To the editor:
The recent actions taken by the Trump administration have damaged the status of the U.S. On January 24, the administration issued a “Stop-Work Order” for all existing programming funded by U.S. foreign assistance. This action has been catastrophic for communities around the world; it has undermined U.S credibility internationally, increased health risks both abroad and at home, and made the U.S. less secure.
Overnight, the order created chaos. Would people lose access to life-saving medicines and treatment? Would doctors, nurses, and health workers be able to see patients? Would moms get prenatal care and safe childbirth services? In addition, programs to combat human trafficking, to provide shelter for people escaping war, and core nutrition, water, and sanitation programs are at risk.
The administration has backtracked with waivers for many programs; however, few of those waivers have been implemented due to convoluted notices and failure to agree on what constitutes life-saving interventions. Not only have staff at USAID been locked out and many put on leave, but groups that USAID contracts with have been thrown into turmoil. The stop-work action has been cruel and formidable. Today, many local organizations cannot resume programs without clear guidance and funding—funding that Congress has previously allocated. Remember, Congress controls the purse, not the administration, and foreign aid represents less than one percent of the federal budget.
The true impact of this stop-work order is extraordinary. Based on 2023 data from USAID, the following are the real consequences of a 90-day freeze:
- Nearly 60,000 newborns will die without access to medical care and resuscitation;
- 28,250 people will go without treatment for tuberculosis, leading to increased risk of drug-resistant TB;
- 7 million children will miss out on essential nutrition and be at imminent risk for malnutrition; and
- 3 million women will lose access to safe birth facilities.
In his confirmation hearing, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that he would ask three questions about our foreign aid: “Does it make America safer? Does it make America stronger? Does it make America more prosperous?” The answer is no to each of these questions.
Having stopped all aid without warning, the United States has moved backwards, with possibly decades of loss. I urge members of Congress to publicly oppose the stop-work order and push for its immediate reversal. The longer we wait for this to happen, the less likely we will be to prevent the deaths and devastation. Congress needs to regain control of the purse.
The administration’s actions are cruel and counterproductive. We can only hope that it is not too late to regain much of what has already been lost.
Call Congress today at (202) 224-3121; ask for your representative’s office and tell them to reverse the stop-work order now. It is as simple as saying this:
I am a constituent and I am asking you to stand up for lifesaving international programs and oppose the recent action by the Trump administration to stop almost all foreign aid. The administration also issued a ‘Stop-Work Order’ for all existing foreign aid programming, pending a review. It must be reversed immediately.
And be sure to leave your name, address, and telephone number.
Leslye Heilig, M.D.
RESULTS.org Massachusetts Group co-leader
Great Barrington
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