From Federation of American Scientists (FAS) 10/23/2025
Supporting the world’s youngest children is one of the smartest, most effective investments in U.S. strength and soft power. The cancellation of 83 percent of foreign assistance programs in early 2025, coupled with the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), not only caused unnecessary suffering of millions of young children in low-income countries, but also harmed U.S. security, economic competitiveness, and global leadership. As Congress crafts legislation to administer foreign assistance under a new America First focused State Department, it should recognize that renewed attention and support for young children in low-income countries will help meet stated U.S. foreign assistance priorities to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. Specifically, Congress should: (1) prioritize funding for programs that promote early childhood development; (2) bolster State Department staffing to administer resources efficiently; and (3) strengthen accountability and transparency of funding.
Read more: https://fas.org/publication/investing-in-children-global-leadership/
