To transfer the functions, duties, responsibilities, assets, liabilities, orders, determinations, rules, regulations, permits, grants, loans, contracts, agreements, certificates, licenses, and privileges of the United States Agency for International Development relating to implementing and administering the Food for Peace Act to the Department of Agriculture. | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 1207
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 1207International Affairs
To transfer the functions, duties, responsibilities, assets, liabilities, orders, determinations, rules, regulations, permits, grants, loans, contracts, agreements, certificates, licenses, and privileges of the United States Agency for International Development relating to implementing and administering the Food for Peace Act to the Department of Agriculture.
INTRO FEB 11· LAST ACTION FEB 11
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
44
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it changes which part of the U.S. government is responsible for a critical aspect of foreign policy and humanitarian aid: international food assistance. Currently, USAID manages these programs, bringing a foreign policy and development perspective to how and where aid is distributed. If this bill passes, the Department of Agriculture would take over.
This shift could alter the focus of food aid, potentially prioritizing U.S. agricultural interests or surpluses more directly, as the USDA's primary mission is to support American agriculture. It could also impact the effectiveness or coordination of aid, depending on how well the USDA integrates these programs into its existing structure and collaborates with the State Department on foreign policy goals. Voters should care because it could change how U.S. foreign aid is delivered, who benefits, and how effectively the U.S. responds to global food crises.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Transfers all functions, duties, assets, and liabilities related to the Food for Peace Act from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to the Department of Agriculture (USDA).
This consolidates all aspects of international food aid under a single agency focused on agriculture.
PROVISION 02
Allows the Secretary of Agriculture to issue interim final rules that can take effect immediately to ensure program continuity during the transfer.
This provides flexibility for the USDA to manage the transition and avoid disruptions in food aid delivery.
PROVISION 03
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to continue operating the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET).
This ensures the continued collection and analysis of vital information on global food insecurity to guide aid efforts.
PROVISION 04
Mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture consult with the Secretary of State when carrying out authorities under Title II of the Food for Peace Act.
This maintains a link between food aid and broader foreign policy considerations, even with the program moving to USDA.
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 11, 2025
House BillHR 1207International Affairs
To transfer the functions, duties, responsibilities, assets, liabilities, orders, determinations, rules, regulations, permits, grants, loans, contracts, agreements, certificates, licenses, and privileges of the United States Agency for International Development relating to implementing and administering the Food for Peace Act to the Department of Agriculture.
This bill matters because it changes which part of the U.S. government is responsible for a critical aspect of foreign policy and humanitarian aid: international food assistance. Currently, USAID manages these programs, bringing a foreign policy and development perspective to how and where aid is distributed. If this bill passes, the Department of Agriculture would take over.
This shift could alter the focus of food aid, potentially prioritizing U.S. agricultural interests or surpluses more directly, as the USDA's primary mission is to support American agriculture. It could also impact the effectiveness or coordination of aid, depending on how well the USDA integrates these programs into its existing structure and collaborates with the State Department on foreign policy goals. Voters should care because it could change how U.S. foreign aid is delivered, who benefits, and how effectively the U.S. responds to global food crises.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Transfers all functions, duties, assets, and liabilities related to the Food for Peace Act from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to the Department of Agriculture (USDA).
This consolidates all aspects of international food aid under a single agency focused on agriculture.
med
Allows the Secretary of Agriculture to issue interim final rules that can take effect immediately to ensure program continuity during the transfer.
This provides flexibility for the USDA to manage the transition and avoid disruptions in food aid delivery.
med
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to continue operating the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET).
This ensures the continued collection and analysis of vital information on global food insecurity to guide aid efforts.
high
Mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture consult with the Secretary of State when carrying out authorities under Title II of the Food for Peace Act.
This maintains a link between food aid and broader foreign policy considerations, even with the program moving to USDA.
Transfer of functions, duties, responsibilities, assets, and liabilities begins.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Food for Peace Act
A U.S. law that authorizes the President to provide food assistance to foreign countries, primarily for humanitarian and development purposes, often through donations or sales on favorable terms.
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
An independent agency of the U.S. federal government that is primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance.
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
A U.S. federal executive department responsible for developing and executing federal laws related to farming, forestry, rural economic development, and food.
Administrator (of USAID)
The head of the U.S. Agency for International Development, responsible for its overall direction and management.
Secretary of Agriculture
The head of the Department of Agriculture, a member of the President's cabinet, responsible for leading the agency.
Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET)
A leading provider of early warning and analysis on food insecurity, which helps governments and relief agencies plan responses to potential food crises.
Interim final rule
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
FEB 11, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
FEB 11, 25
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
A type of federal regulation that goes into effect immediately upon publication, without prior public comment, typically used for urgent situations or to implement new laws quickly, though public comments are usually accepted after publication.
