H.R. 7641: Transparency in Foreign Assistance Act

This bill, known as the Transparency in Foreign Assistance Act, aims to enhance oversight of foreign assistance programs by instituting a pilot program. Here is a breakdown of its key components:

Purpose of the Pilot Program

The bill directs the Secretary of State, specifically engaging the Assistant Secretary for African Affairs and the Coordinator for Counterterrorism, to implement a one-year pilot program. This program will require additional notifications to Congress regarding certain foreign assistance programs that require new funding beyond what has been previously allocated.

Notification Requirements

For each foreign assistance program that falls under this pilot program, Congress will receive a notification that must include the following information:

• The working name of the program.
• The country or countries where the program will take place.
• The mechanism of the program (e.g., contract, grant, interagency agreement).
• The total amount of new funding being requested for the program.
• An indication of whether the program is new or an expansion of an existing program.
• The total funding needed over the life of the program.
• The expected duration of the program using the requested funds.
• The total duration of the program up to the point of the request.
• The name of the implementing entity, along with relevant information regarding the entity's background (public vs. private, domestic vs. international).
• The intended objectives of the program.
• A description of the core components or activities of the program.
• A description of consultations with the chief of mission in the respective country or countries.
• Information on any significant underspending or overspending of funds projected under the program.
• Details about any performance improvement plans or additional oversight mechanisms established for the program.

Congressional Committees Involved

The notifications outlined will be sent to specific congressional committees, which include:

• The Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
• The Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.

Duration and Implementation

The proposed pilot program is designed to last for one year, during which the involved officials will gather and report the required information to Congress. This initiative is aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in foreign assistance funding.

Additional Context

This act does not make changes to existing laws regarding foreign assistance but rather adds an extra layer of information that must be disclosed to Congress. The focus is on ensuring that lawmakers are informed about new and existing programs and the financial resources required for their operation.

Relevant Companies

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