Joco Today

Washington, D.C. – A group of U.S. Senators, led by Roger Marshall and Marco Rubio, have expressed their concerns over a proposed rule by the U.S. Department of State that could prioritize a "woke" agenda and hinder the future of U.S. foreign assistance. In a letter addressed to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the senators challenge this effort, arguing that it would discriminate against faith-based organizations and traditional values groups in regions such as Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia.

The proposed rule, titled "Nondiscrimination in Foreign Assistance," was published on January 19, 2024. It envisions a future where the State Department can impose a socially progressive worldview on its partners in strategically vital regions. The senators argue that this rule would violate the rights and beliefs of faith-based organizations and their beneficiaries, undermine relationships with key stakeholders, and threaten U.S. security interests.

The senators highlight the important role that faith-based organizations have played in U.S. foreign assistance programs, such as the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which have featured robust conscience protections. They argue that these partnerships have been successful because faith-based organizations share the same social values as the communities they serve. However, if the proposed rule is finalized, it could penalize foreign assistance recipients who refuse to provide services, such as contraceptives or sterilization, based on religious beliefs.

The senators express concern that the proposed rule could contribute to an increase in anti-American sentiment abroad. They believe that countries may view the U.S. as forcing an unwanted ideological agenda upon them through its foreign policy. At a time when Russia, China, and Iran are actively working to expand their influence, the senators argue that it is crucial for American foreign policy to unite countries that share an interest in confronting these authoritarian powers, rather than dividing them.

Another point of contention for the senators is the proposed waiver requirement for religious organizations. They argue that this requirement would place a substantial burden on faith-based groups and give the State Department the power to veto decisions about employment and assistance based on religious beliefs. They raise questions about whether Jewish organizations can bar pro-Hamas individuals from employment and whether Muslim organizations can distribute only halal food assistance.

In their letter, the senators request responses to their concerns and urge Secretary Blinken to rescind the proposed rule. They argue that conditioning foreign assistance programs on adherence to leftist priorities, such as abortion and gender identity, may deprive those most in need of assistance. Instead, they call for nondiscrimination requirements to be applied in a manner that does not undermine U.S. national security or infringe on constitutionally protected rights.

The senators conclude their letter by thanking Secretary Blinken in advance for his attention to this matter.

This letter from Senators Marshall, Rubio, and their colleagues highlights their concerns about the potential impact of the State Department's proposed rule on foreign assistance. They argue that the rule could prioritize a "woke" agenda and discriminate against faith-based organizations and traditional values groups. The senators emphasize the importance of partnerships with faith-based organizations and express their worries about the potential consequences of the proposed rule on U.S. national security and relationships with key stakeholders. They call for the rule to be rescinded and for nondiscrimination requirements to be applied in a manner that respects constitutional rights and does not hinder access to foreign assistance for those in need.