Cuts to foreign aid have impact at home

Foreign aid in the United States has suddenly become a contentious topic. What was once generally viewed as an intelligent investment in our nation’s global leadership and security is now considered by many to be money that is simply better spent at home.

This framing misses a key element of the picture. What many do not realize is that international assistance helps bolster our local economies and supports our nation’s industries. Recent cuts and funding freezes to USAID and other food aid programs are not just hurting people abroad — they are hurting hardworking farmers and families right here at home.

There is no better local example than that of soybean farming. Our state’s economy is greatly reliant on it, with over 43,000 soybean farmers exporting approximately 60% of their product to global markets. In 2024 alone, Illinois exported nearly $4 billion of soybeans, ranking first among states for soybean exports.

USAID has long supported programs that not only provide humanitarian assistance but also help develop agricultural systems in developing countries. This ultimately expands demand for American-grown commodities — as countries expand their food systems and economies, they become customers of Illinois soybean exports.

The effects of the cuts to USAID on the soybean industry are felt close to home. For example, the Soybean Innovation Lab at the University of Illinois, which conducted advanced research to improve soybean production and thereby global food security, recently lost its funding from USAID and was nearly forced to shut down.

Foreign assistance is not separate from our local economy. We must support agricultural research and the maintenance of global partnerships in order to protect the future of our state’s farming industry. I urge readers to call their representatives to help make this important issue a priority.

Sean Lahey

Wheaton