Risch, Cruz Introduce Bill to Curb Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in U.S. Foreign Assistance Programs

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) yesterday introduced the United States African Development Foundation Dissolution Act, which would reduce government bureaucracy and eliminate a primary source of waste, fraud, and abuse by abolishing the United States African Development Foundation (USADF).

“Following a nearly two-year investigation into serious allegations of waste, fraud, and abuse at the USADF, I’m proud to introduce this bill to ensure American taxpayer dollars are no longer spent on this program that has been mismanaged for far too long. I’ll continue to work alongside President Trump and his administration to reduce the bloated federal bureaucracy and root out waste in our government,” said Senator Risch.

"The Biden administration recklessly spent and abused American taxpayer dollars at the U.S. African Development Foundation. I'm proud to work alongside Senator Risch to address those abuses and continue rooting out fraud, waste, and abuse across government agencies,” said Senator Cruz.

The United States African Development Foundation Dissolution Act will:

• Abolish the United States African Development Foundation and transfer its functions and resources to the U.S. Department of State, thereby ensuring strict alignment of U.S. small grants programs in Africa with the national security and economic interests of the American people.
• Promote more effective use of American taxpayer dollars by reining in reckless spending and holding accountable those who actively sought to shield USADF from Congressional scrutiny.  

Click here to read the bill text of the United States African Development Foundation Dissolution Act.

Click here to read more about the Chairman’s investigation into the USADF.

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