all people can live with hope and dignity.
No single country can respond alone, and no country is untouched by
the impacts of forced displacement. I urge my colleagues to oppose this
amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. MACE. Mr. Chairman, we should not be paying people to come here
illegally. This is not part of the founding of our Nation.
If we are going to talk about growing our economy, and I think a lot
of us know that there is a lot of value there, then we should be
talking about work visas and other programs, not using taxpayer dollars
to pay illegals to come here in caravans illegally across our southern
border.
Let's face it. A Nation without borders is not a Nation at all. I
reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, UNHCR advocates for the rights
of refugees. They do not advocate on any country's immigration
policies.
[[Page H4317]]
UNHCR also does not support economic migrants, only those that have
applied for asylum.
Mr. Chairman, as I close, I must say some of these amendments tonight
are just downright mean-spirited. I ask for a ``no'' vote, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. MACE. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I ask for a ``no'' vote, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. MACE. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentlewoman from South Carolina (Ms. Mace).
The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes
appeared to have it.
Ms. MACE. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from South
Carolina will be postponed.
Amendment No. 36 Offered by Ms. Mace
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 36
printed in part B of House Report 118-559.
Ms. MACE. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
Page 33, line 25, after the dollar amount, insert
``(reduced by $500,000,000)''.
Page 39, line 7, after the dollar amount, insert
``(increased by $500,000,000)''.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1316, the gentlewoman
from South Carolina (Ms. Mace) and a Member opposed each will control 5
minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from South Carolina.
Ms. MACE. Mr. Chairman, in 2022, over 100,000 Americans lost their
lives due to drug overdoses with nearly 70 percent of those fatal
overdoses being due to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
The fentanyl trafficked across our southern border has turned every
town into a border town. In South Carolina in 2022, we lost 2,296 lives
due to drug overdoses with 1,660 of those due to fentanyl.
With deadly fentanyl taking the lives of so many Americans, I was
distressed when reviewing the State-Foreign Operations appropriations
bill to find out we were spending more to subsidize migrants and
refugees from other countries than we were spending on combating
international narcotics trafficking.
My amendment would simply transfer $500 million from the migration
and refugee assistance account to the international narcotics control
and law enforcement account.
This would provide law enforcement with much-needed resources to
combat the deadly scourge of fentanyl trafficking.
Fentanyl is a nationwide problem that requires a truly international
approach. The primary source of fentanyl killing American citizens is
from China. This fentanyl is brought by international drug cartels,
trafficked into the United States through the southern border, and
distributed into each and every one of our communities.
This is a chemical attack on our Nation to weaken our society and
kill our young people. It is critical that we bolster funding to combat
international narcotics trafficking.
Further, this additional funding is necessary to combat Mexican drug
cartels who are seeing soaring profits under the Biden administration.
According to a House Budget Committee report, the cartels are
bringing in $30 million a day, or nearly $1 billion every month or more
from their human and drug trafficking operations.
The amount of human suffering taking place at the hands of these
criminal cartels is heartbreaking. Criminal cartels who control our
border force migrants, including women and children, into indentured
servitude, sex slavery, drug trafficking, and worse to pay their way
into the United States.
{time} 2000
On the path to the border, there are rape trees where cartel members
will hang the underwear of women and girls they have raped and abused
on their journey to America.
Studies estimate approximately 60 percent of unaccompanied minors are
exploited through child pornography, sex abuse, and drug trafficking by
the cartels on their journey to the United States. This cruel reality
is enabled by the Federal funds that go to entities that fuel cash
payments to migrants. Not only are Biden's open-border policies
enabling this human suffering, taxpayers are funding it.
It is critical that we put people over politics, citizens over
cartels, and pass this amendment to bolster law enforcement and
counternarcotics operations to put an end to the cartels' cruelty.
Mr. Chair, I urge passage of this amendment, and I reserve the
balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition
to this amendment.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to
this amendment. The Migration and Refugee Assistance account supports
protection and assistance to ease the suffering of those that had to
leave everything behind to become a refugee. Again, it is hard to
describe the meanness in these amendments. The funding also contributes
to broader USG and international efforts to resolve conflicts that
cause displacement and provide solutions for people and families that
cannot return home.
This humanitarian aid saves lives and upholds the dignity of tens of
millions of forcibly displaced and crisis-affected people, including
refugees, victims of conflict, stateless persons, and vulnerable
migrants.
