Transparency in Foreign Assistance Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7641
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-26: Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 44 - 0.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-17T17:20:27Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Transparency in Foreign Assistance Act (H.R. 7641) aims to enhance congressional oversight of certain U.S. foreign assistance programs by establishing a one-year pilot program. This program requires additional notifications to Congress about programs that use new funding beyond what is already authorized by law, focusing on transparency for aid related to African affairs and counterterrorism.
Key Provisions
- Pilot Program Scope: The Secretary of State must direct the Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of African Affairs and the Coordinator for Counterterrorism to implement a one-year pilot. It applies to new and existing foreign assistance programs under their authority that require extra funds not covered by existing laws.
- Notification Requirements: For each affected program, officials must submit detailed information to congressional committees, including:
- Program's working name and implementation countries.
- Funding mechanism (e.g., contract, grant, or interagency agreement).
- Total new funding amount, whether it's a new program or an expansion, total funding needed over the program's life, expected performance period, and prior performance duration.
- Implementing entity's details (e.g., name, type like private/public or U.S./international).
- Program objectives, key activities, consultations with U.S. ambassadors in recipient countries, any significant under- or overspending, and existence of performance improvement plans or extra oversight.
- Congressional Recipients: Notifications go to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and Appropriations, and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and Appropriations.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This bill introduces a new layer of reporting beyond current legal requirements for foreign assistance notifications. Existing laws already mandate some congressional notices for aid programs, but this pilot adds specific, detailed disclosures for supplemental funding in targeted areas (African affairs and counterterrorism), without altering core authorization processes.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of State will face increased administrative burdens from preparing detailed reports, potentially improving internal tracking of program performance but slowing fund reallocations.
- Citizens and Taxpayers: Greater transparency could build public trust in how foreign aid is spent, ensuring accountability for U.S. taxpayer dollars on international programs.
- International Relations: Recipient countries in Africa or counterterrorism focus areas may experience minor delays in aid delivery due to added oversight, but it could strengthen U.S. diplomatic credibility by demonstrating responsible aid management. No direct impact on citizens outside the U.S. is specified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Department of State Officials: Particularly the Bureau of African Affairs and Counterterrorism Coordinator, who must compile and submit notifications.
- Congressional Committees: House and Senate panels on foreign affairs/relations and appropriations, gaining enhanced access to program details for better oversight.
- Implementing Entities: Private, public, U.S.-based, or international organizations receiving funds, as their roles and program details will be disclosed.
- Recipient Countries and U.S. Ambassadors: Nations receiving aid (primarily in Africa) and chiefs of mission, involved in required consultations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces Congress's constitutional power of the purse (Article I, Section 9) by expanding oversight of executive-branch spending on foreign aid, without infringing on the President's foreign affairs authority.
- Constitutional: Aligns with separation of powers by ensuring legislative branch involvement in funding decisions, promoting checks and balances.
- Political: Could foster bipartisan support for foreign aid by addressing concerns over waste or inefficiency, but may spark debates on bureaucratic hurdles during a one-year pilot; if successful, it might lead to permanent expansions in transparency rules. No challenges to civil liberties or rights are evident.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Jacobs, Sara [D-CA-51], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-26: Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 44 - 0.
- 2026-03-26: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-02-23: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2026-02-23: Introduced in House
- 2026-02-23: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Transparency in Foreign Assistance Act — issued 2026-02-23 — PDF (4 pages)