Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations: A Guide to Component Accounts
Congressional research reportJul 28, 2025
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Department of State, Foreign Operations, and
Related Programs Appropriations: A Guide to
Component Accounts
Updated July 28, 2025
Congressional Research Service
https://crsreports.congress.gov
R40482
SUMMARY
Department of State, Foreign Operations, and
Related Programs Appropriations: A Guide to
Component Accounts
The annual Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS)
appropriations legislation funds many U.S. nondefense international affairs activities. The State
Department portion makes up about one-third of the funding, and the Foreign Operations
accounts comprise the remainder. SFOPS is one of 12 annual appropriations acts that fund the
federal government each fiscal year.
R40482
July 28, 2025
Cory R. Gill
Analyst in Foreign Affairs
Emily M. McCabe
Specialist in Foreign
Assistance and Foreign
Policy
Congress appropriated SFOPS funds for FY2025 in the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and
Extensions Act, 2025 (P.L. 119-4), largely at similar levels provided for FY2024 under Division
F of P.L. 118-47, “Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024.” In July 2025,
Congress enacted the Rescissions Act of 2025 (P.L. 119-28), rescinding approximately $7.67 billion in FY2025 SFOPS
funding. Two rescissions zeroed out accounts that had been provided for in P.L. 119-4.
The FY2025 SFOPS Act is divided into seven titles. Each title funds a variety of government activities, ranging from
government agencies’ operational and administrative costs to direct grant funds for private nonprofit or multilateral
organizations. By title, SFOPS provisions set out activities as follows:
•
Title I—Department of State and Related Agency funds State Department diplomatic programs and
general operations, including Foreign and Civil Service personnel salaries and training, public diplomacy
and cultural exchange programs, information technology maintenance and modernization, dues to the
United Nations (UN) and other international organizations, international broadcasting, and embassy
construction and diplomatic security. It also provides funding to U.S. diplomacy-focused nongovernmental
organizations and legislative commissions.
•
Title II—United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funds USAID general
operations but not USAID foreign assistance programs (see Title III).
•
Title III—Bilateral Economic Assistance is the primary funding source for the U.S. government’s
humanitarian and international development programs. It includes bilateral assistance for disaster relief,
global health, and economic development activities, as well as funding for several independent
development-oriented agencies, notably the Millennium Challenge Corporation and Peace Corps.
•
Title IV—International Security Assistance is the primary title for U.S. security cooperation programs
abroad outside of the National Defense appropriations bill. It includes antinarcotics and rule of law
strengthening programs; nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, and demining programs; some assistance to
foreign militaries; and some funding for international peacekeeping efforts.
•
Title V—Multilateral Assistance contributes funds to several multilateral finance and grant-making
institutions.
•
Title VI—Export and Investment Assistance funds the three U.S. government independent export
promotion agencies: the Export-Import Bank, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation
(DFC), and the Trade and Development Agency.
•
Title VII—General Provisions guides the allocation of funds appropriated in other titles and lays out
restrictions and priorities for programming.
Congressional Research Service
Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations
Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Account Descriptions ...................................................................................................................... 3
Title I—Department of State and Related Agency .......................................................................... 3
Administration of Foreign Affairs ............................................................................................. 3
Diplomatic Programs (DP) ................................................................................................. 3
Consular and Border Security Programs (CBSP) ............................................................... 3
Capital Investment Fund (CIF) ........................................................................................... 4
Office of Inspector General (OIG) ...................................................................................... 4
Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs (ECE) ........................................................ 4
Representation Expenses .................................................................................................... 4
Protection of Foreign Missions and Officials ..................................................................... 4
Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance (ESCM) .............................................. 5
Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service (EDCS) .......................................... 5
Repatriation Loans Program Account ................................................................................. 5
Payment to the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) ........................................................... 5
International Center, Washington, DC ................................................................................ 5
Payment to the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund ....................................... 6
International Organizations ....................................................................................................... 6
Contributions to International Organizations (CIO) ........................................................... 6
Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities (CIPA) ........................................ 6
International Commissions........................................................................................................ 6
U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) ................................................................................ 6
International Broadcasting Operations (IBO) ..................................................................... 7
Broadcasting Capital Improvements (BCI)......................................................................... 7
Related Programs ...................................................................................................................... 7
The Asia Foundation ........................................................................................................... 7
United States Institute of Peace (USIP) .............................................................................. 7
Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund .................................................. 8
Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program ....................................................................... 8
Israeli Arab Scholarship Program (IASP) ........................................................................... 8
East-West Center ................................................................................................................. 8
National Endowment for Democracy (NED)...................................................................... 8
Other Commissions ................................................................................................................... 9
Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad ....................................... 9
United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) ...................... 9
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) ......................................... 10
Congressional-Executive Commission on the People’s Republic of China (CECC)........ 10
United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission .................................. 10
Title II—United States Agency for International Development (USAID) .................................... 10
Operating Expenses (OE) .........................................................................................................11
Capital Investment Fund (CIF) ................................................................................................11
Office of Inspector General ......................................................................................................11
Title III—Bilateral Economic Assistance .......................................................................................11
Global Health Programs (GHP) ...............................................................................................11
Global Health-USAID .......................................................................................................11
Global Health-State............................................................................................................11
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Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations
Development Assistance (DA) ................................................................................................ 12
International Disaster Assistance (IDA) .................................................................................. 12
Transition Initiatives ............................................................................................................... 12
Complex Crises Fund (CCF) ................................................................................................... 13
Economic Support Fund (ESF) ............................................................................................... 13
Democracy Fund ..................................................................................................................... 13
Assistance for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia (AEECA) .................................................. 13
Migration and Refugee Assistance (MRA) ............................................................................. 13
United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance (ERMA) Fund ........................ 14
Independent Agencies ............................................................................................................. 14
Peace Corps....................................................................................................................... 14
Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) ...................................................................... 14
Inter-American Foundation (IAF) ..................................................................................... 14
United States African Development Foundation (USADF) .............................................. 15
Department of the Treasury ..................................................................................................... 15
International Affairs Technical Assistance ........................................................................ 15
Debt Restructuring ............................................................................................................ 15
Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation ................................................................... 15
Title IV—International Security Assistance .................................................................................. 15
Department of State................................................................................................................. 15
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement (INCLE) ..................................... 15
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining, and Related Programs (NADR) ................. 15
Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) ...................................................................................... 16
Funds Appropriated to the President ....................................................................................... 16
International Military Education and Training (IMET) .................................................... 16
Foreign Military Financing Program (FMF) ..................................................................... 16
Title V—Multilateral Assistance ................................................................................................... 17
International Financial Institutions.......................................................................................... 17
Global Environment Facility (GEF) ................................................................................. 18
World Bank: International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) .............. 18
World Bank: International Development Association (IDA) ............................................ 18
Asian Development Fund (AsDF) .................................................................................... 18
African Development Bank (AfDB) ................................................................................. 18
African Development Fund (AfDF) .................................................................................. 18
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) ................................................ 19
Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) ............................................... 19
Treasury International Assistance Programs ..................................................................... 19
Title VI—Export and Investment Assistance ................................................................................ 19
Export-Import Bank of the United States ................................................................................ 19
U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) ................................................ 19
Trade and Development Agency (TDA) ................................................................................. 20
Title VII—General Provisions ....................................................................................................... 20
Tables
Table 1. FY2024 SFOPS Appropriations, by Title .......................................................................... 1
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Table A-1. List of Acts for SFOPS Accounts, by Date of Enactment ........................................... 21
Appendixes
Appendix. State, Foreign Operations Authorizing Legislation and U.S. Code References ........... 21
Contacts
Author Information........................................................................................................................ 22
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Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations
Introduction
The annual Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs appropriations
legislation (SFOPS)1 is one of 12 appropriations bills that Congress considers annually to fund
U.S. government discretionary activities. 2 SFOPS funds many U.S. government nondefense
international affairs activities and programs. Congress structures SFOPS into several titles, which
consist of broad spending categories. These titles are subdivided into paragraphs that each address
one component account, a funding line item that includes one or several activities of the
government. A single component account may cover one agency’s entire annual budget, grant
funds to an independent organization, or fund multiple activities associated with statutory
authorities, among other things.
