Nebraskans are grappling with the implications of the Trump administration’s freezing of USAID funds and the impending dismissal of its employees worldwide. First Alert 6 investigated the situation, uncovering that USAID had $30.3 billion in award obligations out of a $44.2 billion budget allocation for fiscal years 2022-2024. The decision to shutter USAID and the abrupt actions by the administration and Elon Musk prompted responses from Nebraska politicians including Senators Pete Ricketts, and Congressmen Don Bacon and Mike Flood.
The article delves into specific grants and initiatives in countries like Burma, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Indonesia, Iraq, Nepal, Peru, Serbia, and Vietnam. For example, USAID supported efforts in Brazil to conserve the Amazon and in Indonesia to empower women in rural communities. In Iraq, funds were used for the Arabic version of “Sesame Street” to promote understanding and tolerance. In Peru, a comic featuring an LGBTQ+ hero was produced to address social and mental health issues.
Each country faced unique challenges and USAID funding aimed to address issues like violence against LGBTQ+ communities, conservation efforts, and renewable energy initiatives. The article highlights the impact of USAID’s work in these countries and how their sudden closure could affect ongoing projects and assistance programs. Nebraskans are calling for answers and clarity on the future of USAID and the impact on those in need worldwide.
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