Protect USAID

The US Agency for International Development is one of America's best ways of being a force for good

The USAID website is no longer available; the Internet Archive is still a way to access it.

The U.S. Agency for International Development was first created in 1963, during the Cold War, as a way of exercising soft power worldwide and combating the spread of authoritarian systems like Communism. In a nutshell:

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the United States’ government agency that leads international development and humanitarian assistance efforts to partner countries.

We work together with individuals, communities, and countries globally to improve everyday lives. USAID’s efforts provide humanitarian assistance, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance, advance economic opportunities, and help achieve progress beyond programs. Our work benefits people around the world, including those in the United States. USAID’s investments help achieve sustainable development progress, advancing our collective security, health, and prosperity.

Although the agency’s website isn’t currently available, you can still find it through the Internet Archive if you want to learn more about its programs.

USAID was established by an act of Congress in 1961. Its spending is determined by Congress using the “power of the purse.” The president does not have (and should not have) the power to put in place the spending freeze that the Republican administration has put in place.

On top of that, according to the Iowa Farmers Union, USAID spends large amounts on Iowa agricultural products. The cuts to federal spending could harm Iowa’s economy by causing over-production by Iowa farms.

What to do: Call your Senators and Representative today and urge them to take action to ensure that USAID continues its vital work. Consider mentioning:

• USAID is pro-democracy.

• USAID helps Iowa farmers and the Iowa economy.

• They should not allow the Executive to usurp Congressional powers this way.

U.S. Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121

Call the White House and tell them that you do not support ending USAID’s important work. Consider mentioning:

• USAID is vital to Iowa’s economy.

• Iowa farmers support continuing USAID’s work because it helps them, too.

White House Comments Line: 202-456-1111

Updated February 9:

People are having trouble getting through to the switchboard. If you don’t know who your Congressperson is, you can find your Senators here and your Representative here. If you are in Iowa, here are direct numbers for each of our state’s reps’ offices:

Senator Ernst:

• Cedar Rapids (319) 365-4504

• Council Bluffs (712) 352-1167

• Davenport (563) 322-0677

• Des Moines (515) 284-4574

• Sioux City (712) 252-1550

• Washington, D.C. (202) 224-3254

Senator Grassley:

• Cedar Rapids (319) 363-6832

• Council Bluffs (712) 322-7103

• Davenport (563) 322-4331

• Des Moines (515) 288-1145

• Sioux City (712) 233-1860

• Waterloo (319) 232-6657

• Washington, D.C. (202) 224-3744

Representative Feenstra:

• Council Bluffs (712) 256-5653

• Fort Dodge (515) 302-7060

• Sioux City (712) 224-4692

• Washington, D.C. (202) 225-4426

Representative Hinson:

• Cedar Rapids (319) 364-2288

• Dubuque (563) 557-7789

• Waterloo (319) 266-6925

• Washington, D.C. (202) 225-2911

Representative Miller-Meeks:

• Davenport (563) 232-0930

• Indianola (515) 808-6040

• Washington, D.C. (202) 225-6576

Representative Nunn:

• Creston (641) 220-9093

• Des Moines (515) 400-8180

• Ottumwa (641) 220-9641

• Washington, D.C. (202) 225-5476

If you are not in Iowa, you can use the “find your representative” links above or Google to find your Senators’ and Representative’s phone numbers for local offices.