One in every 69 people, or 1.5 percent of the entire world's
population, is now forcibly displaced. This is nearly double the 1 in
125 people who were displaced a decade ago. What does it mean for the
United States to turn its back on these people?
Almost 11 million Sudanese remain uprooted. I visited Sudan this
spring, and these people have been uprooted by violence over and over
and over and over. Almost 14 million people have fled a brutal regime
in Syria and exist only tenuously in neighboring countries like
Lebanon, Turkiye, Jordan, and Egypt.
By cutting this assistance, nations hosting these refugees will not
accept growing refugee populations in their countries, potentially
destabilizing regions and threatening global stability and security.
Should we be spending more in other areas of this bill? Absolutely,
which is why the 12 percent proposed cut is irresponsible and does not
come anywhere near meeting the needs of the United States. The
Migration and Refugee account is already facing a $725 million cut.
I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I reserve the
balance of my time.
Ms. MACE. Mr. Chair, protecting America and her citizens isn't mean.
It simply means that we are putting our Nation and her people first, as
we should, because we have sworn an oath to our Constitution. Putting
our citizens and our Nation's sovereignty above any other is what we
should be doing right now to combat what Joe Biden and his
administration have done to the United States of America.
We are literally using taxpayer dollars, paying people to come here
illegally who are then infiltrating into our communities, who are
raping women and killing children.
We read story after story on the news of violence happening in our
communities, fentanyl drug overdoses. In fact, 10 years ago, I didn't
even know what fentanyl was; but, in fact, last year I knew two people
personally who died of a fentanyl overdose.
Joe Biden and his administration are allowing this to happen right in
every one of our communities today, and we have to put an end to it.
That means moving money around, cutting funding to the programs that
are allowing this to happen, and stop funding what is coming across our
southern border.
If we really, truly care about America, then put your money where
your mouth is and protect her citizens.
When we talk about threatening security, the videos this week of
southern California where Gavin Newsom said he was going to send the
Guard down to the border because, by golly, he was going to protect the
State of California. The next day there was a
[[Page H4318]]
video of hundreds and hundreds of Chinese nationals coming into
southern California illegally. It is just completely absurd, and this
body needs to do something about it.
Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I ask for a ``no'' vote, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. MACE. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentlewoman from South Carolina (Ms. Mace).
The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes
appeared to have it.
Ms. MACE. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from South
Carolina will be postponed.
The Chair understands that amendment No. 38 will not be offered.
The Chair understands amendment No. 39 will not be offered.
Amendment No. 45 Offered by Mr. Moskowitz
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 45
printed in part B of House Report 118-559.
Mr. MOSKOWITZ. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
At the end of the bill (before the short title), add the
following:
Sec. _. None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be
made available for the Department of State to cite statistics
obtained from the Gaza Health Ministry.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 1316, the gentleman
from Florida (Mr. Moskowitz) and a Member opposed each will control 5
minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida.
Mr. MOSKOWITZ. Mr. Chair, I rise today to speak in support of my
amendment to the State-Foreign Operations appropriations bill for
fiscal year 2025 limiting the use of unverified statistics from the
Gaza Ministry of Health. I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition
to the amendment.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this
amendment.
This amendment prohibits the State Department from using the
statistics obtained from the Gaza Health Ministry, which is often the
only information available about what is happening on the ground in
Gaza. As much as we wish there were other sources, this ministry is the
only official source for Gaza casualties and is the de facto authority
there.
Israel has sealed Gaza's borders, barring foreign journalists and
others who could offer this reporting. The journalists and medical
professionals who are there are unable to account for all of the bodies
trapped under rubble and discovered in mass graves.
The United Nations and other international institutions and experts
as well as the Palestinian authorities in the West Bank say this
ministry has made a good faith effort to account for the dead under the
most difficult conditions. Their figures have been found to be credible
in the past, holding up to United Nations scrutiny, independent
investigations, and even Israel's tallies.
When new information comes to light, as with the Office of
Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance a few weeks ago, they are made.
In order for the State Department to do its job effectively, it needs
to work with real-time information. This amendment would severely
inhibit the United States Government's ability to assess the situation.
Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. MOSKOWITZ. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I urge a ``no'' vote, and I yield
back the balance of my time.
