House Passes Measures Targeting Taliban Funding and Energy Policies Amid Growing Political Dissatisfaction
The Republican-led House approved the No Tax Dollars for Terrorists Act (H.R. 260), which aims to block international aid—particularly from U.S.-supported countries and NGOs—to the Taliban. Sponsored by Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN), the bill mandates a State Department strategy to deter foreign assistance to the Taliban and support Afghan women and U.S. allies. The legislation passed by voice vote and will now move to the Senate.
Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-IL) praised the bipartisan support but criticized the Trump administration’s lack of transparency on Afghanistan and Iran policies.
Separately, the House passed the Protecting American Energy Production Act, which prevents presidents from banning hydraulic fracturing (fracking) without Congressional approval. This bill, championed by Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX), aims to roll back regulations from the Biden administration restricting oil and gas drilling. The bill passed largely along party lines and is part of the Trump administration’s “drill, baby, drill” energy strategy.
Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has initiated investigations to remove climate policies and leasing bans that limit energy development.
A recent Quinnipiac University poll shows widespread dissatisfaction with congressional Democrats: 53% of Democrats disapprove of their party’s performance in Congress, with an overall approval rating at an all-time low of 21%. Conversely, 79% of Republicans approve of congressional GOP performance, with 32% approval overall among all voters.
