Humanitarian Theft Enforcement Act
Summary
The Humanitarian Theft Enforcement Act would establish legal liability for persons found responsible for the unauthorized diversion or destruction of United States humanitarian assistance. This bill addresses international affairs by creating enforcement mechanisms to ensure that U.S. aid intended for humanitarian purposes reaches its intended recipients and is not diverted or destroyed. If enacted, the bill would allow the United States to pursue legal action against individuals who misappropriate or destroy humanitarian assistance provided by the U.S. government. The bill has passed committee review and is now eligible for a floor vote in the House.
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Lifecycle of the Bill
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Mar 26, 2026
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 45 - 1.
Mar 26, 2026
Mar 26, 2026 · 10:00
Various Measures
Summary
On March 26, 2026, the House Committee on Foreign Affairs held a markup session to consider a diverse slate of legislative measures focused on national security, technological competition, and foreign assistance. A primary focus was H.R. 3447, the Chip Security Act, which passed the committee unanimously. This bipartisan bill requires advanced semiconductor manufacturers to implement technical security measures, such as location-verification features, to prevent the smuggling of high-end AI chips to unauthorized countries like China. Supporters emphasized that these hardware-level protections are necessary to ensure American technology does not power the military capabilities of adversaries. The committee also examined H.R. 7058, the Foreign Adversary AI Risk Assessment and Diplomacy Act, which mandates the State Department to conduct annual assessments of how foreign adversaries use generative AI for malicious activities, including cyberattacks and propaganda. Other measures included the SHADOW Act (H.R. 7632), which establishes a coordinator to counter hybrid warfare, and the Locally Led Development and Humanitarian Response Act (H.R. 6196), aimed at empowering local organizations in recipient countries to lead U.S.-funded aid projects. Additional bills addressed nuclear energy cooperation with Europe and the reauthorization of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. While no outside witnesses testified during this business meeting, committee members debated the merits of the various proposals and considered several amendments. The successful passage of these bills through the committee stage is a significant step, but it does not guarantee they will become law. The measures must now be reported to the full House of Representatives for further debate and potential floor votes before they can move to the Senate.
