U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Brian Schatz, along with Representatives Gregory W. Meeks and Lois Frankel, have expressed concerns regarding recent actions by the Trump Administration affecting the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In a letter addressed to USAID Acting Administrator Jason Gray, they criticized decisions to reduce agency staffing, halt ongoing programs, and freeze foreign assistance.
The lawmakers stated: “We write with deep concern over recent steps the Trump Administration has taken at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).” They emphasized that these actions could jeopardize national security and undermine American credibility globally.
They further noted: “It is imperative that we maintain an independent development voice and capability within the U.S. government. USAID is, by statute, an independent establishment outside of the State Department.”
While acknowledging a decision to allow waivers for humanitarian aid, they highlighted that most foreign assistance remains frozen. This includes energy assistance to Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia and support for Afghan allies. The lawmakers warned: “Freezing these programs makes Americans less safe and puts at risk our ability to compete with adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran.”
The letter also mentioned disruptions in global health security efforts due to funding pauses impacting monitoring of diseases such as bird flu and Ebola.
Concluding their statement, they urged: “If the United States is going to prevail in great power competition, we cannot afford to take a timeout from USAID programs that have long served to advance U.S. foreign policy goals.”
A response from Acting Administrator Gray was requested by February 10, 2025.
