Senator Announces Plan To Hinder State Department Nominations

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz has announced a “blanket hold” on the Trump administration’s State Department nominees due to the uncertain future for USAID.

Key Takeaways

Senator Brian Schatz opposes the “attack” on the USAID and plans to use Senate rules to delay State Department nominees until the agency is restored.
Schatz believes dismantling USAID is illegal and compromises safety.
Other Democratic senators support Schatz’s actions and demonstrate opposition at USAID headquarters.
The USAID headquarters has reportedly been shut down, with thousands of workers laid off.
The move to target the USAID has drawn criticism from within the government and among stakeholders.

Schatz Opposes Action Targeting USAID

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, a Democrat from Hawaii, plans to oppose the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Schatz announced his intention to place a “blanket hold” on all State Department nominees until USAID is restored as an independent agency. Schatz argues that dismantling USAID, which was created by federal law and funded by Congress, is illegal and compromises safety.

This move comes after Elon Musk suggested that he and President Donald Trump both agreed that the agency should be shut down. On Monday, it was revealed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been made acting administrator of the agency, although he reportedly delegated the responsibilities elsewhere. “USAID is not functioning. It has to be aligned with U.S. policy. It needs to be aligned with the national interest of the U.S.,” Rubio said.

Senate Powers and Political Moves

Senate rules allow a single senator to impede the confirmation process of nominees, a power Schatz uses to ensure his objections are heard. Schatz and other Democratic lawmakers have already demonstrated their disapproval by attempting to enter USAID’s headquarters and protesting outside. Their actions underscore significant opposition from the Democratic Party against restructuring USAID, an agency tasked with administering global humanitarian aid programs.

Democrat places blanket hold on Trump’s State Department picks over targeting of USAID https://t.co/lR1qqQaugA

— KNWA & FOX24 News (@KNWAFOX24) February 3, 2025

USAID’s Status and Historical Importance

USAID was established in 1961 to counteract Soviet influence and has since grown into a significant entity with substantial annual expenditures. Recent actions, including a freeze on foreign aid affecting several USAID programs, reflect a shift in priorities under the Trump administration. Critics argue these changes are an aggressive consolidation of control and oversight, which Schatz describes as “brazenly authoritarian.”

The Trump administration’s accusations of waste and mismanagement within USAID have fueled these contentious policy changes. New appointees have been appointed to lead investigations and further personnel adjustments. Schatz, alongside other lawmakers, believes this issue requires more substantial legal scrutiny and urges a return to traditional oversight mechanisms.

Looking Forward

The standoff over USAID’s restructuring or potential dismantling and Schatz’s proposed actions foreshadow further political struggle. As other senators, such as Sen. Chris Van Hollen, join in placing holds on nominees, the outcome will likely shift based on political affiliations and interpretations of U.S. constitutional mandates. The move has significant geopolitical implications, with USAID traditionally positioned as a strategic arm in U.S. foreign policy.

This issue remains at the center of a broader debate about the role of American international aid. With influential figures like Elon Musk urging a reduction in government size, the implications for USAID’s future remain uncertain. Consequently, Schatz’s actions are both a call to preserve established protocol and a challenge to emerging policy directions.