George Whitesides (D-CA)
Global Climate Resilience Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, 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
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Global Climate Resilience Act of 2026 aims to provide debt reduction for developing nations to help them build resilience against climate change. It allows the President to reduce debt owed by specific eligible countries, including low or middle-income nations and small island developing states. To qualify, these countries must have democratically elected governments and no consistent pattern of gross human rights violations. The bill authorizes the use of debt-for-resilience swaps and debt buybacks to direct resources toward climate adaptation and disaster recovery. Additionally, it directs U.S. representatives to support debt reduction through international financial institutions. Finally, it encourages advocacy for a new international climate insurance program at the World Bank.
Yes· 3 of 8
- Scored +6
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill funds resilience activities and ecosystem restoration to protect against climate disasters.
- Scored +5
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
The bill targets low and middle-income nations to provide financial relief and climate resilience.
- Scored +5
Does this make it easier to run a small business?
The bill advocates for a climate insurance program that includes payments to small producers affected by natural disasters.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Climate Resilience Support: The bill provides a way for vulnerable countries to fund activities that protect against extreme weather and slow-onset disasters, such as sea-level rise or desertification. (Section 2(b)(1)(D))
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Empowerment of Local Communities: Preference is given to plans that involve local communities and Indigenous peoples in the planning and execution of resilience activities. (Section 2(b)(3)(A))
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Reduction of Inequality: The bill encourages debt reduction plans that aim to reduce gender, income, and social inequalities. (Section 2(b)(3)(B))
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Immediate Disaster Recovery: Through the advocacy of a parametric international climate insurance program, eligible countries could receive immediate financial assistance to meet recovery needs following natural disasters. (Section 4(a) and 4(b))
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Support for Small Producers: The proposed climate insurance program may include payments specifically to small producers and vulnerable sectors affected by natural disasters. (Section 4(b)(1)(A))
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Strict Eligibility Requirements: Countries may be denied help if their government is not democratically elected or if there is a pattern of gross human rights violations, regardless of their climate vulnerability. (Section 2(b)(1)(A-C))
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Debt Limitation for Private Purchases: When the President purchases privately owned debt to facilitate swaps, it can only be purchased for no more than 65 percent of the face value of the debt. (Section 2(d)(1)(A)(ii))
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.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill targets low and middle-income nations to provide financial relief and climate resilience. Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill provides for insurance payments to small producers facing natural disasters.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill funds resilience activities and ecosystem restoration to protect against climate disasters. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — The bill supports climate resilience activities which include nature-based solutions to moderate environmental damage.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow the gap between how men and women are treated? — The bill directs that debt reduction plans should aim to reduce gender inequalities. Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill prioritizes debt reduction plans that aim to reduce social inequalities.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill advocates for a climate insurance program that includes payments to small producers affected by natural disasters.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill strengthens international ties through debt reduction and support for developing nations.
- 6/24/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, 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.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Sean CastenDemocrat · Illinois
Mike LevinDemocrat · California