Two weeks ago, the U.S. Congress released a $50 billion compromise appropriations bill that, if approved, would set the budget for foreign assistance in the fiscal year 2026.
While 16.1% lower than the $59.7 billion enacted budget in 2025, it still substantially exceeds the Trump administration’s $30.1 billion budget request.
The bill still needs the approval of the Senate and the president, and many uncertainties remain about operations and logistics in the post-USAID era. Despite all that, many in the development community already see it as a win, as it affirms the bipartisan support for foreign aid in Congress.