Hoosier State Today

U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, have introduced the Fully Funding Our National Security Priorities Act to empower the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The legislation mandates that these agencies submit an annual unfunded priorities list (UPL) to Congress.

The bill underscores the roles of the State Department and USAID as key national security agencies, highlighting concerns that underfunding diplomatic and development programs weakens the U.S.'s ability to counteract the People’s Republic of China (PRC), which is expanding its global diplomatic presence.

"‘Diplomacy is a critical component of America’s national security. Our legislation will require the State Department to provide additional transparency about its long-term priorities and planning. This bill will encourage more collaboration between the State Department and Congress to help ensure taxpayer dollars are being allocated to pressing national security needs, such as countering the Chinese Communist Party,’" said Senator Young.

Senator Kaine emphasized, "‘China is rapidly expanding its diplomatic footprint around the world. Now is not the time to cut resources at the State Department and USAID. We should be doing the exact opposite.’"

Specifically, the act would require the U.S. Secretary of State and USAID Administrator to submit an annual report detailing unfunded programs, activities, and mission requirements within their agencies. This process mirrors that of military services and intelligence communities, which already submit similar lists as part of their annual budget processes.

Young and Kaine have also filed this bill as an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act.

The American Academy of Diplomacy and American Foreign Service Association endorse this legislation.

Full text of the bill is available here.