This week, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., introduced a proposal that “will abolish the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for pushing radical, leftist ideology abroad, instead of engaging in diplomacy and creating international relations consistent with American values.”
The bill has the support of five House Republicans including U.S. Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla.
Gaetz’s office offered some of the reasons why the congressman offered the proposal.
“A Heritage Foundation report from May 10th, 2022, found that USAID was using American taxpayer dollars to weaponize foreign aid programs and export radical, leftist ideology across the world. Among these programs were those supporting abortion, gender equity programs, and climate alarmism. The legislation will make no federal funds available for USAID to further carry out any of the functions, duties, or responsibilities assigned or delegated to the agency. The legislation will also rescind the unobligated funds made available for the agency and transfer all other assets or liabilities to the Secretary of State,” Gaetz’s office insisted.
“American taxpayer dollars are being wasted to fund radical leftist propaganda in foreign countries. The American people will not tolerate government-funded degeneracy at home, and we certainly will not accept its force-feeding abroad under Old Glory,” said Gaetz. “USAID does not serve a meaningful purpose. It is used as a slush fund for international wokeism. Therefore, serious lawmakers in Congress should support its complete abolition.”
The bill was sent to the U.S. House Foreign Affairs and the Appropriations Committees. So far there is no companion measure over in the U.S. Senate.
