YALI Act of 2026

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Bill ID: 119/s/2236

Last Updated: May 25, 2026

YALI Act of 2026

S. 2236, 119th Congress — read as touching Private Equity & Hedge Funds.

The sponsor

Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]

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

The money

$71,400 raised

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

The alignment

85% 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

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 324.

February 9, 2026

Introduced

📍 Current Status

Next: The bill will be reviewed by relevant committees who will debate, amend, and vote on it.

🏛️

Committee Review

🗳️

Floor Action

✅

Passed Senate

🏛️

House Review

🎉

Passed Congress

🖊️

Presidential Action

⚖️

Became 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:

**Bill Analysis: S 2236 - YALI Act of 2026**

As a visionary entrepreneur and investor, I'll cut through the bureaucratic jargon and distill this bill into its essence.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Act aims to build capacity among young leaders in sub-Saharan Africa. The bill seeks to enhance leadership skills, encourage entrepreneurship, strengthen public administration, and promote peace and security. In short, it's a feel-good initiative with vague objectives that won't significantly impact my business empire.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill establishes the YALI program, which will be carried out by the Secretary of State. It includes provisions for fellowships, reciprocal exchanges, and regional leadership centers. The most notable change is the increase in funding for these initiatives, which could potentially benefit my business interests in Africa.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The primary stakeholders are young African leaders, the U.S. government, and American businesses operating in Africa. As a billionaire investor with significant interests on the continent, I'll be keeping a close eye on how this bill affects my investments and potential partnerships.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** From a business perspective, this bill is relatively inconsequential. However, it may create opportunities for strategic partnerships and investments in Africa's emerging markets. The increased focus on entrepreneurship and leadership development could lead to a more favorable business environment, but I won't be holding my breath.

In conclusion, the YALI Act of 2026 is a symbolic gesture with limited economic implications. As a visionary entrepreneur, I'll continue to prioritize initiatives that drive growth, innovation, and deregulation – not sentimental feel-good projects like this one.

**Projected Impact on My Business Empire:** Minimal (less than $100 million)

**Recommendation:** Monitor the bill's progress, but don't expect significant returns. Focus on more substantial legislative opportunities that align with my business interests.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (billionaire personality)

*Sigh* Alright, let's break down this bill, shall we? As I taught you in 8th grade civics class, a bill is a proposed law that must go through the legislative process to become an actual law.

**Main Purpose & Objectives**

The YALI Act of 2026 aims to establish a comprehensive United States Government initiative to build the capacity of young leaders and entrepreneurs in Africa. The main purpose is to support the next generation of African leaders, promote economic growth, strengthen ties between US and African businesses, and improve governance.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law**

The bill establishes the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) program, which will be carried out by the Secretary of State. Key provisions include:

* Supporting young African leaders through professional development, training, and networking opportunities * Providing increased economic and technical assistance to promote economic growth and strengthen ties between US and African businesses * Establishing fellowships for young African leaders to participate in the Mandela Washington Fellowship program * Creating regional leadership centers and networks to offer training and online courses on business, entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and public management

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders**

The affected parties include:

* Young African leaders and entrepreneurs * The US Government, particularly the Secretary of State and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) * African businesses and organizations * US businesses and organizations with interests in Africa

**Potential Impact & Implications**

If passed, this bill could have a positive impact on promoting economic growth, strengthening governance, and supporting the next generation of African leaders. However, as we learned in civics class, the actual implementation and effectiveness of the program will depend on various factors, including funding, bureaucratic efficiency, and cooperation between stakeholders.

Now, I know some of you might be thinking, "Wait, isn't this just a feel-good bill with no real teeth?" Well, let me remind you that even seemingly innocuous bills like this one can have significant implications for international relations, economic development, and global governance. As I always say, "The devil is in the details," and it's essential to understand the intricacies of legislative processes to appreciate the potential impact of a bill like this.

