In reaction to Marco Rubio’s announcement that he has cut 83% of USAID activities, Abby Maxman, President and CEO of Oxfam America, said:
“Cutting 83% of USAID programs is not an exercise in efficiency – it is a reckless move that will cause irreparable harm and death. This means children and families will no longer have the food, clean water, healthcare, education and much more that they need to survive and build their futures. If this change holds, it will mark the end of the U.S. viewing investment in a safer, more democratic, and more prosperous world as a core U.S. interest – and as the right thing to do.
“This is not the end of the fight. The programs unlawfully cut today are long-held bipartisan supported programs that Congress has funded and overseen year after year. With partners, we are continuing our legal efforts in defense of USAID and US foreign assistance.
“This is not the radical change we need in U.S. foreign assistance - with slashed resources, it’s more important than ever that we invest in proven, effective approaches to aid like providing resources to local leaders and organizations who can make decisions that best serve their communities, and direct funding so to prevent disasters before they hit.
“We call on Congress to uphold its Constitutional role and responsibilities, as well as defend programs that save lives and uphold the rights and dignity of communities in urgent need around the globe.”