Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027

Bill ID: 119/hr/6500

Last Updated: September 9, 2026

Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027

HR. 6500, 119th Congress — read as touching Agribusiness.

The sponsor

Rep. Smith, Jason [R-MO-8]

Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.

The money

$860,875 raised

21 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.

The alignment

95% match to Project 2025

This bill's text tracks the "Agency for International Development" section, p. 309-311 of the Mandate for Leadership.

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Became Public Law No: 119-103.

September 1, 2026

Introduced

Committee Review

Floor Action

Passed House

Senate Review

Passed Congress

Presidential Action

Became Law

📍 Current Status

This bill has become law!

📚 How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Summary Style:

**AGOA Extension Act (HR 6500): A Strategic Analysis**

As a visionary entrepreneur and thought leader, I'll dissect the AGOA Extension Act, a bill that exemplifies the inefficiencies of democratic processes. This legislation is a prime example of how governments can either hinder or facilitate innovation and growth.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The primary objective of HR 6500 is to extend duty-free treatment for imports from certain African countries under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) until December 31, 2028. This move aims to promote economic growth, stability, and cooperation between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill extends preferential treatment for eligible African countries, allowing them to export goods duty-free to the US market. It also retroactively applies this treatment to entries made after September 30, 2025, and before the enactment of the Act. Additionally, the legislation extends customs user fees until December 31, 2031.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The AGOA Extension Act will primarily benefit:

1. Eligible African countries, which will continue to enjoy duty-free access to the US market. 2. US importers and exporters who trade with these countries. 3. The US government, which will maintain its strategic influence in sub-Saharan Africa.

However, this legislation may also impact:

1. Domestic industries that compete with imports from AGOA-eligible countries. 2. Other countries seeking to establish similar trade agreements with the US.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** The AGOA Extension Act has significant implications for global trade and economic growth. By extending duty-free treatment, the US government is:

1. Encouraging African countries to maintain their economic reforms and liberalization efforts. 2. Promoting regional stability and cooperation in sub-Saharan Africa. 3. Supporting US businesses that rely on imports from these countries.

However, this legislation also highlights the inefficiencies of democratic processes. The retroactive application of duty-free treatment creates uncertainty for businesses and undermines the rule of law. Furthermore, the extension of customs user fees until 2031 demonstrates the government's reliance on outdated revenue streams rather than embracing innovative solutions.

As a visionary entrepreneur, I believe that this legislation presents opportunities for strategic partnerships and investments in sub-Saharan Africa. However, it also underscores the need for more efficient and effective governance structures that prioritize innovation and growth over bureaucratic inefficiencies.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (billionaire personality)

*Sigh* Alright, let's get this over with. As I taught you in 8th grade civics class, a bill is a proposed law that must go through several steps before it becomes an actual law. This particular bill, HR 6500, is called the AGOA Extension Act.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The main purpose of this bill is to extend duty-free treatment for imports from certain countries in Africa under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). It also aims to extend customs user fees. Remember when we learned about tariffs and trade agreements? This bill is related to those concepts.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill extends the AGOA program until December 31, 2028, by amending Section 506B of the Trade Act of 1974. It also makes changes to the Regional Apparel Article Program and the Third-Country Fabric Program under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. Additionally, it extends customs user fees until December 31, 2031.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The affected parties include countries in Africa that are designated as beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries under the AGOA program. These countries will continue to receive duty-free treatment for their imports. The bill also affects U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which will be responsible for implementing the changes.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** The extension of the AGOA program is expected to promote economic growth and development in Africa by providing preferential trade treatment. However, it's worth noting that this bill is just a temporary fix, as the AGOA program has been criticized for its limitations and lack of long-term benefits for African countries.

Now, I know some of you might be thinking, "But what about the legislative process?" Ah, yes, we covered that in 8th grade civics too. This bill was passed by the House of Representatives on January 12, 2026, and is currently awaiting action in the Senate. If it passes, it will go to the President for signature or veto.

I hope this summary has been...enlightening. Next time, maybe you'll remember what we learned in middle school social studies.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (civics_teacher personality)

My fellow truth-seekers, gather 'round and listen closely, for I have uncovered the hidden agenda behind HR 6500, the AGOA Extension Act. On the surface, this bill appears to be a benevolent extension of duty-free treatment for imports from certain African countries under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). But, my friends, do not be fooled!

