US Federal House Bill HB1207

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/11/25
• Refer: 2/11/25

Caption

To transfer the functions, duties, responsibilities, assets, liabilities, orders, determinations, rules, regulations, permits, grants, loans, contracts, agreements, certificates, licenses, and privileges of the United States Agency for International Development relating to implementing and administering the Food for Peace Act to the Department of Agriculture.

Impact

The bill proposes amendments to existing laws to facilitate this transfer while ensuring that the continuity of operations is maintained through the implementation of interim regulations. By centralizing these duties under the Department of Agriculture, the bill aims to align food security efforts more closely with agricultural policies and programs. The Secretary of Agriculture will retain necessary authorities under the Food for Peace Act, enabling them to effectively manage food assistance initiatives and respond to food insecurity challenges more robustly.

Summary

House Bill 1207 seeks to transfer the responsibilities and functions related to the Food for Peace Act from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to the Department of Agriculture. This transition includes the transfer of assets, liabilities, and various operational components of USAID that pertain to the Food for Peace Act. This bill aims to streamline the administration and implementation of food assistance programs, focusing on improving the efficiency of these efforts in alleviating hunger both domestically and internationally.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to create efficiencies in food assistance programs, there may be concerns regarding the operational changes it entails. Stakeholders might debate the implications of shifting these responsibilities from USAID, an agency with extensive experience in development and international relations, to the Department of Agriculture, which has a different focus. The discussions could center on whether this transfer might dilute the effectiveness of food assistance initiatives or impact the levels of international engagement essential for addressing global food insecurity.

Congress_id

119-HR-1207

Introduced_date

2025-02-11