Washington D.C. — Foreign Policy for America (FP4A) is appalled by reports that DOGE is moving to shut down the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a highly effective, congressionally established independent organization that partners with developing countries to achieve sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. MCC has long garnered bipartisan support for its results-oriented, transparent approach to development.
“MCC is a valuable tool for driving American investment, opening new export markets, and fostering stable, pro-growth environments for U.S. businesses abroad” says Wendy Sherman, Former Deputy Secretary of State. “Its model of results-based aid strengthens strategic partnerships and advances both development and U.S. economic interests.”
“Elon Musk taking his chainsaw to the Millennium Challenge Corporation is the latest example of DOGE’s self-destructive approach to U.S. national security” says Uzra Zeya, President and CEO of Human Rights First. “Since it was founded by President George W. Bush, the MCC has helped nations transitioning from autocracy or armed conflict—like Nepal, Armenia, the Gambia and Guatemala—grow and prosper, benefitting their citizens while enhancing their ability to be reliable democratic partners to the United States. Instead of learning from MCC’s data-driven, results-oriented approach, DOGE has taken off the field one of the U.S. government’s most effective development players in countering authoritarian overreach and holding partners accountable.”
“The Millennium Challenge Corporation is pretty much the only bit of the U.S. government funding public sector infrastructure in developing countries—the kind of thing China’s Belt and Road initiative has done, only with grants rather than loans” says Cindy Huang, former Director of Policy at USAID. “It was also created by bipartisan legislation and continues to enjoy bipartisan support in Congress. Though the USAID experience so far suggests that might not be worth as much as you would think!”
FP4A calls on Congress to reject efforts to dismantle the MCC.
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