USAID VP Voice

BY RANDY CHESTER

Feb. 13—As I write this, we are waiting to hear whether the judge will grant us a preliminary injunction to halt the recall, administrative leave, and restore funding and systems access. Regardless of that outcome, neither I nor AFSA are prepared to stop fighting for you and USAID.

I don’t want to waste any time or energy here rehashing all the negative hyperbole or mischaracterizations of our work.

We know the truth: USAID Foreign Service officers (FSOs) are patriots who implement the policy of the president—every president, regardless of party or political affiliation—and his national security team. We have done so for the past 61 years and continue to do so now, despite efforts by leadership to dismantle the Agency and bring a halt to our critical, lifesaving work.

Since this crisis began, I have been asked by many people, including reporters: Do you and your colleagues still want to work for the administration? My response is always: Yes. We aren’t leaving.

We believe in the work we do and the importance of our mission. We make America safe. We protect Americans by reducing poverty, increasing linkages and markets for American businesses, and eliminating the spread of diseases.

This sentiment has been echoed by many of you in your communications to me and AFSA. This is the power of commitment: At USAID, we believe in America, and any administration should welcome our commitment.

While our team of lawyers works through the courts, and with the full support of AFSA behind me, I continue to reach out to the administration on behalf of our members.

In a recent letter to leadership, I wrote: “It is obvious that you have no intention of engaging with anyone on either the strategic rethink of foreign assistance or the future of USAID. While that may be your plan, AFSA fully intends to hold you and USAID accountable to the policies outlined in the Automated Directive Service (ADS) as well as its legal and financial obligations to the Foreign Service.”

USAID Foreign Service officers (FSOs) are patriots who implement the policy of the president—every president, regardless of party or political affiliation—and his national security team. We have done so for the past 61 years and continue to do so now.

We have demanded to meet and engage on what is happening to the Service, the nonpayment of vouchers, the reduction-in-force plans, and many other issues. As I wrote, “AFSA expects the Agency to fully follow ADS 454 (Reduction in Force). This policy requires consultation with AFSA,” and we are holding the administration to it.

I explained that “posts are reporting that due to the Agency’s current refusal to disburse any funds, many FSOs are facing having their electricity and gas being turned off at their official residences as well as the real possibility of being evicted if the Agency defaults paying their leases. Surely, it is not your intention for the USG to be known as a deadbeat who reneges on its financial obligations. We have informed our members that they should file grievances against the Agency over any and all overdue allowances or reimbursements.”

I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from all over the world for the work of USAID. This provides some solace. As the American people learn more about our dedication and our mission, their support grows.

Know that AFSA is doing everything it can to fight for you, working nonstop to resolve the crisis. I have no intention of leaving. I will be here, pushing headlong into the wind to support all of you and to safeguard USAID as an institution.

As I told leadership: “You may not believe, or be unwilling to understand, the sacrifices made by FSOs, the high level of integrity FSOs demonstrate every day, our commitment to serving the American taxpayer, or that at the end of the day we are American patriots who believe in the good that the U.S. has to offer, not just to people at home, but also to the world.”

I know how important your work is, how great your sacrifices have been, and I will continue to tell everyone about you, my heroic colleagues.

I remain in awe of the work we have done and your continued efforts in the face of this storm. Please keep sending us your stories by completing the form here. We will contact all members directly before sharing your stories.

Stay strong, be safe, and regardless of what happens, know that AFSA and I will not stop fighting for you.