Oversight Hearing – National Endowment for Democracy

[Gavel sounds.] The subcommittee will come to order. Today we are holding an oversight hearing on the National Endowment for Democracy, or NED. I want to welcome our witness, Mr. Damon Wilson, the President and CEO of NED. The NED was established 40 years ago with a clear mission: to support freedom around the world. Since its inception, it has played a critical role in supporting democratic activists, independent media, and civil society in some of the most repressive environments on Earth. Today, as we face a global rise in authoritarianism, the NED's mission is more important than ever. However, as with all programs funded by American taxpayers, it is our responsibility to ensure that these funds are being used effectively and efficiently. We want to understand how the NED is adapting to new challenges, such as the use of technology by authoritarian regimes to suppress dissent, and how it measures the impact of its programs. I look forward to your testimony, Mr. Wilson. Before we begin, I would like to recognize the Ranking Member, Ms. Frankel, for any opening remarks she may have.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And thank you, Mr. Wilson, for being here today. The National Endowment for Democracy is a unique and vital institution. It operates where the U.S. government often cannot, providing a lifeline to those who are fighting for their basic rights. In countries like Ukraine, Belarus, and Burma, the NED's support has been instrumental. I am particularly interested in hearing about the NED's work in supporting women's rights and political participation, which we know is a cornerstone of stable and prosperous democracies. I also want to echo the Chairman's point about accountability. We must ensure that every dollar is making a difference. I look forward to our discussion today. Thank you, and I yield back.

Thank you, Ms. Frankel. Mr. Wilson, your full written statement will be made part of the record. You are recognized for five minutes for your oral presentation.

Chairman Diaz-Balart, Ranking Member Frankel, and members of the subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to testify today on behalf of the National Endowment for Democracy. It is an honor to be here to discuss our work at such a pivotal moment for freedom in the world. For four decades, the NED has stood with those on the front lines of the struggle for democracy. We were founded on the belief that freedom is a universal human aspiration and that the United States has a vital interest in supporting those who share that goal. Today, we see a world where democracy is under pressure from many sides. Authoritarian regimes in China, Russia, Iran, and elsewhere are becoming more assertive, more sophisticated, and more collaborative in their efforts to undermine democratic values. In response, the NED is working to be more agile and strategic. We are providing critical support to activists in closed societies, helping independent media outlets reach their audiences despite censorship, and strengthening the resilience of democratic institutions in vulnerable countries. Our unique structure, as a private, non-profit foundation funded by Congress, allows us to work with a wide range of partners and to take risks that government agencies often cannot. We are also deeply committed to transparency and accountability. We have rigorous oversight mechanisms in place to ensure that our grants are used for their intended purposes and that we are achieving measurable results. We welcome the opportunity to discuss our work with you today and to hear your perspectives on how we can best advance our shared mission. Thank you, and I look forward to your questions.

Thank you, Mr. Wilson. We will now begin the first round of questions. I will recognize myself for five minutes. Mr. Wilson, you mentioned the collaboration between authoritarian regimes. Can you elaborate on how this 'authoritarian international' is impacting your work on the ground?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This is one of the most significant trends we are seeing. Authoritarian regimes are no longer just repressing their own people; they are actively exporting their models of governance and surveillance. They are sharing best practices for controlling the internet, suppressing civil society, and manipulating information. For example, we see Chinese technology being used by regimes in Africa and Latin America to track and target political opponents. This means that our partners on the ground are facing more sophisticated threats. We have to help them develop the tools and skills to protect themselves, whether that's through digital security training or by building regional networks of activists who can share their own experiences and strategies for resistance. It's a constant cat-and-mouse game, and we have to stay ahead of the curve.

Thank you. Turning to the issue of impact, how does the NED measure success in environments where progress is often slow and non-linear? How do you know that the taxpayers' money is actually making a difference?

Measuring impact in democracy promotion is indeed a challenge, but it's one we take very seriously. We use a variety of metrics, both quantitative and qualitative. We look at things like the number of people reached by independent media, the number of activists trained, and the successful passage of pro-democracy legislation. But we also look at more subtle indicators, like the survival of a civil society organization under intense pressure or the ability of a community to organize and demand better services from their local government. We also conduct regular evaluations of our programs, both internally and through external experts. We want to know what's working and, just as importantly, what's not, so we can adjust our strategies accordingly. Ultimately, the best measure of our success is the courage and resilience of the people we support. When they continue to fight for their rights despite the risks, that is a powerful testament to the value of our work.

