Bill Summary
The proposed legislation seeks to abolish the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Upon enactment, it would prohibit the allocation of any federal funds to carry out USAID's functions, which are primarily related to international development and foreign assistance as established by the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Additionally, the bill mandates that any unspent funds previously allocated to USAID be rescinded, and all assets and liabilities of the agency be transferred to the Secretary of State. This move signifies a significant shift in the U.S. approach to international aid and development policy by eliminating the agency responsible for these initiatives.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the proposed legislation to abolish the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) could affect people:
1. **Impact on Global Health Initiatives**: USAID plays a crucial role in funding and implementing global health programs, including those aimed at combating diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. The abolition of USAID could lead to a significant reduction in financial support for these initiatives, potentially resulting in increased rates of illness and death in countries where these programs operate, ultimately affecting millions of individuals who rely on such assistance for healthcare.
2. **Economic Consequences for Developing Countries**: USAID provides economic assistance and development aid to support infrastructure, education, and agricultural development in low- and middle-income countries. The loss of funding and expertise from USAID could hinder economic growth and development in those nations, leading to higher poverty rates, job losses, and decreased access to education. This may also result in increased migration pressures as individuals seek better opportunities elsewhere.
3. **Reduction in Disaster Response and Humanitarian Aid**: USAID is instrumental in coordinating disaster response efforts and providing humanitarian aid in times of crisis, such as natural disasters or conflicts. Abolishing USAID could lead to slower and less coordinated responses to emergencies, leaving affected populations without essential support and resources during critical times. This could exacerbate suffering and hardship for communities already facing challenges.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 1029 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1029
To abolish the United States Agency for International Development.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 5, 2025
Mr. Steube introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on
Appropriations, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall
within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To abolish the United States Agency for International Development.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. ABOLISHMENT OF THE UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL
DEVELOPMENT.
(a) In General.--Beginning on the date of the enactment of this
Act, no Federal funds may be made available to carry out any of the
functions, duties, or responsibilities assigned or delegated to the
Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development
pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.)
or any other provision of law.
(b) Rescission of Funds.--The unobligated balance of each amount
made available to the Administrator of the United States Agency for
International Development as of the day before the date of the
enactment of this Act is rescinded. Any other assets or liabilities of
the Agency as of such day shall be transferred to the Secretary of
State.
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