Lawmakers react to the temporary closure of USAID

The Trump Administration has put a hold on all operations with the U.S. Agency for International Development, which is tasked by Congress to distribute humanitarian aid around the globe. Supporters say the Agency is rife with corruption, but some ag lawmakers warn millions of dollars of food could go to waste.

This week on X, Kansas Senator Jerry Moran warned Secretary of State Marco Rubio that hundreds of millions of dollars of American-grown food is in jeopardy of rotting at U.S. ports. Then late last night, USAID offices were shuttered globally without much notice.

In his weekly call with ag reporters, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley said there has been a lot of waste in the program and said a 90-day waiting period is the right call.

“I think you have to separate those out, and I think before the 90 days are up, and maybe even today, you’re going to have some modifications of that. But, without a doubt, I think that USAID needs a really thorough investigation.”

USAID was started by Executive Order under President Kennedy in 1961. Congress codified its existence in 1998.

Related Stories
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller joins us with an update on the most recent case of New World screwworm 90 miles from the U.S. Southern border.
Study looks at how triazine chemistry impacts effectiveness against resistant weeds
With fewer young people entering agriculture and farmers nearing retirement, industry leaders warn of challenges ahead while working to keep farming profitable and sustainable.
A late-season freeze in northeast Louisiana has forced farmers to replant thousands of corn acres, adding costs, straining seed supplies, and raising concerns about shifting to soybeans.
March 15 of each year is the application deadline for the Pima Cotton Trust, and March 1 of each year is the application deadline for the Wool Trust. The law mandates trust payments by April 15. More information about these programs is available at www.fas.usda.gov/programs.
Superior Livestock Auctions markets more than 1.7 million head of cattle nationwide while also building long-term relationships between both cattle raisers and beef producers.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The American Coalition for Ethanol reacts as the Farm Bill heads to a full House vote — while ethanol expansion, including year-round E15, is left out — as well as the USDA’s pursuit of global markets for ethanol.
Global food prices rose slightly in the latest FAO Food Price Index as vegetable oils, cereals, and meat increased, offsetting declines in dairy and sugar.
University of Arkansas’ Allen Szalanski discusses a news study on rice stink bugs, what it could mean for farmers, and pest management strategies for the future.
Watch AARP Live tonight at 7:30 PM ET on RFD-TV to learn more about ways to reduce expenses and make smart financial choices.
Valley Irrigation’s Darren Siekman explains the advantages of their new pivots for growers managing acreages of up to 60 acres.