Democrats Desperate Move To Said USAID

A group of House Democrats has introduced new legislation aimed at stopping the Trump administration from dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The bill, spearheaded by Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.), is called the Protect U.S. National Security Act. It seeks to ensure that any reforms to USAID align with established laws and do not undermine America’s global influence or “soft power,” especially as the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is considering budget cuts across various government agencies.

In her announcement, Rep. Jacobs criticized the Trump administration for taking drastic steps to undermine USAID, claiming that in just the last ten days, the administration, under the leadership of figures like Elon Musk, has made moves that cripple the agency’s operations. This includes shutting down USAID’s website, halting its headquarters operations, placing thousands of its staff on leave, and issuing a stop-work order on most of its foreign assistance programs, including crucial humanitarian efforts.

The future of USAID is uncertain following a federal judge’s temporary halt to the Trump administration’s plan to furlough thousands of its employees. A preliminary injunction hearing on this matter is scheduled for Wednesday. Jacobs, who serves as the ranking member on the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee responsible for overseeing USAID, introduced the bill with support from 15 other Democrats.

The bill seeks to prohibit the use of U.S. funds to pay salaries for those involved in reducing or eliminating USAID, including personnel working under DOGE. Despite the likely opposition from the Republican-led House and Senate, Democrats have made it clear that they are ready to leverage their power to withhold funding when the March 14 deadline arrives.

Rep. Jacobs emphasized the importance of USAID, noting that the agency’s elimination would be catastrophic, potentially condemning millions of people to suffering. She also strongly criticized the actions taken by Elon Musk, calling them illegal and harmful to both national security and global humanitarian efforts. Jacobs stands firm in her commitment to fight against any attempt to dismantle USAID, reinforcing the need for the U.S. to maintain its role as a beacon of hope and leadership in the world.