Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026

# Summary of U.S. Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill This document is a comprehensive federal appropriations bill for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for fiscal year 2026. It contains detailed provisions governing the allocation, use, and reporting requirements for foreign assistance funds. ## Key Provisions 1. **Funding Restrictions**: - Prohibits funding for abortions as a method of family planning or involuntary sterilization - Bans direct assistance to governments of Cuba, North Korea, or Iran - Prohibits assistance to countries that have experienced a military coup d'état - Restricts assistance to countries in default on U.S. loans - Prohibits funding for countries supporting international terrorism 2. **Notification Requirements**: - Mandates 15-day advance notification to Congress for program changes exceeding $1 million or 10% - Requires prior consultation for major program changes or reprogramming - Requires notification for assistance to specific countries including Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, and others 3. **Funding Allocation Rules**: - Specifies minimum funding levels for various programs - Limits deviations from designated amounts to 10% (up to 50% for national security emergencies) - Requires detailed reports on fund allocation at program, project, and activity levels 4. **Prohibited Expenditures**: - Bans first-class travel in contravention of federal regulations - Prohibits use of funds for tobacco promotion - Restricts use of funds for entertainment at recreational events - Requires computer network filters to block sexually explicit websites 5. **Reporting and Transparency**: - Requires posting of reports on public websites within 45 days - Mandates detailed beneficiary feedback collection for assistance programs - Requires impact evaluations of foreign assistance programs - Requires coordination of foreign assistance with Department of State programs 6. **Transfer Authorities**: - Allows limited transfers between appropriations accounts (up to 5%) - Requires prior consultation for significant transfers - Prohibits transfers to other departments without specific authorization This bill represents a comprehensive framework for U.S. foreign assistance, emphasizing accountability, transparency, national security considerations, and restrictions on certain types of funding. It contains numerous specific prohibitions and requirements aimed at ensuring U.S. foreign aid serves American interests while adhering to specific policy constraints.