This bill aims to prevent the destruction of foreign assistance commodities like food, medicine, and vaccines before they can be delivered to people in need. It requires the government to make every effort to get these supplies to their intended beneficiaries before they expire or spoil.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill aims to prevent the destruction of foreign assistance commodities like food, medicine, and vaccines before they can be delivered to people in need. It requires the government to make every effort to get these supplies to their intended beneficiaries before they expire or spoil.
Last updated: 12/29/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p>This bill expands the required components of the National Health Security Strategy (a coordinated strategy among federal, state, and local entities to address public health emergencies).</p><p>Specifically, the National Health Security Strategy must address (1) coordination of federal efforts related to biological attribution (i.e., determining the source of biological hazards and pathogens of pandemic potential); and (2) early warning of emerging biological, chemical, and radiological threats, including synthetic drugs and fentanyl.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Prohibits the destruction of foreign assistance commodities like food, medicine, and vaccines unless all efforts have been made to deliver them to intended beneficiaries first
Requires regular reporting to Congress on any foreign assistance commodities that did expire or get destroyed before reaching beneficiaries
Could help ensure critical supplies get to people facing crises, natural disasters, or lacking access to healthcare
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
This bill would affect people in developing countries who rely on foreign aid and assistance from the U.S. government. If enacted, it could help deliver more essential supplies like food, vaccines, and medicines to those in need, potentially saving lives and reducing waste of taxpayer-funded resources.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Health
Related Subjects
Advanced technology and technological innovations
Chemical and biological weapons
Emergency planning and evacuation
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
4516, 119th Congress (2025). "Saving Lives and Taxpayer Dollars Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-4516