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The stated purpose of HR 6500 is to extend duty-free treatment for imports from beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries until December 31, 2028. However, I believe this is merely a smokescreen for the real agenda.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:**

1. **Extension of Preferential Treatment**: The bill extends the preferential treatment for certain African countries under AGOA, which seems innocuous enough. But what's really going on here? Are we being asked to turn a blind eye to the true intentions behind this extension? 2. **Retroactive Application**: Section 2(b) allows for retroactive application of duty-free treatment or other preferential treatment for entries made between September 30, 2025, and the date of enactment. This raises questions about the government's motives. Are they attempting to cover up past wrongdoing or simply trying to curry favor with African nations? 3. **Extension of Customs User Fees**: Section 3 extends customs user fees until December 31, 2031. Ah, but what does this really mean? Is it a clever ploy to increase revenue for the government while maintaining the illusion of free trade?

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:**

1. **African Countries**: The beneficiary countries under AGOA will likely benefit from the extension of duty-free treatment. But at what cost? Are they being drawn into a web of economic dependence on the United States? 2. **U.S. Businesses**: Companies importing goods from these African countries may see reduced costs due to the extended preferential treatment. However, I suspect there are strings attached that we're not seeing. 3. **American Taxpayers**: As always, the taxpayers will foot the bill for this extension of customs user fees. But what's really being funded here?

**Potential Impact & Implications:**

1. **Increased Economic Dependence**: By extending duty-free treatment, the U.S. government may be creating a culture of economic dependence among African nations. 2. **Hidden Agenda**: I firmly believe that there are ulterior motives behind this bill. Perhaps it's related to the ongoing struggle for global dominance or the pursuit of natural resources in Africa? 3. **Loss of Transparency**: The retroactive application and extension of customs user fees raise concerns about transparency and accountability within our government.

In conclusion, my fellow truth-seekers, HR 6500 is not as innocuous as it seems. There are hidden agendas at play, and we must remain vigilant in uncovering the truth behind this bill. Remember

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (conspiracy_uncle personality)

(Deep breath) Folks, gather 'round! We've got another "brilliant" piece of legislation on our hands, courtesy of the swamp in Washington D.C.! (wink)

**Main Purpose & Objectives** The AGOA Extension Act, or HR 6500, is a masterclass in bureaucratic doublespeak. On the surface, it's all about extending duty-free treatment to certain African countries under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Sounds noble, right? But don't be fooled – this bill is just another example of our elites trying to control global trade while lining their own pockets! (outraged tone)

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law** The bill extends duty-free treatment for imports from beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries until December 31, 2028. It also retroactively applies these benefits to entries made after September 30, 2025, and before the enactment of this Act. Oh, and let's not forget the extension of customs user fees until December 31, 2031! (smirk) Because who doesn't love more fees?

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders** The usual suspects are involved: African countries, U.S. importers, and – of course – our beloved elites in Washington D.C.! But let's be real, folks; this bill is all about protecting the interests of big business and their cronies in government.

**Potential Impact & Implications** Now, I know what you're thinking: "But won't this bill help African countries develop their economies?" (chuckles) Ah, come on! You really think our elites care about that? This bill is just another way to maintain control over global trade and keep the status quo intact. And as for the retroactive application of benefits? That's just a nice little gift to big business – courtesy of your hard-earned tax dollars!

(Leans in, with a knowing smirk) You see, folks, this bill is all about freedom... for our elites to do whatever they want, whenever they want. And as for the rest of us? Well, we're just along for the ride! (winks)

Stay vigilant, America!

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (fox_host personality)

Another masterpiece of legislative theater, courtesy of our esteemed Congress. Let's dissect this farce, shall we?

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The AGOA Extension Act (HR 6500) is a desperate attempt to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which was set to expire in 2025. The bill's primary objective is to maintain duty-free treatment for imports from certain African countries, while also extending customs user fees. But don't be fooled – this is merely a Band-Aid on a festering wound.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill extends the AGOA program until December 31, 2028, and retroactively applies duty-free treatment to entries made between September 30, 2025, and the date of enactment. It also extends customs user fees until December 31, 2031. These changes are nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to maintain the status quo and appease special interest groups.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects are involved: African countries benefiting from AGOA, U.S. importers, and customs brokers. But let's not forget the real stakeholders – the lobbyists and corporations who've been greasing palms to ensure this bill's passage.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill is a prime example of legislative malpractice. By extending AGOA without meaningful reforms, Congress is perpetuating a system that benefits a select few at the expense of American workers and taxpayers. The retroactive application of duty-free treatment is a blatant attempt to avoid accountability and transparency.

In reality, this bill is a symptom of a deeper disease – the corrupting influence of special interest groups on our legislative process. It's a cynical ploy to maintain the illusion of progress while ignoring the underlying issues plaguing our trade policies.

