1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

I'm writing to you today because I am extremely concerned about President Trump and Elon Musk’s successful, unconstitutional efforts to shut down the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). At one time, USAID provided critical resources for disaster relief and humanitarian crises all across the world. Through the work of dedicated public servants, USAID was able to support development and save lives. The President has no authority to unilaterally disband an agency established by Congress, nor does he have the right to cut off designated Congressional funding. And despite these facts, the steps this Administration and an unelected billionaire have taken have already impacted people across the globe, and will ultimately result in lives lost and international diplomacy efforts thwarted. I ask that you work with your Democratic colleagues to introduce legislation, coordinate a messaging strategy that informs your constituents and the nation about what is happening and how to respond, and engage with outside advocacy organizations, state partners, and others to pursue additional lawsuits and redress through the courts. The ongoing, blatant disregard shown by the president and an unelected billionaire for Congressional authority, the rule of law, and the Constitution itself must not be ignored.