North Austin News

U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul, chairman emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs and Homeland Security Committees, appeared on CBS' "Face the Nation" with Margaret Brennan to discuss U.S. foreign aid policies and the need to revert USAID to its foundational mission principles. He criticized the Biden administration's handling of USAID funds, citing specific programs he deemed misaligned with its core objectives.

"The confusion, I think, goes back to the Biden administration when they started to implement these woke policies of drag queen shows in Ecuador," McCaul stated. He expressed concerns over funding for LGBTQIA programs in Latin America and promoting atheism in Nepal. McCaul emphasized that USAID should focus on national security missions akin to its Cold War origins under President Kennedy.

McCaul also addressed the implementation of foreign aid waivers, particularly regarding humanitarian assistance and PEPFAR. He noted progress with World Food Program waivers but highlighted inefficiencies: "About $40 million in food [is] rotting in these warehouses in Houston." He stressed the importance of maintaining a strong presence in destabilized nations to counter adversaries like Russia and China.

Regarding potential restructuring, McCaul acknowledged consultations with the Foreign Affairs Committee about placing USAID under the State Department's oversight—a concept previously discussed by figures such as Madeleine Albright and Joe Biden.

Finally, McCaul underscored commitments made to Afghan allies during the U.S.'s military involvement in Afghanistan. Reflecting on his investigation into the withdrawal from Afghanistan, he remarked on the need to honor promises made to those who supported U.S. forces: "We promised them we would protect them when they worked with our servicemen and women."