American Homes First Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1]
- Committees
- Appropriations Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 24, 2026
Bottom line
The "American Homes First Act" reallocates $1 billion from an international peace board to bolster domestic energy assistance for low-income households.
What it actually does
This bill redirects $1,000,000,000 from funds previously appropriated for the "Board of Peace," an international organization designated by Executive Order 14375, to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). It explicitly prohibits the Secretary of State and the President from making these funds available for the Board of Peace and mandates their transfer to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for LIHEAP for fiscal year 2027.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue this bill prioritizes critical domestic needs, specifically ensuring that vulnerable low-income families can afford heating and cooling, over funding an international organization whose utility or necessity may be questioned. They would likely emphasize the direct and immediate impact on American citizens facing energy insecurity, especially during harsh weather conditions, and frame it as a responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that defunding the Board of Peace undermines U.S. diplomatic efforts, international cooperation, and soft power, potentially jeopardizing global stability or specific peace initiatives. They could contend that while LIHEAP is important, it should be funded through regular appropriations processes rather than by cutting funds from other established programs, especially those with international implications.
The bill text is extremely short and straightforward, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its core provisions quickly.
Section 2(1)
Prohibition of Funds for the Board of Peace
This provision prohibits the Secretary of State and the President from using any funds previously appropriated under the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 or the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026, for the Board of Peace. This effectively defunds the Board of Peace, an international organization designated by a 2025 Executive Order.
Supporters argue
Supporters would argue that this defunding redirects resources from an organization that may not align with current national priorities or may be deemed ineffective or redundant. They might question the necessity or impact of the Board of Peace, especially when domestic needs are pressing.
Critics contend
Critics would contend that defunding an international organization, particularly one focused on peace, could harm U.S. standing on the global stage, undermine diplomatic efforts, and potentially destabilize regions where the Board operates. They might argue for the importance of such bodies in fostering international cooperation and preventing conflict.
Tradeoffs
The provision trades off U.S. financial support for an international peace organization against domestic spending priorities. It highlights a tension between international engagement and addressing internal societal needs.
Section 2(2)
$1 Billion Transfer to Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
This provision mandates the transfer of $1,000,000,000 from the same previously appropriated funds (those for the Board of Peace) to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. These funds are specifically designated to carry out the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (LIHEAP) for fiscal year 2027, to be treated as if they were originally appropriated for LIHEAP.