USAID Lifesaving Aid Remains Halted Despite Rubio’s Promise

Secretary of State Marco Rubio initially exempted lifesaving humanitarian work from a freeze on foreign aid, but a new directive has put these exemptions on hold, causing delays in approvals and funding disbursement at U.S.A.I.D. Despite promises to preserve core lifesaving aid, the agency has faced challenges accessing the payments system, leading to funding freezes for Ebola prevention and H.I.V. prevention programs. The State Department’s plans to drastically reduce U.S.A.I.D. staff and cancel hundreds of awards have sparked concerns among employees and partner organizations, prompting legal challenges against the downsizing measures.

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