National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Diaz-Balart, Mario [R-FL-26]
- Committees
- Appropriations Committee
- Last action
- Jul 25, 2025
Bottom line
The bill funds critical U.S. foreign policy and national security operations while embedding specific policy directives and restrictions across a wide array of international engagement.
What it actually does
This bill appropriates funds for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. It allocates significant funding across various sectors including diplomatic programs, global health, international security assistance, and economic development. The bill also includes numerous policy directives and limitations on how these funds can be used, reflecting specific congressional priorities on issues ranging from international organizations and human rights to geopolitical competition with countries like China and Russia, and domestic social policies.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill is essential for maintaining U.S. global leadership, supporting diplomatic efforts, strengthening national security, and providing critical humanitarian and development assistance worldwide. They emphasize the importance of countering adversarial influence, promoting democracy and human rights, and ensuring fiscal accountability in foreign aid. Specific provisions are highlighted as crucial for protecting U.S. interests and values abroad.
Opponents contend
Opponents may criticize the overall spending levels, arguing for greater fiscal restraint or different allocation priorities. They might object to specific policy riders, such as those related to social issues, climate change, or restrictions on certain international organizations, viewing them as overreach or detrimental to diplomatic efforts. Concerns could also be raised about the politicization of foreign aid through numerous conditions and prohibitions.
The bill is 58 pages of dense legislative text, requiring substantial time and effort to fully comprehend its numerous appropriations and policy directives. A thorough reading and analysis would take an informed reader approximately two and a half hours, which is a significant commitment given typical legislative timelines.
Title I, Diplomatic Programs
Department of State Diplomatic Programs Funding
This provision appropriates $8,966,278,000 for the general operations of the Department of State, covering expenses such as training, human resources, salaries, and the functioning of regional and functional bureaus. A significant portion, $3,758,836,000, is specifically allocated for Worldwide Security Protection, which remains available until expended.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that robust funding for diplomatic programs is crucial for maintaining U.S. foreign policy, protecting American interests overseas, and ensuring the safety of diplomatic personnel and citizens abroad through adequate security measures.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that certain administrative costs or specific program expenditures within diplomatic programs could be reduced without compromising core functions, advocating for greater efficiency or reallocation of funds.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the need for extensive global diplomatic presence and security with fiscal constraints and the desire to optimize operational efficiency.
Title I, Consular and Border Security Programs
Consular and Border Security Programs Funding
This section makes $517,000,000 available from prior fiscal year deposits in the Consular and Border Security Programs account. These funds are designated to reduce passport backlogs and decrease visa wait times, aiming to improve the efficiency of these essential services.
Title I, International Broadcasting Operations and Capital Improvements
International Broadcasting Funding
This provision appropriates $681,448,000 for international communication activities. It specifically mandates not less than $40,000,000 for the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB) to maintain medium- and short-wave broadcasting to Cuba at fiscal year 2024 levels. Funds can also be used for capital improvements to broadcasting infrastructure globally.
Title III, Global Health Programs
Global Health Programs and HIV/AIDS Funding
This section appropriates $3,623,712,000 for general global health activities, including child survival, maternal health, immunization, and infectious disease programs (excluding HIV/AIDS). An additional $5,895,000,000 is specifically allocated for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and control, with $1,500,000,000 of that designated for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The provision includes restrictions on funding organizations that support coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization.
Title III, International Humanitarian Assistance
International Humanitarian Assistance Funding
This provision appropriates $5,000,000,000 for international disaster relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction assistance, as well as to meet refugee and migration needs. It prioritizes funds for those most in need due to natural and manmade disasters, with not less than $6,500,000 specifically for refugees resettling in Israel.
Title III, National Security Investment Programs
National Security Investment Programs Funding
This section appropriates $6,890,170,000 for a broad range of national security investment programs, with not less than 15 percent of these funds designated for programs in Africa. These funds are intended to carry out various provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, supporting U.S. strategic interests globally.
Title IV, International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement Funding
This provision appropriates $1,897,469,000 for international narcotics control and law enforcement efforts. Funds are used to support training and technical assistance for foreign law enforcement, corrections, and judicial authorities, including through regional partners. It also allows for the transfer of excess U.S. government property to foreign countries for these purposes.
Title IV, Foreign Military Financing Program
Foreign Military Financing Program Funding
This section appropriates $6,777,500,000 for grants to enable foreign countries to procure defense articles and services from the U.S. It includes specific allocations, such as not less than $3,300,000,000 for Israel (to be disbursed within 30 days) and not less than $500,000,000 for Taiwan. The funds are non-repayable and can be used for demining and related activities.
