House Passes Bill To Scrutinize Taliban Funding

The Republican-controlled House of Representatives has passed the No Tax Dollars for Terrorists Act (H.R. 260), aimed at discouraging international funding for the Taliban. Introduced by Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN), the bill establishes that U.S. foreign policy should oppose foreign assistance to the Taliban—especially from countries and NGOs that receive American aid. Burchett claimed on the House floor that nearly all cash aid sent to Afghanistan ends up benefiting the Taliban. The legislation requires the Secretary of State to develop a strategy within 180 days to deter such funding, support Afghan women and former U.S. allies, and provide regular reports to Congress. While the bill was driven by Republicans, it received bipartisan acknowledgment. Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-IL) expressed support for its goals but criticized the Trump administration’s lack of transparency regarding Afghanistan. The measure passed by voice vote and now moves to the Senate.

In a separate legislative move, the House passed the Protecting American Energy Production Act

 by a 226–188 vote. Authored by Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX), the bill would prohibit any president from imposing a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) without congressional approval. The legislation aims to block future executive actions like those taken during the Biden administration, which included restrictions on oil and gas drilling. Republicans unanimously supported the bill, while most Democrats opposed it. Pfluger argued the measure was necessary to protect U.S. energy independence. Both bills reflect a broader Republican agenda focused on national security and energy policy, particularly under the potential return of a Trump presidency.