Schatz Statement On Pete Marocco’s Departure From State Department

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, released the following statement on reports that Pete Marocco, who oversaw the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has left the U.S. Department of State.

“Pete Marocco’s tenure brought chaos to USAID, reckless and unlawful policy to the State Department, and dismantled long-standing U.S. foreign policy. His actions deprived millions of people around the world of life-saving aid and jeopardized U.S. credibility with our partners. But with his exit, serious questions still remain about the influence he leaves behind and whether or not Secretary Rubio plans to take actions that advance the mission and credibility of the United States. I have seen information that suggests the Administration intends to make permanent the deep cuts to foreign assistance, including to life-saving programs, and will drastically reduce State Department staffing, among other actions that undermine our interests.

“I want to hear from Secretary Rubio directly. The public deserves an answer to the following very simple question: Does he intend to save foreign aid or does he intend to kill it? What’s happening is stark and millions will die. He should lead a process of reform, and I’m ready to work on a bipartisan basis to make it happen, but first we have to hear a public commitment from him to save this thing.”

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