USAID Operating Expenses

Description

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) operating expenses focus on advancing the most critical and effective foreign assistance programs and ensuring prudent stewardship and accountability of U.S. taxpayer dollars.

What does it buy?

The operating expenses account funds USAID’s overseas and domestic operations expenses, including salaries and benefits, overseas mission activities, staff training, physical security, and information technology (I.T.). The majority of funding supports overseas operations.

Why is it important?

• USAID leads international development and humanitarian efforts to save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance, and help people progress beyond assistance to self-reliance.
• USAID has transformed into an evidence-based and results-oriented organization. It helps communities lift themselves out of poverty by focusing on economic solutions and market-based approaches.
• Qualified and well-trained staff, secure USAID missions, and adequate I.T. systems are critical to the achievement of USAID’s mission and the proper stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

Why should Americans care?

USAID operating expenses support the global engagement of USAID staff. This engagement is essential to defending U.S. national security, maintaining U.S. leadership, and furthering stability around the globe.

What more could be done?

• As USAID works to increase and expand partnerships, including with local organizations, it will need additional staff and training to improve its capacity to work with new partners and provide appropriate oversight and technical assistance.
• Additional funding could project a more significant U.S. presence in developing countries and frontline states, increasing the U.S.’s ability to counter Russian and Chinese influence.
• Additional investments in USAID’s financial and information management systems would improve its ability to carry out its mission and better ensure effective stewardship of federal funds.