Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
Sustainable International Financial Institutions Act of 2025
A Democratic bill with no cosponsors · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
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 Sustainable International Financial Institutions Act of 2025 requires U.S. representatives at international financial institutions to use their vote to transition the global economy to clean energy. It directs the U.S. to oppose funding for new or expanded fossil fuel activity, including refurbishing existing capacity. The bill also supports phasing out funding for internal combustion engine passenger vehicles and buses by 2027. To enforce this, the Treasury Secretary would reduce U.S. contributions to institutions that fund fossil fuels and place those funds in an escrow account. Additionally, the bill prohibits direct or indirect U.S. government assistance to any country or entity for fossil fuel activities or related infrastructure.
Yes· 3 of 12
- Scored +9
Does this reduce how much oil, gas and coal is produced?
The bill prohibits US funding for new or expanded fossil fuel activity and infrastructure.
- Scored +8
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?
The bill actively pushes for a transition to a clean energy economy and opposes fossil fuel expansion.
- Scored +8
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?
It directs the US to channel international assistance toward clean and sustainable energy systems.
The opposite· 3 of 4
- Scored -5
Does this send more money or help to other countries?
The bill prohibits US foreign assistance and loans for any fossil fuel activities or related infrastructure.
- Scored -4
Would business owners be better off under this?
Negatively impacts owners of fossil-fuel related businesses and infrastructure.
- Scored -3
Is this likely to lower the price at the pump?
Restricting fossil fuel investment and production could potentially lead to higher energy costs in the short term.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Transition to Clean Energy: The bill seeks to channel assistance toward countries and entities building clean and sustainable energy systems, which advances the cause of reducing greenhouse gas emissions (Section 2001(a)(1)).
-
Phasing Out Combustion Engines: It supports the transition away from internal combustion engines for buses and passenger vehicles by 2027, specifically noting this should be done in a way that is sensitive to communities needing mobility (Section 2001(a)(3)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Loss of Financial Assistance: The bill prohibits the U.S. from providing loans, insurance, guarantees, or technical assistance for any fossil fuel activity or related infrastructure projects through agencies like USAID and the Export-Import Bank (Section 3).
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Reduced Institutional Funding: U.S. contributions to various international financial institutions, such as the World Bank and African Development Bank, would be reduced if those institutions fund new fossil fuel capacity, with funds being moved to an escrow account (Section 2001(b)).
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.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this reduce how much oil, gas and coal is produced? — The bill prohibits US funding for new or expanded fossil fuel activity and infrastructure. Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — It directs the US to channel international assistance toward clean and sustainable energy systems. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — The bill actively pushes for a transition to a clean energy economy and opposes fossil fuel expansion. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — By reducing funding for fossil fuel projects globally, it promotes environmental sustainability. Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport? — The bill supports the phase-out of internal combustion engines for buses in favor of cleaner alternatives. Is this likely to lower the price at the pump? — Restricting fossil fuel investment and production could potentially lead to higher energy costs in the short term.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this send more money or help to other countries? — The bill prohibits US foreign assistance and loans for any fossil fuel activities or related infrastructure.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Requires the Treasury Secretary to report annually on fossil fuel investments by specified institutions. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill mandates how Executive Directors use the US vote in international institutions.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would children be better off under this? — Long-term climate mitigation through clean energy transition benefits future generations. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Long-term climate mitigation through clean energy transition benefits future generations. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Focuses on sustainable mobility and energy for communities in need. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Supports cleaner public transit through the phase-out of combustion engine buses. Would business owners be better off under this? — Negatively impacts owners of fossil-fuel related businesses and infrastructure. Would billionaires be better off under this? — May negatively impact wealth tied to fossil fuel industries.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill reduces U.S. contributions to international financial institutions that fund fossil fuels, placing those funds in escrow.
- 11/6/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
Bernie SandersIndependent · Vermont