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WASHINGTON—Today, during consideration of the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by the House Rules Committee, Ranking Member Jim McGovern (MA-02) offered a series of amendments to enhance America’s support for human rights and human dignity around the world.

As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and one of Congress’s leading voices on global human rights, McGovern has consistently called for U.S. foreign and defense policy to reflect universal values.

“None of these amendments should have been controversial,” McGovern said. “They’re about feeding the hungry, building lasting peace, defending human rights, and strengthening our national security. That’s the vision we should all be fighting for. Unfortunately, this administration is taking us backwards—abandoning America’s leadership on human rights and bending over backwards to praise human rights abusers like Putin and Xi. But I refuse to give up. We must keep fighting back.

McGovern’s amendments included:

• Amendment #485 – Funding the World Food Programme to Fight Global Hunger & Strengthen U.S. National Security

Authorizes appropriations to the World Food Programme (WFP) to combat global hunger. With 295 million people facing acute food insecurity, this amendment would help the world’s largest humanitarian agency continue its lifesaving work while also strengthening U.S. national security by stabilizing fragile regions.

• Amendment #489 – Promoting Peace and Transparency in the West Bank

Requires an annual report from the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, on Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank. With projects like the E-1 settlement plan threatening to permanently destroy the two-state solution, this amendment ensures Congress has the facts to guide U.S. diplomacy. It also reinforces America’s long-held commitment to a just, enduring peace—one that includes both dignity and justice for Palestinians and Israelis alike.

• Amendment #492 – Holding Pakistan Accountable for Human Rights Abuse
  

Restricts certain security assistance to Pakistan unless the government takes concrete steps to prevent human rights abuses, including military tribunals for civilians and crackdowns on civil liberties. This amendment ensures that U.S. security cooperation aligns with fundamental freedoms and American values.

• Amendment #494 – Reaffirming America’s Commitment Against Torture

Prohibits the Pentagon from using funds to transport individuals to countries where they face a credible risk of torture, reaffirming existing U.S. and international law under the Convention Against Torture. This amendment provides a straightforward safeguard against complicity in abuse.