United States Rep. Elise Stefanik voiced strong support for the World Food Programme and UNICEF, saying they are the kinds of United Nations agencies that advance U.S. national security interests and should continue to be backed by Americans.
“When it comes to those key questions: does it make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous, I believe those are examples of programs that do,” she said. They maintain “bipartisan support,” deliver “significant results for millions around the globe,” and strengthen “our national security,” she added.
Stefanik — the New York Republican who is President Donald Trump’s pick to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations — made her remarks during her Senate confirmation hearing, just one day after the new U.S. president signed an executive order pausing U.S. foreign assistance, pending a 90-day review.
About the author
Colum Lynch
Colum Lynch is an award-winning reporter and Senior Global Reporter for Devex. He covers the intersection of development, diplomacy, and humanitarian relief at the United Nations and beyond. Prior to Devex, Colum reported on foreign policy and national security for Foreign Policy Magazine and the Washington Post. Colum was awarded the 2011 National Magazine Award for digital reporting for his blog Turtle Bay. He has also won an award for groundbreaking reporting on the U.N.’s failure to protect civilians in Darfur.
