Bill to shut down U.S. African Development Foundation clears path to closure

What does this do?

HR 7605 would permanently close the United States African Development Foundation, a small independent federal agency established in 1980. The Foundation would shut down 120 days after the bill is signed, with no new grants or loans permitted from the moment of signing. Existing multi-year grants would transfer to the State Department solely to be wound down, not continued.

Who does it affect?

The bill directly affects the Foundation's roughly 50 federal employees, who would lose their jobs under standard federal layoff rules. It also affects African community organizations, farmers, and small business owners who currently receive or were expecting to receive funding from the Foundation.

Why does it matter?

All unspent federal funds held by the Foundation would be returned to the U.S. Treasury. The Foundation's files, contracts, and assets would pass to the State Department, which would use them only to close out existing work with no authority to extend the Foundation's mission in any new form.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Annual budget: roughly $30–40 million
• Unspent funds returned to Treasury
• No new grants or loans upon signing