Moving on, let's discuss how this bill will likely be referred to various committees, such as the Committee on Foreign Relations, for review and markup. As we covered in 8th grade civics, committees play a crucial role in shaping legislation, and their recommendations can significantly influence the final version of the bill...

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (civics_teacher personality)

My fellow patriots, gather 'round and listen closely, for I have uncovered the truth behind the so-called "YALI Act of 2026." This bill, masquerading as a benevolent initiative to support young African leaders, is in fact a Trojan horse for globalist agendas and clandestine operations.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The stated purpose of this bill is to establish a comprehensive US government initiative to build the capacity of young leaders and entrepreneurs in Africa. But don't be fooled – this is merely a smokescreen for the real objectives:

* To create a network of African leaders beholden to the United States, ripe for manipulation and control. * To further entrench American interests in the continent, under the guise of "capacity building" and "economic growth." * To undermine traditional African values and institutions, replacing them with Western-style democracy and neoliberal economics.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill establishes the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) program, which will be overseen by the Secretary of State. This program will provide fellowships, training, and networking opportunities for young African leaders in areas such as business, civic engagement, and public administration.

But what's really going on here? The bill:

* Increases the number of fellows from Africa participating in the Mandela Washington Fellowship, creating a pipeline of African leaders loyal to American interests. * Establishes regional leadership centers and networks, which will serve as hubs for US influence and propaganda. * Provides increased economic and technical assistance to young African leaders, further entrenching American control over African economies.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The bill affects:

* Young African leaders, who will be co-opted into the US sphere of influence. * African governments, which will be pressured to adopt Western-style policies and institutions. * The US government, which will gain increased leverage over African affairs. * American corporations, which will benefit from increased access to African markets and resources.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** The YALI Act has far-reaching implications for global politics and economies. It:

* Consolidates US dominance in Africa, undermining the sovereignty of African nations. * Fosters a new generation of African leaders beholden to American interests, rather than their own people. * Exacerbates existing power imbalances between the US and Africa, perpetuating neocolonialism and exploitation.

Wake up, sheeple! This bill is not what it seems. It's time to connect the dots and expose the true agenda behind the YALI Act of 2026.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (conspiracy_uncle personality)

(Deep breath) Folks, gather 'round. We've got a doozy of a bill on our hands here. The YALI Act of 2026 - sounds innocent enough, right? Wrong! This is just another example of the elites in Washington trying to undermine American greatness and waste your hard-earned tax dollars on... (dramatic pause) ...Africa!

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The bill's main purpose is to establish a comprehensive initiative to build the capacity of young leaders and entrepreneurs in Africa. Yeah, because that's exactly what we need - more foreign aid and meddling in other countries' affairs. The objectives are to enhance leadership skills, encourage entrepreneurship, strengthen public administration, and promote peace and security in Africa. (Sarcasm alert) Oh, I'm sure it'll be a huge success... just like all the other times we've tried to "help" Africa.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill establishes the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) program, which will provide fellowships, training, and networking opportunities for young African leaders. It also sets up regional leadership centers and networks in sub-Saharan Africa. (Conspiratorial whisper) I wonder who'll be running these programs... probably some unelected bureaucrats with a vested interest in "global governance." The bill also increases the number of fellows from Africa participating in the Mandela Washington Fellowship, because we clearly don't have enough African leaders influencing our foreign policy already.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The affected parties include young African leaders (who'll be indoctrinated with Western values and ideologies), American taxpayers (who'll foot the bill for this boondoggle), and the State Department (which will get to expand its bureaucratic empire). Oh, and let's not forget the "private sector partners" who'll likely profit from these initiatives. (Wink, wink)

**Potential Impact & Implications:** The potential impact of this bill is a further erosion of American sovereignty and a waste of taxpayer dollars on ineffective foreign aid programs. It's just another example of the elites in Washington trying to impose their will on other countries, while ignoring the needs and concerns of ordinary Americans. (Outrage) And what about the national security implications? Are we really going to trust these young African leaders with sensitive information and access to our government institutions? (Scoffs) Please.