Thank you. My time has expired. I now recognize the Ranking Member, Ms. Frankel, for five minutes.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Wilson, I want to follow up on the issue of women's rights. We know that when women are involved in peace processes and political decision-making, the outcomes are more sustainable. Can you give us some specific examples of how the NED is supporting women's leadership and participation in some of the more challenging environments where you operate?

Absolutely, Ranking Member Frankel. Supporting women's rights is a core priority for the NED. In Afghanistan, for example, despite the horrific crackdown by the Taliban, we are continuing to support networks of Afghan women who are working both inside and outside the country to document human rights abuses and to keep the hope of education and equality alive. In Sudan, we have supported women's groups that were at the forefront of the pro-democracy protests, helping them to organize and to ensure that their voices are heard in the transition process. We also work to integrate a gender perspective into all of our programs. This means ensuring that women have equal access to our training and resources and that our partners are addressing the specific challenges that women face in their societies. We believe that democracy cannot be fully realized without the full and equal participation of women.

Thank you. That's very encouraging to hear. I also want to ask about the role of technology. You mentioned how authoritarian regimes are using it for surveillance. How is the NED helping activists to use technology for good, to organize and to communicate safely?

Technology is a double-edged sword. While it provides new tools for repression, it also provides new opportunities for mobilization. We are supporting the development of secure communication tools and platforms that allow activists to share information and coordinate their activities without being tracked. We are also providing training on digital hygiene and how to recognize and counter disinformation campaigns. Furthermore, we are supporting 'civic tech' initiatives that use data and technology to increase government transparency and accountability. For example, in several countries in Eastern Europe and Latin America, we have supported platforms that allow citizens to track government spending and to report corruption. These tools empower ordinary people to hold their leaders accountable and to participate more effectively in the democratic process.

Thank you, Mr. Wilson. I yield back.

Thank you. I now recognize the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Mr. Reschenthaler, for five minutes.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Wilson, I want to focus on the threat from the Chinese Communist Party. We know that the CCP is using its economic and political influence to undermine democracy not just in its own neighborhood, but around the world. How is the NED countering the CCP's 'malign influence' and what are the biggest challenges you face in this area?

Thank you, Congressman. The challenge posed by the CCP is indeed one of our top priorities. We are seeing the CCP use a variety of tactics, from 'debt-trap diplomacy' to the export of its surveillance state model, to weaken democratic institutions and to create a world that is more hospitable to its own interests. In response, the NED is working to build the capacity of democratic actors to recognize and resist this influence. This includes supporting investigative journalism that exposes corrupt deals and human rights abuses linked to Chinese investments. It also includes supporting think tanks and civil society groups that are analyzing the impact of Chinese influence on their countries' political and economic systems. We are also working to build regional and global networks of democratic actors who can share information and develop common strategies for dealing with the CCP.

One of the things that concerns me is the way the CCP uses its control over the information environment to spread its narrative and to silence critics. How is the NED working to counter CCP disinformation and to support independent voices within China and among the Chinese diaspora?

That is a critical question. The CCP's control over the information space is unprecedented. We are supporting independent media outlets that provide accurate and unbiased news to people inside China, often using sophisticated techniques to bypass the 'Great Firewall.' We are also supporting voices within the Chinese diaspora who are working to preserve their culture and to advocate for human rights and democracy in their homeland. In addition, we are working to counter CCP disinformation globally. This involves supporting fact-checking initiatives and media literacy programs that help people to identify and resist manipulated information. It's a long-term struggle, but it's one that we are fully committed to.

Thank you. I also want to ask about the NED's work in Latin America. We've seen a worrying trend of democratic backsliding in several countries in the region. What is the NED doing to support democratic institutions and to counter the influence of authoritarian actors like Cuba and Venezuela?

Latin America is a region of great concern for us. We are seeing a rise in populism and a weakening of the rule of law in several countries. In Cuba and Venezuela, we continue to support the brave activists and independent journalists who are working under extremely difficult conditions to advocate for change. We are also working in countries like Nicaragua and El Salvador, where we see a similar pattern of democratic erosion. Our approach in the region is to support the 'pillars of democracy'—independent media, civil society, and the rule of law. We are helping our partners to build stronger and more resilient organizations that can withstand political pressure. We are also working to promote regional cooperation among democratic actors, so they can support each other and speak with a unified voice against authoritarianism.

Thank you, Mr. Wilson. My time has expired. I yield back.

Thank you. I now recognize the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Quigley, for five minutes.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Wilson, I want to talk about the importance of independent media. We know that a free and independent press is essential for a healthy democracy. But in many parts of the world, journalists are being targeted, harassed, and even killed. How is the NED supporting independent media in these high-risk environments?

