Bill would make foreign actors pay for stolen U.S. aid supplies
In markupH.R. 7649Latest action
Sponsor: Richard McCormick · Representative · GA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Humanitarian Theft Enforcement Act
119th Congress
Topics: Security & foreign affairs
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The Humanitarian Theft Enforcement Act would hold foreign individuals or groups financially liable for stealing or destroying U.S.-funded aid.
50-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill lets the State Department determine when a foreign person or organization diverted or destroyed U.S.-funded humanitarian aid, including aid distributed through groups like the UN. That party would then owe the U.S. government money equal to the value lost, which the Secretary of State would try to recover.
Who does it affect?
Foreign governments, organizations, militias, or individuals accused of stealing or destroying U.S.-funded aid abroad. Also affects the State Department and other federal agencies that track and respond to aid theft.
Why does it matter?
The bill creates a formal financial accountability mechanism for aid diversion, but gives the Secretary of State discretion to waive liability if deemed in the "national interest," meaning enforcement would not be automatic in every case.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- Recovered money stays in dedicated account
- Reusable for related aid purposes
- Can transfer to originating agency
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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: 45 - 1.