Title VI, United States International Development Finance Corporation
U.S. International Development Finance Corporation Funding
This section authorizes the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to make expenditures and commitments, appropriating $983,250,000 for its corporate capital account. This includes $243,000,000 for administrative expenses and $740,250,000 for activities like direct and guaranteed loans, and equity investments. The DFC's total loan principal or guaranteed principal amount is capped at $15,000,000,000.
Sec. 7018
Prohibition on Funding for Abortions and Involuntary Sterilization
This section prohibits the use of funds appropriated to carry out Part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for performing abortions as a method of family planning, motivating or coercing individuals to practice abortions, or for involuntary sterilization. It also bans funding for biomedical research related to these practices and prohibits aid to countries or organizations that violate these provisions.
Sec. 7024
Prohibition on Censorship and Countering Foreign Propaganda
This section clarifies that funds for countering foreign propaganda and disinformation can only be used against foreign state and non-state actors abroad. It explicitly prohibits using these funds to characterize U.S. independent news media as creators of disinformation, advocate for censoring U.S. entities on social media, or influence consumer behavior towards U.S. media companies or social network platforms.
Sec. 7031(c)
Anti-Kleptocracy and Human Rights (Visa Bans)
This provision makes foreign government officials and their immediate family members ineligible for entry into the United States if the Secretary of State has credible information of their involvement in significant corruption or gross human rights violations, including wrongful detention of U.S. personnel. It also requires referral to OFAC for potential sanctions and public or private designation of such individuals.
Sec. 7041(c)
Foreign Military Financing for Israel
This section allocates not less than $3,300,000,000 from the Foreign Military Financing Program for grants to Israel. These funds are to be disbursed within 30 days of the bill's enactment and, if requested by Israel, can be used for advanced weapons systems, with at least $250,300,000 available for procurement of defense articles and services within Israel, including research and development.
Sec. 7043(b)(2)
Countering PRC Influence Fund
This provision allocates not less than $400,000,000 across various accounts (National Security Investment Programs, International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement, Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Related Programs, and Foreign Military Financing Program) for a 'Countering PRC Influence Fund.' These funds are intended to counter the influence of the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party globally, with 10 percent held in reserve for unanticipated opportunities.
Sec. 7045(d)
Cuba Democracy Programs and Prohibitions
This section allocates not less than $35,000,000 for democracy and civil society programs in Cuba, explicitly prohibiting funds for business promotion or economic reform not authorized by existing Cuba democracy acts. It also prohibits using funds to revoke Cuba's designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism or to diminish the Cuba Restricted List, and bans support for Cuban military/security institutions.
Sec. 7048(l)
Prohibitions on Funding for International Organizations and Treaties
This section imposes several prohibitions, including banning funds for contravening Executive Order 14155 (Withdrawing from WHO), implementing the Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response Accord until Senate approval, supporting iVerify or other UN Development Programme fact-checking tools, contributing to the International Court of Justice or International Criminal Court, or implementing the Arms Trade Treaty until Senate approval.
Sec. 7057
Limitation Related to Global Health Assistance (UN Population Fund and Abortion)
This section prohibits funds from being made available to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Additionally, it prohibits global health assistance from being made available to or implemented by any foreign nongovernmental organization (including sub-awardees of U.S. NGOs) that promotes or performs abortion, except in cases of rape, incest, or when the mother's life is endangered.
Sec. 7059(f)
Prohibition on Funding for Gender Equity and Equality Action Fund
This section explicitly prohibits any funds appropriated by this Act from being made available for the Gender Equity and Equality Action Fund.
Sec. 7061(a)
Environment Funding Limitations (Climate Change Funds and Paris Agreement)
This section prohibits funds from being made available in contravention of Executive Order 14162 (Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements). Specifically, it bans contributions to the Green Climate Fund, Clean Technology Fund, and Loss and Damages Fund, and prohibits funds for implementing the Paris Agreement.
Sec. 7067
Additional Limitations on Operations and Assistance (Social and Cultural Policies)
This extensive section imposes numerous prohibitions, including on flying flags other than specified ones at State Department facilities, funding 'drag queen workshops,' programs teaching 'critical race theory' or 'systemic racism/sexism,' activities contravening Executive Orders on DEI programs or merit-based hiring, funding for 'chemical and surgical mutilation' (gender-affirming care for minors) or organizations promoting 'transgenderism,' COVID-19 mandates, and maps inaccurately depicting the 'Gulf of America.' It also includes protections for religious beliefs regarding marriage.
Sec. 7068
Rescissions of Prior Year Unobligated Balances
This section permanently rescinds significant unobligated balances from prior appropriations acts across various accounts. For example, $775,000,000 from Consular and Border Security Programs, $98,000,000 from Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs, $1,300,000,000 from Development Assistance, and $753,482,000 from Economic Support Fund are rescinded. The total amount rescinded is $3,994,707,000.
