A year ago, the U.S. Agency for International Development ceased operations, impacting various global initiatives such as humanitarian aid. This reflects a larger trend; last year, major donors like the U.S., Canada, the UK, France, and Germany reduced their aid budgets by 23 percent, resulting in a $40 billion cut. Such reductions risk causing 9.4 million or more preventable deaths by 2030.
Foreign aid remains a crucial tool in U.S. foreign policy. Having led the World Food Program and chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, we witnessed the impact of U.S. aid in halting disease outbreaks, feeding hungry children, and responding to natural disasters. This assistance not only helps those in need but also strengthens U.S. global leadership, creates jobs, and, importantly, saves taxpayer money.
The significant decrease in aid budgets, both by the U.S. and internationally, raises concerns about the effectiveness and perception of foreign assistance. The closure of USAID highlights the struggle in showcasing its importance to the American public. To preserve this essential policy instrument, we must make strategic financial allocations, focusing on initiatives aligning with U.S. interests and fostering public support.
Innovation in aid delivery is key to avoiding inefficiencies and promoting self-sufficiency. A bipartisan renewal around foreign assistance is necessary, incorporating effectiveness, accountability, and public endorsement into these programs as metrics for success.
Despite political polarization in Washington, Americans still recognize the importance of foreign aid. A recent poll by Echelon Insights, backed by the Rockefeller Foundation, indicates 54 percent across political lines view foreign aid positively. Reforming and fortifying international assistance is favored by 80 percent over eliminating it. Support is particularly strong when focusing on specific aid programs, such as humanitarian relief and disease prevention, backed by 90 percent of participants.
The Commission on the Future of Foreign Assistance, co-chaired by us, aims to address these issues. Comprised of former legislators and senior officials, supported by the American Enterprise Institute and the Brookings Institution, the commission aims to transcend partisan gridlock. Engaging with diverse stakeholders, including leaders from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, we will critically assess past failures in aid programs.
The commission will focus on empowering new development models and delivering urgent humanitarian aid. The goal is clear: protect Americans and national security. As retired General James Mattis emphasized, underfunding diplomacy risks national security.
While the task is challenging, creativity, honesty, and political will are essential. We believe American ingenuity and optimism will drive us toward success in this mission.
David Beasley is a former governor of South Carolina and ex-executive director of the World Food Program. Ben Cardin is a former Maryland senator and past chair of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee.