# 119-hr-8625: USTDA Modernization Act of 2026

119-hr-8625, USTDA Modernization Act of 2026, is a 119th Congress bill sponsored by Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large] (R-GU); status introduced; PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-09-21).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-8625
- As of: 2026-09-21
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Bill: 119-hr-8625
- Congress: 119
- Title: USTDA Modernization Act of 2026
- Status: introduced
- Introduced: 2026-04-30
- Sponsor: Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large] (R-GU)
- Cosponsors: 1
- Policy area: International Affairs
- Touches household money: yes
- Last recorded action: 2026-09-21

## 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. - 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.

## Cosponsors (1)

- Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2] (D-HI), 2026-04-30T00:00:00.000Z

## Provisions PRIA read

- USTDA can fund high-income projects: benefit, low. 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 mineral…
- USTDA contractor hiring and reporting: mixed, low. 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…

## Related bills

- 119-hr-9877: Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2026
- 119-hr-3151: SHIPS for America Act of 2025
- 119-hr-3816: Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2025
- 119-hr-4393: DIGNIDAD (Dignity) Act of 2025
- 119-hr-3718: Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act of 2025
- 119-hr-562: BLUE Pacific Act

## Sources
- [119-hr-8625 on Congress.gov](https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/8625)

## Related
- [119-hr-9877: Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2026](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-9877)
- [119-hr-3151: SHIPS for America Act of 2025](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-3151)
- [119-hr-3816: Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2025](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-3816)
- [119-hr-4393: DIGNIDAD (Dignity) Act of 2025](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-4393)
- [119-hr-3718: Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act of 2025](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-3718)
- [119-hr-562: BLUE Pacific Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-562)
- [All bills in Congress](https://policyrisk.com/legislation)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-8625 (as of 2026-09-21).