Congress Restores Foreign Aid, But Will the Money Actually Be Spent?
After a year of dramatic cuts and a near-total freeze on U.S. Foreign aid, Congress recently passed a $9.4 billion spending bill to fund global health initiatives in over 50 countries. This includes crucial funding for programs tackling HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, and childhood vaccinations. However, a critical question remains: will this money actually reach the intended recipients, or will it meet the same fate as last year’s appropriations?
The Troubled History of Recent Foreign Aid
The recent restoration of funding comes after a period of significant disruption. In 2025, the Trump administration actively sought to dismantle USAID, froze aid programs, and proposed slashing global health funding by more than 60 percent. Despite Congress appropriating billions for global health programs last year, the administration reportedly spent less than a third of it. Some funds were diverted to cover security costs for the White House budget director, while the rest remained unspent.
Modern Safeguards and Congressional Pushback
This time, Congress is attempting to ensure the funds are utilized as intended. The new law establishes specific funding floors for key areas like malaria, maternal and child health, tuberculosis, and nutrition. It likewise mandates that the State Department report its spending plans to Congress and make quarterly payments to the Global Fund. These oversight requirements represent a significant increase in scrutiny compared to previous years.
The Impact of USAID’s Restructuring
The gutting of USAID has created significant operational challenges. Before the restructuring, the agency’s tuberculosis program alone had nearly 200 dedicated staff managing approximately $406 million annually across 24 countries. Now, just two people at the State Department oversee that same portfolio. The President’s Malaria Initiative has similarly been drastically downsized, from 66 staffers to just five.
The “America First” Strategy and Direct Deals
The administration’s “America First Global Health Strategy” represents a shift away from traditional USAID practices. Instead of working with aid organizations, the U.S. Is increasingly striking direct deals with foreign governments. Experts suggest this approach requires more specialized staff, exacerbating the existing capacity issues within the State Department. While 16 such deals have been signed, they don’t cover all areas previously funded by Congress, such as family planning, which received $524 million despite the administration’s attempts to defund it.
The Global Fund and Unfulfilled Pledges
The Global Fund, a major international body financing programs to combat HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, serves as a stark example of the challenges. The U.S. Pledged $6 billion to the fund for 2023-2025, but as of mid-2025, less than a third of that amount had been delivered. This shortfall forced the Global Fund to slash $1.4 billion from already-approved grants.
Real-World Consequences: Lesotho and PEPFAR
The consequences of these funding cuts are already being felt on the ground. In Lesotho, where TB rates are among the highest in the world, clinics were forced to shut down due to funding shortages. Aid workers reported patients visiting nine HIV/TB clinics before finding one still operational. Hundreds of PEPFAR programs, which fund HIV and TB care, were also terminated.
What’s Next?
Despite the new law, skepticism remains about whether the administration will fully implement Congress’s intent. Experts emphasize that the true test will be whether Congress enforces its own law and ensures that every appropriated dollar is spent effectively. The fiscal year ends in September, and that’s when the outcome will turn into clear.
FAQ
Q: What is USAID?
A: The United States Agency for International Development is a U.S. Government agency responsible for administering civilian foreign aid.
Q: Why was USAID targeted by the Trump administration?
A: President Trump has long been critical of overseas spending, viewing it as an inefficient leverage of taxpayer money.
Q: What is the Global Fund?
A: The Global Fund is an international partnership that finances programs to combat HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.
Q: What is PEPFAR?
A: The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is a U.S. Government initiative to combat global HIV/AIDS.
Q: Will the newly allocated funds actually reach those in need?
A: That remains to be seen. Congress is attempting to enforce spending through new oversight measures, but the administration’s past actions raise concerns.
Did you know? The US failed to deliver on its $6 billion pledge to the Global Fund, resulting in a $1.4 billion cut to already approved grants.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about foreign aid spending by following organizations like the Center for Global Development and Aid on the Hill.
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