You're absolutely right, Congressman. Independent media is under fire globally. At the NED, we provide a range of support to journalists and media outlets. This includes direct funding for their operations, as well as training in investigative journalism, digital security, and business management. We also provide legal support to journalists who are being targeted by 'lawfare'—the use of frivolous lawsuits to silence dissent. In some of the most repressive environments, we help media outlets to operate from exile, providing them with the resources they need to continue reaching their audiences back home. We also support the development of new technologies and platforms that allow for the secure distribution of news and information. Our goal is to ensure that even in the darkest corners of the world, the truth can still get out.

One of the challenges for independent media is sustainability. Many of these outlets struggle to find a viable business model, especially when they are being targeted by the state. How is the NED helping them to become more financially independent?

Sustainability is a major focus for us. We are working with our partners to develop new revenue streams, such as crowdfunding, subscriptions, and advertising. We also provide training on how to build and engage with an audience, which is essential for any media outlet's long-term success. In some cases, we are also helping them to develop partnerships with other media organizations or with private sector actors who share their commitment to a free press. It's a difficult challenge, especially in countries where the economy is also under the control of the state. But we believe that by helping these outlets to become more professional and more connected to their audiences, we can help them to become more resilient and more sustainable over the long term.

Thank you. I also want to ask about the NED's work in Ukraine. We know that the NED has been a long-time supporter of civil society in Ukraine. How has your work changed since the full-scale invasion by Russia, and what are your priorities there now?

Ukraine is a top priority for us. Since the invasion, we have significantly increased our support for Ukrainian civil society and independent media. Our partners are doing incredible work, from providing humanitarian aid to documenting war crimes to keeping the public informed about the situation on the ground. We are also supporting efforts to strengthen Ukraine's democratic institutions and to prepare for the eventual reconstruction of the country. One of our key priorities is to ensure that the voices of ordinary Ukrainians are heard in the decision-making process. We are supporting local organizations that are working to ensure that the reconstruction effort is transparent, accountable, and inclusive. We believe that a strong and vibrant civil society will be essential for Ukraine's long-term stability and prosperity.

Thank you, Mr. Wilson. I yield back.

Thank you. I now recognize the gentleman from Michigan, Mr. Moolenaar, for five minutes.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Wilson, I want to follow up on the issue of accountability. You mentioned that the NED has rigorous oversight mechanisms in place. Can you walk us through the process of how you select your grantees and how you monitor their activities to ensure that the funds are being used appropriately?

Certainly, Congressman. Our grant-making process is very thorough. It begins with a detailed proposal from a potential grantee, which is then reviewed by our regional experts and our senior management. We look at the organization's track record, its capacity to carry out the proposed project, and the potential impact of the work. We also conduct extensive due diligence to ensure that the organization is legitimate and that its leaders are committed to democratic values. Once a grant is awarded, we have a multi-layered monitoring system. This includes regular financial and programmatic reports from the grantee, as well as site visits by our staff. We also have an internal audit department that conducts regular audits of our grantees. In addition, we are subject to oversight by the State Department's Office of Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office. We take our responsibility to the American taxpayer very seriously.

What happens if you find that a grantee is not meeting its obligations or is misusing the funds? Have you ever had to terminate a grant, and if so, what were the circumstances?

Yes, we have had to terminate grants in the past. If we find that a grantee is not meeting its programmatic goals or is failing to comply with our financial requirements, we first try to work with them to address the issues. However, if the problems persist or if we find evidence of serious misconduct, we will not hesitate to terminate the grant and, if necessary, seek to recover the funds. The integrity of our program is paramount.

Thank you. I also want to ask about the NED's relationship with the four core institutes: the International Republican Institute, the National Democratic Institute, the Center for International Private Enterprise, and the Solidarity Center. How do you coordinate your work with them, and how do you ensure that there is no duplication of effort?

The four core institutes are essential partners for the NED. They each bring a unique set of skills and expertise to our work. We coordinate closely with them at all levels, from strategic planning to project implementation. We have regular meetings to share information and to ensure that our efforts are complementary and not duplicative. We also work together on joint initiatives, such as our work on countering authoritarian influence. The institutes are also subject to the same rigorous oversight and accountability mechanisms as our other grantees. We believe that this partnership is one of the NED's greatest strengths, as it allows us to leverage the expertise of the American political, business, and labor communities in support of democracy around the world.

Thank you, Mr. Wilson. I yield back.

Thank you. I now recognize the gentlewoman from California, Ms. Torres, for five minutes.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Wilson, I want to talk about the Northern Triangle countries in Central America—Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. We've seen a lot of instability and a breakdown of the rule of law in these countries, which is a major driver of migration. How is the NED working to address the root causes of this instability and to support democratic governance in the region?

