H.R. 4001: Prohibition on Funding to CECOT Act

This bill, titled the Prohibition on Funding to CECOT Act, aims to prevent the use of federal funds to support or finance the Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT), a maximum security prison located in Tecoluca, El Salvador. The motivation behind this legislation is linked to concerns over human rights issues at the CECOT prison, which has been reported to have inhumane conditions, inadequate due process, and violations of international detainee treatment standards.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Prohibition on Funding: The bill explicitly states that no federal funds can be appropriated for any activities that support the CECOT prison, which includes:
  • The construction, maintenance, expansion, or operation of the prison.
  • Personnel training, equipment, infrastructure, or services related to the prison.
  • Any activities that facilitate the continued operation or expansion of the prison.
  • Costs connected to the detention of individuals who are transported from the United States to the CECOT facility, regardless of their immigration status.
• Termination of Current Funding: The bill mandates that any unspent federal funds that may have been allocated for the aforementioned purposes are permanently rescinded.

Reporting Requirements

Within 90 days of the bill's enactment, the Secretary of State is required to submit a report to Congress that must include:

• A detailed account of any funds obligated or spent for activities related to the CECOT prison, including those allocated before the bill's enactment.
• Information on any existing contracts, grants, or agreements that involve support for the CECOT prison.
• A plan for reallocating or returning any funds identified in the previous points.

Context and Implications

The bill reflects an intention to align U.S. financial support with its human rights standards and commitments. By prohibiting federal funding to the CECOT prison, the legislation highlights concerns over the treatment of detainees and the potential implications of U.S. taxpayer dollars being used in facilities criticized for human rights violations.

Relevant Companies

None found