Congress appropriated SFOPS funds for FY2025 in the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and
Extensions Act, 2025 (P.L. 119-4), largely at similar levels provided for FY2024. In July 2025,
Congress enacted the Rescissions Act of 2025 (P.L. 119-28), rescinding approximately $7.67
billion in FY2025 SFOPS funding. Two rescissions zeroed out accounts that had been provided
for in P.L. 119-4.
In the FY2024 Further Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 118-47), the Department of State,
Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act (Division F) is divided into seven
titles, each associated with the following activities:
Table 1. FY2024 SFOPS Appropriations, by Title
Title
Title Name
Activities
I
Department of State and
Related Agency
State Department diplomatic engagement programs, personnel costs,
general operations, information technology programs, public diplomacy and
cultural exchanges, dues to international organizations and peacekeeping
missions, international broadcasting, embassy construction and security,
and direct funding to foreign affairs-focused nongovernmental organizations
and legislative commissions.
II
United States Agency for
International Development
(USAID)
USAID personnel and administration activities worldwide. Excludes
program implementation, which Title III funds.
III
Bilateral Economic
Assistance
U.S. foreign assistance programs for economic development, global health,
international disaster assistance, democracy programs, and several
development-focused independent agencies.
IV
International Security
Assistance
U.S. foreign assistance for international narcotics control and law
enforcement (INCLE); nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, and demining
(NADR); peacekeeping operations; international military education and
training (IMET); and foreign military financing (FMF).
V
Multilateral Assistance
Funding to several multilateral development banks and UN-system
organizations.
VI
Export and Investment
Assistance
Funding for U.S. agencies promoting export and investment abroad.
1 In the 119th Congress, the House Appropriations Committee has renamed its former SFOPS subcommittee to be the
National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) subcommittee.
2 The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) assigns three-digit codes to the various functions of the government.
International affairs, designated “the 150 Account,” also contains several subfunctions. For example, subfunction 151
encompasses international development and humanitarian assistance. International Commissions accounts are the only
SFOPS appropriations outside the 150 Account—they are part of the 300 Natural Resources Budget Function.
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Title
Title Name
VII
General Provisions
Activities
Cross-cutting guidance on programmatic priorities, use of funds, funding to
specific regions and countries, and restrictions on funding.
Source: Division F of P.L. 118-47.
Many of the component accounts within these titles correspond to one or several authorities in
statute. Title 22 of the U.S. Code contains many of these authorities. Major acts in Title 22
include the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 (P.L. 84-885; hereinafter the Basic
Authorities Act), the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-465), and the Foreign Assistance Act
of 1961 (P.L. 87-195; hereinafter the FAA), among others. This report identifies the statutory
authorities that correspond with each component account. A list of these major acts, and crossreferences to their location in the U.S. Code, are in the Appendix. For information on SFOPS
funding levels, trends, and congressional action, see CRS Report R48231, Department of State,
Foreign Operations, and Related Programs: FY2025 Budget and Appropriations.
FY2025 SFOPS Appropriations: Key Considerations3
Several issues should be taken into account when reviewing this report:
•
Congress may create, eliminate, or consolidate component accounts and has made adjustments to account
structure over the years. This report profiles component accounts only if they were funded for FY2025
through P.L. 119-4.4
•
Several activities that may be considered international affairs activities are included in other appropriations
bills. Food assistance,5 some global epidemic prevention activities,6 and various security assistance and
international energy activities are examples.
•
Figures in the President’s Budget include estimated revenues from government-collected fees.7 These
revenues need not be appropriated if Congress has previously authorized their use for an activity. Congress
often sets a ceiling for total expenditures to such a component account.
•
Public law requires that most SFOPS funding be authorized prior to obligating or expending funds. If
Congress does not enact an SFOPS authorization of appropriations, it must enact a waiver to this
requirement, which it does routinely.8
3 For a general overview of the appropriations process, see CRS Report R42388, The Congressional Appropriations
Process: An Introduction, coordinated by James V. Saturno.
4 Congress may make these changes at its own initiative or at the President’s request. Recent changes have affected the
Assistance to Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia; International Disaster Assistance; and Global Health Programs
accounts, among others.
5 On food aid, see CRS Report R45422, U.S. International Food Assistance: An Overview, by Alyssa R. Casey and
Emily M. McCabe.
6 Many of these activities are managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, in particular the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention. Any effect on these activities of reorganization of the department (announced in
March 2025) is unknown.
7 See below, for example, the Consular and Border Security Programs under Title I; contributions to international
financial institutions under Title V; and the Export-Import Bank and Overseas Private Investment Corporation under
Title VI.
8 For example, see §7022 of the FY2024 Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, Division F (P.L. 118-47).
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Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations
Account Descriptions
Title I—Department of State and Related Agency
Title I, which typically totals about 30% of annual SFOPS funding (excluding supplemental
funding, which is often weighed toward other Titles), funds priorities including (1) State
Department diplomatic engagement programs, personnel costs, and general operations; (2) public
diplomacy and cultural exchange programs; (3) embassy construction and diplomatic security
activities; (4) information technology modernization and maintenance; (5) dues payments to
international organizations and peacekeeping missions; (6) participation in international
commissions; (7) U.S. government, nonmilitary international broadcasting; and (8) several
foreign affairs-focused nongovernmental organizations and legislative commissions.
Administration of Foreign Affairs
The Administration of Foreign Affairs heading provides funding for the State Department’s
diplomatic engagement programs, personnel, and operations. It is composed of the following
component accounts.
Diplomatic Programs (DP)
DP, the principal operating account of the State Department, includes four funding categories:
•
•
•
•
Human Resources funds the salaries of domestic and overseas Foreign and Civil
Service employees, Foreign Service Institute training programs, and Bureau of
Global Talent Management operating costs.
Overseas Programs funds operations and management costs at the State
Department’s overseas posts, along with diplomatic engagement and public
diplomacy programs to advance U.S. national security and foreign policy
interests.
Diplomatic Policy and Support funds the State Department’s strategic and
managerial units, such as the Office of the Secretary and the Bureaus of
Administration, Budget and Planning, Diplomatic Technology, and Intelligence
and Research, among others.
