American Assistance Visibility Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7633
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-26: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 44 - 1.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-09T19:05:27Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose The legislation aims to increase the visibility of United States foreign assistance by requiring the national flag to appear on items and materials provided abroad.
Key Provisions
- Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to add a new section (641A) that mandates the United States flag as the primary and, in most cases, sole visual element on foreign assistance.
- Allows limited exceptions for co-branding required by international agreements, for identifying implementing partners (provided the flag remains most prominent), or when the Secretary of State determines it is otherwise necessary.
- Permits the Secretary of State to waive requirements for safety or security reasons in high-risk areas.
- Directs the Secretary to issue regulations covering flag size, color, placement, and other display standards.
- Defines “foreign assistance” broadly to include physical assets (buildings, vehicles, equipment), commodities (food, medical supplies), and public materials (banners, websites, social media).
- Applies only to assistance provided after the date of enactment.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Removes the second sentence of section 641 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
- Introduces a new statutory requirement for flag display that did not previously exist in this form, shifting from prior practice to a default rule of exclusive United States branding with narrow exceptions.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies, primarily the Department of State, will need to update procurement, contracting, and oversight procedures to ensure compliance.
- Recipients of assistance in foreign countries and implementing partners may see changes in how aid is labeled and presented publicly.
- International partnerships could require case-by-case approvals for co-branding where agreements currently mandate shared visuals.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- The Department of State and other United States agencies delivering foreign assistance.
- Foreign governments and organizations receiving aid.
- Nongovernmental organizations and contractors implementing programs.
- United States taxpayers, through increased emphasis on national branding of assistance.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- The bill expands executive rulemaking authority for the Secretary of State in setting display standards and granting waivers.
- It may affect diplomatic relations by limiting or conditioning the use of partner-country or organizational branding on United States-funded projects.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Shreve, Jefferson [R-IN-6]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Baird, James R. [R-IN-4]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-26: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 44 - 1.
- 2026-03-26: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-02-20: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2026-02-20: Introduced in House
- 2026-02-20: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- American Assistance Visibility Act — issued 2026-02-20 — PDF (4 pages)