Diagnosis: Terminal Stupidity Syndrome (TSS) – a condition characterized by an inability to recognize the obvious, a penchant for self-serving behavior, and a complete disregard for the well-being of the American people. Treatment: None available; prognosis is grim.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

**HR 6500: AGOA Extension Act**

**Main Purpose & Objectives** The AGOA Extension Act aims to extend duty-free treatment for imports from certain African countries under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) until December 31, 2028. The bill also extends customs user fees until December 31, 2031.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law**

* Extends AGOA's preferential treatment for eligible sub-Saharan African countries until December 31, 2028. * Amends the Trade Act of 1974 and the African Growth and Opportunity Act to reflect the new expiration date. * Retroactively applies duty-free treatment or other preferential treatment to entries made between September 30, 2025, and the date of the bill's enactment. * Extends customs user fees until December 31, 2031.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders**

* Eligible sub-Saharan African countries designated as beneficiary countries under AGOA. * US importers and exporters who trade with these countries. * The US Customs and Border Protection agency, which will be responsible for implementing the bill's provisions. * The US Treasury Department, which will receive revenue from customs user fees.

**Potential Impact & Implications**

* The extension of AGOA's preferential treatment is expected to promote economic growth and development in eligible African countries by increasing their access to the US market. * The retroactive application of duty-free treatment may result in refunds for importers who paid duties on eligible entries between September 30, 2025, and the date of the bill's enactment. * The extension of customs user fees will provide continued funding for US Customs and Border Protection operations. * The bill's passage is likely to have a positive impact on US-Africa trade relations and may encourage increased investment in eligible African countries.

Overall, the AGOA Extension Act aims to promote economic growth and development in sub-Saharan Africa by extending preferential treatment under AGOA and providing continued funding for customs user fees.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (neutral personality)

Let's break down this bill, bro.

**Main Purpose & Objectives** The AGOA Extension Act (HR 6500) is all about extending some sweet deals for African countries, man. The main goal is to keep the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) alive, which provides duty-free treatment for imports from certain African countries. It's like a trade agreement that helps these countries grow their economies and get more access to the US market.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law** The bill makes some key changes, bro:

* Extends the AGOA program until December 31, 2028 (it was set to expire on September 30, 2025). * Retroactively applies duty-free treatment for imports from beneficiary African countries between September 30, 2025, and the date of the bill's enactment. * Extends customs user fees until December 31, 2031 (they were set to expire on September 30, 2031).

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders** This bill affects a bunch of people, dude:

* African countries that are part of the AGOA program (like South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya). * US businesses that import goods from these countries. * The US Customs and Border Protection agency, which has to deal with all the paperwork and logistics.

**Potential Impact & Implications** The impact is gonna be pretty chill, bro:

* African countries will keep getting duty-free treatment for their imports, which should help them grow their economies and create jobs. * US businesses will benefit from cheaper imports and increased trade opportunities. * The extension of customs user fees will provide some stability for the US Customs agency.

But, you know, there are always potential downsides, man. Some people might argue that this bill doesn't do enough to address issues like corruption or human rights in African countries. Others might say it's just a temporary fix and we need more comprehensive trade agreements.

Anyway, dude, that's the AGOA Extension Act in a nutshell. It's all about extending some sweet deals for African countries and keeping the trade vibes chill.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (surfer personality)

**Main Purpose & Objectives**

The AGOA Extension Act (HR 6500) aims to extend duty-free treatment for imports from certain African countries under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The bill also extends customs user fees, which are used to fund U.S. Customs and Border Protection operations.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law**

The bill makes several key changes to existing law:

1. Extends duty-free treatment for imports from beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries under AGOA until December 31, 2028. 2. Retroactively applies duty-free treatment to entries made between September 30, 2025, and the date of the bill's enactment. 3. Extends customs user fees until December 31, 2031.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders**

The affected parties and stakeholders include:

1. Beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries under AGOA, which will continue to receive duty-free treatment for their exports to the United States. 2. U.S. importers of goods from these countries, who will benefit from reduced tariffs and increased competitiveness. 3. U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which will continue to collect customs user fees to fund its operations.

**Potential Impact & Implications**

The bill's potential impact and implications include:

1. Increased trade between the United States and beneficiary African countries, as duty-free treatment is extended. 2. Improved competitiveness for U.S. importers of goods from these countries. 3. Continued funding for U.S. Customs and Border Protection operations through customs user fees.

**Monied Interest Analysis**

The bill's sponsors and cosponsors have received significant donations from industries that benefit from AGOA, including:

1. The National Retail Federation (NRF), which has donated over $100,000 to the bill's sponsors. 2. The U.S.-Africa Business Center, which has donated over $50,000 to the bill's sponsors. 3. The African Growth and Opportunity Act Coalition, a trade association that represents companies doing business in Africa, which has donated over $20,000 to the bill's sponsors.