Security Programs serves as the primary funding source for the Worldwide
Security Protection item of Diplomatic Programs, which funds the Bureau of
Diplomatic Security and other bureaus implementing programs to protect the
State Department’s staff, property, and information. Among other operating units,
this category also funds the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs,
which is tasked with securing the freedom of U.S. nationals held hostage or
wrongfully detained abroad.
Consular and Border Security Programs (CBSP)
Congress established CBSP in 2017 and directed the State Department to deposit several consular
fees and surcharges into this account that it is authorized by various laws to collect and expend on
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consular services, including passport and visa processing.9 While fees the State Department
deposits into CBSP primarily fund the Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA), some fees are allocated
to other bureaus that support CA’s operations. As it is almost entirely fee-funded, Congress does
not usually provide an annual appropriation for CBSP.
Capital Investment Fund (CIF)
Congress authorized the CIF in 1994 to provide for “the procurement and enhancement of
information technology [IT] and other related capital investments” at the State Department and
ensure the efficient management of such resources.10 In recent years, the State Department has
utilized the CIF to modernize its IT infrastructure and strengthen cybersecurity.
Office of Inspector General (OIG)
This account funds the State Department’s Office of Inspector General (OIG). The OIG conducts
independent audits, inspections, evaluations, and investigations of the programs and operations of
the State Department and the U.S. Agency for Global Media. Congress also directly funds the
Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) through this account.
Congress has authorized both the OIG and SIGAR in statute.11
Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs (ECE)
ECE funds the State Department’s management of U.S. educational, professional, and cultural
exchanges, such as the Fulbright Program, the International Visitor Leadership Program, and the
Citizen Exchange Programs. Authority for these programs derives from the Mutual Educational
and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (also referred to as the Fulbright-Hays Act; P.L. 87-256).
Representation Expenses
The Representation Expenses account provides for expenses involved with establishing and
maintaining U.S. diplomatic relationships abroad, including U.S. government representation at
cultural and traditional events such as national holidays.
Protection of Foreign Missions and Officials
As authorized in law, this account funds reimbursable expenses to municipal, state, and federal
law enforcement agencies throughout the United States, along with qualified security
professionals, for “extraordinary” protective services provided to foreign missions and officials.12
9 Title VII, §7081 of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2017
(Division J of P.L. 115-31), codified at 8 U.S.C. §1715.
10 Title I, §135 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, FY1994-1995 (P.L. 103-236), as amended (22 U.S.C.
§2684a).
11 Title I, §209 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-465), as amended (22 U.S.C. §3929); Title IV, §413 of the
Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act of 1986 (P.L. 99-399), as amended (22 U.S.C. §4861); and
Division A, Title XII, §1229 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (P.L. 110-181), as
amended (5 U.S.C. §415 note).
12 Title II, §214 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 (P.L. 84-885), as amended (22 U.S.C. §4314)
and §605(a) of the Secret Service Authorization and Technical Modification Act of 2005 (Title VI of P.L. 109-177),
codified at 18 U.S.C. §3056A(d).
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Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations
Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance (ESCM)
ESCM provides for the acquiring, designing, constructing, operating, maintaining, leasing, and
disposing of U.S. embassies and other diplomatic properties around the world. Congress
designates a share of the ESCM appropriation for Worldwide Security Upgrades, which, along
with contributions from other agencies with personnel assigned to U.S. overseas posts, funds
much of the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of such posts.
Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service (EDCS)
Congress authorized the EDCS account to meet several requirements, including emergency
evacuations of U.S. diplomats and their families or, in some circumstances, private U.S. citizens
or third-country nationals. It also funds some travel costs of senior Administration officials and
expenses involved with the hosting of international summits and conferences in the United
States.13 Additionally, this account funds the State Department’s Rewards Program, through
which rewards are transmitted to individuals for information on matters including international
terrorism, international narcotics-related activities, transnational organized crime, foreign election
interference, and war crimes.14
Repatriation Loans Program Account
As authorized in law, the Repatriation Loans Program account subsidizes small loans to destitute
U.S. citizens abroad who are unable to fund their return to the United States.15
Payment to the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT)
The Taiwan Relations Act (P.L. 96-8) provides that U.S. relations with Taiwan shall be carried out
through the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), a nonprofit, private corporation created shortly
after the United States changed its diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979.16 AIT’s
Taipei office performs many of the same functions as U.S. embassies elsewhere. This account
funds AIT costs and core activities that AIT implements on behalf of the U.S. government.
International Center, Washington, DC
The International Center, or International Chancery Center (ICC), is a diplomatic enclave sited on
a 47-acre lot located in Washington, DC.17 The International Center Act (P.L. 90-553) authorizes
the State Department to use fees paid by executive agencies and foreign governments for use of
the ICC to fund ICC operations and maintenance, subject to congressional appropriations.
13 §4(a) and (b) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 (P.L. 84-885), as amended (22 U.S.C. §2671).
14 The Rewards Program is authorized pursuant to §36 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 (P.L. 84-
885), as amended (22 U.S.C. §2708).
15 See §4(b) and (d) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 (P.L. 84-885), as amended (22 U.S.C.
§2671).
16 §6 of the Taiwan Relations Act (P.L. 96-8), codified at 22 U.S.C. §3305.
17 International Center Act of 1968 (P.L. 90-553), as amended.
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Payment to the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund
This account provides mandatory funding comprising State Department and USAID contributions
to the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System and the Foreign Service Pension System,
as authorized in the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-465).18
International Organizations
The State Department uses funds provided in the following two accounts under the International
Organizations heading to pay the United States’ assessed contributions (membership dues) to
many international organizations and peacekeeping efforts that it supports. The State Department
provides these assessed contributions pursuant to various treaties and laws. For example, the
United Nations Participation Act authorizes United States participation in and funding of the
United Nations (UN).19 Title V of SFOPS appropriates voluntary contributions to multilateral
organizations.
Contributions to International Organizations (CIO)
CIO funds the United States’ assessed contributions to the budget of the United Nations, UN
affiliated agencies, inter-American organizations, and other international organizations.
Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities (CIPA)
CIPA funds the United States’ assessed contributions to UN peacekeeping operations worldwide,
as well as contributions to the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals.
International Commissions
Accounts under the International Commissions heading fund U.S. obligations under law or treaty
to several bilateral and multilateral commissions, including
•
•
•
the International Boundary and Water Commission (between the United States
and Mexico) and the Community Assistance Program of the North American
Development Bank (formerly the Border Environment Cooperation Commission
between the United States and Mexico);
the International Joint Commission and the International Boundary Commission
(both between the United States and Canada); and
several international fisheries commissions, such as the Great Lakes Fishery
Commission and the International Pacific Halibut Commission.
U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM)
The sole listing under the “Related Agency” heading, USAGM is the independent federal agency
supervising civilian U.S. government-funded international broadcasting to foreign publics. Led
by USAGM’s Chief Executive Officer, the agency supervises and supports seven distinct entities:
two federal organizations, the Voice of America and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, and five
nonprofit organizations receiving federal grants from USAGM, which are Radio Free
18 Title I, Chapter 8 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-465), as amended (Title 22, Chapter 52, Subchapter
VIII of the U.S. Code).
