Political Quotes

On the recordJanuary 30, 2026
The CEO of the U.S. African Development Foundation is one Peter Marocco, known to all of us, who watched how DOGE came in and tore up most of our foreign assistance organizations. Yes, an individual pled guilty today to a $12,000 bribe. No, that is not the reason to shut down abruptly and end the process that has gone on since 1980, by which this organization--which has long enjoyed bipartisan support--makes grants at a very modest level to dozens of African organizations and countries using matching funds from private donors and other countries. The SFOPS bill, of which this is a part, already addresses concerns about the ongoing investigation. This organization, which I have visited in the field over the last decade, has a long and strong record of delivering results. This one event today being misrepresented by this entity leader, who is a DOGE individual who has locked out all of the employees of this foundation and prevented it from functioning, should not lead to its closure.
Said by
Chris Coons
Democratic · Delaware

Editor's note · Context

Discussing the U.S. African Development Foundation and its importance amid recent controversies.

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