Boise City Wire

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed his concerns during a full committee hearing on the FY2025 budget request for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Ranking Member Risch opened the hearing by acknowledging the challenges faced by Administrator Power and emphasizing the importance of their work. He highlighted the delayed budget processes and the ongoing crises around the world that USAID is dealing with, including conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Afghanistan, Syria, and Africa.

Risch raised issues regarding the allocation of funds, particularly criticizing the administration's repeated requests for mandatory spending to counter China and highlighting the need for budget discipline and prioritization. He also addressed specific concerns such as the U.S. obligations related to Ukraine, the funding for Gaza, the situation in Afghanistan, stabilization activities in Syria, and the challenges in Africa.

Throughout his remarks, Ranking Member Risch urged USAID to make tough choices and prioritize effectively in addressing these critical issues. He emphasized the need for USAID to adapt its budget to address the threats posed by China and other ongoing crises.

In conclusion, Risch stated, "It is regrettable the budget request again lacks discipline. If the administration cannot prioritize, Congress will have to do it. You, USAID, are in a better position to prioritize but it requires very tough choices – we know that, I get it. Someone has to do it, and it really should be you and not us."

Witness testimony from the hearing is available on foreign.senate.gov.