U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Brian Schatz, Chris Coons, Chris Murphy, Tim Kaine, Jeff Merkley, Cory Booker, Chris Van Hollen, Tammy Duckworth, and Jacky Rosen have addressed a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The senators are demanding an explanation for recent incidents at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Reports suggest that individuals claiming to be from the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) accessed USAID’s headquarters and potentially sensitive areas.
The lawmakers emphasized the importance of USAID as an independent agency separate from the Department of State. They stated that any attempts to merge or integrate USAID into the Department of State must be discussed and approved by Congress. “Congress established the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) as an independent agency,” they wrote. They stressed that any organizational changes require consultation with Congress.
Concerns were raised about unauthorized access to classified spaces within USAID’s headquarters. The potential exposure of sensitive files and personally identifiable information (PII) of Americans working with USAID was highlighted as a significant national security issue. “The potential access of sensitive, even classified, files which may include the personally identifiable information (PII) of Americans working with USAID…raises deep concerns about the protection and safeguarding of matters related to U.S. national security,” continued the lawmakers.
The senators requested immediate clarification on whether those who accessed the facilities were authorized and if they had proper security clearances. They also inquired about any breaches involving PII and ongoing reviews concerning unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The full text of their letter is available for public viewing.
