The Global Demining Protection Act
The Global Demining Protection Act would require the Secretary of State to promptly issue a waiver, under Executive Order 14169, to resume all Department of State activities related to demining, clearance of unexploded ordnance (UXO), and destruction of small arms. In short, it directs the U.S. government to restart foreign aid and program work in these areas without delay, effectively bypassing or superseding any reevaluation processes tied to foreign aid realignment. The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress and referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Demining and related activities are humanitarian efforts aimed at removing landmines and other dangerous ordnance to reduce civilian harm, enable safe return of communities, and support post-conflict recovery. This bill would solidify a policy shift toward immediate resumption of such activities by the State Department.
Key Points
- 1The bill is titled the "Global Demining Protection Act."
- 2It directs the Secretary of State to issue, as soon as practicable after enactment, a waiver under section 3(e) of Executive Order 14169 to immediately resume all State Department programs related to demining, clearance of unexploded ordnance, and destruction of small arms.
- 3The waiver is to authorize the immediate resumption of these activities, effectively restarting foreign aid and program work in these areas.
- 4The authority referenced (EO 14169) concerns reevaluating and realigning United States foreign aid; the bill uses a waiver to bypass or expedite any such reevaluation for demining activities.
- 5The bill does not specify funding levels or appropriations; it focuses on requiring action to resume activities rather than creating new funding.