Preserve America’s Leadership by Rebuilding Effective Foreign Assistance

The Administration’s sweeping reductions to United States foreign assistance have disrupted lifesaving programs built over decades. Every day those reductions remain in place, children miss vaccinations, families lose clean water, and mothers give birth without basic medical care. Congress should reinstate lifesaving foreign aid and repair the damage. A peer-reviewed study estimates that, if the reductions continue through 2030, they could cause more than 14 million additional deaths, including about 4.5 million children under age five. This is a projection, not a certainty, but it shows the deadly risk of allowing these programs to collapse. LESS THAN ONE CENT PROTECTS AMERICA Foreign assistance has historically cost less than one cent of every federal dollar. It saves lives while advancing American interests. Detecting and containing diseases such as Ebola, tuberculosis, and new influenza strains overseas is far less costly than responding after they spread internationally. Food shortages and collapsing health systems fuel conflict, forced migration, and security threats that can affect the United States. Aid also supports American farmers and businesses by promoting stable markets abroad. When the United States withdraws, China, Russia, and other competitors may gain opportunities to expand their influence. Foreign aid must be monitored carefully. Waste or poor performance is a reason to improve programs, not abandon effective assistance that protects Americans and saves lives. CONGRESS TOOK AN IMPORTANT FIRST STEP Congress was right to restore substantial foreign-assistance funding through H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026. That bipartisan action began to reverse damage caused by the disruption and termination of many United States Agency for International Development programs. Millions still face life-threatening needs, while vital personnel and delivery systems remain disrupted. Congress must finish the job before more health systems collapse and preventable deaths increase. America’s foreign-assistance programs have saved millions of lives, strengthened our security, and reflected our highest values. Congress has begun rebuilding that legacy. Please continue that work before more lives are needlessly lost. Please use your appropriations, oversight, and legislative authority to: (1) RESTORE LIFESAVING PROGRAMS. Fund global health, nutrition, clean water, food security, maternal care, vaccines, and disaster relief. (2) PROTECT CONGRESSIONAL AUTHORITY. Use appropriations language, reporting requirements, and hearings to prevent approved aid from being unlawfully withheld, canceled, or delayed. (3) RESTORE PROFESSIONAL CAPACITY. Rebuild the personnel, supply chains, and monitoring systems needed to deliver assistance effectively. (4) ENSURE ACCOUNTABILITY. Require transparent reporting and measurable outcomes while allowing emergency aid to reach people without unnecessary delay. Thank you.