In Video: Marco Rubio says he's the acting head of USAID
USAID’s National Interest Alignment: A Call to Reform
As the Acting Director of USAID, I have had the opportunity to reflect on the agency’s role in aligning its foreign aid programs with the national interest. Unfortunately, my experience suggests that USAID has often failed to achieve this goal, instead pursuing programs that run counter to our national strategy.
A Lack of Alignment
When I travel to missions and embassies around the world, I am frequently disappointed to find that USAID is involved in programs that do not align with our national interests. This is a problem that has persisted for decades, with attempts to reform the agency repeatedly failing to yield results.
A Statutory Imperative
As an agency that spends taxpayer dollars, USAID is not a independent non-governmental entity. Rather, it is a vital tool of American foreign policy, and as such, it is imperative that its programs are aligned with the policy directives of the Secretary of State, the National Security Council, and the President. Unfortunately, USAID’s lack of cooperation and refusal to reform has led to a lack of transparency and accountability.
A Failure to Cooperate
During my time in Congress, I was shocked by the difficulty we faced in obtaining basic information about USAID programs. It was as if the agency was unwilling to cooperate with our efforts to reform it. This lack of transparency is unacceptable, and it is clear that USAID’s current leadership is not willing to make the necessary changes to ensure that the agency is accountable to the American people.
A Call to Action
As the Acting Director of USAID, I am committed to working with the Administration and Congress to reform the agency and ensure that its programs are aligned with our national interests. This will require a fundamental shift in the way USAID operates, including greater transparency and accountability.
A New Era for USAID
I believe that USAID can be a powerful tool in achieving our national security and foreign policy goals. But to achieve this, we must be willing to make difficult choices and take bold action. We must prioritize programs that align with our national interests, and we must hold USAID accountable for its actions.
It is my hope that the reforms we undertake will mark the beginning of a new era for USAID, one in which the agency is a vital and effective tool of American foreign policy.