The Liberian Senate has responded to the suspension of USAID funding by mandating its relevant committees to engage with ministries and agencies to reassess the national budget and development strategies. This decision follows concerns about the economic strain and impact on local programs due to U.S. President Trump’s policy shift on foreign aid.
In response to the recent suspension of USAID funding, the Liberian Senate has acted decisively by directing its Committees on Ways, Means, Finance and Development Planning, Foreign Affairs, and Agriculture to engage with pertinent ministries and agencies. This initiative aims to devise a strategy for moving forward in light of the funding freeze.
The Senate emphasized the urgent need to reassess the national budget and development financing strategies to maintain essential programs affecting Liberians. A joint communication from Senators Konneh, Dillon, Chea, and Findley highlighted the necessity of evaluating Liberia’s budgetary allocations for the upcoming four years due to the financial gap prompted by the United States’ decision.
The funding halt is linked to U.S. President Donald Trump’s inauguration, which initiated a policy shift ordering a cessation of nearly all existing foreign assistance. Brenda Moore, the Executive Director of the Kids’ Educational Engagement Project (KEEP), expressed concern over the economic repercussions of the aid suspension. Moore underlined that the halt of USAID funding pressures the Liberian government to discover alternatives for ongoing programs and projects.
Moreover, she warned that discontinuation of some projects may incur restart and remobilization costs not accounted for within the operational budget. The suspension has a detrimental impact on the local economy and the livelihoods of many Liberians. This aid freeze is part of Trump’s “America First” initiative, which has paused billions in foreign assistance pending a thorough review by the U.S. State Department.
The Liberian Senate is taking proactive measures to address the suspension of USAID funding by involving various committees to reassess the national budget and development strategies. The cessation of foreign assistance poses significant challenges for Liberia, impacting essential programs and the economy. The swift action by the Senate underscores the urgency of addressing potential financial shortfalls in light of U.S. policy changes that have far-reaching implications.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