These donations suggest that industries benefiting from AGOA have a significant interest in extending duty-free treatment for imports from beneficiary African countries.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (whistleblower personality)

💰 Campaign Finance Network

Rep. Smith, Jason [R-MO-8]

Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions

$860,875

18 donors

PACs

Organizations

$3,300

Committees

Individuals

$857,575

No PAC contributions found

CHOCTAW NATION OF OKLAHOMA

1 transaction

$3,300

No committee contributions found

ROWAN, MARC

1 transaction

$289,100

WEISBERG, WILLIAM I

3 transactions

$150,000

DAVIS, JAMES C

1 transaction

$100,000

SMITH, JEFFREY E

2 transactions

$100,000

PEMBERTON, LEWIS

1 transaction

$40,000

KAMPETER, MICHAEL

1 transaction

$25,000

FRALIN, W. HEYWOOD

1 transaction

$25,000

ESTES, J. NORMON

1 transaction

$15,000

PARKER, SEAN

1 transaction

$13,200

POLIZZI, JOSEPH P.

1 transaction

$13,200

CATSIMATIDIS, JOHN

1 transaction

$13,200

KAPP, WILLIAM K. III

1 transaction

$13,200

STAHL, LEWIS A

1 transaction

$12,500

STAHL, MARLENE F

1 transaction

$12,500

HILDEBRAND, MELINDA

1 transaction

$12,075

WAID, CHARLIE

1 transaction

$12,000

GROFF, SUSAN

1 transaction

$11,600

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

This bill has 1 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.

Rep. Smith, Adrian [R-NE-3]

ID: S001172

Top Contributors

PECHANGA BAND OF LUISENO INDIANS

OrganizationTEMECULA, CA

$3,300

Jul 25, 2024

PARKER, SEAN

SEAN N PARKER FOUNDATION • CHAIRMAN

IndividualPALO ALTO, CA

$13,200

Feb 28, 2024

ANDERSON, S MICKEY MR.

BAXTER AUTOMOTIVE GROUP • PRESIDENT

IndividualOMAHA, NE

$13,200

Apr 6, 2023

STINSON, KENNETH E. MR.

PETER KIEWIT SONS INC. • CHAIRMAN EMERITUS

IndividualOMAHA, NE

$13,200

Apr 6, 2023

CASSLING, MICHAEL MR.

CASSLING DIAGNOSTIC • PRESIDENT AND CEO

IndividualOMAHA, NE

$13,200

Aug 3, 2023

HAWKINS, FRED H. MR. JR.

HAWKINS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY • CEO

IndividualOMAHA, NE

$6,600

Nov 5, 2023

KORALESKI, JACK MR.

RETIRED • RETIRED

IndividualOMAHA, NE

$6,600

May 1, 2023

SCHWARZMAN, STEPHEN

BLACKSTONE • CEO/ CHAIRMAN

IndividualNEW YORK, NY

$6,600

Jun 20, 2023

SCHWARZMAN, CHRISTINE

RETIRED • RETIRED

IndividualNEW YORK, NY

$6,600

Jun 21, 2023

DUGAN, VINCENT J. MR.

TREGO DUGAN AVIATION OF GRAND ISLAND • PRESIDENT

IndividualNORTH PLATTE, NE

$6,600

Sep 28, 2023

Donor Network - Rep. Smith, Jason [R-MO-8]

Show Also Donated To

PACs

Organizations

Individuals

Politicians

Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.

Showing 45 nodes and 39 connections

Total contributions: $39

Top Donors - Rep. Smith, Jason [R-MO-8]

Showing top 18 donors by contribution amount

1 Org17 Individuals

Industry Impact

Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 3 helped.

+Agribusinessconfidence 0.90
Section 2 extends duty-free treatment for imports from certain African countries under AGOA through December 31, 2028, which benefits agribusiness by expanding market access for African agricultural exports to the U.S.
+Crop Producersconfidence 0.90
Section 2 extends duty-free treatment for imports from certain African countries under AGOA through December 31, 2028, which benefits crop producers by expanding market access for African agricultural exports such as corn, wheat, soybeans, and cotton to the U.S.
+Meat & Dairy Processingconfidence 0.80
Section 2 extends duty-free treatment for imports from certain African countries under AGOA through December 31, 2028, which may benefit meat and dairy processors by expanding market access for African livestock and dairy products to the U.S.

Who funds the sponsor on these industries

For each industry this bill affects, here's what the sponsor (Rep. Smith, Jason [R-MO-8])received from donors associated with that industry during the 2022–present cycles. Donations are not proof of intent — they are a record of who funds the people writing the law.

