I Fought The Blob And The Blob Won

This briefing explores the recent congressional vote on funding for the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), revealing deep bipartisan entrenchment and the complex role NED plays as a quasi-intelligence, political, and business instrument. It examines why eliminating NED funding is exceptionally difficult, the symbiotic relationships it maintains with GOP donors, and the challenges inherent in reforming or dismantling it. This analysis is essential for policymakers, analysts of U.S. foreign policy, and anyone interested in the interplay between government, intelligence, and private interests in democracy promotion abroad.

The Context and Outcome of the NED Funding Vote

On a recent legislative ballot, approximately two-thirds of House Republicans joined all Democrats to reject an amendment proposing to defund NED, maintaining its $315 million funding level for 2024 aligned with the Biden administration’s budget. This outcome, while disappointing for those seeking to cut NED, is historically consistent with bipartisan support for the organization spanning decades.

The vote tally (around 210 Democrats for full funding, 81 Republicans siding with them, and 13 Republicans abstaining) demonstrates a persistent “blob” phenomenon — a bipartisan establishment consensus that sustains institutions like NED despite internal discontent. This illustrates the challenge for any political movement seeking substantial change: even winning a presidency and a simple congressional majority is insufficient without a “super majority” that can overcome this entrenched bipartisan alliance.