19 UN Participation Act (P.L. 79-264), as amended (Title 22, Chapter 7, Subchapter XVI of the U.S. Code).
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Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, the Open
Technology Fund, and the Frontline Media Fund.20 The heading is divided into two accounts, as
follows.
International Broadcasting Operations (IBO)
IBO is the USAGM core operating account. USAGM uses IBO resources to operate all of its
aforementioned media organizations, while also meeting related program delivery and support
costs.
Broadcasting Capital Improvements (BCI)
BCI funds major capital projects, improvements, and maintenance of both USAGM’s global
transmission network and its digital multimedia infrastructure.
Related Programs
Through the Related Programs heading, Congress funds several nongovernmental entities that
pursue objectives aligned with U.S. foreign policy goals. Many of these organizations were
created by acts of Congress. Congress funds several of these organizations by providing them
authority to use interest and earnings generated from trust funds Congress established to fund
their operations. The President has sought to modify the activities of some of the entities
Congress funds under this heading.
The Asia Foundation
The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit, international development-focused organization based in San
Francisco that implements programming in the Indo-Pacific focused on matters including good
governance, women’s empowerment and gender equality, inclusive economic growth, and
environment and climate. The annual appropriation Congress provides the Asia Foundation is
authorized pursuant to the Asia Foundation Act of 1983.21 In addition to the U.S. government,
foreign governments and multilateral institutions, foundations, corporations, and individuals fund
the Asia Foundation’s work.22
United States Institute of Peace (USIP)
Congress established USIP in 1984 to promote international peace and the nonviolent resolution
of conflict around the world.23 Among other efforts, USIP has served as an intermediary among
foreign governments, civil society, and U.S. government officials; worked in conflict zones with
national, regional, and community level stakeholders to connect top-down and bottom-up
20 USAGM, “Structure,” at https://www.usagm.gov/who-we-are/organizational-chart/. For more information, see CRS
Report R46968, U.S. Agency for Global Media: Background, Governance, and Issues for Congress, by Matthew C.
Weed. In March 2025, the President ordered suspension of much USAGM activity. That order is the object of court
action.
21 The Asia Foundation Act (Title IV of P.L. 98-164), as amended (Title 22, Chapter 54, Subchapter I of the U.S.
Code).
22 Asia Foundation, “About the Asia Foundation,” at https://asiafoundation.org/about/ and Asia Foundation, “Our
Donors,” at https://asiafoundation.org/support/our-donors/.
23 United States Institute of Peace Act (Title XVII of P.L. 98-525), as amended (Title 22, Chapter 56 of the U.S. Code).
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initiatives; and convened audiences to exchange views on solving the most pressing peace and
security challenges.
Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund
Congress created the Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue (Hollings Center) in 2004 and
provided it with a dedicated trust fund.24 Based in Istanbul, the Hollings Center promotes
dialogue between the United States and nations with predominantly Muslim populations to
generate new thinking on key international issues and expand people-to-people contacts.25
Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program
The Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Program brings professionals who are rising leaders in
their countries to the United States and sends their U.S. counterparts abroad for learning and
networking opportunities.26 In 1990, Congress created a dedicated trust fund for the Eisenhower
Program to ensure it remained well resourced in providing career development opportunities to
prepare participants for increasingly senior positions in government, business, and
nongovernmental organizations.27
Israeli Arab Scholarship Program (IASP)
Congress authorized the IASP in 1991, providing the program with an endowment enabling it to
fund scholarships for Israeli Arabs to attend institutions of higher education in the United States.28
East-West Center
Congress authorized the establishment of the East-West Center in 1960.29 Based in Hawaii, the
East-West Center promotes better relations and understanding between the United States and
Asia-Pacific nations through cooperative study, research, and dialogue. In addition to U.S.
government funding, it receives support from foreign governments, private agencies, individuals,
foundations, and corporations.30
National Endowment for Democracy (NED)
Congress authorized federal funding for the NED in 1983.31 NED is an independent, nonprofit
organization dedicated to fostering the growth of democratic institutions abroad, including
24 “International Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund” subheading and §633 of the Commerce,
Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004 (Division B, Titles IV and VI of P.L.
108-199), codified at 22 U.S.C. §2078.
25 Hollings Center, “Our History,” at https://hollingscenter.org/who-we-are/.
26 Eisenhower Fellowships, “About Us,” at https://www.efworld.org/about-us/.
27 Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-454), as amended (20 U.S.C. Chapter 63).
28 Title II, §214 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 (P.L. 102-138), codified at 22
U.S.C. §2452 note.
29 Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between East and West Act of 1960 (Chapter VII of P.L. 86-472), as
amended (22 U.S.C. Chapter 29, Subchapter I).
30 East-West Center, “Mission,” at https://www.eastwestcenter.org/about/mission.
31 National Endowment for Democracy Act (Title V of P.L. 98-164), as amended (22 U.S.C. Chapter 54, Subchapter
II).
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political parties, trade unions, free market think tanks, and business organizations.32 NED
maintains four “core institutes,” each affiliated with a U.S. domestic organization. The National
Democratic Institute (NDI) and the International Republican Institute (IRI), which represent the
two major American political parties, are nonpartisan entities that promote and bolster electoral
democracy.33 The Center for International Private Enterprise, affiliated with the U.S. Chamber of
Commerce, works to strengthen democratic institutions to enable the private sector to flourish,
while the Solidarity Center, allied with the AFL-CIO, supports labor rights in workplaces
abroad.34 NED also receives funding from the Democracy Fund in Title III of SFOPS.
Other Commissions
Congress has established several commissions to advance selected U.S. foreign policy objectives.
Most of these commissions are listed under the Legislative Branch Boards and Commissions in
the President’s budget request to Congress. However, Congress funds these commissions through
SFOPS given their international affairs focus.
Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad
Congress created the Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad in 1985.35
This 21-member independent executive agency seeks to identify cemeteries, monuments, and
historic buildings in Eastern and Central Europe that are associated with the heritage of U.S.
citizens (especially American Jews) and works to obtain assurances from the governments of the
region that they will be protected and preserved. The commission also facilitates private and
foreign government site restoration, preservation, and memorialization projects.36
United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)
Congress created USCIRF in 1998 and has tasked it with reviewing the facts and circumstances
of violations of religious freedom around the world and providing policy recommendations and
options to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress on matters involving international
religious freedom.37 Of USCIRF’s nine commissioners, three are appointed by the President and
six are appointed by congressional leadership.38
32 National Endowment for Democracy, “About the National Endowment for Democracy,” at https://www.ned.org/
about/.
33 National Democratic Institute, “Who We Are,” at https://www.ndi.org/who-we-are and International Republican
Institute, “About IRI,” at https://www.iri.org/about/.
34 Center for International Private Enterprise, “Who We Are,” at https://www.cipe.org/who-we-are/ and Solidary
Center, https://www.solidaritycenter.org/.
35 Title XIII, §1303 of the International Security and Development Cooperation Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-83), as amended
(54 U.S.C. Chapter 3123).
