I am a life-long, center-right Republican who represented Pennsylvania in Congress for nearly 14 years. During that time, I led efforts to fight terrorism, strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness around the world and support a muscular yet humane national security strategy. I believe in a strong America that leads on the global stage. Pax Americana has benefited the U.S., our allies, friends and strategic partners since the end of World War II.

I feel compelled to speak out against efforts now underway to dismantle the United States Agency for International Development. Far from being wasteful or unnecessary, our country’s modest investment in foreign assistance is a critical tool for advancing American security, economic prosperity and geopolitical leadership. Shutting it down would not only weaken our position but also hand a major victory to China, our greatest strategic competitor.

The U.S. has a national security strategy focused on three key pillars: diplomacy, defense and development. Development is by far the least funded of the three pillars. The gutting of USAID will leave development efforts falling heavily upon the departments of State and Defense. Neither department will be as effective or capable of filling this gaping hole.

Further, it must be stated that some organizations receiving substantial USAID funding are evangelical Christian and Catholic. They deliver lifesaving support to the most destitute and desperate people on this planet. Churches throughout America believe it is an essential part of their........

© The Hill