The Commitment to Aid Workers Act establishes a new Special Envoy for Humanitarian Aid Workers within the State Department, appointed by the President with the rank of ambassador. The Special Envoy will investigate deaths and detentions of aid workers involved in U.S.-supported humanitarian missions, advocate for their safety and security coordination with foreign governments, and submit annual reports to Congress on working conditions for aid organizations in conflict zones. The bill also creates an Aid Worker Independent Inquiry Group, led by the Special Envoy and drawing staff from the Departments of State and Justice, the FBI, and intelligence agencies, which must report to Congress within 90 days (45 days if the victim is a U.S. citizen) on any deaths or detentions of humanitarian workers. Additionally, the legislation prohibits military and security assistance to foreign countries that unlawfully kill or fatally injure aid workers unless the State Department certifies they have investigated the incident, taken corrective action, and brought responsible parties to justice. The bill does not specify new funding amounts but requires implementation to begin within 60 days of the Special Envoy's appointment.
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