Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick Urges the Trump Administration to Restore USAID Funding and Respect Congressional Authority

WASHINGTON D.C. – Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick led over 100 lawmakers in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing deep concerns about the recent destructive actions taken by the Trump Administration regarding the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).  

In the letter, the lawmakers condemned the Trump Administration's efforts to undermine USAID's independence, which has been crucial in promoting global stability and addressing the root causes of extremism. With reports of abrupt staffing changes, including putting senior leaders on administrative leave and the potential furlough of thousands of contractors, the letter emphasizes the dire implications for critical development programs.  

“Our nation’s security depends on the work that USAID accomplishes daily,” said Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. “Dismantling this vital agency not only jeopardizes our humanitarian commitments but also diminishes our influence and ability to counter adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran.  The U.S. must remain engaged, promoting peace and stability through support for programs that uplift communities and secure our interests abroad.” 

The letter emphasizes USAID's crucial role in global crises, including emergency aid in Syria to counter ISIS and responding to a current Ebola outbreak in Africa.  The lawmakers called for urgent action to maintain USAID's integrity and ensure the respect for Congressional authority. “USAID was established by an act of Congress. It can only be disbanded by an act of Congress,” Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormickconcluded.  

You can read the full letter here.  

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