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NAT'L SORGHUM PRODUCERS ISSUES STATEMENT ON USAID SUSPENSION AND ITS FOOD AID MISSION
Feb. 10, 2025
Source: National Sorghum Producers
The status of USAID has dominated headlines this week, following the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) decision to pause all funding. Established by Executive Order in 1961 under President Kennedy, the agency now faces significant restructuring efforts in Congress, with proposals to integrate its functions into the State Department.
Additionally, the administration has placed direct-hire personnel on administrative leave, except for mission-critical roles.
Secretary of State Rubio, who has now been named as Acting Director of USAID, told reporters that the Administration's pause on foreign aid did not apply to "life-saving programs." Secretary Rubio stated, "I issued a blanket waiver that said, if this is life-saving programs, okay, if it's providing food or medicine or anything that is saving lives and is immediate and urgent, you're not included in the freeze."
NSP's standing policy remains: support the distribution of in-kind U.S. commodities over cash contributions, which can lead to fraud and undermine both U.S. food assistance abroad and domestic farmer support.
Many USDA funded programs have been put on pause at this time as well and NSP continues to work with the administration to navigate the shifting landscape.
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