Contact Congress about H.R. 1196: Protect U.S. National Security Act

Federal agencies could not spend money to end USAID as its own agency. Only Congress could make that change, and the Secretary of State would have to report back for five years.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Protect U.S. National Security Act is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Latest action on H.R. 1196: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects USAID, the State Department, Congress, and any administration that wants to reorganize U.S. foreign aid. It could also affect groups and countries that receive U.S. aid, because it would help keep USAID as the separate agency that manages many of those programs.

Why this matters: This matters because USAID manages major U.S. aid programs overseas, and this bill would make it harder to shut the agency down without Congress. Supporters may see that as protecting U.S. influence and stability in foreign aid. Critics may see it as limiting a future administration’s ability to reorganize government programs. The final effect would depend on future foreign aid policy and how agencies operate within the funding ban.

Key provisions in H.R. 1196

• Any USAID changes should follow current law and protect U.S. influence overseas, often called soft power.
• Only Congress could end USAID as its own agency. The bill points to 5 U.S.C. 104, the federal law section that defines independent establishments.
• Federal agencies could not spend any federal money to end USAID’s independent status. That includes money from the American Relief Act, 2025, and any other funding law.
• The bill does not give permission to shut down, break apart, or fold USAID into another agency under current law.
• The Secretary of State would have to confirm the government is following the funding ban. The first certification is due within 30 days, then once a year for five years.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 1196

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 1196

What is H.R. 1196?

Federal agencies could not spend money to end USAID as its own agency. Only Congress could make that change, and the Secretary of State would have to report back for five years.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 1196?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 1196?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 1196 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.