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Experts and senators warn that cuts to aid and public diplomacy programs undermine U.S. influence in Africa

3316171 · May 13, 2025

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Summary

Committee members and witnesses said reductions in programs such as PEPFAR, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, YALI and Voice of America have weakened U.S. public-health, development and soft-power tools across Africa, with local clinics and services cited as examples of immediate impact.

Senators and witnesses at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing criticized cuts to longstanding U.S. aid and public diplomacy programs, saying the reductions have immediate humanitarian consequences and longer-term strategic costs.

Senator Shaheen and other members highlighted local examples gathered on recent congressional travel: closed HIV/AIDS prevention clinics and interruptions to therapeutic food distribution. At the hearing, Senator McCormick said that PEPFAR "by some estimates... has saved 26,000,000 lives in just over 20 years." Joshua Mazurvi and Ambassador Michelle Gavin warned that abrupt program closures deepen perceptions of U.S. disengagement and open space for competitors.

Program names cited by senators and witnesses included the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and Voice of America. Senators noted that YALI placed thousands of vetted young leaders in U.S. host programs and that MCC compacts have tied development to governance and anti-corruption metrics.

Witnesses recommended restoring or reconstituting core programs and better communicating U.S. public-health and development results to international audiences. Gavin and Mazurvi said public diplomacy and assistance not only save lives but help counter influence campaigns by other states.

Discussion only: The hearing did not adopt legislation; senators asked witnesses for follow-up analysis and further information for the committee record.