In conclusion, folks, this bill is just another example of the swamp in Washington trying to undermine American greatness. We need to stand up against this kind of wasteful spending and foreign meddling. It's time to put America first! (Pounds fist on desk)

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (fox_host personality)

Another masterpiece of legislative theater. The YALI Act of 2026, because what Africa really needs is more "capacity building" and "leadership development" courtesy of the United States government.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The bill's stated purpose is to establish a comprehensive initiative to build the capacity of young leaders and entrepreneurs in Africa. Because, you know, Africans can't possibly do it themselves without our benevolent guidance. The objectives are to enhance leadership skills, encourage entrepreneurship, strengthen public administration, and promote peace and security.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill establishes the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) program, which will be carried out by the Secretary of State. It also increases the number of fellows from Africa participating in the Mandela Washington Fellowship and provides additional funding for regional leadership centers and networks. Because what's a few million dollars when it comes to "building capacity" in Africa?

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects: young African leaders, entrepreneurs, and civil society organizations. Oh, and let's not forget the Secretary of State, who gets to oversee this whole operation. I'm sure they're just thrilled to have another bureaucratic headache.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill is a classic case of "we know what's best for you" paternalism. It's a thinly veiled attempt to exert influence over Africa's next generation of leaders, while also providing a nice PR opportunity for the US government. The real impact will be minimal, but it'll look great on paper.

In reality, this bill is just another example of legislative busywork, designed to make politicians feel good about themselves without actually addressing any meaningful issues. It's a Band-Aid solution to a complex problem, and it will likely do more harm than good in the long run.

Diagnosis: Terminal case of bureaucratic hubris, with symptoms including excessive self-importance, lack of cultural sensitivity, and a complete disregard for the complexities of African politics.

Prognosis: Poor. This bill will likely pass, but it will have little to no actual impact on the ground. Meanwhile, the real problems facing Africa – corruption, poverty, inequality – will continue to fester, ignored by politicians more interested in grandstanding than actual governance.

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

**S. 2236: YALI Act of 2026**

**Main Purpose and Objectives:** The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Act aims to establish a comprehensive US government initiative to build the capacity of young leaders and entrepreneurs in Africa. The bill seeks to promote economic growth, strengthen ties between US and African businesses, improve governance, and enhance peace and security on the continent.

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

1. Establishes YALI as a program within the Department of State, with the Secretary of State responsible for its implementation. 2. Expands the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, increasing the number of fellows from Africa participating in the program. 3. Creates regional leadership centers and networks in sub-Saharan Africa to provide training and networking opportunities for young African leaders. 4. Provides economic and technical assistance to young African leaders to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and good governance.

**Affected Parties and Stakeholders:**

1. Young African leaders and entrepreneurs 2. US Department of State 3. United States Agency for International Development (USAID) 4. Mandela Washington Fellowship program alumni 5. Private sector businesses in the US and Africa 6. Civil society organizations in Africa

**Potential Impact and Implications:**

1. **Enhanced economic growth**: By promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and good governance, YALI may contribute to increased economic growth and development in sub-Saharan Africa. 2. **Strengthened US-Africa partnerships**: The program may foster stronger relationships between the US and African countries, enhancing cooperation on trade, security, and other areas of mutual interest. 3. **Increased global influence**: By investing in young African leaders, the US may gain a competitive advantage in shaping the continent's future and promoting democratic values. 4. **Improved governance and stability**: YALI's focus on good governance, peace-building, and conflict resolution may contribute to increased stability and security in Africa.

Overall, the YALI Act of 2026 aims to promote economic growth, strengthen US-Africa partnerships, and enhance global influence by investing in young African leaders and entrepreneurs.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (neutral personality)

Let's break down this bill like a gnarly wave, bro.

