Bill Summary
This legislation proposes an amendment to the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956, specifically allowing the Secretary of State to waive costs associated with the evacuation of U.S. citizens when their lives are threatened due to war or acts of terrorism. This means that in emergencies where citizens need to be evacuated for their safety, the government can cover the expenses, relieving individuals of the financial burden that would normally accompany such operations. The intent is to ensure the safety and welfare of U.S. citizens in dangerous situations abroad.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the proposed legislation could affect people:
1. **Financial Relief for Evacuees**: The waiver of costs for evacuation activities would provide significant financial relief to U.S. citizens who find themselves in dangerous situations due to war or terrorism. This means that individuals and families will not have to worry about the high costs associated with emergency evacuations, allowing them to focus on their safety and well-being during crises.
2. **Increased Willingness to Travel**: Knowing that the government has provisions in place to cover evacuation costs in case of emergencies may encourage more U.S. citizens to travel to regions that are otherwise perceived as dangerous. This could boost tourism and business opportunities in these areas, as individuals may feel more secure with the knowledge that they have a backup plan for safety.
3. **Enhanced Government Accountability**: By establishing a clear framework for waiving evacuation costs, the legislation could lead to greater governmental accountability and responsiveness in crisis situations. Citizens may feel more confident that the government is prepared to act quickly and efficiently in protecting them, potentially increasing public trust in government agencies like the State Department, especially during international emergencies.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 270 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 270
To authorize the waiver of costs of activities relating to evacuation
of United States citizens when their lives are endangered by war or
acts of terrorism.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 9, 2025
Mr. Dunn of Florida introduced the following bill; which was referred
to the Committee on Foreign Affairs
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To authorize the waiver of costs of activities relating to evacuation
of United States citizens when their lives are endangered by war or
acts of terrorism.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. WAIVER OF COSTS OF ACTIVITIES RELATING TO EVACUATION OF
UNITED STATES CITIZENS WHEN THEIR LIVES ARE ENDANGERED BY
WAR OR ACTS OF TERRORISM.
Section 4 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 (22
U.S.C. 2671) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(e) With regard to the repatriations loan program, the Secretary
of State is authorized to waive the costs of activities relating to
evacuation of United States citizens when their lives are endangered by
war or acts of terrorism.''.
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