The Liberian Senate has responded to the USAID funding freeze by directing key committees to engage with ministries and strategies for maintaining essential programs. Senators articulated the urgency to reassess the national budget due to the financial void left by the U.S. decision. Brenda Moore highlighted the economic strain on Liberia due to this aid suspension, essential to the country’s developmental efforts.
The Liberian Senate has promptly responded to the recent suspension of USAID funding. They have directed their Committees on Ways, Means, Finance and Development Planning, Foreign Affairs, and Agriculture to collaborate with pertinent ministries and agencies to strategize a way forward. This action comes in light of the necessity for immediate reassessment of the national budget and development financing strategies, aimed at maintaining critical programs that affect the lives of Liberian citizens.
The decision by the Senate emerged from a joint communication submitted by Senators Amara Konneh, Abraham Darius Dillon, Augustine Chea, and Gbehzongar Findley. These Senators underscored the importance of reassessing Liberia’s budgetary framework and its plans for the next four years, in response to the financial gap caused by the U.S. funding freeze.
This funding freeze was initiated following the inauguration of President Donald Trump, who mandated an abrupt halt to almost all current foreign assistance. An internal memo directed U.S. officials to pause new aid while a review is conducted by the State Department.
Brenda Moore, the Founder and Executive Director of the Kids’ Educational Engagement Project (KEEP), emphasized the significant economic and developmental challenges posed by this suspension. She stated, “The suspension of USAID funding will put the government under pressure to find alternatives to the existing programs and projects.” This situation is expected to adversely affect the local economy and the livelihoods of numerous Liberians.
In summary, the Liberian Senate’s proactive measures in response to the USAID funding suspension reflect a crucial effort to sustain essential government programs. The urgency highlighted by various senators illustrates the profound impact such funding freezes have on Liberia’s development and economy. The insights shared by Brenda Moore also stress the necessity for alternative solutions amidst dwindling resources, as the suspension is part of a wider policy shift under the Trump administration’s ‘America First’ initiative.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