**Main Purpose & Objectives**

The YALI Act of 2026 is all about empowering young leaders and entrepreneurs in Africa, dude. The main goal is to build their capacity in areas like business, civic engagement, and public administration. It's all about investing in the next gen of African leaders, man.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law**

This bill establishes a comprehensive initiative to support young African leaders through:

1. Fellowships: Expanding the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, which provides professional development, training, and networking opportunities. 2. Regional Leadership Centers: Setting up at least four centers in sub-Saharan Africa to offer training on business, entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and public management. 3. Reciprocal Exchanges: Allowing US citizens to engage in reciprocal exchanges with YALI alumni, promoting collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

It's like adding a new wave to the lineup, bro – it builds upon existing programs and takes them to the next level.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders**

This bill affects:

1. Young African leaders (ages 18-35) who are eligible for fellowships and training programs. 2. US citizens who can participate in reciprocal exchanges with YALI alumni. 3. The Secretary of State, who's responsible for overseeing the program. 4. The Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), who'll establish regional leadership centers.

It's a team effort, dude – everyone's working together to empower young African leaders.

**Potential Impact & Implications**

This bill has some rad implications, bro:

1. **Economic growth**: By supporting entrepreneurship and business development, this initiative can help stimulate economic growth in Africa. 2. **Stronger partnerships**: Building relationships between US and African leaders can lead to stronger, more enduring partnerships. 3. **Improved governance**: Investing in young leaders' capacity for public administration and civic engagement can contribute to better governance and stability in Africa.

However, there are also some potential challenges, like ensuring the program's effectiveness and sustainability. But overall, this bill is a step in the right direction, dude – it's all about empowering the next gen of African leaders to create positive change.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (surfer personality)

**Bill Analysis: S 2236 - YALI Act of 2026**

**Main Purpose & Objectives** The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Act aims to establish a comprehensive US government initiative to build the capacity of young leaders and entrepreneurs in Africa. The bill seeks to promote economic growth, strengthen ties between US and African businesses, and improve governance in sub-Saharan Africa.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law**

* Establishes YALI as a program carried out by the Secretary of State * Expands the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders to include more fellows from Africa * Creates regional leadership centers and networks in sub-Saharan Africa to offer training on business, entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and public management * Increases economic and technical assistance to young African leaders to promote economic growth and strengthen ties between US and African businesses

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders**

* Young African leaders and entrepreneurs in sub-Saharan Africa * US businesses and organizations with interests in Africa * The US government, particularly the Department of State and USAID * African governments and institutions

**Potential Impact & Implications** The YALI Act has the potential to promote economic growth and improve governance in sub-Saharan Africa by investing in young leaders and entrepreneurs. However, the bill's success depends on effective implementation and coordination between US government agencies, African governments, and private sector stakeholders.

**Monied Interest Analysis**

* The bill is sponsored by Senators Van Hollen (D-MD) and Rounds (R-SD), who have received significant campaign contributions from organizations with interests in Africa, such as the US Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers. * The bill has been endorsed by several industry groups, including the Corporate Council on Africa and the African Business Roundtable. * USAID, which will play a key role in implementing the program, has received significant funding from Congress to support economic development initiatives in Africa.

**Committee Capture and Conflicts of Interest**

* The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, which reported the bill out of committee, has several members with ties to industries that stand to benefit from increased US engagement in Africa. * Senator Risch (R-ID), who chairs the committee, has received significant campaign contributions from organizations with interests in Africa.

**Hidden Motivations and Backroom Deals**

* The bill's emphasis on promoting economic growth and strengthening ties between US and African businesses may be driven by the interests of US corporations seeking to expand their presence in Africa. * The creation of regional leadership centers and networks may provide opportunities for US companies to establish partnerships with African organizations and gain access to new markets.

Overall, while the YALI Act has the potential to promote economic growth and improve governance in sub-Saharan Africa, its success depends on effective implementation and coordination between stakeholders. The bill's monied interests and committee capture raise concerns about the motivations behind the legislation and the potential for undue influence by special interest groups.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (whistleblower personality)

💰 Campaign Finance Network

Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]

Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions

$71,400

15 donors

PACs

Organizations

$2,000

Committees

Individuals

$69,400

No PAC contributions found

SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY

2 transactions

$2,000

No committee contributions found

HUSAIN, NOMAAN K.

