Prohibition on Funding to CECOT Act

This bill blocks U.S. taxpayer money from supporting a maximum-security prison in Tecoluca, El Salvador, known as CECOT. Lawmakers cite credible reports of inhumane conditions and lack of due process there, and want to ensure no U.S. funds help it operate or grow.

It bans any current or future funding tied to the prison. That includes money for building, running, or expanding it; training staff; buying equipment; or funding any group or program that helps the prison. It also bars paying for detention costs of people sent from the United States to El Salvador in CECOT or any other Salvadoran prison. Any unspent money already set aside for these purposes is canceled. Within 90 days of the law taking effect, the State Department must report to Congress on any funds or agreements involved and how they will be reallocated or returned.

Key points

• Who is affected: U.S. agencies and programs; any groups linked to CECOT; people transported from the U.S. to El Salvador whose detention costs might otherwise be covered by U.S. funds.
• What changes: No federal funds for CECOT’s construction, operation, expansion, training, or equipment; no funding for related entities or detention costs; unspent funds are rescinded; a report to Congress is required in 90 days.
• When: The funding ban begins when the law is enacted; the report is due within 90 days of enactment.