1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

I am reaching out to express my deep concern regarding the USAID stop-work order, which has led to the suspension of critical programs and an estimated 52,000 Americans across 37 states losing their jobs - including me. These programs are vital for providing clean water, immunizations, life saving medications, basic education, and combating human trafficking globally. This suspension not only jeopardizes lives but also undermines America's global leadership. USAID's assistance programs promote U.S. foreign policy interests. USAID is a leader in humanitarian assistance, providing aid to people in crisis or disaster. With the removal of crucial and strategic programs it will create a void for adversaries, such as China and Russia, to develop a stronghold. The way in which this immediate stop to foreign assistance was implemented was cruel and will, without a doubt, have an adverse effect on how America is viewed globally. We will be responsible for children dying in Sudan, extremists gaining power in Syria, and education being set back a decade due to unqualified teachers in Liberia. The abruptness of stopping all foreign aid will not only demolish International NGOs in the United States, it will wipe out local non-profit organizations around the world. I urge you to advocate for the immediate repeal of this stop-work order and to support the resumption of these essential programs. Every life is valuable and our responsibility for others doesn’t stop at our nation’s borders. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.