Lawmaker Holds Up Confirmation for State Department Nominees Over USAID

Lawmaker Holds Up Confirmation for State Department Nominees Over USAID

Senator Brian Schatz has decided to hold up State Department nominations, sparking a debate over the future of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Quick Takes

  • Senator Schatz has announced plans to hold up state department nominees amid USAID tensions.
  • He argues dismantling USAID is illegal and a threat to safety.
  • Senator Chris Van Hollen is also protesting against efforts to target USAID.
  • Secretary of State Rubio is currently acting director for USAID and has called it an “unresponsive agency.”

Schatz Stands Against USAID Dismantling

Senator Brian Schatz, representing Hawaii, has committed to a “blanket hold” on State Department nominees. This comes after Elon Musk indicated that he and Trump agreed the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) needed to be scrapped, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed he was the new acting leader of the agency. The USAID has reportedly been shut down, with multiple programs halted and thousands of employees laid off.

Schatz opposes the recent talk about dismantling the USAID. This has stirred political tension, as Schatz and other Democratic lawmakers argue that eliminating USAID, founded by federal law, is not only illegal but also unsafe.

Schatz insists that USAID must remain independent and operational. “Until and unless this brazenly authoritarian action is reversed and USAID is functional again, I will be placing a blanket hold on all of the Trump administration’s State Department nominees,” he said. Senate rules allow a single lawmaker to hold up nominations or promotions, greatly lengthening the confirmation process.

USAID Tensions

Rubio has been given the role of acting director of USAID, though he has reportedly delegated the responsibilities. Rubio asserts the necessity for USAID to comply with state directives, citing accountability for taxpayer dollars.

“I have delegated that authority to someone … I stay in touch with him. USAID is not functioning. It has to be aligned with U.S. policy. It needs to be aligned with the national interest of the U.S.,” Rubio said.

This episode highlights enduring tensions within federal agencies and questions the extent of executive power. Senator Chris Van Hollen joins Schatz, placing holds on nominees and advocating for a reversal of the recent actions involving USAID.

Global and Domestic Repercussions

The decision to freeze foreign aid, undermining USAID programs, has profound implications. While the administration critiques USAID’s effectiveness and spending priorities, concerns over global humanitarian efforts loom large. Creating a balance between reducing government size and ensuring international relief responsibilities remains a contentious issue.

As USAID finds itself at the crossroads of governance and international aid, the ongoing dispute reflects the broader debate on federal oversight and agency capabilities. This standoff between senators and the executive branch is indicative of the broader political discourse prevailing in Washington, D.C.

Sources

  1. Schatz says he’ll block confirmation votes until USAID restored
  2. Democrat places blanket hold on Trump’s State Department picks over targeting of USAID
  3. Democratic Senator Says He’ll Put a Hold on Trump’s State Department Nominations
  4. Schatz Announces Blanket Holds on Trump’s State Department Nominees Until Attack on USAID Is Reversed