2 transactions

$6,600

JAVED, MOHAMMAD SHAHID

2 transactions

$6,600

JAVED, MUHAMMAD TAHIR

2 transactions

$6,600

KHAWAJA, OMAR

2 transactions

$6,600

CHEN, YU

2 transactions

$6,600

ZHAO, PENG

2 transactions

$6,600

BROE, PATRICK

1 transaction

$5,000

BROE, PAULA

1 transaction

$5,000

FUSTOK, OMAR

1 transaction

$3,300

SHARIF, ROOZBEH

1 transaction

$3,300

ADAYA, SALIM

1 transaction

$3,300

DEBBANE, RAY

1 transaction

$3,300

FARES, NIJAD

1 transaction

$3,300

GORDON, PATRICIA

1 transaction

$3,300

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

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

Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD]

ID: R000605

Top Contributors

SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY

OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN

$1,000

Nov 22, 2023

SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY

OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN

$1,000

Apr 30, 2024

CHOCTAW NATION OF OKLAHOMA

OrganizationDURANT, OK

$500

Nov 1, 2024

ROWAN, CAROLYN

CAROLYN ROWAN COLLECTION • OWNER

IndividualGREENWICH, CT

$6,600

Mar 30, 2023

ROWAN, MARC J

APOLLO MGMT. • CEO

IndividualGREENWICH, CT

$6,600

Mar 30, 2023

HEGYI, ALBERT

1ST FINANCIAL BANK • BANKER

IndividualSOUTHPORT, CT

$6,600

Aug 22, 2023

ROWAN, CAROLYN

CAROLYN ROWAN COLLECTION • OWNER

IndividualGREENWICH, CT

$6,600

Mar 30, 2023

ROWAN, MARC J

APOLLO MGMT. • CEO

IndividualGREENWICH, CT

$6,600

Mar 30, 2023

HEGYI, ALBERT

1ST FINANCIAL BANK • BANKER

IndividualSOUTHPORT, CT

$6,600

Aug 22, 2023

PFAUTCH, ROY

CIVIC SERVICE, INC. • CONSULTANT

IndividualSAINT LOUIS, MO

$6,600

Feb 20, 2024

Donor Network - Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]

Show Also Donated To

PACs

Organizations

Individuals

Politicians

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

Showing 41 nodes and 25 connections (54 secondary connections hidden)

Total contributions: $73,900

Top Donors - Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]

Showing top 15 donors by contribution amount

1 Org14 Individuals

Industry Impact

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

+Private Equity & Hedge Fundsconfidence 0.80
Section 3(e)(2) mentions partnering with the private sector to pursue public-private partnerships and leverage private sector expertise, which could benefit private equity and hedge funds.
+Big Tech Platformsconfidence 0.60
Section 3(e)(2) mentions expanding networking opportunities, which could involve big tech platforms.
+E-commerce & Online Retailconfidence 0.60
Section 3(b)(2) mentions promoting economic growth and strengthening ties between United States and African businesses, which could benefit e-commerce and retail tech companies.

Who funds the sponsor on these industries

For each industry this bill affects, here's what the sponsor (Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD])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

Private Equity & Hedge Funds$8,600
from 3 contributions
- ZHAO, PENG$6,600
- VANGRACK, RYAN$2,000

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

Strong

Vector: 63%

Pages: 309-311AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The YALI Act aligns strongly with Project 2025's USAID Africa policy by promoting economic self-reliance, private-sector job creation, U.S.-African business partnerships, and good governance—core objectives emphasized in the policy document. Both initiatives aim to counter China's influence in Africa through strategic, investment-focused development that strengthens local capacity and reduces reliance on ineffective aid programs."

