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HR 270119th CongressIn Committee
To authorize the waiver of costs of activities relating to evacuation of United States citizens when their lives are endangered by war or acts of terrorism.
Introduced: Jan 9, 2025
Standard Summary
Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs
This bill would amend the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to authorize the Secretary of State to waive the costs associated with activities related to evacuating U.S. citizens when their lives are endangered by war or acts of terrorism. Specifically, it adds a new subsection to Section 4 (the repatriations loan program) permitting the waiver of evacuation-related costs. In practical terms, this means that during emergencies requiring evacuation, the government could cover or forgive expenses tied to evacuation activities rather than charging these costs to the evacuees or the loan program participants.
Key Points
- 1Adds new authority: The bill adds a new subsection (e) to Section 4 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956.
- 2Scope of waiver: Applies to costs of activities related to evacuating U.S. citizens whose lives are endangered by war or acts of terrorism.
- 3Program covered: Explicitly tied to the repatriations loan program (the program used to facilitate evacuation and repatriation of U.S. citizens abroad).
- 4Purpose: To reduce or eliminate financial barriers for evacuees during urgent, life-threatening situations.
- 5Funding note: The text authorizes the waiver but does not specify new funding or appropriation; implementing the waiver would shift costs from evacuees/loan participants to the government’s expense base.
Impact Areas
Primary group/area affected: U.S. citizens abroad facing imminent danger from war or terrorism who may require evacuation.Secondary group/area affected: The U.S. Department of State and its personnel, contractors, and agencies involved in evacuation operations and the repatriations loan program.Additional impacts: Potential impact on the federal budget due to increased outlays for evacuation costs; potential policy and procedural changes in how evacuation activities are charged and accounted for within the repatriations loan program; possible implications for international partners and consular operations during crises.
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