Representative Gregory Meeks (DN.Y.) along with 18 other Democrats on the House Foreign Affairs Committee have called on the Trump administration to offer immediate aid to those impacted by the devastating earthquake in Burma last month.
In a letter sent on Tuesday, the group expressed concerns to Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the “closure” of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the “reduction” of the US Foreign Aid Program.
“The United States has been a frontrunner in humanitarian aid and disaster relief, particularly in Asia post the 2005 Indian Ocean tsunami. These initiatives have enhanced America’s standing, boosted our diplomatic influence, and reinforced military collaborations and bilateral ties with regional countries,” the Democrats stated.
“The Trump administration’s inadequate response to the Burma earthquake will significantly damage its leadership and diminish local trust and concern unless it is amended,” they remarked.
The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.7, resulted in over 3,000 fatalities and more than 4,500 injuries.
“Even more troubling, the brutal Burmese forces continued to attack civilians following the earthquake. President Trump was among the first to inform reporters that the US was hurrying to assist the region,” the Democrats noted.
“Conversely, public reports indicate that the US is absent in its operations,” they continued.
Oka contacted the State Department for a response.
A Democratic group indicated that the administration planned to deploy a small evaluation team of three personnel to the area but withdrew them two days later, while China sent over 600 rescue operatives.
Members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee also pointed out that USAID personnel on the ground were notified of a fire on the very day the disaster struck.
“If the administration does not swiftly reassess its approach to the ongoing catastrophe in Southeast Asia, there is a significant risk that US credibility will be severely compromised within ASEAN and the broader region,” the letter warned.
Last week, we risked the friendships we cultivated, stating, “We are not the world’s government,” with “other needs,” “other priorities,” and “other priorities,” undermining our local commitments. They pledged to foster alliances with partners and treat allies by prioritizing cooperation and humanitarian disaster responses for shared national security.
The committee members have prepared a series of inquiries, such as why the disaster relief team was not activated, how the direct requests from USAID personnel after their arrival were neglected, the total amount pledged by the United States towards disaster relief, and strategies to guarantee that humanitarian assistance reaches those affected by the Burmese military Junta.
Senate Democrats released a letter in early April with similar concerns.
“The response from the US so far has compromised our moral leadership and the national security interests of the United States,” House Democrats stated.
“We seek clarifications on these issues as we collaborate with you to rectify the damage and restore the foreign support mechanisms in the US necessary to reaffirm our global leadership,” they concluded.
