Staff Reports
In a bold move, Republican Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst has taken action to demand answers from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) regarding the allocation of U.S. taxpayer dollars in Ukraine. Ernst, known for her no-nonsense approach, sent a letter to USAID Administrator Samantha Power, demanding transparency in the agency’s use of funds.
Ernst, who also serves as the ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, expressed concerns over reports of USAID using taxpayer-funded assistance to support small businesses in Ukraine. Despite reaching out to the agency on November 1st, Ernst’s staff received no response, prompting her to take matters into her own hands.
In her letter, Ernst questions the lack of transparency and accountability surrounding USAID’s activities in Ukraine, especially in light of the Biden administration’s recent request for $14 billion in non-military aid. She emphasizes her unwavering support for providing weapons to Ukrainian fighters but questions the allocation of nearly $25 billion in economic aid to Ukraine, including subsidies for luxury overseas businesses.
Ernst lays out a comprehensive list of information she is demanding from USAID, including the names and addresses of businesses receiving American taxpayer support, the types and amounts of assistance provided, and an analysis of the benefit to American taxpayers. She also requests information on partner organizations facilitating the distribution of taxpayer-funded assistance and details about the evaluation process for potential recipients.
Highlighting USAID’s allocation of $230 million to businesses in Ukraine this year alone, Ernst raises concerns about the impact on American small businesses. She asserts that it is easier for foreign businesses to profit from U.S. tax dollars than for American small business owners to receive support. Ernst calls on the government to prioritize the needs of American businesses and questions why taxpayer dollars are being sent abroad while many hardworking Americans struggle to make ends meet.
Ernst expects a prompt response from USAID, setting a deadline of December 1, 2023, for the requested information. With her no-nonsense approach and firm commitment to accountability, Ernst is determined to shed light on the use of taxpayer dollars and ensure that American businesses are not left behind.
