Boise City Wire

U.S. Senators from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, led by Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen, have expressed concerns following a meeting with USAID Acting Deputy Administrator Peter Marocco. The Democratic senators released a statement questioning the direction of foreign assistance programs under Marocco's leadership.

"After this meeting with Peter Marocco, we have more questions than answers," the senators stated. They criticized what they described as a political narrative lacking "thoughtful metrics, timelines or attention to U.S. national security priorities."

The committee members highlighted issues such as unimplemented waivers for lifesaving assistance and unaddressed fraud and waste claims. "During the meeting, Mr. Marocco could not answer why he has not implemented the waivers for lifesaving assistance that Secretary Rubio supports," they noted.

They also pointed out that essential U.S. farm commodities and medicines are reportedly going to waste due to payment issues affecting their distribution. The senators emphasized the bipartisan foundation of foreign assistance programs aimed at enhancing American safety and prosperity.

"Let’s be clear: what’s happening under Mr. Marocco is not reform—it is a wrecking ball that violates the law and makes our country less safe while compromising our values," they asserted.

The senators concluded by calling for further information on Marocco's actions as part of their oversight duties, stating, "We are demanding more information on Mr. Marocco’s actions as part of our oversight responsibilities, and we expect answers."