While this is a solid article, I think it really buries the lead at the end. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/usaid-website-goes-dark-amid-trump-administrations-freeze-on-foreign-aid-worldwide The italics below are mind.

"Republicans and Democrats have fought over the agency for years, arguing whether humanitarian and development aid protects the U.S. by helping stabilize partner countries and economies, or is a waste of money. Republicans typically push to give State more control of USAID’s policy and funds. Democrats typically build USAID autonomy and authority." Notice that Republicans have never (until now) wanted USAID programs eliminated entirely. That is new.

"A version of that legal battle played out in Trump’s first term, when Trump tried to cut the budget for foreign operations by a third.

When Congress refused, the Trump administration used freezes and other tactics to cut the flow of funds already appropriated by Congress for foreign programs. The General Accounting Office later ruled that it violated a law known as the Impoundment Control Act."" Congress passes the laws. The executive is supposed to enforce the laws, not flout them entirely as the current administration is now doing.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:USAID does have a Buy America policy.

Yes, but a lot of the programs have legislative authority to get around it.

Which means Congress has directed USAID to do something, not that USAID is trying to seal something past taxpayers. If USAID didn’t use those authorities (given by Congress) they would be accused of wasting taxpayer money.

USAID was born by JFK’s pen, not Congress. It can be subsumed by State.

No. Congress passed the Foreign Assistance Act in 1961, authorizing the creation of US AID. Kennedy then signed an EO to create the agency.

Anonymous wrote:Usaid is where the people who couldn’t get top tier jobs at state went

It really has no reason to exist

By that logic no IB other than Goldman has a reason to exist.

You sound dumb as a rock.

Anonymous wrote:More winning.

I hope you lose your job.

More winning.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Department of State grant (2024)

Amount: $22,992

Recipient: Prague Pride Z.S.

Purpose: The purpose of this grant is to organize the Prague pride parade. This March is part of the Celebration and support of the LGBT+ community in Czechia.

Country: Czechia

How does this protect Americans?

Because societies that are more open and accepting of cultural minorities (of any variety) tend to be less hostile and less likely to go to war.

You think Czechia is going to go to war? lol

It's not just about war. My DC is an LGBTQIA community member. In many countries in the world she is unwelcome and even considered a criminal subject to harsh punishment, even death. I personally appreciate the way the USG promotes LGBTQIA tolerance globally. It makes the world safer in the long run for LGBTQIA US citizens. Furthermore, I certainly don't think my tax dollars should be neutral or supportive of global anti-LGBTQIA sentiment.

It is the same type of rights promotion work the USG has done globally for decades on behalf of women - anti-violence against women, pro right to work, pro access to full spectrum healthcare, etc.

YOU pay for it (not me) and advocate for your pet projects on your own with your kid if it means so much to you.

To you, human rights are a “pet project.” Noted.

Trash.

Usaid is where the people who couldn’t get top tier jobs at state went

It really has no reason to exist

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:USAID does have a Buy America policy.

Yes, but a lot of the programs have legislative authority to get around it.

Which means Congress has directed USAID to do something, not that USAID is trying to seal something past taxpayers. If USAID didn’t use those authorities (given by Congress) they would be accused of wasting taxpayer money.

USAID was born by JFK’s pen, not Congress. It can be subsumed by State.

The executive branch can reorganize itself (i.e. fed agencies part of the executive branch) IF Congress grants the executive branch the authorization to do so. It the past that authorization has only been granted for a limited time. Obama requested reorganization authority for a specific purpose. It was denied. George W. Bush requested permanent reorganization authority. It was denied.

This is all really beside the point because the accusation was that USAID isn't following the rules if it buys less expensive and locally produced goods instead of American made goods. With regard to procurement, USAID (and all other fed agencies) have a lot of rules they have to follow. Many of those (such as the authorities described above) are written by Congress. If the rules aren't followed, the IG investigates. Oh, wait, the Administration fired the IGs.

Then why not gut the agency by issuing stop-work orders, changing directions, not issuing contracts and awards and let the funding expire so that it would go back to Treasury. Both Congress and WH has to work together in a situation like this.

That's what is happening. A lot of people are leaving as they don't want to be part of all this anxiety and fear.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Department of State grant (2024)

Amount: $22,992

Recipient: Prague Pride Z.S.

Purpose: The purpose of this grant is to organize the Prague pride parade. This March is part of the Celebration and support of the LGBT+ community in Czechia.

Country: Czechia

How does this protect Americans?

Because societies that are more open and accepting of cultural minorities (of any variety) tend to be less hostile and less likely to go to war.

News flash - Rome was very accepting of sexualities of all types. Even animals were ok.

Pretty sure Rome was one of the most hostile societies in the history of the world.

Try again.

You know nothing about history, but thanks.

I hear Doge is hiring. Perhaps soon to be former USAID employees should go work for Elon?

Anonymous wrote:https://www.usaid.gov/ is now offline.

Woah

https://www.usaid.gov/ is now offline.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:USAID does have a Buy America policy.

Yes, but a lot of the programs have legislative authority to get around it.

Which means Congress has directed USAID to do something, not that USAID is trying to seal something past taxpayers. If USAID didn’t use those authorities (given by Congress) they would be accused of wasting taxpayer money.

USAID was born by JFK’s pen, not Congress. It can be subsumed by State.

The executive branch can reorganize itself (i.e. fed agencies part of the executive branch) IF Congress grants the executive branch the authorization to do so. It the past that authorization has only been granted for a limited time. Obama requested reorganization authority for a specific purpose. It was denied. George W. Bush requested permanent reorganization authority. It was denied.

This is all really beside the point because the accusation was that USAID isn't following the rules if it buys less expensive and locally produced goods instead of American made goods. With regard to procurement, USAID (and all other fed agencies) have a lot of rules they have to follow. Many of those (such as the authorities described above) are written by Congress. If the rules aren't followed, the IG investigates. Oh, wait, the Administration fired the IGs.

Then why not gut the agency by issuing stop-work orders, changing directions, not issuing contracts and awards and let the funding expire so that it would go back to Treasury. Both Congress and WH has to work together in a situation like this.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Department of State grant (2024)

Amount: $22,992

Recipient: Prague Pride Z.S.

Purpose: The purpose of this grant is to organize the Prague pride parade. This March is part of the Celebration and support of the LGBT+ community in Czechia.

Country: Czechia

How does this protect Americans?

Because societies that are more open and accepting of cultural minorities (of any variety) tend to be less hostile and less likely to go to war.

News flash - Rome was very accepting of sexualities of all types. Even animals were ok.

Pretty sure Rome was one of the most hostile societies in the history of the world.

Try again.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:USAID does have a Buy America policy.

Yes, but a lot of the programs have legislative authority to get around it.

Which means Congress has directed USAID to do something, not that USAID is trying to seal something past taxpayers. If USAID didn’t use those authorities (given by Congress) they would be accused of wasting taxpayer money.

USAID was born by JFK’s pen, not Congress. It can be subsumed by State.

The executive branch can reorganize itself (i.e. fed agencies part of the executive branch) IF Congress grants the executive branch the authorization to do so. It the past that authorization has only been granted for a limited time. Obama requested reorganization authority for a specific purpose. It was denied. George W. Bush requested permanent reorganization authority. It was denied.

This is all really beside the point because the accusation was that USAID isn't following the rules if it buys less expensive and locally produced goods instead of American made goods. With regard to procurement, USAID (and all other fed agencies) have a lot of rules they have to follow. Many of those (such as the authorities described above) are written by Congress. If the rules aren't followed, the IG investigates. Oh, wait, the Administration fired the IGs.