H.R. 7649In markupSecurity & foreign affairs
Bill would make foreign actors pay for stolen U.S. aid supplies
Data as of July 12, 2026
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
Decoded
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
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- House committee — You are here
- House vote
- Senate
- 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.
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Official title
Humanitarian Theft Enforcement Act
- Introduced:
- February 23, 2026
- Latest action:
- March 26, 2026
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 45 - 1.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.