H.R. 525, titled the Honduras Obstinately Neglects Defense and Risks Alienating Security Act (the HONDURAS Act), would give the President authority to suspend all U.S. assistance to the Government of Honduras beginning after the United States redeploys military and civilian personnel from Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras due to Honduras’ refusal or unwillingness to host those personnel. The suspension would extend to any aid under the bilateral military assistance framework dating from May 20, 1954, and any amendments to that agreement. In short, the bill creates a conditional, broad funding cut in response to Honduras not agreeing to host U.S. personnel at Soto Cano. The bill establishes a policy lever: if Honduras does not welcome U.S. personnel, the U.S. can cut off funding to Honduras, including military and related aid, by presidential action. It signals a hardline stance aimed at pressuring Honduras to cooperate on hosting U.S. forces, with wide potential implications for security cooperation, regional stability, and U.S. strategic interests in Central America.
Key Points
- 1Trigger for action: The prohibition takes effect after the redeployment of U.S. military and civilian personnel from Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras due to Honduras’ refusal or unwillingness to host such personnel.
- 2Scope of funding prohibition: The President is authorized to suspend all assistance to Honduras, not limited to any specific type of aid, across all programs and funding.
- 3Treaty-based aid included: The suspension would cover assistance under the May 20, 1954 bilateral military assistance agreement between the United States and Honduras and any amendments to that agreement.
- 4Legal posture: The text uses “Notwithstanding any other provision of law,” which means this authorization to suspend is intended to override other conflicting laws or restrictions in order to implement the funding halt.
- 5Level of presidential discretion: The act grants the President authority to suspend aid, but uses the word “authorized,” indicating the President has discretion to act rather than an automatic or mandatory requirement.