Protect U.S. National Security Act

This bill blocks the federal government from using any money to shut down or fold the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). It says only Congress can eliminate USAID as an independent agency. It also stresses that any changes to USAID should follow existing law, protect America’s soft power, prevent rivals from taking our place abroad, and keep the country safer and more prosperous.

The bill also requires the Secretary of State to confirm, within 30 days of the law taking effect and then once a year for five years, that the government is following this rule. These updates must be sent to the foreign affairs committees in the House and Senate.

• Who is affected: USAID, the State Department, and communities at home and abroad that rely on U.S. development and humanitarian work.
• What changes: No federal funds can be used to eliminate USAID’s independent status; yearly compliance reports are required for five years.
• When: Starts when the law is enacted; first compliance report is due within 30 days, then annually for five years.