Thank you, Congresswoman. The Northern Triangle is a very challenging environment. We are working to support civil society organizations that are fighting corruption and advocating for greater transparency and accountability. We are also supporting independent media outlets that are exposing the links between organized crime and political actors. We believe that by strengthening the rule of law and promoting good governance, we can help to create the conditions for long-term stability and prosperity. One of our key priorities in the region is to support young people and to give them a voice in their countries' future. We are supporting youth-led organizations that are working on issues like civic engagement, human rights, and economic opportunity. We want to show young people that there is a future for them in their own countries and that they can be agents of positive change.

I'm particularly concerned about the situation in El Salvador, where we've seen a significant consolidation of power by the executive and a crackdown on dissent. How is the NED supporting the remaining independent voices in the country?

The situation in El Salvador is indeed very worrying. We are continuing to support the brave journalists and civil society activists who are still working in the country, despite the increasing risks. We are providing them with the resources they need to continue their work and to protect themselves from harassment and intimidation. We are also working to raise international awareness about the situation in El Salvador and to advocate for the protection of democratic norms and human rights. It's a difficult and often dangerous environment, but we believe it's essential to stand with those who are fighting for democracy in El Salvador. We are also working with regional partners to ensure that the situation in El Salvador is not seen in isolation, but as part of a broader trend of democratic backsliding in the region that needs to be addressed collectively.

Thank you. I also want to ask about the NED's work in Africa. We've seen a number of coups in the Sahel region recently. How is the NED responding to these challenges and what are you doing to support democratic transitions in these countries?

The Sahel is a region of great concern. The recent coups are a major setback for democracy. We are working to support the civil society groups that are calling for a return to constitutional order and for inclusive and transparent transition processes. We are also supporting independent media that can provide accurate information to the public and hold the transitional authorities accountable. It's a very complex situation, and we are working closely with our partners on the ground and with the international community to find a way forward.

Thank you, Mr. Wilson. I yield back.

...and the work that you're doing. I'm going to turn to my colleague, Mr. Reschenthaler, for his questions.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Wait, I'm sorry. I think it's Mr. Quigley's turn.

Oh, I am so sorry. Mr. Quigley, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Wilson, thank you for being here. I want to talk about the NED's work in Ukraine. Obviously, the situation there is critical. Can you describe how the NED has adapted its programming since the full-scale invasion in February 2022? Specifically, how are you supporting independent media and civil society organizations that are operating under wartime conditions?

Thank you, Congressman. Ukraine has been a priority for the Endowment for decades, but since the full-scale invasion, we've had to pivot significantly. Our partners on the ground showed incredible resilience. We immediately moved to provide emergency support to ensure the physical safety of our partners, helping them relocate if necessary or secure their digital infrastructure. In terms of independent media, we've increased our support to help them continue reporting from the front lines and to counter the massive influx of Russian disinformation. We're also supporting civil society groups that are documenting war crimes, which will be essential for future accountability. The demand is high, and the courage of these individuals is truly inspiring.

I appreciate that. Moving to another part of the world, can you discuss the challenges the NED faces in operating in increasingly closed spaces, like Nicaragua or Belarus? How do you maintain support for activists when the risks are so high?

It is becoming more difficult as authoritarian regimes share tactics to suppress dissent. In places like Nicaragua or Belarus, many of our partners have been forced into exile. We continue to support them from abroad, helping them maintain networks inside their countries and providing platforms for their voices. We use secure communication technologies and adapt our grant-making processes to protect the identity and safety of those still on the ground.

Thank you. My time is expiring. I yield back, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Mr. Quigley. Now I recognize Mr. Reschenthaler.

Thank you, Chairman. Mr. Wilson, I want to follow up on some of the concerns regarding the vetting of sub-grantees. We've seen reports of funds potentially reaching organizations that have expressed anti-Israel sentiments or have ties to problematic groups. What specific steps is NED taking to ensure that no taxpayer dollars are supporting such rhetoric or individuals?

Congressman, we take the stewardship of taxpayer funds and our reputation for integrity very seriously. We have a rigorous, multi-layered vetting process. This includes checking all potential grantees against US government watchlists and conducting our own deep-dive due diligence into their leadership, their public statements, and their track records. If we find evidence of hate speech, extremism, or any activity inconsistent with our democratic mission, they are disqualified.

And what about monitoring after the grant is awarded? How do you ensure that the mission doesn't creep or that the organization doesn't change its stance once the money is in hand?

