Van Hollen plans Democratic push on foreign aid

Van Hollen challenges Schumer

Senator Chris Van Hollen announced on Thursday he will challenge Chuck Schumer for Democratic Senate majority leader, citing the need for new leadership.

“We need new leadership”

Focus on Trump's foreign aid cuts

Van Hollen has gained Democratic support for criticizing the Trump administration's upheaval of U.S. programs to promote health and end poverty around the world.

Van Hollen's subcommittee role

As ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee overseeing the State Department and what remains of USAID, Van Hollen could have considerable sway over foreign aid investigations and legislation.

Death toll from aid cuts

Van Hollen cited credible analyses showing over seven hundred thousand people around the world died between January two thousand twenty-five and January two thousand twenty-six because of cuts to USAID.

Elon Musk and Ebola cuts

Van Hollen recalled Elon Musk standing behind Trump at his desk when asked about cuts to fighting Ebola, responding essentially, whoops, yeah, we missed that, then claiming restoration.

“Whoops, yeah, we missed that”

Ebola outbreak in Congo

The current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo could have been better contained if the United States had not made big cuts to public health, Van Hollen said.

Majority power over the purse

Being in the majority gives Democrats many more tools available, specifically through the power of the purse to safeguard funds appropriated by Congress for health programs.

Five hundred million in cuts

The Trump administration rescinded over five hundred million dollars in funds for global health, which a Republican-controlled Congress allowed, Van Hollen said.

One point five billion diverted

Congress passed about one point five billion dollars in funds for global public health years ago, but the administration appears to be using those funds to wind down USAID instead.

Converting guidance to law

Van Hollen said Democrats must convert report language, which used to be respected by presidents, into real law to prevent the Trump administration from diverting funds from their intended purpose.

Courts as enforcement tool

If Democrats codify safeguards into law, they can go to courts and argue the restrictions are legally required, not just guidance, providing stronger protection against fund diversion.

USAID's future under Democrats

Van Hollen said he sees nothing from the Trump administration worth preserving but would not simply return USAID to its previous form, instead developing a new plan for its role in foreign policy.