House Passes National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027 (H.R. 8595) 217-209; Rejects Amendments to Cut Aid to Israel and UN, Adopts Conditions on Nigeria Aid
The House convened to consider H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027. The bill, which passed by a vote of 217-209, includes significant spending reductions, prioritizes national security interests, and incorporates several policy riders. Debates centered on the level of foreign assistance, particularly to Israel and Jordan, funding for international organizations like the United Nations and the Global Environment Facility, and conditions on aid to Nigeria. Several amendments were offered, with some adopted and others rejected following recorded votes.
This chamber-day was significant due to the passage of a major appropriations bill that sets funding levels and policy directives for U.S. foreign policy and national security for fiscal year 2027. The bill reflects a shift towards reduced international spending and increased conditionality on foreign aid, while maintaining strong support for key allies. The debates and votes on various amendments highlighted deep divisions within the House regarding the scope and nature of U.S. engagement abroad, fiscal responsibility, and the role of international institutions.
National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027
H.R. 8595Question before the chamber
Passage of H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027.
The case for
The bill strengthens U.S. national security interests, supports allies, and confronts adversaries while reducing spending by $2.7 billion. It maintains $1.8 billion for Indo-Pacific partners, including $500 million for Taiwan, and fully funds the U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding with $3.3 billion in security assistance. The bill increases support for Western Hemisphere allies like Paraguay, Argentina, and Costa Rica, and boosts funds to fight fentanyl trafficking. It prohibits funds to the People's Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party, cuts assessed funding to the United Nations, and prohibits funds to organizations like the World Health Organization and UNRWA. It also maintains all longstanding pro-life provisions and supports executive orders on border security, free speech, and ending DEI programs.
The case against
Opponents argued the bill dangerously undercuts humanitarian assistance, global health programs, and women's health initiatives, while abandoning commitments to partners and allies. They criticized the $14 billion cut in international affairs over 4 years, stating it weakens diplomacy and development. Concerns were raised about the dismantling of USAID, leading to preventable deaths, and the refusal to pay U.N. dues, which cedes influence to China and Russia. The bill was also criticized for expanding the global gag rule, imposing ideological restrictions, and including a voter suppression measure. The war with Iran was cited as a catastrophic failure, costing billions and undermining U.S. influence.
Disposition
Passed · recorded vote
The bill was passed by the House of Representatives.
217-209
Amendments
- Amendments en bloc consisting of amendment Nos. 3, 7, 17, 18, 21, 24, 25, 26, and 29, addressing various priorities including support for Taiwan, countering PRC influence, leveraging U.S. assistance to Mexico, and increasing funding for combating human trafficking. (Mr. Diaz-Balart of Florida) — Agreed to
- Strikes the provision designating not less than $287,800,000 for the Fulbright Program. (Ms. Boebert) — Rejected [79-348]
- Prohibits funds from furnishing military education and training absent reimbursement pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 2347(b). (Mr. Crane) — Agreed to
- Strikes all funding for the Global Environment Facility. (Mr. Fine) — Rejected [178-247]
- Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds for Israel and reduces the "Foreign Military Financing Program" by $3,300,000,000. (Mr. Massie) — Rejected [104-314, 10 present]
- Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds for Jordan and reduces several related appropriations accounts by a total of $2,104,900,000. (Mr. Massie) — Rejected [6-421]
- Prohibits any funds made available by the Act from being made available to the United Nations. (Mr. Roy) — Rejected [136-291]
- Increases the withholding threshold for assistance to the central Government of Nigeria from 50 percent to 100 percent, until the Secretary of State certifies that the government is taking effective steps to prevent and respond to violence and hold perpetrators accountable. (Mr. Steube) — Agreed to
- Emphasizes the need for the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom to work to ensure religious freedom and equal access for all with respect to the Temple Mount. (Ms. Tenney) — Agreed to
Who is affected
- U.S. taxpayers: Impacted by significant spending cuts and redirection of funds, as well as potential costs from ongoing litigation related to government efficiency initiatives.
- U.S. allies (e.g., Israel, Taiwan, Jordan): Will continue to receive security and economic assistance, with specific conditions and allocations designed to strengthen partnerships and counter threats.
- Foreign adversaries (e.g., China, Russia, Iran): Targeted by prohibitions on funding and efforts to counter their influence globally.
- International organizations (e.g., UN, WHO, UNRWA): Face significant cuts or prohibitions on U.S. funding, potentially reducing their operational capacity and U.S. influence within them.
- Populations in developing countries: Affected by reductions in global health, humanitarian, and development assistance, with potential for increased disease, hunger, and instability.
- Women and girls globally: Impacted by cuts to family planning/reproductive health programs and the expansion of the global gag rule.
- Religious minorities (e.g., in Nigeria, at Temple Mount): Subject of specific policy directives and conditions on aid aimed at protecting religious freedom and addressing violence.
- Federal employees and government services: Affected by workforce reductions and disruptions to government functions, as discussed in special order speeches.
House Passes H.R. 8595, National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027
highThe House passed H.R. 8595, which appropriates funds for national security, Department of State, and related programs for fiscal year 2027. The bill includes $2.7 billion in reductions compared to the prior year while prioritizing support for allies like Israel and Taiwan and countering adversaries. The final vote was 217-209.
Amendments to Eliminate Aid to Israel and Funding for the United Nations Rejected
highAmendments offered by Mr. Massie to eliminate $3.3 billion in foreign military financing for Israel (Roll No. 243, 104-314, 10 present) and by Mr. Roy to prohibit all funding to the United Nations (Roll No. 245, 136-291) were both rejected by recorded votes. These debates underscored differing views on U.S. foreign aid commitments and multilateral engagement.
Amendment to Increase Withholding of Aid to Nigeria Adopted
mediumAn amendment offered by Mr. Steube to increase the withholding threshold for assistance to the central Government of Nigeria from 50 percent to 100 percent, pending certification of actions to address violence and persecution, was agreed to by voice vote. This reflects a demand for greater accountability in foreign aid.
Amendment on Religious Freedom at Temple Mount Adopted
mediumAn amendment offered by Ms. Tenney to emphasize the need for the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom to work towards ensuring religious freedom and equal access for all at the Temple Mount was agreed to by voice vote. The amendment highlights concerns about discrimination against Jewish people at the site.
Amendments to Cut Fulbright Program and Global Environment Facility Funding Rejected
mediumAmendments to strike funding for the Fulbright Program (Roll No. 241, 79-348) and the Global Environment Facility (Roll No. 242, 178-247) were rejected. Proponents argued for fiscal responsibility and against perceived waste, while opponents emphasized the strategic benefits of these programs for U.S. influence and global cooperation.