H.R.3625 - To prohibit the allocation of funds to the National Endowment for Democracy. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3625 proposes to prohibit the allocation of funds to the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on May 29, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. The bill's core provision is a prohibition on any agency head allocating funds to the NED.
The bill defines "agency" by referencing section 551 of title 5, United States Code, ensuring a consistent and legally defined scope. This action reflects a potential shift in congressional priorities regarding democracy promotion and foreign policy.
The bill's short and direct nature indicates a focused intent to defund a specific organization, the National Endowment for Democracy.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R.3625 would immediately halt all federal funding to the National Endowment for Democracy.
This would likely impact the NED's operations, potentially reducing its ability to support democracy-related initiatives abroad. The bill could also signal a change in US foreign policy strategy, prioritizing other approaches over direct funding of democracy promotion organizations.
Other government agencies would be prohibited from funding the NED.
Potential Benefits
- Potential reduction in government spending, freeing up funds for other priorities.
- Could lead to a reassessment of US foreign policy strategies and a search for more effective approaches.
- May reduce the perception of US interference in the internal affairs of other nations.
- Could encourage other organizations to step in and fill the void left by the NED, potentially leading to more diverse and innovative approaches to democracy promotion.
- Could lead to greater accountability and transparency in how democracy promotion efforts are funded and implemented.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced support for democracy-related initiatives around the world.
- Potential weakening of democratic institutions and civil society in countries where the NED operates.
- May damage the credibility and reputation of the United States as a champion of democracy.
- Could create a vacuum that is filled by authoritarian regimes or other actors with anti-democratic agendas.
- May lead to increased instability and conflict in countries where democracy is fragile.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the constitutional power of Congress to control federal spending, as outlined in Article I, Section 9, Clause 7, which states that "No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law." Congress has the power to decide how federal funds are allocated, including the power to prohibit funding for specific organizations.
However, some might argue that defunding the NED could indirectly impact the promotion of democracy abroad, potentially conflicting with the broader goals of promoting the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble. This is a matter of policy interpretation rather than a direct constitutional violation.
The bill itself does not infringe on any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).