Bill · H.R. 7649· House(119-HR-7649)
Humanitarian Theft Enforcement Act
- Introduced
- 2/23/2026
- Last activity
- 3/26/2026 — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 45 - 1.
- Sponsored by
- Richard McCormick
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
What this bill would do
The Humanitarian Theft Enforcement Act aims to hold foreign persons or entities accountable for the unauthorized diversion or destruction of U.S. humanitarian assistance. This includes aid provided through international organizations. If the Secretary of State finds a party responsible, that party is liable for the value of the lost assistance. The Secretary of State is then expected to take steps to recover those funds. Recovered money is credited back to the Department of State or the original funding agency. The Secretary of State can waive this liability if it serves the national interest.
Yes
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?+3
Establishing liability for diverted aid promotes better stewardship of taxpayer-funded humanitarian assistance.
Does this give the federal government more power?+2
Increases the authority of the Secretary of State to determine liability and recover funds from foreign entities.
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?+1
Recovering stolen funds potentially reduces the net cost of foreign aid to the U.S. Treasury.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Recovery of Taxpayer Funds: Section 2(b) and 2(c) allow the U.S. to recover the value of diverted or destroyed aid and credit it back to federal accounts, ensuring funds intended for help are not simply lost to theft.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Broad Discretionary Power: Section 2(d) allows the Secretary of State to waive liability if they determine it is in the national interest, which could potentially allow some responsible parties to avoid accountability.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility+3Reduces National Debt+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+2
- 3/26/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 45 - 1.
- 3/3/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/23/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Introduced in House
James BairdRepublican · Indiana