Rep. Jasmine Crockett on USAID's Importance and Trump Administration's Actions

The Value and Budget of USAID

• 💡 USAID accounts for less than 1% of the entire US budget, despite large numbers being thrown out to make it seem significant.
• 🎯 The narrative of pitting Americans against USAID is used to distract from discussions about the other 99.5% of the budget.
• ⚠️ A Republican CR (Continuing Resolution) is mentioned as potentially diverting funds meant for districts into the pockets of individuals like Elon Musk.

International Diplomacy and Program Oversight

• ✈️ Congressional Delegation trips serve the purpose of international diplomacy, with representatives acting as liaisons to other countries.
• 🤝 Conversations with foreign leaders reveal concerns about dealing with the previous administration.
• 🔍 During these trips, the US checks on programs funded by the United States, such as those aimed at eradicating HIV and AIDS.

Global Health Initiatives and Development

• 🌍 Programs funded by USAID have been crucial in combating global health crises like COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS.
• 📚 Initiatives like sex education have helped reduce teen pregnancy and the spread of diseases.
• 💊 USAID ensures underdeveloped countries have access to condoms, sex education, and medications to manage conditions like HIV, preventing them from progressing to AIDS.
• 👧 In Africa, USAID supports programs for young girls, teaching them skills to become entrepreneurs and fostering a sense of self-worth beyond societal expectations.

Countering Global Influence and Ensuring Safety

• 🇺🇸 USAID's work promotes freedom and democracy, creating opportunities and reducing hostilities both abroad and towards the US.
• 🤝 It helps build rapport with countries worldwide, acting as a counter-influence to nations like China, which uses financial leverage to gain influence.
• 🛡️ For less than 1% of the budget, USAID helps keep the US safe while achieving positive global outcomes.

Legal Challenges to Dismantling USAID

• ⚖️ A federal judge ordered the reinstatement of USAID functions and issued a preliminary injunction against further attempts to dismantle the agency.
• 📧 The court mandated the reinstatement of email, payments, security notifications, and restoration of deleted emails for USAID employees.
• 🏛️ The Trump administration's actions to effectively shutter the agency were deemed unconstitutional, as USAID was created by Congress and can only be dismantled by Congress.