For decades, development and humanitarian assistance have been proven instruments for America’s influence and strength around the world. Sweeping actions in recent weeks – including a freeze on international assistance, the termination of thousands of assistance programs approved and funded by Congress, and the dismantling of USAID – are hampering the United States’ ability to engage in international assistance and assert its influence
The Modernizing Foreign Assistance Network (MFAN) has issued recommendations for development and humanitarian functions to be reconstituted in the State Department to preserve relative autonomy and centralized senior leadership for essential programs. Key recommendations include establishing a Deputy Secretary for Development and Humanitarian Affairs to oversee and integrate foreign assistance programs. This position would supervise several existing and new bureaus and offices, such as a Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (including the current Bureau of Population, Migration and Refugees).
