A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States Agency for International Development is essential for advancing the national security interests of the United States.

Bill Number

S.Res. 51

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-02-03: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S546-547)

Last Updated

2025-07-01T11:06:18Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 51) expresses the collective opinion of the U.S. Senate that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) plays a vital role in protecting and advancing U.S. national security interests through foreign aid and development programs.

Key Provisions

• Background on USAID's Establishment: The resolution notes that USAID was created in 1961 via Executive Order 10973 under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (a law authorizing U.S. foreign aid programs). It became an independent agency in 1998 through the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act (a law reorganizing parts of the U.S. government involved in foreign affairs). It also references the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, which requires Congress to be consulted and notified about any major changes to USAID, such as reorganizations or reductions in size.
• Affirmation of USAID's Role: The Senate resolves to affirm USAID's importance in:
• Reducing overseas threats (like instability or crises) before they affect the U.S. directly.
• Fostering worldwide stability.
• Tackling underlying issues that drive migration and extremism.
• Strengthening U.S. global influence amid competition with countries like China.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it does not create, amend, or repeal any laws. It serves only as a formal statement of Senate opinion and does not introduce legal changes. However, it highlights existing legal protections for USAID, such as congressional oversight requirements for structural changes.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Reinforces political support for USAID's independence and operations, potentially discouraging efforts to merge it with other agencies (like the State Department) or cut its funding. This could stabilize USAID's budget and programs in future appropriations.
• On Citizens: Indirectly benefits U.S. citizens by emphasizing how USAID's work abroad helps prevent security threats (e.g., terrorism or pandemics) from reaching the U.S., potentially enhancing domestic safety and economic interests through global stability.
• On International Relations: Bolsters U.S. soft power (non-military influence) by affirming commitment to foreign aid, which could improve relations with partner nations receiving USAID assistance and counter influence from competitors like China in development projects.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• USAID and Its Employees: Gains explicit Senate backing, which may protect jobs and program continuity.
• Congress: Particularly the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations (where the resolution was referred), as it underscores their oversight role in foreign aid.
• U.S. Foreign Policy Makers: Includes the State Department and executive branch officials involved in international development, who may use this as leverage in policy debates.
• International Partners and Recipients: Countries and organizations benefiting from USAID programs (e.g., in health, education, and economic development) could see sustained U.S. support.
• U.S. Taxpayers: As funders of USAID through federal budgets, they are indirectly involved via the emphasis on national security returns on aid investments.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: As a "sense of the Senate" resolution, it has no enforceable legal effect but can influence executive actions and court interpretations by signaling congressional intent on foreign aid laws.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's constitutional powers over foreign affairs and appropriations (under Article I), reinforcing checks on executive branch decisions about agencies like USAID.
• Political: Introduced by a bipartisan group of 38 senators (mostly Democrats), it demonstrates broad support for USAID amid debates over government efficiency and foreign spending. It could shape future legislation or budget fights, especially if reorganization proposals arise, by creating political momentum against downsizing.

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

Sponsor

Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]

Cosponsors (43)

Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ], Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH], Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM], Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO], Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ], Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Lujan, Ben Ray [D-NM], Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT], Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI], Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI], Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV], Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT], Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA], Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Slotkin, Elissa [D-MI], Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Warner, Mark R. [D-VA], Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA], Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA], Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI], Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR], Sen. Ossoff, Jon [D-GA], Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT]

Recent Actions

• 2025-02-03: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S546-547)
• 2025-02-03: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

• Expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States Agency for International Development is essential for advancing the national security interests of the United States. — issued 2025-02-03 — PDF (2 pages)