1. United States
2. La.
3. Letter

The United States government's soft power through diplomacy and foreign aid is crucial for promoting our national interests and maintaining a positive global reputation. USAID, the foreign service, and the Peace Corps play a vital role in this endeavor, comprising a small portion of the federal budget while yielding immense returns on investment. Their efforts not only advance our strategic objectives but also uphold our moral standing as a nation committed to international cooperation and development. Attempts to unilaterally dismantle USAID or defund its operations would constitute an overreach of executive authority, as the power to create and abolish federal agencies resides with Congress. The President lacks the Constitutional mandate to singlehandedly dismantle an agency established by the legislative branch. Moreover, under the Impoundment Act of 1974, only Congress holds the power of the purse, and the Executive branch cannot defund agencies after Congress has allocated funds. Such actions would undermine the system of checks and balances that underpins our democracy. It is imperative that Congress exercises its Constitutional oversight and budgetary powers to safeguard the integrity of these critical institutions. Preserving USAID and upholding the principles of soft power diplomacy is not only a matter of pragmatic national interest but also a testament to our commitment to global cooperation and humanitarian values.