Humanitarian Theft Enforcement Act

Key Points

• This bill, introduced by Mr. McCormick, would hold foreign individuals or groups financially responsible if they steal, redirect, or destroy U.S. humanitarian aid. This includes food, medicine, or other supplies sent to help people in need around the world.
• If the Secretary of State finds that a foreign group interfered with aid, that group would owe the U.S. government the full cash value of the lost items. This rule applies even if the aid was being delivered through international organizations like the United Nations.
• Any money recovered from these groups would be returned to the State Department or the specific agency that originally paid for the aid. This ensures the funds can be used again for their intended purpose rather than being lost to theft or corruption.
• The Secretary of State would have the power to waive these penalties if they decide that doing so is necessary for U.S. national security or other important national interests.

Impact Analysis

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