1. United States
2. Minn.
3. Letter

The decision to recall all USAID staff worldwide and essentially shut down the agency's operations is deeply concerning. This move undermines longstanding U.S. foreign policy goals and will have severe consequences for global health, development, and security initiatives that are vital to advancing American interests abroad. Congress has consistently authorized and appropriated funding for USAID, reflecting a bipartisan understanding that the agency's work is critical to maintaining positive relationships with allies and partners around the world. By abruptly withdrawing personnel and halting programs, the administration is not only disregarding legislative intent but also ceding influence to strategic rivals like China and Russia who will be eager to fill the void left by the U.S. The impounded funding was approved based on laws dating back to 1974, making this action likely illegal. USAID's programs, from food security to education to disease prevention, directly support regional stability and U.S. national security priorities. Their absence will allow adversaries to make inroads in vulnerable areas. I urge you to intervene and ensure USAID can continue its Congressionally-mandated mission. Abandoning this work will undermine American leadership, damage partnerships, and ultimately prove detrimental to our interests on the global stage. The agency's operations must be promptly restored to avoid lasting harm.