Slashing U.S. Foreign Assistance in Next Year’s Budget Would Make U.S. Weaker, Less Safe and Less Prosperous

Statement by Kate Phillips-Barrasso, Mercy Corps’ Vice President for Global Policy and Advocacy

“The proposed cuts by the Administration in its FY26 budget request would make the U.S. weaker, less safe and less prosperous while also devastating communities around the world. If all Administration proposals are accepted, these cuts would slash international assistance funding by more than 80%, severely reducing US-grown food aid, access to clean water and shelter, and critical health support.

“The freeze to the majority of U.S. foreign assistance over the last three months has already cost lives and left millions globally without access to lifesaving and life-sustaining support, including food, water, shelter, medicine and disaster relief. Mercy Corps’ 40 terminated U.S.-funded programs could have reached 3.5 million people this year alone.

“Secretary Rubio has said that the U.S. Government intends to maintain lifesaving assistance and create greater efficiency and effectiveness in U.S. foreign assistance. Now is the time for the Administration and Congress to fulfill that commitment. Our greatest challenges, from food insecurity to violent conflict to pandemics, transcend borders. However, investments in global stability, nutrition and economic opportunity reduce drivers of conflict and displacement, lower health risks and expand prosperity for all.

“We urge Congress to reject the Administration’s request and ensure that the U.S. retains capabilities to address both global emergency needs and support longer-term, durable development solutions. Congress must exercise its authority to direct spending and ensure that funds it provides reach those people most in need, while remaining accountable to the American people.”