1. United States
2. Wisc.
3. Letter

I am a mother of two school-age children, a teacher, and a proud member of my community in Waukesha, Wisconsin. I am strongly opposed to the recent gutting of programs like USAID. The current administration is cutting nearly all grants and programs of USAID, using statements such as "continuing this program is not in the national interest". This is untrue. Our national interest is to be invested in the world around us. I have no desire to return to the world of the 1900s when America lived in an isolationist bubble and pretended that what happened in the rest of the world did not impact us. When we do not help the most vulnerable in our world -- those needing HIV medications, those starving from famine and civil unrest -- we are sending a clear message about America. We are letting the rest of the world know that America is not a friend. People who would have previously seen us with gratitude will now see us as unreliable, negative eyes. This damages our ability to connect meaningfully with the world in trade, conflict resolution, and the promotion of democratic ideals. It is in our national interest to help others. It is in our national interest to uplift people in struggling areas to strengthen our ties with those regions. This is long-term aid, that helps people in practical ways but also ensures America is seen as a reliable partner for years to come. These aid programs take up a terrifically small portion of our budget, but do much lasting good. I do want my tax dollars spent on these programs. Stand up today and speak up to preserve these programs, on behalf of those of us who have voted for you to be our voice.