Yesterday, a friend asked me why we’re giving USAID flags to both Democrats and Republicans. Won’t that just aggravate certain politicians?
The answer, for many offices, is no.
There are a surprising number of Republicans who still support USAID - both privately and publicly.
Republican Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) stood with me at a press conference to defend USAID.
Republican Joe Wilson (SC-02) still proudly displays the USAID emblem in his office.
There is a pro-USAID majority on the Senate Appropriations Committee. Appropriations Chair Susan Collins and Senator Lisa Murkowski both opposed the Rescissions Act of 2025. Together with the Democrats on the committee, they represent a majority of the committee’s membership.
When pro-USAID Republicans receive flags from their constituents, it gives them the confidence they need to stand up for what they believe in. It doesn’t matter how much you donate, but if all of us chip in, it will send a powerful message to Congress.
There’s also a large majority of Republican Members of Congress who continue to be supporters of humanitarian aid and global development, even if they do not publicly support USAID. These Members recognize the benefits of USAID and want to see many USAID-funded programs continue. Privately, many of them express strong support for the agency itself.
During the Alliance for American Leadership’s Hill Day last month, over 120 of our advocates flew in from across the country to hold 92 meetings with Members of Congress and their staff. And those meetings produced results. 16 Republican Members of Congress agreed to call the OMB Director Russ Vought and ask that he unfreeze foreign assistance funds appropriated by Congress.
Republican Senator Dan Sullivan (AK) chairs the International Republican Institute (IRI), a close partner of USAID in its work to promote democracy abroad. He led letters to the Appropriations Committee this year supporting PEPFAR and IRI, which were signed by dozens of Republicans.
Republicans supported USAID for decades. George W. Bush launched PEPFAR, the largest commitment any nation has ever made to fight a single disease. Those convictions did not disappear when Elon Musk walked into the White House and gutted the agency. Certain Republicans just got scared to defend them. When you donate a flag, you’re telling your Members of Congress stand up for what they already believe in.
And Republican voters support foreign aid. 72% of Republican voters say they support international assistance. 7 in 10 voters want to increase international assistance spending to 2 percent of the federal budget.
Giving flags to Democrats is important too. We need to let everyone know their constituents care about USAID and want them to keep up the fight. If they see that flag every day, they will become more vocally supportive of USAID.
Keep up the hope. Keep up the fight. Buy a flag at givebutter.com/USAIDFlags
Or join our team to help deliver flags on July 21st.
In Solidarity,
Asher Moss
Founder | Alliance for American Leadership
Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick stands up for USAID at an Alliance for American Leadership press conference.
No posts
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.