The National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Subcommittee, led by Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), recently held a hearing with Damon Wilson, President and CEO of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). The session focused on oversight of NSRP-funded programs and support for the Trump Administration's America First foreign policy.
Chairman Díaz-Balart emphasized the enduring role of NED in advancing U.S. foreign policy priorities and supporting those under authoritarian regimes such as Iran, North Korea, and Cuba. He stated, "Foreign policy changes from one administration to the next. Yet the work of the NED remains consistent. As many of you know, I am a proud proponent of democracy and human rights promotion as a fundamental part of our foreign policy and national security. Toward that goal, the NED, and accountable democracy programs generally, are essential to countering adversaries, advancing American national security interests, and standing with those struggling for freedom... [NED] work[s] in some of the most dangerous and adversarial nations like Iran, like China. They have also been laying the groundwork for peace and stability in places like the South Caucases, which provides an opening for initiatives like the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) connecting Armenia and Azerbaijan. Yes, NED has made mistakes. But, to NED's credit, they are extremely responsive and quick to recognize and rectify them. When they found a problematic issue with a grantee, they resolved it in a matter of days. Canceled it outright and got the money back. I wish every other federally-funded organization was that swift and responsive to Congress."
Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI), chairing another committee on U.S.-China strategic competition, addressed NED's efforts regarding forced labor in China: "You've talked a bit about the Uyghur genocide and that designation, and the work NED did... A lot of American businesses are competing with companies that use slave labor, and also some of our supply chains are dependent on that. If you'd talk a bit about the surveillance, the national security laws that China and the CCP have put in place. You mentioned the police stations, and some of the vulnerabilities that Chinese nationals, even on our home shores, are affected by, if you could talk about NED's work in both of those areas." Wilson responded by noting China is NED’s largest program due to challenges posed by its government’s global influence; he said their work includes documenting abuses against Uyghurs.
Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) questioned how NED measures success: "A core criticism I've heard from my constituents on this is that they feel that funding soft power initiatives like NED has not resulted in a geopolitical landscape more favorable to the U.S. interest. With your questions and testimony here today, I hope we can help alleviate relevant criticisms about why continuing to fund NED has been a bipartisan priority and why it can align, if done properly, with newly affirmed and streamlined national security priorities by the Trump Administration... In light of this reality, how do you measure progress?" Wilson explained grants include benchmarks leading to specific deliverables such as exposing underground police stations.
Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC) referenced a Heritage Foundation report calling for greater oversight over rapid growth in NED funding: "[This report] says that NED's total revenue increased from about $180 million in Fiscal Year 2019 to over $300 million by Fiscal Year 2022... Can you explain what specific geopolitical or congressional priorities drove that increase..." Wilson attributed increased funding needs to changing global threats requiring scaled-up operations.
Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO) acknowledged both achievements by NED abroad—such as activities related to Venezuela or Russia—and concerns over possible misuse: "President Trump and Secretary Rubio have ushered in a new golden era of America First foreign policy... The National Endowment for Democracy was created in Congress in 1983 as an independent nonprofit grantmaking institution intended to strengthen democratic institutions abroad... However… For NED I choose not to throw the baby out with the bathwater because I believe in its core mission..."
Wilson maintained that NED does not support censorship or domestic-focused grants; any inappropriate use discovered was promptly corrected.
As appropriators prepare for fiscal year 2027 decisions—including drafting annual spending bills according to procedures described on the official website—the House Committee on Appropriations continues its oversight role over federal spending related to foreign aid programs (source). Notable committee members include Harold Rogers (Republican) and Steny Hoyer (Democrat). Tom Cole currently serves as chairman (source), marking him as its 43rd leader (source). The committee also manages community project funding requests (source) while influencing policy through key legislation such as Continuing Appropriations Acts (source).
The perspectives shared at this hearing will inform future funding allocations aimed at aligning federal spending with American interests both domestically and internationally.
