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Mikaela Meredith of Cape Neddick worked for USAID in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Yemen, Nigeria, and as director in Azerbaijan, Albania and Uzbekistan and acting director in Malawi, Zambia and Kazakhstan. She also responded to disasters in Iraq, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Kenya, Somalia and Rwanda, and served as the deputy director for USAID’s Africa Ebola Unit.
Before retiring to Maine, I worked for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for 34 years. I saw how USAID makes America safer by preventing violent extremism in Yemen. One of my proudest moments was when a young Yemeni man (who fit the profile for terrorist recruitment) publicly thanked America (USAID and the U.S. military) for establishing the first health facility in his remote community. He explained to the crowd that before, he thought all Americans were evil, but now he sees us as friends.
I saw how USAID protects American lives by strengthening health systems in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria and South Africa to prevent the spread of infectious diseases like Ebola, malaria and HIV/AIDs to America.
I saw how USAID supports the creation of new markets and trade partners for American businesses in Albania and Uzbekistan. Note, USAID buys $2 billion in food from U.S. farmers a year and did nearly $1 billion in business with American small businesses last year.
I saw how USAID helped preserve America’s integrity by strengthening independent media in Azerbaijan. This ensured global audiences received credible information and countered disinformation campaigns by Russia and China, who sought to weaken U.S. strategic communications.
Maine’s economy has also benefited from USAID’s partnerships. Maine farmers have long contributed to food aid programs, shipping grains and dairy across the world. Our fisheries, agriculture, and small businesses grow in emerging markets. Maine-based faith groups and humanitarian organizations work alongside USAID, showing the world what American generosity looks like.
But today, all of that is at risk.
On March 10, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reported 83 percent of USAID’s contracts were or will be terminated. According to USAspending.gov, Maine’s potential funding loss is estimated at more than $15 million! The impact will be felt across the state and could soon be felt by you, your family, friends and neighbors.
Foreign assistance is not charity. It’s an investment in America’s economic growth and national security. USAID saves Americans money by preventing instability abroad, so we don’t have to pay the much higher costs of war, pandemics, or refugee crises later. It stabilizes fragile regions, reducing the need for military interventions, and counters the influence of China and Russia. It keeps global markets stable, and allows millions of people around the world to see America as a force for good. Imagine, all this for less than 1 percent of the federal budget.
There is no mystery in how USAID spends its money. It operates under strict oversight from Congress, the White House, and the State Department. Each year, Congress reviews and approves USAID’s budget; every dollar spent is monitored, audited, and aligned with foreign policy priorities. Over 80 percent of USAID programming is earmarked by Congress. Every USAID mission overseas and USAID’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., have legal, contract, monitoring and evaluation, and financial management officers to ensure your taxes are spent as intended. As director in three countries, it was my job to ensure critical checks and balances were in place to safeguard your money.
The current attempted dismantling of USAID is illegal and threatens America’s global leadership. Since Congress established USAID in 1961, only congressional authorization can abolish, move, or consolidate USAID. Congress should intervene by taking legislative action to restore USAID. This issue is not only about USAID. Our Constitution provides checks and balances so that no president dismantles any federal agency or violates the law.
It’s easy to be intimidated by the political climate, but Mainers value courage. We value fairness. Now is the time to lift our voices and stand up against this short-sighted decision. Advancing American interests at home and abroad makes a better world for all of us. Our economy, our security, and our global leadership depend on it.
I urge you to contact Maine’s members of Congress this week. Ask them to reinstate USAID’s funding, halt staff terminations and resume programming. Your voice matters!
We won’t forget those who stand up when it matters most.