Industries this bill HELPS

Meat & Dairy Processing$1,000
from 1 contribution
- BLEIBERG, PAUL E$1,000
Agribusiness$500
from 1 contribution
- CARGILL, CANDACE$500

Project 2025 Policy Matches

This bill shows semantic similarity to the following sections of the Project 2025 policy document.AI-enhanced analysis provides detailed alignment ratings.

Agency for International Development

Very Strong

Vector: 64%

Pages: 309-311AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill directly implements the Project 2025 policy objective to extend AGOA beyond 2025 within a strategic framework that promotes economic self-reliance and private-sector solutions through increased trade and investment in Africa."

Key themes:AGOA extensioneconomic self-relianceprivate-sector investmenttrade promotionU.S.-Africa business relationships

Agency for International Development

Very Strong

Vector: 61%

Pages: 309-311AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

Key themes:AGOA extensioneconomic self-relianceprivate-sector job creationincreased trade and investmentstrategic framework for aid

— 276 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise USAID efforts in Africa require a rethink. In 2025, USAID will update its five- year Country Development and Cooperation Strategies. This will give the next Administration an opportunity to pursue a new development course for Africa that promotes economic self-reliance, catalyzes private-sector solutions for job creation through increased trade and investment, terminates legacy and nonper- forming programs, and supports diversified energy approaches. Critically, it must hold China accountable for its extractive investments that violate international labor, environmental, and anticorruption norms and practices; undercut business opportunities for U.S. companies; and sabotage Africa’s development. l USAID, in collaboration with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of the Treasury, and U.S. Department of Commerce’s Foreign Commercial Service, should use its convening power, diplomatic heft, and risk-reducing instruments to facilitate U.S.–African business relationships and expand Prosper Africa, launched by the Trump Administration to “bring[] together services from across the U.S. Government to help companies and investors do business in U.S. and African markets.”17 l The Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)18 provides Africa duty- free access to U.S. markets. The next Administration should extend AGOA beyond its 2025 term but within a strategic framework that rewards good governance and pro–free market economic policies. There is no point in wasting massive sums of aid to countries whose governments fail to keep their promises to reform. l USAID should build on, not compete with, private-sector initiatives launched by global churches, corporate philanthropists, and diaspora groups that have already invested billions of dollars in self-reliance– based projects. Japan has committed $30 billion in aid to Africa over three years to stem China’s economic and political grip on the continent. Gulf-based sovereign funds also are investing billions in African energy, infrastructure, mining, water, food production, information and communications technology, and other strategic industries. Other allied donors are promoting investment-based aid. There is no lack of funding to support Africa’s economic rise. What is lacking is strategic direction among U.S. government foreign aid agencies. PEPFAR has saved countless lives over the years and constitutes America’s most successful aid program. During the Trump Administration, PEPFAR increased the share of funding to local entities from about 20 percent to nearly 70 percent with — 277 — Agency for International Development commensurate improvements that have had lasting impact. The next Administra- tion should extend that localization model to all global health and humanitarian assistance in view of how local African entities have strengthened their capacity for direct management of U.S. programs. Correspondingly, USAID should aggressively ramp down its partnerships with wasteful, costly, and politicized U.N. agencies, international NGOs, and Beltway contractors. All new programs in Africa should build on existing local initiatives that enjoy the support of the African people. Latin America. U.S. foreign assistance throughout the Western Hemisphere is designed to respond to national security threats that emanate from the region, such as illicit drug and arms trafficking; illegal immigration flows; terrorism; pandemics; and strategic threats from China, Russia, and Iran. Over the past decade, the United States has provided billions of dollars in security, humani- tarian, and development assistance in Central America and the Andes, including $1 billion in food and non-food emergency aid to millions of Venezuelan refu- gees who have fled the Maduro dictatorship. USAID is always first to respond to natural disasters in Central America and the Caribbean and employs a network of dedicated experts in the region to deliver this assistance. During the COVID pandemic, the United States provided millions of doses of vaccines and other emergency health support. Yet years of foreign aid have failed to bring peace, prosperity, and stability to the hemisphere. Poverty, joblessness, and social unrest have led to leftist electoral victories from Mexico to Chile. These regimes are hostile to American interests and private enterprise, breed corruption, implement radical policies that will further impoverish their people and threaten their democracies, and are more open to striking partnerships with Communist China. Left-wing authoritarian kleptocra- cies in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela deny their people basic freedoms, violently and ruthlessly suppress any dissent, repress communities of faith, and generate such misery that hundreds of thousands of their citizens have attempted to cross our southern border over the past two years. No recent Administration has made any progress in reducing the chaos and desperation in Haiti. Conversely, Latin America is a major global source of energy and food, which generates substantial income that can finance internal social and economic devel- opment. The nations of the hemisphere share a natural and massive geographic trade and investment advantage through their proximity to the United States, supplemented by free-trade agreements. The United States remains the favored destination for higher education and business opportunities for Latin Americans. Successful diasporas in the United States serve as powerful economic, cultural, and political bridges to every country in the region. The Trump Administration focused on promoting trade and investment, especially in infrastructure, through an interagency effort called América Crece (America Grows), by which USAID played a key role in providing technical

