In an open letter to Congress, over 130 organizations called on lawmakers to oppose efforts to shut down U.S. foreign assistance, including the critical work of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
The letter, which can be found here, was signed by organizations spanning faith, humanitarian, development, health, education, foreign policy, business, labor, human rights, women’s advocacy, science, environmental, and peace constituencies, united in calling for the protections of USAID’s life-saving programs.
The letter highlights the ongoing harms of the Trump administration’s freeze on congressionally authorized funding and its disruption of vital foreign assistance programs. These actions have led to job losses, halted critical global health and security programs, and undermined U.S. leadership, interests, and security worldwide.
USAID investments, which make up less than 1% of the federal budget, play a vital role in addressing global challenges, such as preventing pandemics, fostering economic resilience, and reducing conflicts. Programs like PEPFAR, the Famine Early Warning System, and nutrition assistance have saved millions of lives and benefited U.S. businesses.
The letter urges Congress to assert its constitutional authority and ensure the continuation of U.S. foreign assistance programs to protect both global stability and U.S. national security.
/ENDS