Congressman criticizes $73M USAID spending amid global conflicts and national debt

During a recent subcommittee hearing on the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request for the U.S. Department of State, significant concerns were raised about the effectiveness of U.S. foreign aid spending. Lawmakers expressed frustration over the allocation of funds, questioning whether the investments have truly enhanced national security or addressed global crises.

One senator highlighted that despite a doubling of the budget over the past four years, the U.S. faces ongoing conflicts and instability in regions such as Haiti, Ukraine, and Israel. The senator criticized the current approach, suggesting that merely increasing financial support has not yielded the desired outcomes. "We threw money at it and it didn't help," they stated, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of spending priorities.

The discussion also touched on specific expenditures, including a notable $73 million spent on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Critics questioned the relevance of such spending in the context of pressing global challenges, pointing to the nation’s substantial debt of $37 trillion. The senator called for a more focused mission statement and a critical review of contracts, citing examples of funding that seemed misaligned with U.S. interests, such as $32 million allocated to the Prague Veil Society Center.

As the subcommittee continues to deliberate on the budget, the emphasis remains on ensuring that U.S. foreign aid is strategically directed to enhance security and stability, rather than simply increasing financial outlays without clear results. The outcomes of these discussions could shape future funding decisions and the overall effectiveness of U.S. foreign policy initiatives.