Testimony of Liz Schrayer before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, April 2026

As global threats intensify and geopolitical rivals grow more aggressive, America must leverage all elements of national power – including diplomatic, security, humanitarian, economic development, and global health – to keep Americans safe and our nation secure.

Here are three concrete examples of how U.S. international assistance can be strategically brought to bear to address significant threats to America’s national security:

• With 318 million people worldwide facing acute hunger, food insecurity acts as a threat multiplier that fuels violence, conflict, and instability in regions vital to American interests – like the Sahel, the Middle East, and the Caribbean Basin. American farmers supply 40% of U.S. international food assistance, creating a global demand for American-grown crops while fostering stability and supporting strategic U.S. allies and partners.
• U.S. investments in global health remain one of the most cost-effective ways to protect Americans at home by stopping diseases at their source. In just the past two years, U.S. global health initiatives helped contain nearly 250 outbreaks – from cholera to mpox and measles – across more than 40 countries.
• Drawing on the capabilities of U.S. international assistance agencies like the DFC, MCC, USTDA, and EXIM to accelerate access to critical mineral supply chains strengthens U.S. economic security by reducing reliance on adversaries and protecting America’s technological edge.