1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

The Trump administration's actions towards USAID are deeply concerning and could have devastating consequences for millions around the world. Freezing aid programs and laying off personnel jeopardizes vital humanitarian efforts that provide food, medical care, and other critical assistance to vulnerable populations. This sudden disruption puts lives at risk and undermines America's global leadership and influence. USAID's mission of promoting democracy, economic prosperity, and human rights through development assistance has played a crucial role in advancing U.S. interests and values worldwide for over 60 years. Its programs help stabilize regions, counter the influence of adversaries like Russia and China, and address root causes of instability that can breed conflict. Gutting this agency would be a self-inflicted wound with severe repercussions. I urge you to take immediate action to restore full funding and operations to USAID. American foreign aid represents a tiny fraction of the federal budget yet yields immense strategic benefits in cultivating goodwill, exerting soft power, and upholding moral principles. Abandoning this effort would irreparably tarnish America's standing and make the world less secure. Safeguarding USAID's essential work is clearly in the national interest.