Bill · H.R. 9782· House(119-HR-9782)
Security Sector Governance Compacts Act
- Introduced
- 7/20/2026
- Last activity
- 7/20/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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.
- Sponsored by
- Sara Jacobs
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Security Sector Governance Compacts Act," directs the Secretary of State to create a "Security Sector Governance Index" to measure the quality of governance in partner countries' security sectors. Using this index, partner countries will be assigned to one of four tiers based on their level of governance, which determines the types of security assistance they are authorized to receive. The Act also allows for "Security Sector Governance Compacts," which are multi-year plans for tier two and tier three countries to achieve shared security objectives through institutional capacity building. Additionally, the Secretary may issue waivers for specific assistance if a country is strategically important to national security. The bill aims to promote transparency, accountability, and stable security partnerships through predictable, long-term investments.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+7
The bill mandates the creation and publication of a Security Sector Governance Index to increase transparency in partner countries.
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+6
The bill creates predictable, long-term, and tiered assistance structures to strengthen strategic security partnerships.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+1
The bill supports stability and security through better governed partner security sectors.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Security Oversight: The bill promotes strong security sector governance, which includes transparent and accountable management by democratic civilian leadership (Section 2).
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Protection of Defense Articles: Well-governed security sectors are better positioned to protect United States-origin defense articles from being misused or transferred illicitly (Section 2).
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Increased Stability: Effective security governance through checks and balances—involving legislatures, civil society, and judiciaries—is intended to encourage stability both at home and abroad (Section 2).
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Targeted Institutional Building: Through "Security Sector Governance Compacts," at least 30 percent of assistance must be dedicated to institutional capacity building (Section 6, subsection d).
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Addressing Specific Threats: The "Security Sector Compact Fund" can be used to advance shared goals in areas such as counterterrorism, counter-illicict drug trafficking, and maritime/border security (Section 7, subsection b, paragraph 3).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Assistance for Low-Governance Countries: Countries designated as tier one partners are restricted to specific types of assistance, which may limit the breadth of support they receive compared to higher-tier partners (Section 5, subsection a).
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Temporary Waiver Limitations: While waivers allow for assistance not normally available to a specific tier, such a waiver cannot be used for more than five consecutive years without new legislation (Section 5, subsection f, paragraph 4).
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Risk of Reduced Support During Re-assessment: The Secretary is required to conduct assessments of tier four countries after five years to determine if the type and amount of assistance should be adjusted or if the country should continue receiving it (Section 8, subsection a).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+7
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+6Improves Veterans Benefits+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+1
- 7/20/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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.
- Introduced in House