Democrats Attack Rubio
Democratic Senators Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Brian Schatz of Hawaii have raised concerns over recent personnel changes at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), pushing for testimony from Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding these actions.
In a letter sent to Rubio, Shaheen and Schatz criticized his decision to lay off or place on leave nearly all of USAID’s staff, as well as his move to terminate over 90% of USAID’s aid awards and more than 60% of the State Department’s awards. These included critical funding for humanitarian programs they deemed vital to U.S. interests and life-saving initiatives. The senators argued that these decisions go against established law, are wasteful and ineffective, and pose a significant threat to the nation’s security.
Notably, prominent voices like Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have called for dismantling USAID, claiming many of its initiatives waste taxpayer money. The current administration has followed through by targeting 90% of USAID’s foreign aid contracts and swiftly clearing out the agency’s offices, giving staff just 15 minutes to pack up.
The drastic cuts have disrupted efforts to deliver essential humanitarian aid, address migration challenges, and counter Chinese influence worldwide. In response, Democratic senators have pointed fingers at Rubio, accusing him of being complicit in the closure of the agency and its foreign operations.
Shaheen and Schatz emphasized that the lack of communication, transparency, and adherence to legal procedures under Rubio’s leadership was troubling. They expressed frustration over not receiving requested briefings and letters from Rubio’s office, as well as the cancellation of regular updates on important global issues such as the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and the ongoing war in Ukraine. These disruptions are particularly concerning, given the potential global ramifications.
The senators urged Rubio to clarify his position on these changes and to appear before their committees to explain how the dismantling of USAID might jeopardize national security.
