In advance of the U.S. Senate vote on the Trump Administration’s rescissions package including approximately 8 billion dollars in additional cuts to lifesaving humanitarian and development aid previously approved by Congress, President and CEO of Oxfam America Abby Maxman says:
“As the U.S. Senate moves to vote on the Trump Administration’s cruel rescissions package, which claws back billions of dollars in lifesaving assistance, people around the globe are already fighting to stay alive without food, clean water and other vital services. Every day, we hear more harrowing stories from women, children and families living through the world’s most devastating crises who have borne the brunt of U.S. foreign aid cuts. It is past time for the United States to commit once again to its global responsibility to support those most in need before even more harm is done—and more lives are lost.
"We know that foreign assistance is effective in saving and improving lives, and we also know that a majority of the American people agree. Oxfam polling has found that 2 out of 3 Americans, including nearly half of Republicans, do not support the 85% cuts to U.S. aid programs enacted by the Trump Administration. Nearly 95% of Americans think it would be appropriate for the U.S. to invest more in foreign aid than the administration’s current budget.
"We are counting on the Senate to listen to the American public and stand with people around the world facing poverty, hunger and conflict by voting “no” on the Trump Administration’s rescissions package. Let this moment be one marked by solidarity with those who need it most, rather than yet another dangerous setback."
/ENDS
Notes to editors:
- Oxfam America conducted two waves of national opinion polling — in February and May 2025 — to ask Americans about their views on foreign aid. View the findings here: https://politicsofpoverty.oxfamamerica.org/aid-funding-shows-support/
- In May 2025, a Pew Research Center survey found substantial public support for several forms of U.S. foreign aid: https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2025/05/01/majorities-of-americans-support-several-but-not-all-types-of-foreign-aid/
- View Oxfam’s collection of global testimonies on the impacts of aid cuts: https://www.oxfamamerica.org/explore/research-publications/courage-in-crisis/
Oxfam is a global organization that fights inequality to end poverty and injustice. We offer lifesaving support in times of crisis and advocate for economic justice, gender equality, and climate action. We demand equal rights and equal treatment so that everyone can thrive, not just survive. The future is equal. Join us at oxfamamerica.org.