Rubio ordered a freeze on new funding for all US foreign aid programs

Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent an order to all US diplomatic and consular offices to “recognize all new financial obligations, pending review, for foreign assistance programs funded by the Department or USAID.” The message was consistent with Executive order President Trump signed on Monday to reassess US foreign aid.

The order, obtained by CBS News, states that “there is currently insufficient information available in one place across the United States government to ensure that foreign aid policies and benefits are not duplicated, effective, and consistent with President Trump’s foreign policy.”

Rubio’s order went on to say that the State Department “needs a centralized repository where senior Department officials, USAID officials, ambassadors, missions, and others can access information sufficiently detailed for the Secretary to make judgments.” He added, “Further guidance will be forthcoming regarding the provision of new or improved storage and duty office for it.”

Rubio’s order has an 85-day deadline to complete a “statewide comprehensive review of foreign aid” and, he said, “a report must be submitted to the Secretary of State to follow up and advise.” The President.”

The order appears to affect existing grant programs, saying, “For existing foreign aid awards, contracting officers and grant officers shall be ordered to cease work in accordance with the applicable award contract until such time as the Secretary determines. Following assessment.

However, Rubio pointed out that U.S. foreign military financing to Israel and Egypt is exempt from the order, as well as emergency food aid and “salaries and related administrative expenses, including travel, for U.S. direct employees, private service contractors and domestically employed workers.” The Office Director will include exceptions to the approved suspension.

It was in the last days of the Biden administration. It is reported Following the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire agreement, Egypt has withdrawn tens of millions of dollars in US military aid that was meant to go to Lebanon to support the Lebanese Armed Forces.

It is not yet clear how the order will affect US foreign aid to Ukraine and other countries.