**US Agency for International Development to be Disbanded**
The US State Department has officially notified Congress that it plans to dismantle the US Agency for International Development (USAID). This move will see some of USAID’s functions transferred under the State Department’s jurisdiction.
According to the notification, USAID will be disbanded by July 1. The agency was central to US foreign aid efforts and had a budget of billions of dollars. It was tasked with fighting global poverty and hunger.
The decision to shutter USAID has sparked criticism from many quarters. Critics warn that eliminating the agency could undermine humanitarian efforts. Others are concerned about the lack of legislative input in the decision-making process.
**USAID Has Been Under Fire**
Since taking office, the Trump administration has systematically gutted USAID. This has included halting foreign aid programs pending review, firing thousands of employees, and canceling billions of dollars in aid contracts.
As a result, fewer than 900 USAID employees remain as of last week. The cuts have triggered lawsuits from aid groups and staff members who were forced to return home without reimbursement.
**Some Programs Will Be Absorbed by the State Department**
However, not all USAID programs will be cut entirely. Some, including humanitarian assistance, global health efforts, and limited national security projects, will be absorbed by the State Department’s regional bureaus.
But other functions deemed redundant will be cut entirely. This has faced significant pushback from career officials who are concerned about the impact on life-saving humanitarian missions.
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