Bill · S. 491· Senate(119-S-491)
Foreign Assistance Accountability and Oversight Act
- Introduced
- 2/6/2025
- Last activity
- 2/6/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- Sponsored by
- Timothy Kaine
- Cosponsors
- - 20 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Foreign Assistance Accountability and Oversight Act establishes a new position called the Director of Foreign Assistance within the Department of State. This Director is tasked with optimizing the impact of foreign assistance by aligning resources with the Secretary of State's goals and promoting evidence-based policies. The role involves leading integrated budget and strategic planning processes to amplify foreign assistance efforts. Additionally, the Director will support interagency collaboration with various federal entities and agencies. The position requires presidential appointment with Senate confirmation. Finally, the bill mandates the timely obligation of appropriated funds.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The Director is explicitly tasked with increasing transparency through improved monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?+5
The bill mandates more rigorous budget formulation, justification, and execution mechanisms for foreign assistance.
Does this send more money or help to other countries?+4
The bill optimizes the impact and strategic alignment of foreign assistance resources to better achieve foreign policy goals.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Optimized Foreign Assistance: The Director is tasked with strategically aligning resources to the Secretary of State's goals and measuring effectiveness to optimize the impact of foreign assistance (Section 3, subsection 2, part 3, A).
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Increased Transparency and Data Management: The position aims to increase transparency and facilitate data analysis, information management, and reporting (Section 3, subsection 2, part 3, C).
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Enhanced Interagency Collaboration: The Director will support collaboration between various federal agencies and entities to achieve national security, foreign policy, and development goals (Section 3, subsection 2, part 3, B and D).
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Timely Use of Funds: The bill requires that funds appropriated to the Department of State or USAID be made available to be obligated no later than 90 days after the enactment of the related appropriations Act (Section 4).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Restrictions on Personnel Decisions: Any adverse personnel decisions, such as demotions, suspensions, or furloughs involving the Director or their staff, cannot be made without the approval of the Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources (Section 3, subsection 2, part 5).
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+5Increases Federal Power+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Increases Foreign Aid+4Improves International Alliances+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility+5
- 3/27/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/11/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/10/2025
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- 2/6/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 14 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Michael BennetDemocrat · Colorado
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware
Richard DurbinDemocrat · Illinois
Tammy DuckworthDemocrat · Illinois
John HickenlooperDemocrat · Colorado
Amy KlobucharDemocrat · Minnesota
Edward MarkeyDemocrat · Massachusetts
Patty MurrayDemocrat · Washington
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California
Gary PetersDemocrat · Michigan
Jacky RosenDemocrat · Nevada
Bernie SandersIndependent · Vermont
Adam SchiffDemocrat · California
Jeanne ShaheenDemocrat · New Hampshire
Brian SchatzDemocrat · Hawaii
Tina SmithDemocrat · Minnesota
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont
Sheldon WhitehouseDemocrat · Rhode Island