# Plain Language Summary: H.R. 9554

This bill would prevent the U.S. government from spending any federal money to participate in international climate agreements that include "loss and damage" funds. These funds are designed to help developing countries pay for climate-related disasters like floods, hurricanes, and droughts. In November 2022, the Biden administration committed $1 billion to such a fund at an international climate conference, and this bill would block the government from making that payment or entering into similar agreements in the future.

The bill's supporters argue that this money shouldn't come from American taxpayers, especially because they believe some countries receiving these funds don't deserve them. They point out that China, which produces more carbon emissions than the U.S. and most other countries combined, is still classified as a "developing nation" by the United Nations and could potentially receive money from this fund. They also mention that other countries on the UN's developing nation list—like Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Iran—could be eligible for these payments, which they view as unfair.

The practical effect of this bill would be straightforward: if passed, it would stop the U.S. from contributing to international climate funds designed to help poorer countries recover from climate disasters. This could affect American participation in global climate negotiations and might strain relationships with developing nations that are vulnerable to climate impacts. For American taxpayers, it would prevent the $1 billion commitment from being spent, though supporters and opponents of the bill would disagree sharply about whether that's a good outcome.

To prohibit the use of Federal funds to negotiate or contribute to international agreements that provide for "loss and damage" funds as a result of climate change.

LaMalfa, Doug

 <p>This bill prohibits the expenditure of federal funds to negotiate or contribute to international agreements providing for <em>loss and damage</em> funds as a result of climate change.</p>