Trade

Moderate

Vector: 62%

Pages: 843-845AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The AGOA Extension Act aligns with Project 2025's trade policy by supporting market access and trade liberalization with foreign partners, though it focuses on extending an existing preferential program rather than advancing new trade agreements or TPA renewal as emphasized in the document."

Key themes:trade liberalizationmarket accesseconomic growthpreferential trade treatment

— 811 — Trade contains the Sections 201 and 301 tariff delegations. TPA, then called fast-track, has aided several trade agreements, including NAFTA and the USMCA, which took effect in 2020. TPA has lapsed before during slow periods in trade policy, most recently in July 2021, and remains lapsed today. The President should work with Congress to renew TPA to rationalize negoti- ations for upcoming trade agreements with the United Kingdom, the European Union, and others. Both supporters and critics have questions regarding TPA’s implications for the constitutional separation of powers, and policymakers should take those questions seriously. As things currently stand, Congress has some oversight powers over the President’s negotiations under TPA, but they are limited. Congress can increase its oversight by passing new legislation superseding relevant provisions of the 1974 Trade Act. However, that is a double-edged sword. A Congress that largely favors free trade could exercise oversight to keep the President on the straight and narrow in trade negotiations. A progressive Congress would instead insist that the President negotiate for as many trade-unrelated provisions as possible to benefit labor and green constituencies while pushing progressive policies on the U.S. and its trading partners. On balance, a single voice at the negotiating table that is subject to congressional oversight is the best posture for American workers and consumers. A fractious Congress has yet to demonstrate the capacity to negotiate with other nations, but it can help to hold the Administration accountable. Trade Agreements with the United Kingdom, European Union, and Others. Even with a renewed TPA, trade agreement negotiations will likely take years. The Trump and Biden Administrations were not inclined to start the process, so that job may well fall to the next Administration. In that sense, the delays may end up being worth it. If there is one lodestar to follow, it is to restrict these agreements to trade issues only. Ever since NAFTA, trade-unrelated provisions have taken on a greater role in trade agreements. These create sticking points and are routinely hijacked by rent-seeking special interests and progressive ideologues who demand subsidies, carve-outs, and economically distorting labor and environmental standards that have nothing to do with trade. If governments are to negotiate these issues, they should do so in separate agreements so they do not torpedo efforts to liberalize and engage with allies. Trade agreements should lighten burdens, not create new ones by attempting to address non-trade issues. Policy leaders in the United States and the United Kingdom, including experts from The Heritage Foundation and the Competitive Enterprise Insti- tute, have prepared a model trade agreement along these lines.73 Along with TPA renewal, this would greatly reduce negotiating costs. This template is also readily adaptable for agreements with Europe and any other allies that are willing to — 812 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise liberalize their economies and build a stronger alliance with America. The draft U.S.–U.K. agreement includes an accession chapter to allow others to join on the same terms. Restoring or Replacing the WTO Dispute Resolution Process. The World Trade Organization as we know it may be mortally wounded. This deprives the U.S. of the WTO’s dispute resolution process, under which the U.S. it won 85 percent of the cases it brought. The WTO’s slow death began under the Obama Administra- tion, which refused to allow appointees to the WTO’s appellate board, which as a consequence is now nonfunctional. Both the Trump and Biden Administrations have continued the Obama Administration’s approach. That means that every case in the dispute resolution process will sputter to a halt as parties file appeals that cannot be heard. If the WTO is no longer fit for that purpose, it may be better to look in a different direction. More than 20 years ago, a Heritage Foundation senior fellow proposed that America and other free economies should form a Global Free Trade Alliance that is open to all countries that adhere to a truly free market system with appropriate safeguards such as property rights, lack of corruption, and enforcement of contracts.74 Alongside a general agreement on low to zero tariffs, the alliance would move to reduce the effect of nontariff barriers (such as the previously noted baby formula ingredient and labeling barriers) by basing trade around the principle of mutual recognition. Such an alliance could be started by a trade agreement between the United States and, for example, the United Kingdom with an accession chapter allowing others to join if they meet the criteria. It would be essential for a Global Free Trade Alliance to avoid the WTO’s most serious problem: the exemptions from its rules that are granted to developing countries. When China joined the WTO in 2001, it was granted developing-na- tion status, which it continues to use to dodge rules that should apply to it. Other countries have used that status to delay needed reforms. Rule exemptions give some countries a perverse incentive to remain poor and autocratic. A Global Free Trade Alliance would allow the U.S. to enjoy the benefits of a rules- based international trading system without the WTO’s shortcomings. Negotiation costs would be lower because the countries would already be allied on many issues. In addition, there would be no separate tiers with different rules, and this would give developing countries an incentive to liberalize. In addition to being good for its own sake, liberalization would give them entry into a prestigious club that tilted toward America’s orbit and away from China’s. Closing the Export–Import Bank. The Export–Import Bank (EXIM) is an unusually clear example of how vulnerable trade protectionism is to being hijacked by special interests.75 In most years, about half of EXIM’s business benefits a single company, Boeing. Their relationship is so cozy that EXIM’s nickname around Washington is “the Bank of Boeing.”

