Part 5/7:
Several lawmakers, including Senator Roger Whitaker of Mississippi, acknowledge the need for reforms within USAID, citing that some spending programs appear wasteful. There is a growing sentiment, notably among some Republicans, that American taxpayer money should not support programs closely aligned with what some view as "anti-American" initiatives.
Commentators like Marc Thiessen express that the historical context of USAID has faced scrutiny since the Clinton administration, where previous attempts to reform the agency encountered immense pushback. Despite efforts by some lawmakers to negotiate which programs should continue, the overall push seems focused on protecting a broad spectrum of initiatives without addressing inefficiencies.