# Plain Language Summary of the STAND Act

The STAND Act would freeze most U.S. foreign aid for 60 days whenever the President declares a major disaster in America. This means that when hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, or other catastrophes strike the United States and the President officially declares it a disaster, the government would temporarily stop sending money abroad for things like international development programs, humanitarian relief to other countries, and contributions to global organizations. The only foreign aid that would continue is military and defense-related assistance.

The basic idea behind this bill is to redirect resources toward helping Americans during emergencies. When a disaster happens at home, supporters argue the government should focus its spending on recovery efforts rather than continuing to send aid overseas. For 60 days after a disaster declaration, the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development would be prohibited from spending federal money on these types of foreign assistance programs.

However, the bill does include an escape hatch. Congress could pass a special joint resolution to waive this freeze if lawmakers decide that continuing some foreign aid is important even during a domestic disaster. This means the 60-day pause isn't absolute—it can be overridden if both the House and Senate vote to do so. In practice, this bill would likely create a temporary pause in certain foreign aid spending during major U.S. disasters, though Congress would retain the power to make exceptions if they believe continuing international assistance is necessary.