[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 11, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H631]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             USAID FUNDING

  (Mrs. TORRES of California asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute.)
  Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my 
deep concern over the cancelation of an appropriations subcommittee 
hearing by my Republican colleagues and the decision to replace it with 
a private briefing to silence Democrats.
  I am alarmed by the illegal impoundment of Federal funding and the 
attempted destruction of USAID. Americans deserve to know why this 
decision was made.
  The administration's decision to close USAID is a direct violation of 
our Constitution and the law. USAID is essential in stopping the flow 
of drugs, gangs, human trafficking, and migrants across our borders.
  Why are Elon Musk and the Trump administration working to dismantle 
the very agency that addresses the root causes of migration, violence, 
and drugs that are devastating our communities?
  USAID's work is critical to combating criminal organizations and 
strengthening international partnerships with the FBI, DEA, and the 
Department of Justice. Earlier this year, USAID's support was 
acknowledged as critical when top MS-13 leaders were arrested on 
terrorist charges.
  Mr. Speaker, I demand answers. If our Republican colleagues are too 
scared to push back, then Democrats will do our job.

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