Monitoring is constant. We require regular reporting, and our regional staff are in frequent contact with grantees. We also conduct audits and site visits where possible. If a grantee violates the terms of their agreement, we have the authority to suspend or terminate the grant and recover funds. We are committed to transparency and accountability in every dollar we spend.

I appreciate that. I'll be looking forward to more details on those vetting procedures. I yield back.

Thank you. I now recognize the gentlelady from Florida, Ms. Frankel.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Wilson, I want to focus on the role of women in democratic movements. We know that when women are involved, peace is more sustainable and democracy is more resilient. How is the NED integrating gender perspectives into its core programming?

Congresswoman, you're absolutely right. Women's participation is not just a matter of equity; it's a strategic necessity for democracy. We've integrated this into our strategy by supporting women-led organizations and ensuring that our broader programs specifically address the barriers women face in political and civic life. Whether it's training women candidates in the Balkans or supporting women human rights defenders in Iran, this is a central pillar of our work.

Can you give a specific example of a recent success story where NED's support for women made a tangible difference in a democratic transition or movement?

Certainly. In Sudan, before the recent conflict, women were at the forefront of the protest movement that led to the ousting of Bashir. NED supported several women's groups that were organizing at the grassroots level, providing them with the tools to advocate for their rights in the transitional government. While the situation there is now incredibly difficult, the networks and leadership skills developed during that time remain a critical foundation for the future.

Thank you. I yield back.

Thank you. I now recognize Mr. Moolenaar.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Wilson, I'm interested in the NED's work regarding the Chinese Communist Party's influence globally. We see the CCP using economic leverage to undermine democratic institutions in Africa, Latin America, and even here in the West. How is NED countering this?

This is one of the most significant challenges of our time. We've launched a major initiative to track and counter the CCP's 'sharp power.' This involves supporting investigative journalists who expose corrupt deals linked to the Belt and Road Initiative, and helping local civil society groups understand the long-term implications of these investments for their sovereignty and democratic processes.

Are you seeing success in these efforts? Are countries becoming more wary of CCP influence because of the information your partners are providing?

Yes, we are. In several countries, investigative reports funded by our partners have led to public outcries and even the renegotiation of contracts. By shining a light on the lack of transparency and the potential for debt traps, we're empowering local actors to demand better from their governments and to protect their democratic institutions from external manipulation.

Thank you. I yield back.

Thank you. I now recognize Ms. Torres.

Thank you, Chairman. Mr. Wilson, I want to talk about Central America, specifically the Northern Triangle. We've seen a significant backsliding in democracy in countries like El Salvador and Guatemala. How is NED working to support the rule of law and anti-corruption efforts in that region?

Congresswoman, the situation in Central America is indeed concerning. We are focusing our efforts on supporting independent judicial actors, anti-corruption activists, and independent media who are under immense pressure. In Guatemala, for example, we've supported organizations that were instrumental in defending the integrity of the recent elections. In El Salvador, we're helping civil society groups monitor human rights abuses under the state of exception.

It's a dangerous environment for these activists. How do you ensure their safety while they are doing this work?

Safety is our top priority. We provide digital security training, legal support for those facing harassment, and in extreme cases, we help with temporary relocation. We also work closely with the international community to raise the profile of these individuals, as international visibility can sometimes provide a layer of protection against state-sponsored retaliation.

Thank you. I yield back.

Thank you. I now recognize Mr. Edwards.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Wilson, I'd like to touch on the budget. You're requesting a significant increase. Given the current fiscal environment, can you justify why this additional funding is necessary right now, and what specific programs would be scaled up?

Congressman, we understand the fiscal constraints. However, the threats to democracy are accelerating. Authoritarian regimes are more assertive and more collaborative than ever before. The increase we're requesting would allow us to expand our work in critical areas like countering foreign malign influence, supporting democratic resilience in frontline states like Ukraine and Taiwan, and investing in new technologies to help activists bypass censorship.

If you didn't receive the full increase, what would be the first things to be cut? What are your lowest priorities?

It's difficult to talk about 'lowest priorities' when the demand for our support is growing everywhere. However, without the full increase, we would have to limit our expansion into new geographic areas and scale back some of our more innovative, but higher-risk, technology projects. We would have to be even more selective in our grant-making, which means turning away many courageous individuals who are looking to the US for support.

Thank you. I yield back.

Thank you. I now recognize Mr. Ciscomani.

Thank you, Chairman. Mr. Wilson, I want to ask about the NED's relationship with other US government agencies, like USAID and the State Department. How do you ensure that you're not duplicating efforts and that your work is complementary?

