KEATING CONDEMNS THE ILLEGAL DESTRUCTION OF USAID AND PAUSE ON U.S. FOREIGN ASSISTANCE

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Bill Keating, (D-MA), Ranking Member on the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, issued the following statement on the illegal destruction of USAID and pause on U.S. foreign relief funds:

I am outraged by President Trump’s unlawful and chaotic attempts to dismantle USAID. Over the past two weeks under Secretary Rubio’s watch, an unelected billionaire has raided the agency’s headquarters, fired senior leadership, and frozen foreign aid around the globe. Tonight, we are learning that State Department leadership is requiring the return of all USAID personnel stationed at the more than 60 international missions back to the United States by Friday. These actions have taken place without Congressional notification or consultation. Moreover, the reckless and indiscriminate freeze of all U.S. foreign assistance has undermined U.S. leadership and credibility on the global stage.

Any administration, Democrat or Republican, has the responsibility of implementing American foreign policy. However, the Executive Branch has a legal obligation to consult with Congress and follow the law. If the Trump administration believes that USAID’s programs – which make up less than 1% of the federal budget and help allies and partners combat violent extremism, fight pandemics, curb the flow of illegal drugs, and counter Chinese malign influence – need reform, then Secretary Rubio must come before the Foreign Affairs Committee and make his case.

The Trump Administration should be upfront with the American public about what U.S. foreign assistance does. It is not charity -- it keeps us safer, it keeps us healthier, and it strengthens our global leadership.