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David Costello of Brunswick is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Maine.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) ceased to exist on July 1, and its reckless and senseless demise will likely haunt American foreign policy and global interests for years to come. Created by President John F. Kennedy, USAID was an agency that for more than 60 years bolstered America’s reputation, influence, and interests abroad by providing needed humanitarian, economic, and political development assistance.
Like hundreds of other dedicated Americans, I was proud to work for USAID in the 1990s and early 2000s. My work centered on promoting peace, democracy, and economic stability in such conflict-ravaged countries as Cambodia, Haiti, Bosnia, and Kosovo.
In Cambodia, we worked alongside the United Nations to ensure Cambodia’s first free and fair election after years of war and unspeakable genocide. In Haiti, we worked closely with the U.S. Army to implement more than 2,000 community improvement projects, from the drilling of wells to the construction of schools and clinics.
In the Balkans, I established the first U.S. government office in the then sharply anti-American Republika Srpska Bosnia and ultimately worked regionally with U.S. and NATO militaries, and European diplomats and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), to implement more than 2,300 peace-building projects. Projects that, working with courageous local partners, undermined hateful nationalist propaganda, organizations, and objectives.
In all instances, our work and the work of others at USAID stabilized communities and countries, saved countless lives and mitigated the migration of thousands of refugees. And although, as is the case with all government agencies, there was room for improvement at USAID, the agency and the vast majority of its vital programs did not deserve to be dismantled.
A recent analysis of USAID published by the distinguished medical journal The Lancet concluded that from 2001 through 2021, programs funded by USAID prevented nearly 92 million deaths in 133 countries. In addition, it estimates that the cuts the Trump administration has made to USAID will result in more than 14 million deaths in the next five years. About 4.5 million will be children under 5.
Alarmingly, the Trump administration’s current approach of gutting foreign aid, cozying up to dictators, disrespecting allies, and withdrawing from critical environmental, medical, and humanitarian agreements is sowing chaos and weakening America’s standing around the world.
I’m running for the U.S. Senate today, in part, to help resurrect the critical work of USAID and other essential agencies and improve the standing and performance of our federal government, both at home in the U.S. and abroad.
America is a great nation, yet it’s been at its best when it’s been fully, intelligently, and benevolently engaged in world affairs. It’s time to alter course and for America to behave at its best again!