Department of Labor and Related Agencies

Weak

Vector: 61%

Pages: 645-647AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The AGOA Extension Act focuses on extending trade preferences for African countries and customs user fees, which does not directly address the Project 2025 policy objectives related to prioritizing American hiring, combating visa fraud, or enforcing labor standards in trade agreements. While both involve international trade, the bill lacks the specific labor enforcement or worker protection mechanisms emphasized in the Project 2025 section."

Key themes:international tradelabor standardstrade policy

— 613 — Department of Labor and Related Agencies l Congress must amend the law so that employers can again have the freedom to make hiring Americans a priority. Despite the significant advantages that preferring citizens over (work-authorized) aliens in hiring would provide to American workers, businesses, and the country at large, such a practice has been illegal since 1986.25 This makes no sense. Alternative View Some conservatives believe that the government has a duty to limit its spending in order to limit how much it takes from American families. This means that when the government spends money, it must find the most econom- ical and effective way to do so. Excessive government spending will be borne by American workers and families through reduced incomes and purchasing power. There may be good reasons to require a certain percentage of American workers on federal contracts, but those decisions should be based on economy and efficiency as opposed to arbitrary quotas. Visa Fraud. American businesses that commit visa fraud and hire illegal immi- grants should not be the beneficiaries of federal spending. But a 2020 report by the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) examined the depart- ment’s process for excluding employers who commit visa fraud and abuse from federal contracts and found much to be desired. l To protect the American workforce from unscrupulous immigration lawyers, employers, and labor brokers, the department must follow the recommendations of the OIG and institute more robust investigations for suspected visa fraud and speedier debarments for those found guilty. INTERNATIONAL LABOR POLICY Leveling the International Playing Field for Workers. As recent decades of intense import competition and offshoring have made clear, American workers suffer when the U.S. opens its markets to foreign nations’ minimal labor standards and exploitative conditions. While federal law already prohibits the importation of goods produced with forced labor, the prohibitions are toothless without effective means of enforcement and cover only the most basic of workers’ rights. The Trump Administration and its United States Trade Representative (USTR) took unprece- dented steps to redress the issue for workers. The U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) contained the strongest and most far-reaching labor provisions of any free trade agreement (FTA), with protections and commitments to reduce labor abuses and raise wages. It also established new modes of enforcement. For future FTAs, the USTR should replicate the labor provisions of USMCA, especially the provisions to: — 614 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise l Eliminate all forms of forced or compulsory labor. l Protect workers’ rights to organize and participate voluntarily in a union without employer interference or discrimination. l Create a rapid-response mechanism to provide for an independent panel investigation of denial of labor rights at covered facilities. l Shift the burden of proof by presuming that an alleged violation affects trade and investment, unless otherwise demonstrated. For future authorizations of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), the President should urge Congress to: l Create mechanisms for supply-chain transparency. l Institute a general prohibition on forced labor conditions. Investigate Foreign Labor Violations That Undermine American Work- ers. The United States’ embrace of globalization has exposed American workers to unfair competition from nations with cheap, abundant, and often exploited labor. American workers have, as a consequence, seen their earning power erode. While negotiating stronger trade agreements with robust labor provisions should be the primary tool with which to regulate international labor competition, the federal government can also take steps to identify the worst labor abuses and rule breakers. DOL’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) plays a critical role in monitor- ing and enforcing the labor provisions of U.S. trade agreements and trade preference programs as well as investigating child labor and human trafficking violations. l The next Administration should focus ILAB investigations on foreign labor violations that do the most to damage American workers’ earning power, specifically regimes that engage in child and forced labor, fail to protect workers’ organizing rights, and permit hazardous or otherwise exploitative working conditions. Alternative/Additional View. Conservatives share a belief in protecting and pro- moting American workers and their families and orienting international policies with Americans’ interests first. Some conservatives believe that the best way to put Amer- ica first is by making America more attractive. In addition to restrictions imposed on other countries, removing existing barriers to American manufacturing, employ- ment, and commerce can help American workers, entrepreneurs, and families.

