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119-hr-8625119th CongressWALLET

USTDA Modernization Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Representative Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large]

Introduced

Summary

This bill would allow the United States Trade and Development Agency to use up to 15 percent of its annual program funds for activities in high‑income countries that directly serve U.S. economic and national security interests. It would also expand hiring authorities by raising a senior appointment limit and authorizing personal services contractors with annual reporting to Congress.

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  • U.S. exporters and contractors: Would gain new opportunities to compete on projects in high‑income markets tied to energy, critical minerals, transport, or telecommunications, increasing U.S. commercial engagement.
  • High‑income partner countries and projects: Would become eligible for USTDA assistance under a 15 percent cap when projects align with U.S. strategic interests.
  • USTDA staffing and oversight: Would raise a key appointment limit from 2 to 5 and permit personal services contractors, with the Director required to report annually on contractor numbers, roles, and costs.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

USTDA can fund high-income projects

If enacted, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency would be able to provide up to 15% of its annual assistance funds for projects and activities in high-income countries. The money would pay for early-stage project planning and technical help. Funds could support projects in energy, critical minerals, transport, or telecommunications that serve U.S. strategic interests. This change would shift some USTDA money toward firms working on those projects and would not create a new budget total.

USTDA contractor hiring and reporting

If enacted, the Trade and Development Agency would be able to hire people as personal services contractors. Those contractors would not be treated as Federal employees under laws administered by the Office of Personnel Management. The Agency Director would have to send an annual report to Congress listing the number of such contractors, their roles, and the costs. This mainly affects people the Agency hires, not the general public.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large]

GU • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2]

    HI • D

    Sponsored 4/30/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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