House Passes H.R. 8595: Countering Adversaries, Reinforcing Security, and Advancing America First Diplomacy

July 15, 2026

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives met to consider H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027. The measure was approved by a vote of 217–209.

National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL) said, "This Republican majority has delivered another critical piece of legislation to strengthen our national security while reducing spending. Under Chairman Cole’s leadership and the support of our colleagues, we have delivered nearly $12 billion in responsible cuts under the purview of this subcommittee since 2023. The Fiscal Year 2027 bill continues this effort with an additional $2.69 billion in cuts from the fiscal year 2026 enacted level. The ever-increasing national debt is the greatest long-term threat to our country's stability and security, and this bill makes disciplined decisions to continue reining in spending, while responsibly maintaining our national security priorities. Among its many achievements, this bill increases funding to counter narcotics and related law enforcement efforts, including to combat the trafficking of fentanyl, which has devastated every community in America. It maintains support for friends and valuable partners who align themselves with U.S. interests. It also continues a resounding support for a democratic transition to freedom for the people of Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. All this while countering anti-American adversaries and ensuring full accountability and transparency of international organizations that have lost sight of their mission. Once again, I thank my colleagues for their commitment to ensuring Congress upholds its responsibility to safeguard our national security while protecting taxpayer money.”

Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) said, "True leadership isn't merely declared – it is upheld through the choices we make, the priorities we fund, and the resolve we show in putting America first and protecting our national interests. This legislation reflects that philosophy by replacing the drift of previous administrations with direction and ensuring our investments bolster U.S. security, influence, and prosperity. President Trump has made clear that our nation will lead with purpose and confidence – both at home and on the world stage. Chairman Díaz-Balart answered that call with legislation that prioritizes strength over symbolism, strategy over bureaucracy, and results over rhetoric. It directs resources to the highest-impact national security and economic priorities by reinforcing our alliances, pushing back decisively against adversaries like Communist China, and confronting illicit actors and transnational networks. It also eliminates billions in unnecessary spending because great nations are defined not by how much they spend, but by how wisely they invest. Today's passage demonstrates Article I in action – where the power of the purse strengthens America's security, advances our values, and ensures a stronger future.”

Subcommittee Chairman Díaz-Balart's prepared floor remarks are available here.
Chairman Cole's prepared floor remarks are available here.

National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027

The National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Appropriations Act provides a total discretionary allocation of $47.32 billion, which is $2.69 billion (6%) below the Fiscal Year 2026 enacted level, and reflects priorities of the America First agenda.

Within the total cuts, the NSRP act maintains robust funding for our allies like Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Taiwan and counters adversaries such as the Communist People’s Republic of China (PRC), Iran, Cuba, and drug cartels – including those designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. The act supports the President’s vision to refocus and realign foreign policy to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous, while ensuring all funds are spent in a manner consistent with relevant executive orders.

Key Takeaways

Champions America First Foreign Policy by:

Redefining foreign assistance to promote self-sufficiency, bolster economic growth and stability, and protect United States national security.
Providing increased funds for the America First Opportunity Fund to ensure the Secretary of State has the flexibility to quickly respond to unforeseen opportunities to advance the America First foreign policy agenda.
Requiring consideration of a recipient partner country’s cooperation on United States priorities such as migration issues, opposing foreign adversaries, burden sharing, support for Taiwan’s participation in multilateral forums, and United Nations votes in determining economic assistance allocations.
Withholding all funds for Mexico, except funds to counter the flow of fentanyl, until the Secretary of State certifies that Mexico is delivering water owed to the United States – and allowing the Secretary to transfer any withheld funds to support water storage projects in the United States.
Prioritizing United States commercial interests, helping to create opportunities for American businesses abroad.
Prohibiting funds for organizations who may have hired terrorists that took part in the October 7th, 2023, mass atrocities – including the murder of 50 Americans since the initial attack – but refuse to cooperate with United States Inspector General investigations.

