What does Preamble of HR 4516 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To require the Secretary of State to ensure that commodities procured for the purpose of foreign assistance are made available to intended beneficiaries before such commodities expire, and for other purposes,' aims to address the timely delivery of foreign assistance commodities. The bill requires the Secretary of State to ensure commodities procured for foreign assistance reach intended beneficiaries before expiration.

What does SHORT TITLE. of HR 4516 do?

This bill is formally titled the "Saving Lives and Taxpayer Dollars Act".

What does FINDINGS. of HR 4516 do?

This section outlines findings related to foreign assistance commodities. It states that these commodities provide critical support to individuals recovering from disasters, fleeing conflict, or residing in developing communities. The text highlights that U.S. investments in global health have generated economic returns and created jobs. Access to vaccines and medications is presented as contributing to global safety. U.S. food assistance benefits American farmers and addresses global food insecurity, with U.S. farmers supplying approximately 40% of international food assistance. Increased access to family planning is linked to potential reductions in maternal and child mortality. The section concludes that the destruction of foreign assistance commodities is unethical and contrary to U.S. interests.

What does PROHIBITION ON THE DESTRUCTION OF FOREIGN ASSISTANCE PRODUCTS of HR 4516 do?

This section amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prioritize the delivery of foreign assistance commodities and products to intended beneficiaries before spoilage or expiration. It mandates that perishable and nonperishable commodities, including medicine, vaccines, and food, be made available through donation or other means. If a commodity is in the possession of an implementing partner, the Secretary of State, Secretary of Agriculture, or USAID Administrator must expedite the release of funds for delivery or donation. Destruction of commodities is prohibited unless all efforts to sell, donate, or otherwise make them available have been exhausted. The Secretary of State, in coordination with USAID and the Secretary of Agriculture, must submit annual reports to Congress detailing any commodities that expired, spoiled, or were destroyed before reaching beneficiaries. These reports must include details on negotiations, reasons for non-delivery, intended purpose, geographic locations of beneficiaries, commodity value, and disposal costs.

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Saving Lives and Taxpayer Dollars Act — HR. 4516

Last updated: 7/17/2025 · Introduced: 7/17/2025

Author: Gregory Meeks (D-NY)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prioritize delivering foreign assistance commodities, like medicine and food, to intended beneficiaries before they expire.
The bill prohibits the destruction of these commodities unless all options for donation or sale have been exhausted.
The Secretary of State, in coordination with other agencies, must annually report to Congress on any commodities that expired, spoiled, or were destroyed, including details on delivery attempts and costs.

119th Congressin committeeS. 2252(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

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