1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

I am writing to insist that the Senator do everything possible to save and fund USAID. USAID is the foundation of American soft power abroad. Without USAID, our influence in other nations, particularly in vital developing regions, plummets, leaving vacuums into which Russia, China, Iran, and other bad actors will be only too pleased to step. Further, USAID buys millions of dollars of US-grown agricultural products to provide hunger relief, which boosts US farmers as well as saving starving children. USAID provides life-saving vaccines, which prevent infectious diseases from traveling here and attacking our citizens. If you thought COVID shutdowns were bad, you’re definitely not ready for the havoc that Ebola or MERS will wreak. Additionally, these actions are being taken by unelected, unconfirmed private citizens, outside the legislative process for funding, direction, and oversight of executive departments, in a direct threat to Congress (and particularly the Senate’s) Constitutionally-endowed rights and responsibilities. To capitulate on this matter is to signal that you have utterly abrogated your responsibilities as our representative, in violation of your oath of office. Please do everything within your power to save USAID and allow them to continue their vital work on our behalf.