Report

July 6, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

Patrick Quirk

Bottom lines up front

Backing democracy abroad directly advances US security and prosperity and counters China, Russia, and Iran. Democracy assistance is effective, shows a strong return on investment, and is supported by a majority of Americans. The US Congress should establish a Freedom and Democracy Commission to center democracy assistance in foreign policy agendas and ensure initiatives are timebound and tangible.