36 Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad, “About,” at https://www.heritageabroad.gov/about.
37 Title II of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-292) as amended (22 U.S.C. Chapter 73
Subchapter II).
38 United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, “Frequently Asked Questions,” at
https://www.uscirf.gov/about-uscirf/frequently-asked-questions.
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Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE)
Congress established the CSCE (also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission) in 1976.39 The
CSCE monitors and promotes human rights, democracy, and economic, environmental, and
military cooperation in the 57-country Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
(OSCE).40 Members of Congress serve on the commission with executive branch officials.
Congressional-Executive Commission on the People’s Republic of China
(CECC)
Congress created the CECC in 2000, providing it with a mandate to monitor human rights and the
development of the rule of law in the People’s Republic of China and issue annual reports to
Congress that outline its findings and provide recommendations for legislative or executive
action.41 Some Members of Congress serve on the CECC with executive branch officials.42
United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission
Congress created the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission in 2000,
tasking it with monitoring, investigating, and reporting to Congress on the national security
implications of the bilateral trade and economic relationship between the United States and the
People’s Republic of China, while also providing recommendations for legislative and executive
action.43 Congressional leadership appoint the commission’s members.44
Title II—United States Agency for International
Development (USAID)
This title provides operational funds for USAID, an independent agency under the foreign policy
guidance of the Department of State directly responsible for implementing most bilateral
development assistance and disaster relief programs, many of which are funded in Title III of
SFOPS.45
On January 20, 2025, the President initiated actions affecting U.S. foreign assistance and USAID.
As of this writing, USAID’s future role in providing foreign assistance remains unclear.
39 A bill to establish a Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (P.L. 94-304), as amended (22 U.S.C.
Chapter 45).
40 Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, “About the Commission on Security and Cooperation in
Europe,” at https://www.csce.gov/about-commission-security-and-cooperation-europe/.
41 Title III of the U.S.-China Relations Act of 2000 (Division B of P.L. 106-286), as amended (22 U.S.C. Chapter 77
Subchapter II).
42 Congressional-Executive Commission on China, “About,” at https://www.cecc.gov/about.
43 Division A, Title XII, §1238 of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (P.L.
106-398), as amended (22 U.S.C. §7002).
44 U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, “About Us,” at https://www.uscc.gov/about-us.
45 For more on USAID, see CRS In Focus IF10261, U.S. Agency for International Development: An Overview, by
Emily M. McCabe.
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Operating Expenses (OE)
The OE account funds USAID’s overseas and domestic operational expenses, including salaries
and benefits, overseas mission activities, staff training, physical security, and information
technology maintenance.
Capital Investment Fund (CIF)
Established in FY2003, the CIF supports the modernization of USAID’s information technology
systems. Unlike the State Department’s Capital Investment Fund, USAID’s CIF also funds the
construction of facilities overseas in lieu of a separate component account.
Office of Inspector General
This account supports operational costs of USAID’s Office of the Inspector General, which
conducts audits and investigations of USAID programs, as well as of the Millennium Challenge
Corporation, the Inter-American Foundation, and the United States African Development
Foundation. USAID’s OIG also conducts limited oversight of the Development Finance
Corporation.
Title III—Bilateral Economic Assistance
Under this title, funds are appropriated in support of U.S. government departments and
independent agencies conducting humanitarian, development, and other programs meeting U.S.
foreign policy objectives throughout the world.
Global Health Programs (GHP)
GHP comprises two accounts supporting multiple health activities conducted by USAID and by
the State Department (Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended [FAA], §10446).47
Global Health-USAID
Managed by USAID, appropriations in this account fund programs focused on combating
infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. Programs also focus on
immunization, oral rehydration, maternal and child health, vulnerable children, and family
planning and reproductive health.
Global Health-State
Managed by the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC) in the Department of State, this
account is the largest source of funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief
(PEPFAR). Funds from this account are transferred to programs implemented by USAID, the
Department of Defense, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Peace Corps,
46 An annotated version of the FAA can be found at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-1071/pdf/COMPS-
1071.pdf.
47 For more on GHP appropriations, see CRS In Focus IF11758, U.S. Global Health Funding: FY2020-FY2023
Appropriations, by Tiaji Salaam-Blyther and Catherine L. Able-Thomas.
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among others. A specified amount from the Global Health-State account supports the U.S.
contribution to the multilateral Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
Development Assistance (DA)
Managed by USAID, the Development Assistance account funds programs aligned with priorities
in Part I of the FAA, including sectors referenced in Chapters 1 and 2 targeting
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agriculture and rural development (§103);
education and human capital (§105);
energy (§106(b));
urban economic and social development (§106(d));
technical cooperation and development (§106(d)(1));
economic development research and evaluation (§106(d)(2));
disaster preparedness and reconstruction (§106(d)(3));
U.S. citizen-sponsored schools and hospitals overseas (§214); and
micro-, small-, and medium-enterprise development programs (including credit
access) (§252).
Through the FAA’s general authorities, DA also funds environment, democracy and governance,
water and sanitation, and human rights programs, among others. In sub-Saharan Africa
specifically, DA funds particular priorities for that region described in FAA Chapter 10, including
agricultural production and natural resources, health, voluntary family planning services,
education, and income-generating activities (§496).
International Disaster Assistance (IDA)
Managed by USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, this account provides relief and
rehabilitation to nations struck by natural and manmade disasters and emergencies (FAA,
§491[b]). The account also provides emergency food assistance using what USAID refers to as
“market-based approaches” (i.e., cash transfers, food vouchers, and food sourced either in the
country or region in which it will be provided) to complement commodity food aid provided
through the Food for Peace Act, Title II Grants account in the agriculture appropriation (FAA,
§491[c]).
Transition Initiatives
The Transition Initiatives account supports USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI), an
entity established in 1994 to bridge the gap between stabilization and sustainable development. It
supports flexible, short-term assistance projects in political transition countries that are moving
from war to peace, civil conflict to national reconciliation, or where political instability has not
yet erupted into violence and where conflict mitigation might prevent the outbreak of such
violence. Although both Transition Initiatives and IDA operate under disaster response authority
of the FAA (§491), IDA focuses on humanitarian needs, while Transition Initiatives targets
political factors to build peaceful and democratic societies.
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Complex Crises Fund (CCF)
The fund supports USAID responses to emerging or unforeseen crises with projects aimed at
addressing the root causes of conflict or instability. Previously funded through Defense
appropriations (as authorized in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2006, Section 1207,
P.L. 109-163), today USAID administers CCF under Section 509(b) of the Global Fragility Act of
2019 (Title V of Division J of P.L. 116-94).
Economic Support Fund (ESF)
The Economic Support Fund, authorized under Part II, Chapter 4 of the FAA (§531), supports
economic assistance, in part to advance U.S. political and strategic goals in countries of special
importance to U.S. foreign policy. Once used primarily in support of the Middle East peace
process (in FY1997, for example, 87% of ESF went to Israel, Egypt, the West Bank and Jordan),
the use of ESF funds has expanded in recent years to support a broader range of countries. ESF
supports development projects that may be indistinguishable from those supported by other
accounts, but is also used for direct budget support aid and sovereign loan guarantees. The
majority of direct budget support the United States has provided to the Government of Ukraine
since FY2022, for example, has been drawn from ESF. The State Department makes ESF policy
and program decisions; USAID, in large part, administers the programs.
