Democratic lawmakers introduce legislation to protect USAID

WASHINGTON

A group of Democratic US lawmakers unveiled a bill Tuesday to protect the US Agency for International Development (USAID) from being eliminated by the Trump administration.

The Protect U.S. National Security Act reiterates that any reform of USAID “should abide by existing laws and not harm American soft power.”

"Over the past 10 days, Elon Musk and DOGE have shut down USAID’s website, closed its headquarters, placed thousands of staffers on leave, and issued a stop work order on most foreign assistance – including life-saving humanitarian assistance," said Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, who is leading the bill, which is co-sponsored by 15 other Democrats.

Eliminating USAID will be a "death sentence" for millions of people, Jacobs stressed, adding that billionaire Musk's elimination of USAID is "completely illegal."

"That’s why I’m proud to introduce legislation to prohibit the use of any funds to eliminate USAID," she added.

Following suggestions from Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the Trump administration initiated the shutdown of USAID operations both domestically and internationally, leading to widespread disruptions in global aid programs and affecting numerous non-governmental organizations and media organizations that relied on USAID funding.

USAID was established by then-President John F. Kennedy in 1961. Later, Congress established USAID as an independent agency. Therefore, the president requires an act of Congress to eliminate it. ​​​​​​​