STAND Act

House Bill

H.R. 459

119th Congress

STAND Act

In Committee

Introduced:Jan 15, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Darrell E. Issa

Representative

Republican

CA-48

Cosponsors

0

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Emergency Management

Summary

This bill prohibits the State Department and USAID from spending foreign assistance funds for 60 days following a presidentially declared major disaster. The prohibition covers bilateral, multilateral, and humanitarian non-defense foreign aid. Congress can waive the restriction through a joint resolution. The bill prioritizes domestic disaster response by temporarily freezing foreign aid disbursements.

Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill prohibits the State Department and USAID from spending foreign assistance funds for 60 days following a presidentially declared major disaster. The prohibition covers bilateral, multilateral, and humanitarian non-defense foreign aid. Congress can waive the restriction through a joint resolution. The bill prioritizes domestic disaster response by temporarily freezing foreign aid disbursements.

Last updated: 1/4/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Securing Taxpayer Assistance during Natural Disasters Act or the STAND ActThis bill prohibits the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development from obligating or expending federal funds for bilateral, multilateral, or humanitarian non-defense foreign assistance within the first 60 days following a presidentially declared major disaster. The prohibition may be waived if a joint resolution of Congress providing for such a waiver is enacted into law.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

60-day freeze on foreign aid after major disasters
Covers State Department and USAID programs
Applies to humanitarian and development assistance
Congressional joint resolution can waive prohibition
Prioritizes domestic disaster response

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This bill reflects the argument that America should prioritize domestic needs before foreign aid during crises. The 60-day pause could disrupt humanitarian programs and diplomatic relationships. Supporters argue disaster victims deserve first claim on federal resources. Critics contend foreign aid serves U.S. interests and that suspending it during domestic emergencies creates false choices.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Emergency Management

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

459, 119th Congress (2025). "STAND Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-459