Protect U.S. National Security Act

Bill Number

H.R. 1196

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-02-11: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Last Updated

2025-06-04T08:06:20Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This legislation aims to safeguard the independence of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), an agency that provides foreign aid and development assistance. It prevents the use of federal funds to dismantle or eliminate USAID without congressional approval, emphasizing the agency's role in U.S. national security and global influence.

Key Provisions

• Short Title: The bill is titled the "Protect U.S. National Security Act."
• Sense of Congress: Congress expresses that any changes to USAID should:
• Follow current laws.
• Preserve U.S. "soft power" (non-military influence through aid and diplomacy) abroad.
• Avoid creating opportunities for U.S. adversaries or competitors (like rival nations) to expand their global presence.
• Enhance U.S. safety, strength, and prosperity.
• Only be fully eliminated by an act of Congress, as USAID is an "independent establishment" under federal law (a standalone agency not subsumed under another department).
• Prohibition on Funds: No federal money from the American Relief Act, 2025 (or other recent or prior funding laws) can be used to end USAID's status as an independent agency. This builds on a 1999 law that already protects USAID's independence.
• Rule of Construction: The bill clarifies that it does not permit the elimination, breakup, or merger of USAID under any existing laws.
• Certification Requirement: The Secretary of State must confirm compliance with the prohibition within 30 days of the bill's enactment and annually for five years, reporting to key congressional committees (House Foreign Affairs Committee and Senate Foreign Relations Committee).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Reinforces a 1999 appropriations law (22 U.S.C. 6563) by explicitly barring funds from newer acts (like the 2025 relief law) for eliminating USAID.
• Introduces a new annual certification process by the Secretary of State to ensure ongoing compliance, which did not exist before.
• Adds a congressional statement affirming that only Congress—not the executive branch—can abolish USAID, strengthening legislative oversight without altering its core structure.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: Protects USAID's autonomy, potentially limiting the State Department's ability to reorganize or absorb it without new legislation. This could stabilize operations but require more coordination between agencies.
• Citizens: Indirectly benefits U.S. taxpayers by maintaining aid programs that support national security and economic interests abroad, potentially reducing risks from global instability.
• International Relations: Helps sustain U.S. leadership in humanitarian and development aid, countering influence from competitors (e.g., China or Russia). Eliminating USAID could create gaps in global assistance, allowing others to step in and affect U.S. alliances or strategic goals.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• USAID: Directly protected as an independent agency, ensuring continuity of its work in foreign aid, health, and economic development.
• Department of State: Must comply with certifications and cannot use funds to alter USAID without Congress, impacting diplomatic and aid strategies.
• Congress: Gains reinforced authority over foreign aid structure, with committees receiving oversight reports.
• U.S. Foreign Policy and Aid Recipients: Includes international partners (e.g., developing countries) relying on USAID programs, and U.S. interests in global stability.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Upholds USAID's status under Title 5 of the U.S. Code (which defines federal agencies) and prevents executive overreach by tying actions to congressional funding control. The "rule of construction" avoids loopholes in prior laws.
• Constitutional: Reinforces Congress's "power of the purse" (Article I authority over spending), ensuring separation of powers by requiring legislative approval for major agency changes rather than unilateral executive decisions.
• Political: Signals bipartisan concern (though introduced by Democrats) for maintaining U.S. global influence amid debates on foreign aid efficiency. It could spark discussions on agency reforms but prioritizes stability over immediate restructuring.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Jacobs, Sara [D-CA-51]

Cosponsors (66)

Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Castro, Joaquin [D-TX-20], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17], Rep. Bera, Ami [D-CA-6], Rep. Amo, Gabe [D-RI-1], Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37], Rep. Stanton, Greg [D-AZ-4], Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3], Rep. Fletcher, Lizzie [D-TX-7], Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2], Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9], Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-52], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9], Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1], Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3], Rep. Sánchez, Linda T. [D-CA-38], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Latimer, George [D-NY-16], Rep. Grijalva, Raúl M. [D-AZ-7], Rep. Sherrill, Mikie [D-NJ-11], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32], Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. McCollum, Betty [D-MN-4], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25], Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2], Rep. Waters, Maxine [D-CA-43], Rep. Rivas, Luz [D-CA-29], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5], Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3] and 16 more

Recent Actions

• 2025-02-11: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
• 2025-02-11: Introduced in House
• 2025-02-11: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Protect U.S. National Security Act — issued 2025-02-11 — PDF (3 pages)