That's a great question. We coordinate closely with our colleagues at State and USAID, but the NED has a unique role. Because we are a private, non-profit foundation, we can operate in places and with partners that the US government sometimes cannot. We are often the 'first responders' in a closing space, providing small, flexible grants to grassroots groups. USAID typically handles larger-scale, longer-term development projects. Our agility is our strength.

Do you have formal mechanisms for this coordination, or is it more ad-hoc?

It's both. We have regular strategy meetings at the regional level, and our staff are in constant communication. We also participate in broader inter-agency working groups on specific themes like anti-corruption or media freedom. This ensures that we are all pulling in the same direction while respecting our different mandates and operational models.

Thank you. I yield back.

Thank you. I now recognize Mr. Alford.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Wilson, I'm concerned about the perception of the NED in some countries as a tool of US regime change. How do you counter this narrative, and how do you ensure that your work is seen as supporting indigenous democratic movements rather than imposing a Western model?

This is a narrative that authoritarian regimes love to promote to delegitimize their own citizens' aspirations. We counter it by being demand-driven. We don't go into a country and tell people what to do. We respond to requests for support from local actors who are already working for democratic change in their own societies. Our grants are small, and they go to local organizations, not to US-based consultants.

But how do you ensure that the 'democratic change' they are seeking aligns with our interests and values?

Our mission is based on the universal principles of the UN Declaration of Human Rights. We support the fundamental freedoms of speech, assembly, and belief. These are not just 'Western' values; they are universal aspirations. By supporting those who are fighting for these rights, we are inherently supporting a more stable, peaceful, and prosperous world, which is directly in the interest of the United States.

Thank you. I yield back.

Thank you. I now recognize Ms. Letlow.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Wilson, I'd like to hear more about the NED's work in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in Southeast Asia. We've seen some concerning trends in countries like Thailand and Cambodia. What is your strategy for that region?

The Indo-Pacific is a critical theater for the future of democracy. In Southeast Asia, we're focusing on supporting the next generation of democratic leaders. We're working with youth movements, digital activists, and independent labor unions. In Cambodia, where the political space has almost completely closed, we're supporting exiled media and civil society to keep the flame of democracy alive. In Thailand, we're supporting groups that are advocating for constitutional reform and the protection of human rights.

And what about the role of technology in these efforts? How are you helping these groups stay ahead of government surveillance?

Technology is a double-edged sword. We provide our partners with tools for encrypted communication and secure data storage. We also support organizations that monitor and report on government surveillance and internet shutdowns. It's a constant cat-and-mouse game, but we are committed to ensuring that democratic activists have the technological edge they need to operate safely and effectively.

Thank you. I yield back.

Thank you. I now recognize Ms. Meng.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Wilson, I want to ask about the NED's work in the Middle East and North Africa, particularly in the wake of the Arab Spring's long-term aftermath. How are you supporting democratic aspirations in countries where the initial hopes for change have been met with renewed authoritarianism?

The MENA region remains a very challenging environment. We've learned that democratic transitions are not linear and can take decades. Our strategy now is to support the 'long game.' This means investing in civic education, supporting local governance initiatives where there is still some space, and helping independent media outlets survive. We're also focusing on the economic drivers of democratic discontent, supporting groups that advocate for transparency and economic justice.

Are there any particular countries in the region where you see signs of hope or where NED's work is having a particularly strong impact?

Even in the most difficult places, there are always individuals and groups working for change. In Tunisia, despite the recent setbacks, there is still a vibrant civil society that is fighting to protect the gains of the revolution. In Iraq, we're seeing a new generation of activists who are demanding more accountable government and an end to sectarianism. Our role is to stand with them and provide the support they need to keep going.

Thank you. I yield back.

Thank you. We've gone through the first round of questions. I have a few more I'd like to ask, and then I'll see if any other members have follow-ups. Mr. Wilson, I want to go back to the issue of the 'sharp power' of authoritarian regimes. You mentioned the CCP, but we're also seeing Russia and Iran using similar tactics—disinformation, cyberattacks, and the use of state-controlled media to influence foreign elections and public opinion. How is NED coordinating its efforts across different regions to address this global phenomenon?

Mr. Chairman, this is a key part of our new strategy. We've created a cross-regional task force to share best practices and coordinate our response to these global threats. For example, the tactics Russia used in Ukraine are now being seen in parts of Africa and Latin America. By connecting our partners in these different regions, they can learn from each other's experiences and develop more effective counter-measures.

And what about the role of the private sector, particularly big tech companies? Are you engaging with them to address the spread of disinformation on their platforms?

