H.R.459 - Securing Taxpayer Assistance during Natural Disasters Act; STAND Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 459, also known as the Securing Taxpayer Assistance during Natural Disasters Act or the STAND Act, proposes to withhold non-defense foreign aid for 60 days following a Presidential disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The bill aims to prioritize domestic disaster relief efforts by redirecting funds that would otherwise be allocated to foreign assistance. A waiver is possible through a joint resolution enacted into law.
Expected Effects
The immediate effect would be a temporary pause in certain types of foreign aid following a declared disaster within the US. This could lead to increased funding availability for domestic disaster relief in the short term. However, it may also strain international relations and impact ongoing humanitarian efforts abroad.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially faster allocation of resources to domestic disaster relief efforts.
- Reduced burden on taxpayers during times of national crisis within the US.
- Increased focus on the needs of American citizens affected by natural disasters.
- Could incentivize more efficient use of existing disaster relief funds.
- May lead to greater public confidence in the government's ability to respond to domestic crises.
Potential Disadvantages
- May negatively impact international relations and humanitarian efforts.
- Could delay critical aid to countries in need, potentially exacerbating crises abroad.
- The 60-day delay may have unintended consequences for long-term development projects.
- The waiver process could be subject to political gridlock, delaying aid even further.
- May be perceived as isolationist or uncaring by other nations.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is primarily related to Congress's power to appropriate funds (Article I, Section 9, Clause 7). Congress has broad authority over federal spending, including foreign aid. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or liberties. However, the potential impact on international relations could be relevant to the President's power to conduct foreign policy.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).