1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The U.S. must maintain its commitment to providing foreign aid in order to promote stability, security, and American values around the world. Foreign assistance allows us to cultivate goodwill and build cooperative relationships with partner nations, serving as a critical tool of soft power that advances our interests without military force. By stepping back from this role, we risk ceding influence to strategic rivals like China who are actively expanding their development programs. We should not abdicate our global leadership responsibilities – foreign aid programs ultimately strengthen our own national security while reflecting our compassion and democratic principles. Continuing robust funding for foreign aid is an investment in a more peaceful and prosperous world aligned with American ideals.