We do engage with tech companies, but our primary focus is on empowering civil society to hold them accountable. We support organizations that track disinformation and pressure platforms to enforce their own terms of service. We also work with tech companies to develop better tools for protecting activists and ensuring that their platforms are not being used as tools of repression by authoritarian regimes.

Thank you. I'll turn to Ms. Frankel for any follow-up questions she might have.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just wanted to follow up on the issue of the budget. You mentioned that you'd have to scale back some of your more innovative technology projects if you didn't get the full increase. Can you give us an example of one of those projects and why it's so important?

One example is our work on 'circumvention technology.' This involves developing and deploying tools that allow people in countries with heavy internet censorship, like Iran or China, to access the free and open internet. This is a constant arms race with the censors. Without additional funding, we won't be able to keep pace with the increasingly sophisticated blocking techniques being used by these regimes.

That seems like a very high-impact area. Thank you for that explanation. I yield back.

Thank you. Any other members have follow-up questions? Mr. Quigley?

Just one, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Wilson, you mentioned the importance of independent media. We're seeing a global crisis in the business model for journalism, which makes it even easier for state-controlled media to dominate. Is NED doing anything to help independent media outlets become more financially sustainable?

Yes, we are. We've increased our support for media business development. This includes training on how to build subscription models, diversify revenue streams, and engage more effectively with audiences. We're also exploring ways to help independent media outlets access private investment and philanthropic support. It's a huge challenge, but without a viable business model, independent journalism will continue to struggle.

Thank you. I yield back.

Thank you. If there are no further questions, I want to thank Mr. Wilson for his testimony today and for the important work that the National Endowment for Democracy is doing around the world. The committee will remain open for any additional questions members may wish to submit for the record. This hearing is now adjourned. [Gavel sounds.]

...affairs, there is a feeling in America, especially my district, that we need to be looking out for America first. And I've said this before, America first doesn't mean America only. That's why NED is important, that we can have a foothold in the world to spread democracy, truth, and hope for people who are suffering. Thank you so much, and I yield back.

Mr. Ciscomani.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. And thank you for sticking around here for a second round of fun with us. I appreciate it. I want to pick up right where we left off, which was on the list of grantees that we were discussing. And I had to step out, so you might have mentioned this, but I do want to go back to that and understand the privacy concerns in terms of the safety of the specifics, I guess, of the grantees. Now, some of that is disclosed publicly, not all of it. It is disclosed to your board. I think it's really hard to hold these tax dollars accountable from where we're appropriating. That's our job to appropriate these funds and then add accountability to them if we can't see that list. So at least, you know, we should be able to see that. So if that can be made public to our committee, and then I would like to get that list and see where exactly that is going.

Yes, and let me make a distinction because we believe we're committed to full transparency with our oversight committees, with the executive branch. What we make a distinction is with public disclosure. So we marry the idea of full transparency in our operations and how we act with a duty of care to our partners to not put them at risk. And I think that is a very doable approach to ensure that you, what you're interested in, the chairman, others, have access to what we support. We publish the grants publicly. We provide each grant, how much it is, what it goes towards. What we don't do is provide personal identifying information.

I got that. I understand that. But I need to see that. And then I'll determine what my thoughts are on that list after I see that list. So thank you for that.

Yes.

The other piece that I want to ask you here, and in the both testimony and here you mentioned the requests that are assessed for their strategic impact. That strategic impact and that strategy is important to know where that's coming from. What strategy are you measuring it by? Is it the president's strategy on national security or another strategy? Because this has to match exactly, I mean, the renaming of this committee of national security. That is our main interest. Any dollar that leaves the United States to a foreign nation has got to serve the interest of the American people and our national security. That is the lens from which I see all aid that we are able to provide or push for democracy. It has to mean that it comes back to benefit the citizens of this nation and also our national interest in terms of security. So can you lay out what strategy specifically you're talking about regarding what determines your actions?

Absolutely. We develop our approach, our strategy in a way that is absolutely consistent with administration priorities and congressional priorities. We see it as important to be complementary to American foreign policy on these issues. And so the endowment has a strategy that's based on the reality of experience on the ground, but what is important for our country. It's why we prioritize our work in the authoritarian resurgent states. It's why we have investment in how to ensure that this technological revolution serves freedom, doesn't undermine freedom. And it's why we're committed to ensuring that the United States is present in support of democratic forces in key bellwether regions around the world in a big geopolitical competition. Within that, our teams develop country strategies that reflect the reality of what takes place. We don't show up with cookie-cutter strategies. We aren't imposing our views. We aren't importing our values or blueprints on top of another country's context. We're drawing from understanding of what's happening in that country to what will be effective to advance democratic norms, fundamental freedoms in that country and that strategy for itself. And then we have a means to come back and evaluate how are we doing against the strategy that we've set out to do. It's why when we report our spending plan to Congress, we lay this out in quite a bit of detail over how we'll spend over the course of the coming fiscal year. We come back and report with an annual report how we spent that. And so we'll set out reflecting of administration, congressional priorities. That's why China is our number one program. Asia is our largest investment, the largest portion of Latin America.

