Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-22), Ranking Member of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Subcommittee, led the Subcommittee’s first public hearing of the 119^th Congress with witnesses representing advocates and implementers of foreign assistance. Ranking Member Frankel spoke out against the Trump Administration and DOGE’s reckless and unlawful cuts to foreign assistance without Congress’s involvement, and asked witnesses about the state of their respective programs, which include work to prevent starvation, promote global vaccination, and promote democracy abroad to counter authoritarianism.

Below are excerpts from Ranking Member Frankel’s remarks, as delivered:

"I'm not happy with what's been going on, obviously, but I do want to say this—I have gotten to know this committee and this gentleman for many years, and I cannot think of a better group of people to move forward under these circumstances. We thank you all for being here.

"We all understand that foreign assistance is not charity—it’s strategy. It is one of the most effective tools we have to advance America's security, economic strength, and global stability. And yet, it has accounted for less than 1 percent of the federal budget. These investments help countries recover from crises, tackle long-term challenges, and build resilience. They are not just lifelines for others, they are safeguards for us."

“But today, we are facing the reckless and unilateral dismantling of USAID and other agencies under this committee’s jurisdiction. The Trump Administration’s decision to gut these agencies without consulting Congress is not only irresponsible, it is illegal, and it is already putting American lives and global standing at risk…We are convening this hearing at what I believe is a moment of crisis for our nation's foreign policy and humanitarian leadership. Those of you here today are uniquely positioned to speak to the real and devastating consequences of recent decisions that have threatened decades of progress."

“Every administration has the right, and the responsibility, to evaluate government programs and we all want to ensure that taxpayer dollars are wisely spent. But what we've seen has not been oversight. We've seen a sledgehammer. Vital programs being shut down with no explanation—at least to us—and then some restarted the next day and then they're stopped and...no process, no coordination. That, to me, that's not the way to run a government.”

For a full replay of her remarks, click here.

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