Republican senators, led by Jim Risch, Ted Cruz, and Rick Scott, are proposing a bill to restrict U.S. funding for Somalia's peacekeeping efforts until allies like the EU, AU, and UN contribute more equitably. The bill aims to ensure that U.S. taxpayer money is not disproportionately supporting these international missions, aligning with the Trump administration's strategy of fiscal conservatism. This legislative push comes amid ongoing terrorist threats in Somalia from groups like ISIS and al-Shabab, with the U.S. Africa Command recently conducting multiple airstrikes in the region. Risch criticizes European allies for attempting to shift more financial responsibility onto the U.S. through new funding mechanisms. The senators assert that the bill will enforce accountability and transparency, requiring the AU and UN to prove responsible use of funds before resuming U.S. contributions.

The proposed bill, named the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) Funding Restriction Act of 2025, seeks to withhold U.S. financial support for Somalia unless the EU, AU, and UN pay a fairer share of the costs.

Senator Jim Risch argues that European partners are trying to avoid their financial commitments by implementing a funding mechanism that unfairly burdens the U.S., prompting the need for this legislative action.

The bill mandates the U.S. to oppose any UN Security Council actions that facilitate the funding under the current imbalanced scheme and requires annual assessments of the AU's compliance with funding criteria.

The backdrop to this legislative effort is Somalia's ongoing battle against Islamist terrorist groups, such as ISIS and al-Shabab, with the U.S. conducting recent airstrikes targeting these groups.

Senator Rick Scott emphasizes the need for transparency and responsible spending of U.S. taxpayer dollars, expressing pride in the bill's focus on protecting American interests and ensuring fiscal prudence.

Under the bill's provisions, the Secretary of State would be required to conduct independent assessments of the AU's peace operations and report findings to Congress to strengthen oversight.

The legislation reflects a broader Trump administration policy of reducing U.S. involvement in international financial commitments and expecting allies to share the burden of global security efforts.