I'm going to jump in here. Sorry to interrupt. I've got 30 seconds left and I want to be respectful of the time. I do want to thank you, Mr. Wilson, for being here, for answering our questions. I also will say that I feel like we spent a significant amount of the time talking about the process, talking about explaining how we come to conclusions. I don't know that I'm fully satisfied on the exact measurements, metrics, and specifics of what I'm looking for for my constituents to be able to justify whatever amount of dollars are being allocated for this program. I would like to have maybe another conversation once we see the list and also be able to understand better in our next conversation specific metrics that you're using and specific results that you can point to of moving the needle in the right direction on this. Again, I think we talked a lot about process, but I would like to see more on results. But I do thank you for your time and the work that you do. Mr. Chairman, I yield back.

I'd welcome that conversation. I'd love to come see you on that.

Thank you. To the ranking member.

Thank you. Thank you again. I just, it's my understanding that for you to get the 2025 money that was appropriated by a Congress, that you had to go to court for that. Is that correct?

Yes, ma'am.

Okay. 2026 money, have you gotten that yet or are you having to go to court for that?

We have not received FY 26 yet, but we're engaged in consultations with the administration on that.

As in, who are you engaged with?

The State Department. We've had regular interactions with State about this, specifically with the OMB.

And why are they telling you, what are they telling you why the money is being held up?

We don't know. We don't have feedback from them yet. But following the passage of this committee's legislation, the appropriations, we're actively working to secure FY 26 funds.

Well, I think, Mr. Chair, that's something that we probably should definitely look into. So listen, again, I want to thank you. You know, to hear these stories and to know what's going on in people being political enemies being imprisoned by their autocratic leaders, masked men going into homes and terrorizing people, certainly can understand why so many people are fleeing their countries. Unfortunately, it sounds very sad because it sounds like a story that's going on here. So what I want to end today, this has been a very interesting discussion today, and I want to thank you for trying to spread democracy throughout the world. I think that one day when we look back to what's going on in America, it will look like one of the darkest periods ever. What we are doing to people who've been here in our country living peacefully for 30 years, being part of our economy, raising families, and now just without any due process, just grabbing them, masked men, unidentified masked men, sending them to detention, sending them to sometimes a place that they don't know, separating families, disrupting businesses. That's what's going on in the United States of America and that is wrong. I hope that we can learn a lesson from NED and that we can really change this trajectory. But thank you so much.

Let me again thank the ranking member. Let me just close with a couple of thoughts. First, as Mr. Ciscomani said, we've spent a lot of time talking about process. It is important that the steps that you have taken, and I'm aware of a number of them, to make sure that mistakes don't happen. And by the way, mistakes happen, unfortunately. The question is how do you react to those mistakes? How do you solve, how do you fix that and make sure it doesn't happen again? So you know, more details on that would be helpful as Mr. Ciscomani said. I've been able to get some of those details, but I think it's important that that's made more public about what you've done to correct any potential future mistake. I will tell you, I don't support any group or any organization. I support accountability, transparency, and the national security interests of the United States. I have found, however, that NED is accountable, has a clear mission, and I do know how much we spend on NED and I do know how much we spend on other democracy programs from this subcommittee. I don't know exactly how much China spends to spread their message, to influence partners and players and countries. I would imagine they're probably spending a lot more than we are. But it's important that we spend whatever we do effectively and efficiently and with accountability. So I think you play a major role there and your organization plays a major role. But what you've heard today, right, is that this committee wants to make sure that every penny that we spend, this isn't our money, is done so with transparency and accountability. And so I appreciate what you have done to make sure that you spend your money accountably and as transparently as possible. And I appreciate, by the way, that you've always been accessible to Congress and to this subcommittee and know that we're going to continue to hold yours and the Department of State and everybody's feet to the fire. And I look forward to continuing to working with you. Let me now also mention that members obviously may submit additional questions for the record. Mr. Wilson, we will continue to work with you. We are not apologetic for protecting taxpayer money, but I will tell you that your mission, established by Ronald Reagan, supported by this Congress, continues to be as important now as it ever was. And we look forward to continuing working with you. With that, unless we hear something else from the ranking member, we will conclude this hearing. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, ranking member. Thank you.