As an Illinois resident, I often hear skepticism about U.S. foreign aid being “wasteful spending.” In reality, less than 1% of the federal budget goes toward international assistance, yet it plays a critical role in protecting American health, security, and economic interests.

Programs like PEPFAR have helped save an estimated 25 million lives globally. These efforts also reduce the risk of infectious disease outbreaks reaching the United States. Recently, after the Administration dismantled a USAID program designed to monitor the spread of the disease in Central America, the screwworm fly reached Texas. Now, cattle ranchers could lose $2.1 billion. It may not be long until the outbreak spreads to other states.

Foreign assistance also supports American economic interests. According to the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, 13 of America’s top 15 export markets were once aid recipients, helping expand global demand for U.S. goods and support American jobs, including in agriculture and manufacturing. With the void the U.S. has left, China is poised to deliver more foreign aid in the coming years. If we don’t provide aid, other nations will ally with China instead of us.

At a time of rising global instability, strategic foreign aid is not charity; it’s prevention. Cutting these programs would weaken America’s long-term security and economic position at a fraction of the federal budget.

As an intern at the Alliance for American Leadership, I believe that Illinois voters deserve an honest conversation about what foreign aid actually does, and what we stand to lose without it. Rep. Quigley and Sens. Durbin and Duckworth should urge the OMB to release appropriated foreign aid funds to contain global health and economic crises before they cause further harm.

Aadhav Sriram

Long Grove