This bill establishes a new **Director of Foreign Assistance** within the Department of State, who will report directly to the Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources. The Director's core purpose is to optimize the impact of United States foreign assistance by strategically aligning resources with foreign policy goals and promoting evidence-based policies. Key responsibilities include serving as a resource for various federal departments and agencies on foreign assistance policies and supporting interagency collaboration. The Director will also lead integrated budget and strategic planning processes, promote monitoring and evaluation, and increase transparency across foreign assistance programs. This position requires presidential appointment and Senate confirmation, with strict limits on acting appointments to ensure accountability. Additionally, the legislation mandates that all appropriated foreign assistance funds for the Department of State, USAID, or under the Director's direction, must be obligated within 90 days of the related appropriations Act's enactment, ensuring timely resource deployment.
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Timeline
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
International Affairs
Foreign Assistance Accountability and Oversight Act
USA119th CongressS-491| Senate
| Updated: 2/6/2025
This bill establishes a new **Director of Foreign Assistance** within the Department of State, who will report directly to the Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources. The Director's core purpose is to optimize the impact of United States foreign assistance by strategically aligning resources with foreign policy goals and promoting evidence-based policies. Key responsibilities include serving as a resource for various federal departments and agencies on foreign assistance policies and supporting interagency collaboration. The Director will also lead integrated budget and strategic planning processes, promote monitoring and evaluation, and increase transparency across foreign assistance programs. This position requires presidential appointment and Senate confirmation, with strict limits on acting appointments to ensure accountability. Additionally, the legislation mandates that all appropriated foreign assistance funds for the Department of State, USAID, or under the Director's direction, must be obligated within 90 days of the related appropriations Act's enactment, ensuring timely resource deployment.