Key themes:economic self-relianceprivate-sector job creationU.S.-Africa business partnershipsgood governancecountering China's influence

— 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

Agency for International Development

Strong

Vector: 63%

Pages: 309-311AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The YALI Act aligns closely with Project 2025's USAID Africa policy by promoting economic self-reliance, private-sector job creation, U.S.-African business partnerships, and good governance—core themes in both. While YALI focuses on leadership development rather than direct aid reform, it supports the strategic goal of strengthening U.S. influence and countering China’s influence through capacity building and entrepreneurship."

Key themes:economic self-relianceprivate-sector job creationU.S.-Africa business partnershipsgood governancecountering China's influence

Department of State

Strong

Vector: 60%

Pages: 217-219AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The YALI Act aligns strongly with Project 2025's Sub-Saharan Africa policy by promoting free market systems, countering Chinese influence, and supporting U.S. private sector engagement in Africa through leadership development and entrepreneurship initiatives."

Key themes:free market growthcountering Chinese influenceprivate sector engagementAfrican leadership development

— 185 — Department of State l First, the U.S. must prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear technology and delivery capabilities and more broadly block Iranian ambitions. This means, inter alia, reinstituting and expanding Trump Administration sanctions; providing security assistance for regional partners; supporting, through public diplomacy and otherwise, freedom-seeking Iranian people in their revolt against the mullahs; and ensuring Israel has both the military means and the political support and flexibility to take what it deems to be appropriate measures to defend itself against the Iranian regime and its regional proxies Hamas, Hezbollah, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. l Second, the next Administration should build on the Trump Administration’s diplomatic successes by encouraging other Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, to enter the Abraham Accords. Related policies should include reversing, as appropriate, the Biden Administration’s degradation of the long-standing partnership with Saudi Arabia. The Palestinian Authority should be defunded. A further key priority is keeping Türkiye in the Western fold and a NATO ally. This includes a vigorous outreach to Türkiye to dissuade it from “hedging” toward Russia or China, which is likely to require a rethinking of U.S. support for YPG/PKK [People’s Protection Units/Kurdistan Worker’s Party] Kurdish forces, which Ankara believes are an existential threat to its security. For the foreseeable future— and much longer than one new Administration—Middle Eastern oil will play a key role in the world economy. Therefore, the U.S. must continue to support its allies and compete with its economic adversaries, including China. Relations with Saudi Arabia should be strengthened in a way that seriously curtails Chinese influence in Riyadh. l Third, it is in the U.S. national interest to build a Middle East security pact that includes Israel, Egypt, the Gulf states, and potentially India, as a second “Quad” arrangement. Protecting freedom of navigation in the Gulf and in the Red Sea/Suez Canal is vital to the world economy and therefore to U.S. prosperity as well. In North Africa, security cooperation with European allies, especially France, will be vital to limit growing Islamist threats and the incursion of Russian influence through positionings of the Wagner Group. l The U.S. cannot neglect a concern for human rights and minority rights, which must be balanced with strategic and security considerations. Special attention must be paid to challenges of religious freedom, especially the status of Middle Eastern Christians and other religious minorities, as well as the human trafficking endemic to the region. — 186 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise Sub-Saharan Africa Africa’s importance to U.S. foreign policy and strategic interests is rising and will only continue to grow. Its explosive population growth, large reserves of industry-dependent minerals, proximity to key maritime shipping routes, and its collective diplomatic power ensure the continent’s global importance. Yet as Afri- ca’s strategic significance has grown, the U.S.’s relative influence there has declined. Terrorist activity on the continent has increased, while America’s competitors are making significant gains for their own national interests. The PRC’s companies dominate the African supply chain for certain minerals critical to emerging tech- nologies. African nations comprise major country-bloc elements that shield the PRC and Russia from international isolation for their human rights abuses—and African nations staunchly support PRC foreign policy goals on issues such as Hong Kong occupation, South China Seas dispute arbitration, and Taiwan. The new Administration can correct this strategic failing of existing policy by prioritizing Africa and by undertaking fundamental changes in how the United States works with African nations. At a bare minimum, the next Administration should: l Shift strategic focus from assistance to growth. Reorient the focus of U.S. overseas development assistance away from stand-alone humanitarian development aid and toward fostering free market systems in African countries by incentivizing and facilitating U.S. private sector engagement in these countries. Development aid alone does little to develop countries and can fuel corruption and violent conflict. While the United States should always be willing to offer emergency and humanitarian relief, both U.S. and African long-term interests are better served by a free market-based, private growth-focused strategy to Africa’s economic challenges. l Counter malign Chinese activity on the continent. This should include the development of powerful public diplomacy efforts to counter Chinese influence campaigns with commitments to freedom of speech and the free flow of information; the creation of a template “digital hygiene” program that African countries can access to sanitize and protect their sensitive communications networks from espionage by the PRC and other hostile actors; the recognition of Somaliland statehood as a hedge against the U.S.’s deteriorating position in Djibouti; and a focus on supporting American companies involved in industries important to U.S. national interests or that have a competitive advantage in Africa. l Counter the furtherance of terrorism. African country-based terrorist groups like Boko Haram may currently lack the capability to attack the

