Editor’s note: The opinions below are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication.
April 13, 2017
To the Editor,
As the Trump Administration’s new federal budget moves forward, I have been heartened to hear Representative Frelinghuysen’s positive statements on the importance of foreign assistance programming and these programs’ demonstrated value in improving American security and prosperity.
Using only less than one percent of the federal budget, these programs comprise a critical piece of our country’s foreign policy.
We know all too well that violent extremists do not only wage their campaigns in their hometowns. Their movements and attacks are global and present a clear threat to the security of Americans.
While there is still much work to be done in defeating these groups, American foreign assistance investments in education and licit livelihoods have played a major role in reducing local support in other countries for extremism.
Reducing this programming at this point would certainly move this effort backwards.
Foreign assistance also opens foreign markets for American business and export, both by building foreign markets for American goods and services as well as serving as a key negotiation point in discussions around taxation and regulation.
In a world with increasing global competition, American businesses cannot afford to lose the benefits provided by foreign assistance programming. This is especially true as American competitors, particularly Chinese businesses, are realizing the returns from their own governments’ investments in foreign assistance.
Finally, American foreign assistance fights the spread of diseases that, through international flights and shipping connections, could easily reach the United States within days and do immeasurable damage to American lives and livelihoods.
All totaled, foreign assistance is an investment that is extremely important to the security and prosperity of Americans, as well as those abroad that we reach with programming.
Representative Frelinghuysen is right to question the Trump Administration’s proposed cuts to USAID and the State Department’s foreign assistance budgets.
Maria D’Andrea
Morristown, NJ
The author is a project manager who has resided in Morris County for 17 years, the last three in Morristown.
Another place to check on what Rodney is up to. Check it often: https://www.nj11thforchange.org/blog
The important thing with this Congressman is to watch his votes, not listen to his words. He has proclaimed some very sensible and moderate positions on every hot-button topic there is, and so far he’s basically voted far to the right of his public pronouncements. Stay aware of what’s going on. If you don’t follow the news, install an app like “Countable” on your phone that will alert you to upcoming votes, then watch and see if they align with what the Congressman has said.
I, too, am glad whenever Rep. Frelinghuysen speaks out in support of our district or country, as he does so very rarely. However, “talk is cheap”, as the saying goes. When the congress returns from their vacation it will be time for the budget negotiations to begin. At that point we will see if our congressman fights and and votes for us, not just talks.
This is one more example of how we’re fortunate to have a Congressman who will stand up to the more extreme voices in his own party. We need more like him.