Stay out of politics. That was the advice that U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, gave to nearly 250 global development professionals earlier this week — all of whom had gathered for a forum hosted by InterAction, an alliance of U.S.-based international aid agencies.
“Your mission is to save lives. It’s not to be a lobbyist,” said McCaul, speaking from a stage in downtown Washington, D.C. “I know all of you are passionate about your work. But it’s also important to know the confines of what your job is and what it’s not.”
Many in the audience frowned. Others shifted uncomfortably in their seats, while a few more raised their hands — questioning how McCaul could expect humanitarian workers, global development professionals, and others to remain silent while working in places like Gaza, where thousands of civilians and hundreds of aid workers have been killed.
About the author
Elissa Miolene
Elissa Miolene reports on USAID and the U.S. government at Devex. She previously covered education at The San Jose Mercury News, and has written for outlets like The Wall Street Journal, San Francisco Chronicle, Washingtonian magazine, among others. Before shifting to journalism, Elissa led communications for humanitarian agencies in the United States, East Africa, and South Asia.
