Rep. Cisneros Highlights How President Trump and Elon Musk’s Dismantling of USAID Undermines US National Security
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. used his time during the House Armed Services Committee to highlight the importance of international partnerships and coalitions in relation to the United States’ national security. He also condemned the Trump Administration and Elon Musk’s dismantling of the State Department and USAID. You can watch the full hearing here.
“This hearing is about the convergence of global threats. My colleagues have discussed the importance of combatting threats posed by our competitors and adversaries, including the PRC, Iran, Russia, and North Korea,” said Rep. Cisneros. “But we need to discuss how a U.S. pursuit of isolationism would help adversaries undermine U.S. national security. The more we put into diplomacy, the more of a benefit the U.S. gains.”
Recently, a constituent from the 31st District reached out in his personal capacity to express his deep concern about, quote, “The Trump Administration’s unconstitutional decision to stop foreign aid and shut down USAID without Congressional approval.” He also shared that, quote, “The damaging lies spread by Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and other members of the Republican party have no basis in reality and will destroy an important foreign policy tool of the U.S. Government.” The constituent shared that he himself has participated in USAID’s oversight systems for foreign assistance and that USAID “can account for every dollar of taxpayer resources.”
USAID provides humanitarian aid to more than 100 countries. Recently, this has included $37 billion over the last three years to Ukraine to pay for the salaries of emergency service workers; supply farmers with fertilizer, seeds and storage capacity; and to rebuild Ukraine's power grid after repeated Russian missile strikes.
Moreover, as part of its humanitarian aid USAID buys food directly from U.S. farmers and manufacturers, which have typically provided about 40% of international food assistance. That includes 36 large-scale California farmers and multiple California businesses, including GAP, ISCA Technologies, and Hy-Line International. While the future of USAID's funding and its purchases from U.S. farmers remains unclear, there is currently $489 million worth of food sitting at ports, in transit, and in warehouses at risk of spoilage.
Rep. Cisneros is a Navy veteran, the former Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, and previously served in the 116th Congress. He currently serves on the House Armed Services Committee and its Intelligence and Special Operations and Military Personnel Subcommittees.
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