Prohibits funds for the Department of State to support email accounts or servers outside the .gov domain or not fitted for automated records management, in contravention of the Presidential and Federal Records Act Amendments of 2014.
Sec. 7010(c)
Why it matters:This is likely standard legislative practice for ensuring compliance with federal records management and cybersecurity standards, but its specific inclusion highlights ongoing concerns about data security and official communications within the State Department.
Case for: Supporters argue this ensures proper record-keeping, enhances cybersecurity, and prevents potential misuse or loss of official communications, which is critical for government transparency and accountability.
Case against: No specific opposition is typically raised against ensuring federal records compliance, though some might argue that overly prescriptive technical requirements could hinder operational flexibility.
Estimated impact: Operational impact on State Department IT infrastructure and record-keeping practices.
Prohibits funds under Title III (Bilateral Economic Assistance) from being made available to support mining activities related to mineral extraction in a foreign country until the Secretary of State certifies that comparable mining activities are permitted in areas in the United States which were allowable prior to 2023. This restriction does not apply to U.S. entities.
Sec. 7031(d)(1)
Why it matters:This provision appears to be a policy rider designed to protect U.S. domestic mining interests or to exert leverage on foreign countries regarding their environmental and regulatory standards, potentially making it harder for foreign mining projects to receive U.S. aid.
Case for: Proponents argue this provision protects U.S. industries from unfair competition and ensures that U.S. foreign aid does not support projects abroad that would face stricter regulations domestically, promoting a level playing field.
Case against: Critics might argue that this provision imposes U.S. domestic regulatory standards on foreign aid recipients, potentially hindering development projects in countries that rely on mineral extraction, and could be seen as protectionist.
Estimated impact: Potentially significant impact on foreign mining projects seeking U.S. assistance, particularly in countries with less stringent environmental regulations than the U.S. prior to 2023.
Prohibits funds from being used to revoke the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Sec. 7041(b)(3)(C)
Why it matters:This is a politically charged policy rider, likely included to prevent any future administration from delisting the IRGC as an FTO, which has been a point of contention in discussions about Iran nuclear deal negotiations.
Case for: Proponents argue that maintaining the IRGC's FTO designation is crucial for pressuring the Iranian regime, countering its malign activities, and demonstrating a strong stance against state-sponsored terrorism.
Case against: Critics might argue that such a prohibition ties the hands of future administrations in diplomatic negotiations, potentially limiting flexibility to achieve broader foreign policy goals, such as a renewed nuclear agreement with Iran.
Estimated impact: Maintains a significant sanction on a key Iranian entity, impacting diplomatic flexibility and U.S.-Iran relations.
Prohibits funds from being made available for any institution of higher education that engages in a partnership or formalized academic collaboration in STEM with an entity located, operated, or controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) or the Government of the People's Republic of China (PRC).
Sec. 7043(e)(1)(C)
Why it matters:This is a policy rider aimed at countering PRC influence in U.S. academia and protecting U.S. intellectual property and national security interests, reflecting growing concerns about technology transfer and espionage.
Case for: Proponents argue this provision is necessary to prevent the PRC from exploiting U.S. academic research and technology for its own strategic gain, safeguarding national security and intellectual property.
Case against: Critics might argue that this provision could stifle academic freedom, limit valuable international research collaboration, and potentially lead to a 'brain drain' if U.S. institutions become less attractive to international talent.
Estimated impact: Potentially significant impact on U.S. universities' international partnerships, particularly in STEM fields, and on the flow of academic exchange with China.
Prohibits funds from being used or transferred to fund any domestic or international non-governmental organization or associated program that offers counseling regarding sex change surgeries, promotes sex change surgeries as an option, conducts or subsidizes sex change surgeries, promotes the use of medications to halt puberty/sexual development of minors, or otherwise promotes transgenderism.
Sec. 7067(f)
Why it matters:This is a significant policy rider reflecting a specific social conservative agenda, likely included in an appropriations bill to ensure its passage given the difficulty it might face as standalone legislation.
Case for: Proponents argue this provision protects children from medical interventions they deem harmful, aligns federal funding with specific moral views on gender identity, and prevents taxpayer money from supporting practices they oppose.
Case against: Opponents contend this provision is discriminatory, infringes on medical autonomy and best practices, harms vulnerable transgender individuals (especially youth), and imposes a domestic ideological agenda on foreign aid and federal operations.
Estimated impact: Significant impact on organizations providing gender-affirming care or related support, potentially limiting access to care and information for transgender individuals globally, and affecting the scope of U.S. foreign aid programs.