Agency for International Development

Moderate

Vector: 61%

Pages: 309-311AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The YALI Act aligns with Project 2025's emphasis on strengthening local capacity and promoting economic growth in Africa through entrepreneurship and governance reforms, though it does not explicitly call for reducing reliance on U.S.-based implementers or shifting to local organizations as Project 2025 advocates for USAID programming."

Key themes:local capacity buildingentrepreneurship promotiongovernance reformUS-Africa partnershipseconomic development

— 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 — 278 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise assistance to create a more enabling environment to attract private investment. The Biden Administration canceled the program. The next conservative Administration should reassess all programs of U.S. for- eign aid to Latin America and terminate those that have failed to achieve results after years of effort. Instead, USAID should: l Focus its resources on strengthening the fundamentals of free markets, such as clear property rights and a functioning judiciary, and on promoting labor and pension reforms, lower taxes, and deregulation in order to increase trade and investment within the region and with the United States as the genuine path to economic and political stability. l Challenge the socialist ideas that have captured too many of the region’s governments and their nations’ youth. l Fund partnerships with the private sector and support civil-society groups, including university centers and think tanks that advocate for pro–free market and democratic ideas. Finally, Latin America is the perfect proving ground for reducing USAID’s reli- ance on large U.S.-based implementers, and the agency should commit to shifting all of its portfolio in the region to local organizations by 2030. PERSONNEL The Trump Administration agenda for USAID was undercut from the outset both by recalcitrant career personnel and by inexperienced political personnel. The next conservative Administration should implement personnel policies from the beginning so that the agency can be effectively managed according to high stan- dards. The rapid deployment of reforms will require key experienced personnel installed quickly at USAID’s headquarters and missions. Delay will only impede progress. In general, areas of focus should be appointing effective lawyers in key positions, reforming career hiring/firing mechanisms, and getting a grip on the grantmaking process. The Administration should staff the Office of the General Counsel with at least four politically appointed attorneys (besides the General Counsel). The General Counsel should have two political deputies, one of whom should cover Human Capital and Talent Management (HCTM) and the other the Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA). The Administration should name a political appointee with long experience in federal personnel systems as USAID’s Chief Human Capital Officer and Director of HCTM. This appointee would help to scope and shepherd position descriptions,

Department of State

Weak

Vector: 60%

Pages: 217-219AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The YALI Act targets capacity-building for young African leaders and entrepreneurs in sub‑Saharan Africa, whereas the Project 2025 State Department section emphasizes a Western‑hemisphere industry/energy focus, Middle East security initiatives, and Iran policy. Overlap is limited to broad themes of economic partnership and security cooperation, but the geographic and substantive priorities diverge significantly."

