Meeting with Congressman Steve Cohen concerning the future of USAID
Congressman Steve Cohen (official portrait)
We joined fellow nonprofit and faith leaders in Memphis, TN on March 17 for an in-person meeting with Congressman Steve Cohen. The purpose was to express our opposition to the Trump Administration’s illegal closure of USAID and cuts to foreign assistance.
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For our part, we shared with the Congressman the devastating fallout of USAID cuts in Sudan, where the world’s largest humanitarian crisis has given way to famine. Our fellow meeting attendees shared how USAID cuts are negatively impacting the countries they do important work in and care about. Following a robust discussion, we requested that Congressman Cohen:
Support effective diplomacy and international assistance, which are critical to protecting America’s national security and economic interests.
Ensure Congress has a meaningful role and voice in any review of America’s foreign assistance programs to ensure they continue to deliver for the American people.
Urge the Trump Administration to lift the current stop-work order and resume the disbursement of Congressionally appropriated foreign assistance funds – allowing active and ongoing programs to operate while the Administration’s review proceeds.
We appreciate the Congressman for taking an hour out of his busy schedule to hear our concerns and share his views on this important issue. This meeting was organized by our friends at the United States Global Leadership Coalition, a nonpartisan organization uniting business, military, faith, and political leaders to strengthen U.S. investments in global development and diplomacy. Our Executive Director Mark Hackett serves on one of USGLC’s Advisory Committees.
Sudan Crisis Guide
Trying to make sense of the war in Sudan? We’ll get you up to speed in just a few minutes.
Why does this matter?
Chaos from the Trump Administration’s attempted illegal closure of USAID —one of the largest providers of lifesaving food relief in Sudan— continues to plague international efforts to combat famine and preventable disease outbreaks in the country. Last year, Americans provided nearly 50% of all humanitarian aid to the Sudanese people, much of it delivered in sacks and boxes stamped with the USAID logo and the warm words: From the American People.
A portion of this aid was being delivered through 1,400+ Sudanese-run emergency food kitchens, over 60% of which are now closed after losing support.
In recent weeks, some organizations receiving USAID support were granted waivers by the U.S. government to continue providing life-saving services—only to later discover that the Trump Administration had reversed course and terminated their programs. Some of these terminations were then overturned yet again. This erratic and completely inefficient decision-making in Washington has left humanitarians around the world uncertain about when, if, or how they will receive USAID support.
Operation Broken Silence does not receive USAID funding; we rely entirely on individuals, families, and private institutions. Like many small nonprofits operating in countries where USAID has a presence, we do benefit indirectly from the broader humanitarian and economic stability the agency can help create. Humanitarian work is incredibly complex and requires a network of organizations working alongside local heroes to tackle difficult challenges. No single group can do it all; but, when a powerhouse like USAID is suddenly removed from an already difficult situation, everyone feels the pain.
It is estimated that if USAID funding does not fully resume in the next few months, at least 1.8 million more Sudanese will be at high risk of descending into famine. Over 600,000 Sudanese are already in famine conditions.
Sudan’s situation has been dire for months, but it can still get much, much worse. We are already seeing a surge in deaths from starvation, preventable diseases, and the further collapse of healthcare services. The suffering of the Sudanese people is already unbearable. Abandoning them now would be unconscionable. We urge you to stand with them in this dark hour.
Get Involved
Operation Broken Silence is a nonprofit organization with over a decade of experience working alongside Sudanese heroes. Together we are making the story of Sudan known and supporting survivors as they build a renewed Sudan from the ground up.
Our Sudanese partners are overwhelmed with needs as the war spreads and hunger deepens. Your generosity will help them serve the most vulnerable in this time of tremendous need.
Checks can be made payable to Operation Broken Silence and mailed to PO Box 770900 Memphis, TN 38177-0900.
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Operation Broken Silence a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Our EIN is 80-0671198.
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Operation Broken Silence recently joined fellow nonprofit and faith leaders in Memphis, TN to meet with Congressman Steve Cohen and express our strong opposition to the Trump Administration’s cuts to foreign assistance. https://operationbrokensilence.org/blog/meeting-with-congressman-steve-cohen-concerning-the-future-of-usaid
Last year, Americans provided nearly 50% of all humanitarian aid to the Sudanese people, much of it delivered in sacks and boxes stamped with the USAID logo and the warm words: From the American People. https://operationbrokensilence.org/blog/meeting-with-congressman-steve-cohen-concerning-the-future-of-usaid
It is estimated that if USAID funding does not resume in the next few months, at least 1.8 million more Sudanese will be at high risk of descending into famine. https://operationbrokensilence.org/blog/meeting-with-congressman-steve-cohen-concerning-the-future-of-usaid
