The Republican-controlled House passed the No Tax Dollars for Terrorists Act (H.R. 260), aimed at preventing international governments and NGOs from directing funds to the Taliban. The bill declares that U.S. foreign policy opposes any foreign assistance to the Taliban, especially from entities that receive American aid. Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee, who introduced the measure, said Afghans resisting Taliban rule informed him that nearly all cash aid sent to Afghanistan ends up in Taliban hands. The legislation requires the Secretary of State to develop a strategy within 180 days to deter such support, bolster Afghan women and former U.S. partners, and report to Congress on all aid entering Afghanistan. Rep. Jonathan Jackson supported the bipartisan measure but criticized the Trump administration for lacking transparency regarding its plans in Afghanistan and Iran.
The House passed the bill by voice vote with no objections, sending it to the Senate. Earlier this month, lawmakers also approved the Protecting American Energy Production Act, which prevents presidents from issuing moratoriums on hydraulic fracturing without congressional approval. Republicans unanimously backed the bill, while 118 Democrats opposed it. The measure responds to concerns about fracking restrictions under President Biden, who previously limited drilling across vast coastal and offshore areas.
Rep. August Pfluger, who introduced the energy bill, said it counters Biden’s “war on American energy.” The legislation aligns with President Trump’s “drill, baby, drill” agenda and would stop future administrations from banning fracking. Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum launched internal reviews targeting climate-related policies seen as hindering energy development. A new Quinnipiac poll shows 53% of Democrats disapprove of their party’s performance in Congress.