Christopher Smith (R-NJ)
To provide for the foreign assistance authority of the Department of State, and for other purposes.
A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 28 - 23.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
H.R. 5250 establishes new leadership roles and an office within the Department of State to manage foreign assistance. It creates an Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance and a Director of Foreign Assistance Oversight. These positions are tasked with coordinating aid, managing strategic planning, and overseeing human rights and humanitarian affairs. The bill also establishes the Office of Foreign Assistance Oversight to support these functions. Finally, it provides the necessary funding for these roles for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +7
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill mandates monitoring, evaluation, and transparency of foreign assistance programs.
- Scored +6
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?
The Under Secretary is specifically tasked with the creation and maintenance of allies and partners.
- Scored +5
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?
The bill enhances the strategic coordination of diplomatic tools including foreign assistance.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
It creates new executive positions and a new office, which increases government spending.
- Scored -1
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?
The bill authorizes additional appropriations for new leadership roles and an office.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Human Rights and POW Oversight: The Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance is responsible for reviewing matters relating to human rights, humanitarian affairs, prisoners of war, and U.S. Armed Forces Missing in Action (Section 601(b)(2)).
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Increased Accountability: The Director of Foreign Assistance Oversight is tasked with vetting foreign recipients of assistance to ensure accountability and compliance (Section 602(b)(8)).
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Improved Use of Funds: The bill focuses on improving the efficacy and strategic coordination of all foreign assistance funding (Section 602(b)(4) and Section 603(c)(4)).
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Data-Driven Reporting: The bill requires the generation of data-driven performance assessments and policy diagnostics for Congress and the Executive Office of the President (Section 602(b)(7) and Section 603(c)(5)).
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Transparency: The Office of Foreign Assistance Oversight is mandated to ensure the transparency, monitoring, and evaluation of foreign assistance programs (Section 603(c)(6)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Spending of Public Funds: The bill authorizes the use of funds for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to pay for the Under Secretary's responsibilities (Section 604).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The Under Secretary is specifically tasked with the creation and maintenance of allies and partners. Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — The bill enhances the strategic coordination of diplomatic tools including foreign assistance. Does this make trade with other countries easier? — Includes coordination with trade-related entities like the Export-Import Bank.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates monitoring, evaluation, and transparency of foreign assistance programs. Does this give the federal government more power? — Creates new centralized leadership roles and oversight offices within the federal executive branch.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The Under Secretary's responsibilities specifically include reviewing matters relating to members of the US Armed Forces Missing in Action.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — The bill emphasizes data-driven performance assessments and stricter oversight of foreign assistance funds. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — It creates new executive positions and a new office, which increases government spending. Does this reduce what the federal government owes? — The bill authorizes additional appropriations for new leadership roles and an office.
- 9/18/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 28 - 23.
- 9/17/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 9/10/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Introduced in House