US Democratic lawmakers demand answers on Trump's foreign aid freeze

Four top U.S. Democratic congressmembers are asking USAID’s acting administrator to respond to questions about President Donald Trump’s foreign aid stop-work order — and what they described as a “maelstrom of problems” that it’s created. The letter, posted on Friday, came amidst a whirlwind of rumors across Washington, D.C., as people across the sector anxiously awaited an anticipated merger between the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development. The lawmakers — Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, Gregory Meeks, Brian Schatz, and Rep. Lois Frankel — alluded to the potential takeover in their letter. “USAID is, by statute, an independent establishment outside of the State Department,” they wrote. “Any proposal to modify that structure would require an Act of Congress.” The letter denounced the administration’s decision to place senior leaders on administrative leave, terminate ongoing programs without reviewing their efficacy, and freeze foreign assistance “without engaging in meaningful consultation and transparency with Congress.” “The Administration failed to notify or consult with Congress on these decisions, undermining Congress’s important constitutional duty to conduct oversight of funding, personnel, and the nation’s foreign policy,” the letter stated. On Wednesday, Shaheen and two other Democratic senators, Chris Van Hollen and Tim Kaine, condemned Trump’s decision to put senior USAID officials on leave. Now, the four congressmembers are asking USAID Acting Administrator Jason Gray to respond to a series of questions by Feb. 10, 2025. Those queries include an explanation of the impact of the stop-work orders on the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, along with USAID’s programs related to global health security, maternal child health, food assistance, family planning, and economic assistance in Ukraine, Jordan, and Lebanon. They ask about the United States’ ability to compete with China, and whether the foreign assistance freeze will allow China to fill the gaps. They are also asking Gray to list all programs subject to the pause or stop-work orders, the criteria to pause the programs, and any waivers granted, along with all people, programs, and groups suspended as a result. “While many in the United States have focused on the constitutional transition of power that took place earlier this month, the crises of the world did not stop,” the congressmembers wrote. “It is imperative that we maintain an independent development voice and capability within the U.S. government.” In fiscal year 2023, USAID’s budget was over $40 billion, and it has a workforce of more than 10,000 — with about two-thirds working overseas. The agency works with more than 4,000 organizations in over 100 countries.