USTDA Modernization Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large]
Introduced
Summary
Lets the U.S. Trade and Development Agency use a capped share of its funds for projects in high-income countries when those projects advance U.S. economic or national security interests. The bill would also expand USTDA staffing tools by increasing certain appointment slots and authorizing personal services contractors with annual reporting to Congress.
Show full summary
- U.S. exporters and project developers would get new market opportunities because up to 15 percent of annual program funds could be used on activities or projects in high-income countries that support U.S. strategic interests.
- High-income partner countries would become eligible for USTDA-supported projects that target energy, critical minerals, transport, or telecommunications sectors linked to U.S. priorities.
- USTDA’s hiring flexibility would increase by raising a specific appointment authority from 2 to 5 and by allowing personal services contractors. The Director of the Office of Personnel Management must report yearly on contractor counts, roles, and costs to Congress.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
More USTDA grants and hiring
If enacted, the bill would let the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) use up to 15% of its annual assistance funds for activities or projects in high-income countries that serve U.S. strategic interests in energy, critical minerals, transport, or telecommunications. The bill would let USTDA appoint up to five people under a specified appointment authority instead of two. It would also let USTDA hire personal-services contractors who would not be treated as Federal employees for laws administered by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management. The USTDA Director would have to send Congress a yearly report showing how many such contractors there are, what they do, and how much they cost.
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.
View on Congress.gov