US HB1196

Prohibits the use of federal funds to eliminate USAID's status as an independent establishment, citing Section 1413 of the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act of 1999

Declares that only an act of Congress can eliminate USAID as an independent agency, and any reform or reorganization should comply with existing laws while maintaining U.S. soft power abroad

Requires the Secretary of State to certify compliance to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and Senate Committee on Foreign Relations within 30 days of enactment and annually for 5 years

Includes a rule of construction stating that nothing in the bill should imply that elimination, dismantlement, or absorption of USAID is permissible under existing law