Saving Lives and Taxpayer Dollars Act

This bill aims to stop waste of U.S.-funded foreign aid like food, medicine, vaccines, and medical supplies. It requires that these items be delivered to people in need before they spoil or expire, including by donation if needed. If an aid group or contractor is holding these items, the State Department, USAID, or the Agriculture Department must quickly release any funds needed to deliver or donate them on time. No items can be destroyed unless every effort has been made to sell, donate, or otherwise get them to the intended people first. The bill explains why this matters: food and medical aid save lives and reduce disease, and U.S. food aid also supports American farmers.

The bill also requires a yearly public report to Congress listing any aid that expired, spoiled, or was destroyed before reaching people, along with why it happened and the costs involved.

Key points

• Who is affected: U.S. agencies (State, USAID, Agriculture), their foreign aid partners, and people who are supposed to receive U.S.-funded food and medical supplies overseas.
• What changes: Aid must be delivered or donated before it expires; funds must be released quickly to make that happen; destruction is a last resort; annual reports to Congress track any waste and reasons why .
• When: The first report is due within 90 days after the bill becomes law, then every year after that.