To abolish the United States Agency for International Development, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1123
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-07: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Appropriations, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-05T22:50:44Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation, H.R. 1123, aims to abolish the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), an independent federal agency responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance. It seeks to end funding for USAID's operations and transfer its remaining assets to the Department of State.
Key Provisions
- Funding Prohibition: Starting on the date of enactment, no federal funds can be used to perform any functions, duties, or responsibilities assigned to the USAID Administrator under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (a key law governing U.S. foreign aid) or any other law.
- Rescission of Funds: Any unspent (unobligated) money allocated to USAID before the enactment date is canceled and returned to the U.S. Treasury.
- Asset and Liability Transfer: USAID's remaining assets (like property or contracts) and liabilities (like debts or obligations) are transferred to the Secretary of State, effectively merging remnants into the State Department.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This bill directly overrides parts of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 by cutting off all funding and authority for USAID, which was established in 1961 to manage non-military foreign aid programs.
- It eliminates USAID as a standalone agency, potentially shifting any ongoing foreign aid responsibilities to the Department of State without specifying new structures or programs, marking a major restructuring of U.S. international development efforts.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: USAID would cease operations, leading to the dissolution of its workforce, programs, and infrastructure. The Department of State would absorb transferred assets, possibly straining its resources and requiring reorganization to handle former USAID duties.
- On Citizens: U.S. taxpayers would see rescinded funds returned, potentially reducing federal spending on foreign aid. However, American citizens involved in USAID-related jobs or contracts could face layoffs or disruptions.
- On International Relations: Recipient countries relying on U.S. aid for humanitarian, economic, or development projects (e.g., health, education, poverty reduction) may experience sudden cuts, affecting global partnerships, U.S. soft power, and responses to crises like famines or disasters.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- USAID Employees and Contractors: Thousands of staff and partners could lose jobs or face uncertainty.
- Department of State: Gains control over transferred assets but inherits potential administrative burdens.
- Recipient Nations and International Organizations: Governments and groups in developing countries dependent on USAID funding for aid programs.
- U.S. Taxpayers and Congress: Sponsors (a group of House Republicans) view it as fiscal reform; broader public may see it as altering foreign policy priorities.
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Aid-focused groups that collaborate with USAID could lose key funding sources.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill invokes Congress's authority under the Foreign Assistance Act but could face challenges if seen as abruptly terminating ongoing international commitments or contracts, potentially leading to lawsuits over breached agreements.
- Constitutional: Relies on Congress's power of the purse (Article I, Section 9) to control federal spending, allowing defunding of agencies without executive branch consent. However, it does not address how this aligns with executive foreign policy powers under Article II.
- Political: Introduced by conservative lawmakers, it signals debate over reducing U.S. foreign aid amid domestic priorities, but its passage would require bipartisan support in both chambers and could spark controversy over America's global role. As an early-session bill (introduced February 7, 2025), it may evolve or stall in committee.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Greene, Marjorie Taylor [R-GA-14]
Cosponsors (17)
Rep. Roy, Chip [R-TX-21], Rep. Crane, Elijah [R-AZ-2], Rep. Ogles, Andrew [R-TN-5], Rep. Norman, Ralph [R-SC-5], Rep. Gill, Brandon [R-TX-26], Rep. Harshbarger, Diana [R-TN-1], Rep. Brecheen, Josh [R-OK-2], Rep. Burlison, Eric [R-MO-7], Rep. Perry, Scott [R-PA-10], Rep. Massie, Thomas [R-KY-4], Rep. Boebert, Lauren [R-CO-4], Rep. Timmons, William R. [R-SC-4], Rep. Graves, Sam [R-MO-6], Rep. Hageman, Harriet M. [R-WY-At Large], Rep. Spartz, Victoria [R-IN-5], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Tiffany, Thomas P. [R-WI-7]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-07: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Appropriations, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-02-07: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Appropriations, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-02-07: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-07: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To abolish the United States Agency for International Development, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-02-07 — PDF (2 pages)