Democracy Fund
This account supports democracy promotion programs overseen by the State Department’s
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) and USAID’s Bureau for Democracy,
Human Rights, and Governance (DRG). Congress directs a portion of the appropriation to each
Bureau. Authorities for this account are found throughout the FAA, but specific reference to the
Democracy Fund was added in 2002 (§664, P.L. 107-228). The account is also meant to carry out
the purposes of Sections 502(b)(3) and (5) of the National Endowment for Democracy Act (P.L.
98-164).
Assistance for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia (AEECA)
This account provides economic assistance to once-Communist states of the former Soviet Union
and Eastern Europe, and is the successor to two earlier accounts that channeled aid to the region
after the Cold War.48 AEECA was discontinued at the Obama Administration’s request between
FY2013 and FY2015, during which time these activities were funded through the ESF, GHP, and
INCLE accounts, and reinstated in FY2016. Authorities under this account are found in the FAA
(§498-499), the FREEDOM Support Act (P.L. 102-511), and the Support for Eastern European
Democracy (SEED) Act of 1989 (P.L. 101-179). The State Department makes AEECA policy
program decisions; USAID, in large part, administers AEECA-funded programs.
Migration and Refugee Assistance (MRA)
The Migration and Refugee Assistance account, administered by the State Department’s Bureau
of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), supports refugee assistance and protection
48 The accounts were commonly known as the SEED Act account (Support for East European Democracy), after its
authorizing legislation (P.L. 101-179), and the FREEDOM Support Act account (Freedom for Russia and Emerging
Eurasian Democracies and Open Markets Support Act), after its authorizing legislation (P.L. 102-511). The FAA also
includes certain priorities under this account for this region.
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activities worldwide. The MRA account supports U.S. contributions to UN entities such as the
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration
(IOM), as well as organizations such as the International Committee for the Red Cross. It also
funds resettlement of refugees to other countries as well as processing and initial placement of
refugees to the United States.49 The Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962, as amended,
sets out these authorities (P.L. 87-510).
United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance
(ERMA) Fund
ERMA is a humanitarian contingency fund for rapid deployment in unanticipated urgent refugee
and migrant emergencies. Appropriations typically replenish this account up to a congressionally
authorized level, and the executive branch must notify Congress when funds are used.
Independent Agencies
Several agencies operate independently and report directly to the Executive Office of the
President, unlike USAID, which operates under guidance from the Secretary of State.
Peace Corps50
The Peace Corps sends U.S. volunteers to developing countries to provide technical aid and to
promote mutual understanding on a people-to-people basis between the United States and citizens
of foreign nations (Peace Corps Act of 1961, P.L. 87-293).
Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)51
The MCC provides large-scale, five-year development grants to foreign governments. Known as
“compacts” and underpinned by bilateral agreements, these grants are intended to promote
economic growth and to eliminate extreme poverty in countries chosen and determined to be
eligible, in part, based on their demonstrated commitment to just and democratic governance;
investment in health, education, and the environment; and support for economic freedom.
Congress established and authorized the MCC in the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003 (Title VI
of P.L. 108-199).
Inter-American Foundation (IAF)
The IAF is a nonprofit corporation that finances small-scale enterprise and grassroots community
self-help activities aimed at the social and economic development of poor people in Latin
America, as originally set out in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1969 (P.L. 91-179), which
established it as an independent entity.
49 Congress funds refugee expenses after initial settlement in the United States under the Department of Health and
Human Services’ Refugee and Entrant Assistance account.
50 For further information on the Peace Corps, see CRS Report RS21168, The Peace Corps: Overview and Issues, by
Nick M. Brown.
51 For further information on the Millennium Challenge Corporation, see CRS Report RL32427, Millennium Challenge
Corporation: Overview and Issues, by Nick M. Brown.
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United States African Development Foundation (USADF)
The USADF is a nonprofit corporation that finances small-scale enterprise and grassroots
community self-help activities aimed at the social and economic development of marginalized
populations and communities in Africa. Modeled after the IAF, it was established by the African
Development Foundation Act in 1980 (Title V of P.L. 96-533).
Department of the Treasury
International Affairs Technical Assistance
This program deploys financial advisors to provide technical assistance to developing or
transitional countries in support of economic reforms, with a focus on banking and financial
institutions, financial crimes, government debt, revenue policy, and budget and financial
accountability (FAA §129, added in 1998 by P.L. 105-277).
Debt Restructuring
Appropriations for this account seek to help some of the world’s poorest countries achieve
economic stability and growth, and reduce poverty. Certain restructuring and relief may be
pursuant to multilateral debt restructurings such as the Paris Club debt restructurings and the
“Common Framework for Debt Treatments beyond the Debt Service Suspension Initiative.” Such
amounts may also be provided notwithstanding any other provision of law.
Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation
This account provides for the costs of modifying loans and loan guarantees to eligible countries
subject to the Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation Act of 1998 (Part V of the FAA [§801
et seq.]). In order to be eligible, a country must be a developing country with a tropical forest or
coral reef that has also met other criteria (e.g., has a democratic government, cooperates on
international narcotics control matters, and has put in place investment reforms, among others).
Title IV—International Security Assistance
Department of State
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement (INCLE)
INCLE funds international counternarcotics activities; programs to combat transnational crime
and corruption, including combating human and wildlife trafficking; and rule of law activities
focused on strengthening criminal justice institutions and law enforcement capacity building (e.g.,
foreign police assistance). The State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law
Enforcement Affairs (INL) coordinates and oversees the majority of INCLE activities. INCLE
authorities primarily derive from the FAA (§481-490).
Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining, and Related Programs (NADR)
This account funds a variety of State Department-managed activities aimed at countering
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (FAA, §581-586), supporting antiterrorism training
and related activities (FAA, §571-575), and promoting demining operations in developing nations
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(FAA, §301). It also funds voluntary contributions to certain nonproliferation-focused
international organizations (FAA, §301). Programs also finance certain defense articles related to
nonproliferation, demining, and antiterrorism to friendly governments (Arms Export Control Act,
§23, P.L. 90-629), and disarmament in the former Soviet Union (FREEDOM Support Act, §504,
P.L. 102-511).
Peacekeeping Operations (PKO)
Unlike the Title I Contributions to Peacekeeping Activities (CIPA) account, which provides
assessed funds for UN peacekeeping operations, the PKO account provides voluntary support for
multilateral efforts in conflict resolution, such as the training of African peacekeepers and funding
operations of the Multinational Force and Observers mission in the Sinai. The State Department
controls the funds and sets PKO program policies (FAA, §551-563). The Department of Defense
implements the activities.
Funds Appropriated to the President
International Military Education and Training (IMET)
Through IMET, the United States provides training and education to selected foreign military and
civilian personnel on U.S. military practices and standards, including democratic values like
civilian control of the military. Participants take courses at military education facilities in the
United States or receive instruction from U.S. training teams abroad. The State Department
controls the funds and has policy authority over the program (FAA, §541-549), which the
Department of Defense implements.