Mr. MOSKOWITZ. Mr. Chair, my amendment does not deny the tragedy that
is going on in Gaza due to Hamas' horrific attack on Israel on October
7, but at the end of the day, the Gaza Ministry of Health is the Hamas
Ministry of Health.
The idea that the United States Government would rely on a terrorist
organization for statistics, for data that is being utilized, there are
better ways to do this. We could work with our international partners
and the U.N.
By the way, the U.N., which was relying on Hamas, the Gaza Ministry
of Health, if you will, lowered their numbers just a couple weeks ago
by a significant amount, thousands, in fact. I believe that the United
States should stop relying on a terrorist organization for information.
Remember, it is Hamas' goal to sell propaganda to the American
people, to sell propaganda to the world, and the idea that we would
participate in it because there are no other credible sources--Hamas is
not a credible source. Since when is Hamas credible?
Mr. Chair, I thank my colleagues, Representatives Wilson of South
Carolina, Lawler, Gottheimer, and Miller of West Virginia, for
supporting my amendment.
As I have said, this amendment will prohibit the State Department
from using unverified statistics provided by Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of
Health. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bipartisan
amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Moskowitz).
The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes
appeared to have it.
Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Florida will
be postponed.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, as the designee of the
gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro), I move to strike the last
word.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as she may
consume to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Tlaib).
Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Chair, I thank my good colleague from California for
yielding me time.
I want to say how absolutely unconscionable it is that my colleagues
are offering an amendment to prevent our U.S. Government from even
citing the Palestinian death toll.
Since 1948, Mr. Chair, there has been a coordinated effort,
especially in this Chamber, to dehumanize Palestinians and erase
Palestinians from existence. The ethnic cleansing of Palestinians did
not end in 1948.
Today, Mr. Chair, we are recognizing the Israeli apartheid government
carry out a genocide in Gaza in real time. This amendment is an attempt
to hide it.
Let me remind you all of the words of the Israeli Defense Minister
who said: ``We are imposing a complete siege on Gaza. No electricity,
no food, no water, no fuel. Everything is closed. We are fighting human
animals.''
They don't even see Palestinians as human beings, Mr. Chair. Here we
are, my colleagues wanting to prohibit our own U.S. officials from even
citing the Palestinian death toll.
Let me read into the Record the latest casualties of Palestinians
killed: 37,718 Palestinians, including more than 15,000 Palestinian
children. More than 86,377 Palestinians have been injured. Six
children, Mr. Chair, are killed in Gaza every single hour.
Palestinians are not just numbers. Behind these numbers are real
people--mothers, fathers, sons, daughters--who have had their lives
stolen from them and their families torn apart, and we should not be
trying to hide it. These are innocent children and babies who have been
bombed in their tents, burned alive, dismembered, and deliberately
starved to death.
Where is our shared humanity in this Chamber?
There is so much anti-Palestinian racism in this Chamber that my
colleagues don't even want to acknowledge that Palestinians exist at
all, not when they are alive and now not even when they are dead. It is
absolutely disgusting. This is genocide denial.
Mr. Chair, I know the majority of this Chamber doesn't believe
Palestinians should live or exist, but I won't remain silent as the
only Palestinian
[[Page H4319]]
American serving in Congress, while folks attempt to even erase those
who were killed with our own weapons.
If I may later, at the appropriate time, I will submit for inclusion
into the Congressional Record the list of Palestinians killed in Gaza.
Mr. Chair, it is important to note this for everyone here. The list is
so long that I can't even submit it because of the text limit. That is
how many have been killed in Gaza, and now we are going to try to hide
it.
I include in the Record a link to the list of those killed in Gaza.
Https://www.scribd.com/document/681084315/List-of-Martyrs-in-Gaza-as-
October-26-2023-as-reported-by-the-Gaza-Ministry-of-Health
Mr. Chair, I rise asking all of us, please, don't erase them. They
have a right to be acknowledged as being killed. They are dead.
What more do you want from the people in Palestine?
{time} 2015
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my
time.
The Acting CHAIR. The Chair understands that Amendment No. 47 will
not be offered.
Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I move that the Committee do now rise.
The motion was agreed to.
Accordingly, the Committee rose; and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr.
Carter of Georgia) having assumed the chair, Mr. Obernolte, 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. 8771) making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign
operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September
30, 2025, and for other purposes, had come to no resolution thereon.
____________________