1. United States
2. Md.
3. Letter

I am writing to you as a concerned constituent who is deeply troubled by the political targeting of the USAID's critical foreign assistance programs and people. I have family members and friends who work for USAID and other federally-funded program abroad. Over the last two weeks, my family, friends, and their colleagues have been subjected to disgraceful attacks from our own political leaders, harmful and conflicting directives, and threats of being placed on administrative leave or terminated with no notice or reason. Many of them legitimately fear for the safety of themselves and their families after being falsely labeled as criminals and as clandestine intelligence agents. After years of dedicated service to USAID and our country, they are being abandoned by this administration. During the 90-day pause in foreign assistance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that USAID programs are under review. However, personnel who can speak to the objectives of these programs are being placed on leave or let go, suggesting that the determinations made may not be based on the actual needs and realities in the affected countries. The leadership of USAID is not involved or consulted in its own review process, indicating a likely haphazard slashing of critical programs and assistance. The consequences of these decisions will be devistating for both communities around the world who rely on US foreign assistance and for the US itself. USAID programs are vital for US safety by training foreign law enforcement personnel in counter-terrorism techniques, building soft power in countries that may otherwise look to our adversariesm and bolstering US prosperity by developing the economies of current and future trading partners. It is preposterous to think that the US can remain a global leader without USAID as a critical arm of foreign policy. I urge you to take strong action to ensure the safety of my family and friends abroad, as well as fight for the future of USAID. As my representatives, you know that USAID cannot be dissolved without an act of Congress. You know that critical funding appropriated by Congress has been paused and is not reaching intended beneficiaries. And you know that this administration's dismantling of critical government functions will not stop with USAID.