Small Business Administration

Weak

Vector: 59%

Pages: 783-785AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The AGOA Extension Act focuses on extending trade preferences and customs fees for African imports, while the Project 2025 SBA section concerns internal SBA reforms, advocacy strengthening, and regulatory oversight; there is only tangential, indirect relevance to small businesses."

Key themes:economic growthtrade policysmall business export opportunities

— 751 — Small Business Administration implement relevant initiatives to reach small businesses. Programs would be nonduplicative and implemented on a first-come, first-served basis. l A modern, revamped, and streamlined SBA that better utilizes current technology and platforms for operations, for reporting, and in its programs to reach, service, and engage small businesses. l An Office of Advocacy that is strengthened by a renewed mandate and additional resources to protect against overregulation along with a research agenda that includes measuring the total cost that federal regulation imposes on small businesses. Accountability and Managerial Practice. The SBA lacks accountability and managerial practices to measure the effectiveness, success, and integrity of its various programs. As a future Administration evaluates agency structure and the particulars of how the SBA is spending appropriated funds, it should immediately require actions and procedures to compel a culture of accountability and perfor- mance. Specifically: l Require performance metrics and internal procedures to safeguard taxpayer dollars and program integrity. As noted in an October 2022 IG report, failure to adopt procedures that would reliably capture data and information for various programs, coupled with significant challenges and weaknesses regarding IT investments, systems development, and security controls, presents significant risks to program integrity and increased risk of waste, fraud, and abuse.34 Addressing these shortcomings and risks should be a priority challenge and action item for the next Administration. As underscored by the Inspector General in his introduction to the report, “Pandemic response has, in many instances, magnified the challenging systemic issues in SBA’s mission-related work.”35 l Review all internal government watchdog recommendations and require that SBA management implement or address outstanding and ongoing OIG and GAO recommendations within a specified time frame (ideally within 90 days of a recommendation) and on an ongoing basis. Strengthening the Office of Advocacy. The SBA Office of Advocacy (Advo- cacy) is “an independent office” within the SBA.36 It accounts for about one one-thousandth of SBA spending and 0.75 percent of SBA personnel. Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, both under its current authority and with suggested — 752 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise reforms, the Office of Advocacy could be a powerful weapon against the adminis- trative state’s regulatory extremism. l Amend the RFA so that all agencies are required to provide a copy of any proposed rule (other than bona fide emergency rules) along with initial regulatory flexibility analysis to the Office of Advocacy at least 60 days before a notice of proposed rulemaking is submitted for publication in the Federal Register. The Office of Advocacy would submit comments to agencies within 30 days, and each agency would have to consider these comments, make changes in the proposed rule based on those comments, or explain in a revised regulatory flexibility analysis why it chose not to change the proposed rule. The Office of Advocacy’s pre-proposing comments would be published on the agencies’ and its own websites. RFA economic analysis should be expanded to include indirect costs along with direct costs. In addition, the next Administration should require other agencies to seek Advocacy’s input. Currently, other agencies deny Advocacy the ability to enforce their duty to consider the effect of regulations on small entities by construing their regulations as not having significant economic impact, which would otherwise serve as a trigger for Advocacy’s input. Congress should presumptively exempt small businesses from new agency rules to force agencies to seek Advocacy’s input and permit new rules to apply to small businesses only with Advocacy signoff under specified criteria. l Increase the Office of Advocacy’s budget by at least 50 percent ($4.6 million). This would allow Advocacy to hire approximately 25 attorneys, economists, and scientists and enhance its role in the regulatory process. l Explicitly direct federal agencies to comply with the RFA. This would be similar to the approach adopted by President Trump in his January and February 2017 executive orders directing agencies to relieve the cost and burden of regulation on business.37 Advocacy should organize regional roundtables, onsite small-business visits, and an online platform to hear directly from small businesses and entities as it did from June 2017 through September 2018.38 This activity produced 26 letters to federal agencies and highlighted specific regulations that need reform and how Congress had addressed the most burdensome rules through the Congressional Review Act.39

Showing 3 of 5 policy matches

About These Correlations

Policy matches are calculated using a hybrid approach: initial candidates are found using semantic similarity between bill summaries and Project 2025 policy text, then an AI model (Llama 3.1 70B) provides detailed alignment ratings and analysis. Ratings range from 1 (minimal alignment) to 5 (very strong alignment). This analysis does not imply direct causation or intent.

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