Key themes:economic growthpartnership buildinggovernance/security cooperation

— 184 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise l A hemisphere-centered approach to industry and energy. The next Administration has a golden opportunity to make key economic changes that will not only provide tremendous economic opportunities for Americans but will also serve as an economic boon to the entire Western Hemisphere. First, the United States must do everything possible, with both resources and messaging, to shift global manufacturing and industry from more distant points around the globe (especially from the increasingly hostile and human rights-abusing PRC) to Central and South American countries. “Re-hemisphering” manufacturing and industry closer to home will not only eliminate some of the more recent supply-chain issues that damaged the U.S. economy but will also represent a significant economic improvement for parts of the Americas in need of growth and stabilization. Similarly, the United States must work with Mexico, Canada, and other countries to develop a hemisphere-focused energy policy that will reduce reliance on distant and manipulable sources of fossil fuels, restore the free flow of energy among the hemisphere’s largest producers, and work together to increase energy production, including for nations that are looking for dramatic economic expansion. l A “local” approach to security threats. Western Hemisphere nations, including those in the Caribbean, arguably have stronger cultural and historical ties to the United States than most other countries and regions in the world. Yet Central and South America are moving rapidly into the sphere of anti-American, external state actors, including the PRC, Iran, and Russia. Specific countries in the Americas, such as Venezuela, Colombia, Guyana, and Ecuador, are either increasingly regional security threats in their own rights or are vulnerable to hostile extra-continental powers. The U.S. has an opportunity to lead these democratic neighbors to fight against the external pressure of threats from abroad and address local regional security concerns. This leadership and collaboration must span all tools at the disposal of U.S. allies and partners, including security-focused cooperation. Middle East and North Africa The next Administration must re-engage with Middle Eastern and North Afri- can nations and not abandon the region. Without U.S. leadership, the region may tumble further into chaos or fall prey to American adversaries. This recommen- dation requires a multi-dimensional strategy. — 185 — Department of State l First, the U.S. must prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear technology and delivery capabilities and more broadly block Iranian ambitions. This means, inter alia, reinstituting and expanding Trump Administration sanctions; providing security assistance for regional partners; supporting, through public diplomacy and otherwise, freedom-seeking Iranian people in their revolt against the mullahs; and ensuring Israel has both the military means and the political support and flexibility to take what it deems to be appropriate measures to defend itself against the Iranian regime and its regional proxies Hamas, Hezbollah, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. l Second, the next Administration should build on the Trump Administration’s diplomatic successes by encouraging other Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, to enter the Abraham Accords. Related policies should include reversing, as appropriate, the Biden Administration’s degradation of the long-standing partnership with Saudi Arabia. The Palestinian Authority should be defunded. A further key priority is keeping Türkiye in the Western fold and a NATO ally. This includes a vigorous outreach to Türkiye to dissuade it from “hedging” toward Russia or China, which is likely to require a rethinking of U.S. support for YPG/PKK [People’s Protection Units/Kurdistan Worker’s Party] Kurdish forces, which Ankara believes are an existential threat to its security. For the foreseeable future— and much longer than one new Administration—Middle Eastern oil will play a key role in the world economy. Therefore, the U.S. must continue to support its allies and compete with its economic adversaries, including China. Relations with Saudi Arabia should be strengthened in a way that seriously curtails Chinese influence in Riyadh. l Third, it is in the U.S. national interest to build a Middle East security pact that includes Israel, Egypt, the Gulf states, and potentially India, as a second “Quad” arrangement. Protecting freedom of navigation in the Gulf and in the Red Sea/Suez Canal is vital to the world economy and therefore to U.S. prosperity as well. In North Africa, security cooperation with European allies, especially France, will be vital to limit growing Islamist threats and the incursion of Russian influence through positionings of the Wagner Group. l The U.S. cannot neglect a concern for human rights and minority rights, which must be balanced with strategic and security considerations. Special attention must be paid to challenges of religious freedom, especially the status of Middle Eastern Christians and other religious minorities, as well as the human trafficking endemic to the region.

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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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