USA FIRST Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1370
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Emergency Management
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-14: Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.
- Last Updated
- 2025-06-24T13:28:23Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation aims to redirect unobligated (unused) funds originally allocated to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) toward domestic disaster relief efforts in the United States. It prioritizes support for American taxpayers and communities affected by major disasters by shifting resources from international aid to a U.S. emergency fund.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The bill is titled the "Unobligated Spending Adjustment to Focus Investment on Relief and Support for Taxpayers Act" or the "USA FIRST Act."
- Fund Transfer: All unobligated funds previously appropriated to USAID as of the date the bill becomes law must be transferred to the Disaster Relief Fund.
- Use of Transferred Funds: The funds will support activities under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (a federal law that provides aid for disaster recovery), specifically for major disasters declared by the President under Section 401 of that Act (which allows the federal government to assist states and localities in responding to severe events like hurricanes or floods).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This bill introduces a one-time reallocation of existing unobligated USAID funds, which were originally intended for international development and humanitarian aid abroad.
- It does not amend the Stafford Act directly but expands the sources of funding for the Disaster Relief Fund, potentially increasing available resources without new appropriations.
- No changes to ongoing USAID operations or future appropriations are specified; the focus is solely on currently unused funds.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: USAID will lose access to its unobligated balances, potentially limiting flexibility for international programs. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which manages the Disaster Relief Fund, could receive additional resources to respond to domestic disasters more effectively.
- Citizens: U.S. taxpayers and communities in disaster-prone areas may benefit from enhanced federal aid for recovery efforts, such as rebuilding infrastructure or providing temporary housing after events like wildfires or storms.
- International Relations: Recipient countries and organizations relying on USAID funding could face reduced U.S. support for development projects, global health initiatives, or humanitarian aid, potentially straining diplomatic ties or U.S. commitments to international agreements.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Government Entities: USAID (loses funds), FEMA (gains funds), and the Department of Homeland Security (oversees disaster relief).
- U.S. Citizens and Taxpayers: Particularly those in areas declared as major disaster zones, who could see improved access to relief.
- International Partners: Foreign governments, non-governmental organizations, and populations in developing countries that depend on USAID assistance.
- Congress: The House Committee on Appropriations, to which the bill was referred, will influence its progression and any related budget oversight.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The transfer targets only unobligated funds, avoiding direct interference with congressionally appropriated money already committed, which aligns with constitutional requirements for spending (under Article I, Section 9 of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits drawing money from the Treasury without appropriation). However, it could raise questions about congressional intent in original appropriations if challenged in court.
- Constitutional: No direct conflicts, as Congress has broad authority over federal spending; this exercise reflects that power to reallocate unused funds.
- Political: The bill embodies a "domestic-first" approach, potentially appealing to priorities of fiscal conservatism and national focus but drawing criticism for diminishing U.S. global leadership in aid. It was introduced by representatives emphasizing taxpayer support, signaling partisan debates over foreign versus domestic spending.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Norman, Ralph [R-SC-5], Rep. Donalds, Byron [R-FL-19]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-14: Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.
- 2025-02-14: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-14: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Unobligated Spending Adjustment to Focus Investment on Relief and Support for Taxpayers Act — issued 2025-02-14 — PDF (2 pages)