The recent realignment of select USAID functions to the Department of State has expanded the scope of our oversight mission. To help keep stakeholders informed, State OIG has added a Foreign Assistance Oversight strategic priority page to our website with resources and information relating to this oversight: https://lnkd.in/egKFdgGa. State OIG already had oversight responsibility for billions of dollars in foreign assistance programs and operations at the U.S. Department of State. In FY 2024 alone, the Department managed approximately $13.2 billion in foreign assistance funds and shared responsibility with USAID in implementing another $14.6 billion in foreign assistance funds. State OIG's experience overseeing foreign assistance administered through the Department is extensive. In the past decade, State OIG has issued more than 180 audit, inspection, and evaluation reports and made more than 650 recommendations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of foreign assistance related programs, 98% of which the Department implemented or is implementing. Sustained oversight of foreign assistance is our top priority. State OIG is working with the Department, Congress, and other stakeholders to ensure comprehensive oversight continues uninterrupted. As soon as the realignment was announced, we began working to help inform realignment efforts. In May, we issued an information report focusing on lessons learned and an evaluation of the Department's approach to realigning USAID functions. Acting Inspector General Arne Baker also discussed our approach in written testimony submitted to Congress. Links to each report are available on our new Foreign Assistance Oversight page. However the U.S. Department of State evolves, so too does the scope of our mandate at State OIG. We are determined to use the resources we're provided with to meet the mission and serve the American people. We're confident in our capability to do so and look forward to providing meaningful, independent oversight during this critical juncture in the history of U.S. foreign affairs. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/egKFdgGa
How about looking at State’s plans to burn $500 million dollars worth of emergency food aid rather than feeding 1.4 million children. It’s seems the only point of Trump/Rubio’s administration is cruelty.
I am happy to see Secretary Rubio finally addressing this. The time of spending without oversight is over. I have personally seen during four diplomatic assignments.
Well done!
The sheer distance of foreign assistance activities from the oversight function is an extraordinary challenge. The good news is that State OIG has a fresh opportunity to solve such challenges; the bad news is that solutions will be very expensive. Good luck!
U.S. Department of State Office of Inspector General Very interesting post and very mpressive work. Thanks for sharing 🇺🇸/🇨🇩
State has largely managed short-term assistance efforts, with a few targeted exceptions. However, the broad range of USAID programs were generally longer-term and part of internal and USG strategic planning that covered many disparate sectors…with regional expertise and understanding. State’s experience so far in program management versus USAID’s is like comparing apples and kumquats—different entities entirely. State officials need for more extensive program design, management and evaluation training than they currently have available.
I've a lot of these employees asking me for clarity on their options. Unfortunately, it's pretty clear they have to make tough financial decisions and figure out what Federal Benefits they keep or should change. If you know anyone that needs to do a 1on1 or attend a Federal Benefits Education event, they should contact me ASAP. The choices made will impact on costs, taxes, financial planning, and more. https://calendar.app.google/L8ithoXxn5SvPAYh8
Foreign Service Officer (retired)
1moThis is a feeble attempt at justifying the dismantling of an effective foreign assistance agency. The USAID OIG already focused on the proper expenditure of congressionally mandated expenditures. It was effective and independent. The firing of commissioned foreign service officers and implying USAID was acting independent of US and congressionally approved activities is a MAGA lie. Suggesting State can somehow take on foreign assistance oversight in its newly reconstructed organization is simply false and unjustified.