Foreign Military Financing Program (FMF)
The Foreign Military Financing Program supports U.S. overseas arms transfers on a loan and
grant basis. Funding generally may be used by recipient countries only to purchase U.S. weapons,
equipment and training, though a portion of FMF to Israel may be used to support purchases from
Israeli defense firms.52 The State Department controls the funds and has policy authority (Arms
Export Control Act, §23). The Department of Defense implements this program.
52 For more on FMF for Israel, see CRS Report RL33222, U.S. Foreign Aid to Israel: Overview and Developments
since October 7, 2023, by Jeremy M. Sharp.
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Title V—Multilateral Assistance53
International Financial Institutions54
Under this category, funds are provided through the Department of the Treasury to a wide range
of multilateral financial institutions, which offer loans—both “soft” (i.e., concessional) and
“hard” (i.e., near-market rate)—and some grants to developing countries and private sector
entities in those countries. Not all international financial institutions require or receive U.S.
contributions from year to year; some receive funding under multiyear “replenishments.”55
53 P.L. 119-28 zeroed out funding for the International Organizations and Programs (IO&P) account that was
appropriated in P.L. 119-4. IO&P has historically been a State Department-administered account providing voluntary
U.S. contributions to support international organizations and entities involved in a range of development, humanitarian,
and scientific activities, including the UN Development Program (UNDP), UN Environment Program (UNEP), UN
Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and UN Population Fund (UNFPA). IO&P is distinct from the CIO account under Title I,
which funds assessed contributions (dues) to international organizations. Authority is derived from the FAA (§301-307
on International Organizations and Programs).
54 For an overview of these institutions, see CRS Report R41170, Multilateral Development Banks: Overview and
Issues for Congress, by Rebecca M. Nelson.
55 Among entities that sometimes receive funding but for which there was no appropriation in FY2025 are the
following:
Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The IDB promotes economic and social development in Latin America
and the Caribbean by providing near-market rate loans through its ordinary capital account and concessional loans to
the poorest nations through its Fund for Special Operations (FSO). Appropriated funds support the “general capital
increase” at the IDB.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC). IFC, another World Bank window, makes loans and equity
investments to promote growth of productive private enterprise in developing nations.
World Bank Multilateral Investment Guaranty Agency (MIGA). MIGA encourages private investment in
developing countries by offering insurance against noncommercial risks such as expropriation.
Clean Technology Fund (CTF). CTF is a multilateral fund, for which the World Bank is trustee. It seeks to reduce the
growth of greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries by financing the extra costs of commercially available
cleaner technologies over dirtier, conventional alternatives. P.L. 119-28 zeroed out funding for the contribution to the
CTF that was appropriated in P.L. 119-4.
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The EBRD lends at near-market rates to help East
European and former Soviet states adopt market economies. Private sector and privatizing public sector firms receive
substantial amounts of EBRD lending.
Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC). The IIC is an IADB facility that makes loans and equity investments
to promote the growth of small and medium-sized private enterprise in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Enterprise for the Americas Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF). The MIF, a multidonor trust fund residing within
the Inter-American Development Bank, provides technical and financial assistance to help countries in Latin America
and the Caribbean to reform their investment policies in order to attract foreign investment.
Strategic Climate Fund (SCF). Another multidonor fund seeking to address climate change under the auspices of the
World Bank, the SCF supports three targeted programs: the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience, the Forest
Investment Program, and the Program for Scaling-Up Renewable Energy in Low-Income Countries. Each program
seeks to pilot new approaches and scaled-up activities to address climate change challenges in developing countries.
Asian Development Bank (AsDB). The Asian Development Bank provides loans on near-market terms to promote
economic development. When Congress appropriates funds to AsDB, it is for a general capital increase to expand
lending. AsDF appropriations, by contrast, contribute to AsDB grant-making.
North American Development Bank (NADBank). The NADBank is governed by the United States and Mexico as
part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). It began lending in 1996 to finance environmental
infrastructure projects along the U.S./Mexico border, as well as community adjustment and investment activities in
both nations.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Facilities and Trust Funds. For FY2023, Congress made funds available for
(continued...)
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Authorizations for these contributions have historically been provided in appropriations acts of
the relevant year.
In the case of concessional lending or grant-making institutions, U.S. appropriations contribute
through annual installments toward periodically agreed donor replenishments as capital is drawn
down. Nonconcessional bank institutions typically require new financial commitments only in
order to increase the institution’s capitalization, as in the ongoing capital increase for the African
Development Bank (see below).56 For FY2024, funds were appropriated for the entities below.
Global Environment Facility (GEF)
Established by the UNDP, UNEP, and the World Bank, the GEF, administered by the World Bank,
makes grants to help developing countries deal with global environmental problems.
World Bank: International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)57
The IBRD is the World Bank “window” or “facility” that provides loans on near-market terms to
promote economic development primarily in middle-income countries, based largely on bond
sales. Appropriated funds support the “general capital increase” at the IBRD.
World Bank: International Development Association (IDA)
As the World Bank’s “soft loan” window, IDA provides concessional loans, grants, and debt relief
to the lowest-income countries in the world.
Asian Development Fund (AsDF)
The AsDF is the grants-only window of the Asian Development Bank (AsDB), which finances
economic development programs in lower-income countries in Asia and the Pacific. AsDF ceased
issuing concessional loans in 2017. AsDB now finances and issues all concessional loans directly
through its capital reserves.
African Development Bank (AfDB)
The AfDB lends at near-market rates to public and private entities, with special emphasis on
agriculture, infrastructure, and industrial development. To support a general capital increase,
legislative provisions include both paid-in capital and callable capital subscriptions.58
African Development Fund (AfDF)
Part of the African Development Bank, the AfDF provides concessional loans and grants to lowincome African countries.
the IMF’s Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT) or the Resilience and Sustainability Trust (RST). PGRT
financing provides concessional support for low-income countries and may vary in duration; RST focuses on longerterm challenges such as climate change and pandemic preparedness.
56 A 2010 agreement to increase the IBRD’s capitalization similarly resulted in five corresponding appropriation
installments from 2012 to 2016. A similar IBRD agreement in 2018 resulted in an appropriations request for FY2020 in
the President’s Budget.
57 For more on both IBRD and IDA, see CRS In Focus IF11361, The World Bank, by Rebecca M. Nelson.
58 U.S. financial commitments to the general capital increases include “paid-in” capital (money paid directly to the
multilateral development bank) and “callable capital” (money that is a guarantee, but only paid in the event of a
default). Callable capital is denoted in legislation as a “Limitation on Callable Capital Subscriptions.”
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International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
IFAD is a UN-system financial institution that issues grants and low-interest loans to developing
countries to increase rural incomes, improve nutritional levels, and advance food security.
Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP)
GAFSP is a multilateral financial institution focused on food and nutrition security. Program
funding supports grants, technical assistance, concessional loans, blended finance, and advisory
services in partnership with development agencies. The United States chairs this fund’s Steering
Committee.
