Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06), Ranking Member of the East Asia and the Pacific Subcommittee, issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s reckless and illegal efforts to eliminate the United States Agency for International Development (USAID):

“The Trump administration’s continued attacks on USAID—gutting its staffing, halting programs without review, freezing lifesaving assistance and now attempting to shut down the agency—are dangerous and shortsighted. These actions threaten American security, global stability and our ability to compete with adversaries including China, Russia and Iran. 

“Congress has made it clear: USAID is, by law, an independent agency. Any attempt to alter that structure without congressional approval is not only unlawful but a direct attack on America’s ability to lead through diplomacy and development. USAID’s work gives us a strategic edge over our competitors, prevents disease outbreaks from reaching our shores and opens up new markets for American exports. Freezing essential development assistance and humanitarian aid puts lives at risk and makes Americans less safe.

“I urge my Republican colleagues to join Democrats in reasserting our congressional authority to ensure USAID’s vital and life-saving work continues. The cost of retreating from our commitments and withdrawing from the world is far too great.”