Sponsors (12)
The bill accelerates demining and arms-destruction activities to protect civilians and restore economic activity in conflict-affected areas, but it raises operational risks for U.S. personnel, can complicate coordination with local partners by narrowing executive discretion, and may increase short-term costs to taxpayers.
Civilians in conflict-affected rural and urban communities will see faster resumption of demining programs, reducing the risk of injury and death from landmines and unexploded ordnance.
Rural communities and local governments can regain access to farmland, roads, and infrastructure sooner, supporting local economic recovery and livelihoods.
Urban communities and local governments may experience reduced availability of small arms in post-conflict areas as destruction programs restart, lowering violent crime and improving public safety.
U.S. federal employees and contractors could be exposed to greater security risks if rapid statutory resumption limits normal diplomatic or on-the-ground risk assessments before operations proceed.
State governments and nonprofit partners may face coordination problems because a statutory waiver reduces the Secretary's discretion, making operations harder to align with local conditions or political sensitivities.
Federal taxpayers may incur increased short-term costs if programs are resumed quickly without new appropriations or strengthened oversight.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires the Secretary of State to promptly issue a waiver under EO 14169 authorizing immediate resumption of State Department demining, UXO clearance, and small arms destruction programs.
Official title: To require the resumption of demining activities, the clearance of unexploded ordnance, the destruction of small arms, and related activities by the Department of State, and for other purposes.
Introduced February 12, 2025 by Stephen F. Lynch · Last progress February 12, 2025
Directs the Secretary of State to promptly issue a specific waiver under Executive Order 14169 that authorizes the immediate resumption of all Department of State programs, projects, and activities related to demining, clearance of unexploded ordnance (UXO), and destruction of small arms. The law is short (two sections): a short title and the waiver requirement that restarts U.S. demining-related work overseas as soon as the Act is enacted.