The Importance of Revamping U.S. Foreign Aid

One year ago, significant changes impacted the U.S. Agency for International Development, leading to the shutdown of various global programs, including essential humanitarian assistance. This was a clear example of a wider trend. Countries like the U.S., Canada, and the UK reduced aid budgets by 23%, or $40 billion, last year. These cuts might cause 9.4 million preventable deaths by 2030. Foreign aid remains a key U.S. foreign policy tool.

Both leaders of the World Food Program and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee attest to the effectiveness of U.S. foreign assistance. They have seen it manage disease outbreaks, provide food, and aid those affected by disasters or conflicts. Such assistance also ensures American security, enhances leadership globally, and even saves taxpayer money.

The decline in America’s aid budget, combined with the reductions by other countries and the closing of USAID, highlights some shortcomings in foreign assistance. Maintaining this critical tool requires making tough decisions on fund allocations and engaging public support. Innovative aid delivery methods should eliminate inefficiencies and encourage self-sufficiency.

There needs to be a renewed bipartisan commitment to foreign assistance. Programs must measure success by effectiveness and accountability. With targeted priorities, efficient delivery, impactful programs, and broad public backing, this national security tool can be rebuilt for the future.

Despite political divisions, many Americans value foreign aid as a global leadership component. Echelon Insights, supported by the Rockefeller Foundation, found 54% favor foreign aid. Moreover, 80% believe the focus should be on reforming and strengthening aid rather than ending it.

Specific strategy-based foreign assistance programs, particularly those for humanitarian relief and disease prevention, gain overwhelming support. About 90% of people advocate for these programs.

In response, a new bipartisan Commission on the Future of Foreign Assistance will recommend policies to address gridlock and provide detailed policy reforms. This commission, including former Congress members and foreign policy experts, will have support from the American Enterprise Institute and the Brookings Institution.

The commission aims to engage diverse perspectives and understand experiences from global leaders, focusing on past program shortcomings and explaining why foreign aid has been easily neglected.

We must improve and connect foreign aid efforts to national interests. President Ronald Reagan emphasized how neglecting our responsibilities endangers national ideals and interests.

Innovative approaches are crucial in empowering new development models and urgent humanitarian efforts, which bolster American protection and security.

The political challenges are undeniable, yet the consequences of inaction are severe. General James Mattis stated that underfunding the State Department means a need for more ammunition.

This effort will rely on creativity, honesty, and political resolve, which may be rare but achievable by the commission. American ingenuity and optimism are key to succeeding in this endeavor.

David Beasley is a former governor of South Carolina and ex-director of the World Food Program. Ben Cardin is a former senator from Maryland and ex-chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.