Washington, DC – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22), Ranking Member of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Appropriations Subcommittee, issued the following statement urging the resumption of foreign assistance in response to the Trump Administration’s Executive Order freezing nearly all U.S. foreign assistance programs funded by the State Department and USAID, pending a 90-day review. The freeze excludes security assistance to Israel and Egypt, emergency food aid, and salaries.

The Secretary of State’s implementing instructions:

• "Pauses all new obligations of funding, pending a review, for foreign assistance programs funded by or through the Department and USAID."
• "For existing foreign assistance awards, contracting officers and grant officers shall immediately issue stop-work orders, consistent with the terms of the relevant award, until such time as the Secretary shall determine, following a review."

“While it’s reasonable for a new administration to review programs, I worry that this sudden and sweeping freeze on U.S. foreign assistance risks dire consequences for global health, safety, and security—including our own,” said Rep. Frankel. “This will cause unnecessary hardship for vulnerable communities, undermine years of development progress, and damage our credibility as a reliable partner. This creates an opening for adversaries such as China and Russia to expand their influence.”

“I urge the administration to resume aid while reviews are being made and work with Congress on policies that uphold U.S. global leadership and enhance the safety, security, and prosperity of the American people,” Rep. Frankel added.

The freeze impacts U.S. aid in critical conflict regions like Ukraine, Sudan, Haiti, Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza.

Congresswoman Frankel joined Congressman Gregory Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, in a letter to Secretary Marco Rubio, calling for the immediate resumption of funding for these vital Foreign Assistance Programs.

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