U.S. Rep. McCollum on Foreign Aid Stop Order: "A Danger to U.S. Leadership and Security Around the World"

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — On Friday, President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered a halt to all United States foreign aid grants for 90 days, except for aid to Israel and Egypt. In response, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04), Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement:

“President Trump’s stop order for foreign aid programs is completely reckless and a danger to U.S. leadership and security around the world. Not only does this action negatively disrupt our assistance to those recovering from floods, droughts, and earthquakes, it is tearing apart sensitive security cooperation in parts of our world where stability hangs in the balance. Far from saving money, it puts every American taxpayer on the hook for billions in litigation costs over illegally cancelled contracts.

“Perhaps most damaging — it shows the world that America’s word is worthless. Our adversaries, including China and Russia, clearly welcome Trump’s actions, because they are already capitalizing on the stunning vacuum of U.S. leadership.”

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