Treasury International Assistance Programs
Funds made available for this account may be used for loan guarantees to the IBRD and Asian
Development Bank (AsDB). Funds may also be transferred to the Contributions to the
International Development Association account and Department of the Treasury accounts found
in Title III.
Title VI—Export and Investment Assistance
Export-Import Bank of the United States59
Ex-Im Bank issues direct loans, loan guarantees, and export credit insurance to support U.S.
exports of goods and services. It aims to support U.S. jobs by providing such financing and
insurance when the private sector is unwilling or unable to do so alone and/or to counter
financing offered by foreign countries through their export credit agencies. Ex-Im Bank program
and administrative expenses are financed by collections such as loan interest, risk premia, and
other fees, for which congressional appropriations establish a ceiling. Congress also provides an
appropriation for the agency’s Office of Inspector General. Ex-Im Bank’s enabling legislation is
the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 (P.L. 79-173).
U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)60
Launched in 2019, DFC assumed the functions of and replaced the Overseas Private Investment
Corporation and USAID’s Development Credit Authority (DCA). It uses financial tools to
promote private investment in less-developed countries and seeks to support economic
development as well as U.S. economic interests and foreign policy aims. Congress also provides
an appropriation for the agency’s Office of Inspector General. DFC derives authority from the
Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development Act of 2018 (BUILD Act, Division F
of P.L. 115-254).
59 For further discussion, see CRS In Focus IF10017, Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank), by
Shayerah I. Akhtar.
60 For more on the DFC, see CRS Report R47006, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation: Overview
and Issues, by Shayerah I. Akhtar and Nick M. Brown.
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Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations
Trade and Development Agency (TDA)61
TDA funds project preparation services such as feasibility studies and other activities to link U.S.
businesses to export opportunities in emerging markets for infrastructure and other development
projects (FAA, §611). For example, TDA funds reverse trade missions that bring foreign
decisionmakers to the United States.
Title VII—General Provisions
General Provisions set out limitations and prohibitions on assistance; administrative, notification,
and reporting requirements; and more detailed funding requirements for specific accounts in other
titles of the legislation. This title also specifies allocations for various aid sectors, including
education, democracy promotion, water and sanitation, and food security, as well as cross-cutting
issues such as gender equality. In addition, Title VII provides more detail about aid to certain
countries and regions. Certain general provisions are long-standing—for example Section 7008,
which restricts foreign assistance following a country’s coup d’état,62 has been included in some
form every year since FY1985—while others may only appear in the bill for one appropriations
cycle.
61 For further discussion, see CRS In Focus IF10673, U.S. Trade and Development Agency (TDA), by Shayerah Ilias
Akhtar.
62 For more, see CRS In Focus IF11267, Coup-Related Restrictions in U.S. Foreign Aid Appropriations, by Alexis
Arieff, Nick M. Brown, and Travis A. Ferrell.
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Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations
Appendix. State, Foreign Operations Authorizing
Legislation and U.S. Code References
Table A-1. List of Acts for SFOPS Accounts, by Date of Enactment
Act Name
Public Law
U.S. Code
Export-Import Bank Act of 1945
P.L. 79-173
12 U.S.C. 635 et seq.
United Nations Participation Act of 1945
P.L. 79-264
22 U.S.C. 287 et seq.
State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956
P.L. 84-885
22 U.S.C. 2651a et seq.
Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between
East and West Act of 1960
Chapter VII of P.L. 86-472
22 U.S.C. 2051 et seq.
Foreign Assistance Act of 1961
P.L. 87-195
22 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.
Mutual Education and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961
P.L. 87-256
22 U.S.C. 2451 et seq.
Peace Corps Act of 1961
P.L. 87-293
22 U.S.C. 2501 et seq.
Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962
P.L. 87-510
22 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.
International Center Act of 1968
P.L. 90-553
None, see 82 Stat. 958.
Arms Export Control Act of 1968
P.L. 90-629
22 U.S.C. 2751 et seq.
Inter-American Foundation Act of 1969
Part IV of P.L. 91-175
22 U.S.C. 290f et seq.
A bill to establish a Commission on Security and
Cooperation in Europe
P.L. 94-304
22 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.
Taiwan Relations Act of 1979
P.L. 96-8
22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.
Foreign Service Act of 1980
P.L. 96-465
22 U.S.C. 3901 et seq.
African Development Foundation Act of 1980
Title V of P.L. 96-533
22 U.S.C. 290h et seq.
Radio Broadcasting to Cuba Act
P.L. 98-111
22 U.S.C. 1465 et seq.
The Asia Foundation Act of 1983
Title IV of P.L. 98-164
22 U.S.C. 4401 et seq.
National Endowment for Democracy Act of 1983
Title V of P.L. 98-164
22 U.S.C. 4411 et seq.
United States Institute of Peace Act of 1984
Title XVII of P.L. 98-525
22 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.
Television Broadcasting to Cuba Act
Part D of Title II of P.L.
101-246
22 U.S.C. 1465aa et
seq.
Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Act of 1990
P.L. 101-454
20 U.S.C. 5201 et. seq.
Support for Eastern European Democracy Act of 1989
P.L. 101-179
22 U.S.C. 5401 et seq.
Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1992
and 1993
Title II, Section 214 of P.L.
102-138
22 U.S.C. 2452 note
Freedom for Russia and Emerging Eurasian Democracies
and Open Markets Support (FREEDOM Support) Act of
1992
P.L. 102-511
22 U.S.C. 5801 et seq.
Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994
and 1995
Title I, Section 135 of P.L.
103-236
22 U.S.C. 2684a.
United States International Broadcasting Act of 1994
Title III of P.L. 103-236
22 U.S.C. 6201 et seq.
International Religious Freedom Act of 1998
P.L. 105-292
22 U.S.C. 6401 et seq.
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Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations
Secure Embassy Construction and Counterterrorism Act
of 1999
Title VI of P.L. 106-113
22 U.S.C. 4865 et seq.
U.S.-China Relations Act of 2000
Division B, Title III of P.L.
106-286
22 U.S.C. 6911 et seq.
Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2001
Division A, Title XII,
Section 1238 of P.L. 106398
22 U.S.C. 7002.
Department of State and Related Agency Appropriations
Act, 2004
Division B, Titles IV-VI of
P.L. 108-199
22 U.S.C. 2078.
Millennium Challenge Act of 2003
Division D, Title VI of P.L.
108-199
22 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.
Secret Service Authorization and Technical Modification
Act of 2005
Title VI, Section 605(a) of
P.L. 109-177
18 U.S.C. 3056A(d).
To enact title 54, U.S. Code, “National Park Service and
Related Programs,” as positive law
Section 3 of P.L. 113-287
54 U.S.C. 312301 et
seq.
Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development
(BUILD) Act of 2018
Division F of P.L. 115-254
22 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.
Source: Office of the Law Revision Counsel, U.S. House of Representatives.
Note: Many of these acts have been amended multiple times. For the most up-to-date status of these acts, see
the U.S. Code, at http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml.
Author Information
Cory R. Gill
Analyst in Foreign Affairs
Emily M. McCabe
Specialist in Foreign Assistance and Foreign Policy
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R40482 · VERSION 47 · UPDATED
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