State Department could build dedicated disaster response workforce
In markupH.R. 7642Latest action
Sponsor: Young Kim · Representative · CA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: GUIDE Act
119th Congress
Topics: Security & foreign affairs
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The GUIDE Act would let the State Department build a program to hire and keep disaster response specialists.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The GUIDE Act would give the State Department official authority to create a program for hiring, training, and retaining skilled workers who respond to overseas disasters. The program would be run through the Bureau of Disaster and Humanitarian Response and would target specialists in procurement, logistics, public health, nutrition, protection of vulnerable populations, engineering, and finance.
Who does it affect?
This affects the State Department's hiring practices and current or prospective workers in international humanitarian aid. It could also affect overseas communities that receive U.S. disaster assistance.
Why does it matter?
The bill aims to ensure the government can attract and retain workers with technical skills needed for international disaster response, rather than relying on general staff. It does not directly affect most everyday Americans.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Introduced in House” text of Feb 23, 2026.
After that text, a committee agreed on Mar 26, 2026 to send the bill to the full chamber with changes. This plain-language version may not reflect them.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedFeb 23, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Mar 26, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 39 - 5.