Prohibition on Funding to CECOT Act

H.R. 4001, the Prohibition on Funding to CECOT Act, introduced by Rep. Takano, would bar all U.S. federal funds from being used to support the Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT) maximum-security prison in Tecoluca, El Salvador. The bill emphasizes that any direct or indirect funding—including construction, maintenance, operation, training, equipment, or services linked to CECOT, as well as any entities or activities that enable its operation or expansion—must be avoided. It also prohibits costs associated with detaining individuals transported from the United States to El Salvador for confinement in CECOT or any El Salvadorian prison. The bill would rescind any unexpended balances of prior funding used for these purposes. A reporting requirement would compel the Secretary of State to brief Congress within 90 days on funds already obligated or expended, existing contracts or grants related to CECOT, and a plan to reallocate or return funds. The stated purpose, reflected in the findings, is to address reported human rights concerns at CECOT and to ensure U.S. funding aligns with international human rights standards. While it would not alter other U.S. aid to El Salvador outside the scope of CECOT, it could affect ongoing and planned programs that would otherwise contribute to the prison’s operation or expansion.