Supports the Trump Administration and mandate of the American people by:

Upholding America First priorities by promoting a foreign policy that supports our allies and counters our adversaries, focusing on the economic prosperity and national security of the United States, and eliminating contributions to multilateral organizations that are wasteful and antithetical to American values.
Codifying President Trump’s executive orders to ensure no wasteful spending on DEI or woke programs, climate change mandates, or radical gender ideologies.
Prohibiting funds for irresponsible migration, endorsing President Trump’s executive orders on border and migration.
Encouraging the Secretary of State to factor in countries’ cooperation – or lack thereof – on migration issues when determining the allocation of foreign assistance.
Prioritizing funds and policies to combat the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the United States.
Advancing the America First Global Health Strategy by continuing requirements for transition, reducing United States funding as partner countries take on responsibility and burden sharing, and supporting the Secretary through the Memorandum of Understanding and implementation planning process.
Defunding the United States Agency for Global Media while investing in the new International Communications Activities account, established in the President’s request.

Protects life, supports American values, and enhances our standing in the world by:

Maintaining all long-standing pro-life protections, including Helms, Kemp-Kasten, Tiahrt, and Siljander.
Enhancing oversight and transparency over program implementation in global health.
Prohibiting funds to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA).
Prohibiting funds in contravention of the rule published in the Federal Register on January 27, 2026, entitled “Protecting Life in Foreign Assistance.”
Banning “disinformation” and “misinformation” programs that violate the free speech rights of American citizens and businesses.
Promoting human flourishing in foreign assistance by prohibiting funds in contravention of the rules published in the Federal Register on January 27, 2026, entitled “Combating Gender Ideology in Foreign Assistance, and Combating Discriminatory Equity Ideology in Foreign Assistance.”
Removing vague references to “gender” and clearly stating our support for women and girls.
Allowing only the American flag and other official flags to be flown over United States embassies and consulates.
Prohibiting funds for the Pandemic and Arms Trade Treaties.
Supporting religious freedom programs abroad and religious freedom protections for faith-based organizations delivering foreign aid.
Holding foreign governments and bad actors accountable for persecuting people of faith, including by restricting assistance to Nigeria until measurable actions are taken to protect Christian communities suffering from religious violence.
Confronting human trafficking by prohibiting funding for countries and organizations that exploit
Cuban doctors, while directing the Secretary of State to pull visas for officials involved in such practices.

Bolsters United States national security and border protections by:

Providing unwavering support for Israel by including not less than $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing Program funds.
Providing robust assistance for key United States partners Egypt and Jordan.
Including $500 million in Foreign Military Financing Program for Taiwan and $200 million in military assistance for the Philippines, as well as availability of Foreign Military Financing loans and loan guarantees.
Fully funding the Countering PRC Influence Fund at $400 million.
Providing $1.8 billion for United States national security interests in the Indo-Pacific and to counter the PRC’s malign influence.
Denying the Chinese Communist Party access to U.S.-backed resources by:
- Requiring opposition to multilateral development bank lending for the PRC.
- Requiring opposition to increased shareholding for China within the multilateral development banks.
- Prohibiting funds for the PRC, Chinese Communist Party, or for countries to repay debt owed to Communist China.
Prohibiting assistance to individuals or entities that support, finance, or facilitate the operations or commercial activities of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces, Ministry of Interior, or their affiliates.
Prohibiting funds to the Taliban.
Promoting freedom and national security in the Western Hemisphere.

Safeguards American taxpayer dollars and preserves core functions by:

Prioritizing fiscal sanity and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse by strategically investing in partners to help them achieve long-term goals in the interest of United States national security.
Enhancing oversight and transparency requirements to ensure American taxpayer funds are not used by ineffective or fraudulent organizations.
Supporting efforts to reduce duplication, eliminate siloes, and streamline foreign policy under the direction of the Secretary of State to support a nimble and effective Department of State.
Eliminating funding for certain unauthorized programs, organizations, or functions.
Prohibiting funding for Biden-era executive orders on climate, gender, DEI, and other extraneous and radical programs that undermine American foreign policy.
Continuing to require the transition of global health programs toward greater country ownership and supporting the Department of State as they secure co-financing commitments from partner countries.
Prohibiting funds for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
Prioritizing diplomatic engagement to favorably resolve commercial disputes abroad and to promote American business interests overseas.
Refocusing attention on critical diplomatic functions, such as addressing passport applications and ensuring the safety and security of our embassies.

A summary of the bill, before adoption of amendments, is available here.

Bill text, before adoption of amendments, is available here.

Bill report, before adoption of amendments, is available here.

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