House oversight committee members zero in on USAID implemention, procurement reforms

The U.S. Agency for International Development appears to be in for a tough time defending its pursuit of country-led development: Three Republican congressmen are demanding assurances that channeling more aid through country systems will not compromise accountability, transparency and effectiveness.

In a letter to USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah, the chair and two members of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform expressed concern that “funneling grants directly to unaccountable and often corrupt foreign governments without necessary safeguards will reduce program effectiveness, accountability, and transparency and waste taxpayer dollars.”

Republican Reps. Darrell Issa of California, Jason Chafettz of Utah and James Lankord of Oklahoma have given USAID until May 8 to explain in detail its plans to channel more aid directly to recipient governments and non-U.S. organizations.

Questions raised by three congressmen include: