Critics Urge USAID To Use $19 Billion For Relief Rather Than Closing Costs

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is sitting on a staggering $19 billion fund intended for its own closure costs. As the agency prepares to wind down, a growing chorus of humanitarian experts and critics is sounding the alarm, arguing that these massive reserves should be diverted to urgent global crises rather than administrative overhead.

Advocates point out that the global need for food aid, medical supplies, and disaster relief has reached a fever pitch. They argue that using such a significant sum purely for the logistics of shutting down an agency is a missed opportunity to save millions of lives. The debate highlights the tension between bureaucratic requirements and the immediate demands of international humanitarian work.

Moving forward, the focus will be on whether the administration or Congress will pivot to redirect these funds. Watchdog groups are expected to keep a close eye on the "closeout" process to ensure the capital isn't wasted on red tape while preventable deaths occur in conflict zones and famine-stricken regions.

This report was originally published by The Hill.