Senator Collins Urged Spending on Global Health
The senator pressed the administration to utilize $1.3 billion in health funds before the September 30 expiration.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in COVID-19
Live Poll
Should the federal government prioritize previously approved international aid programs over its own agency reorganization plans?
Senator Susan Collins has called on the Trump administration to spend $1.3 billion in global health funding before it expires on September 30. The funds were originally appropriated for maternal and child health and infectious diseases during fiscal year 2025.
Why it matters
The administration is redirecting foreign aid to cover costs associated with shuttering the USAID agency, putting critical health and development programs at risk. Failing to obligate these funds before the fiscal year-end will result in their expiration.
The administration has already redirected over $2 billion in foreign aid to close USAID, while $725 million in additional aid, including $310 million to counter Russian influence, is also set to expire. The $1.3 billion health allocation remains unspent.
The players
Susan Collins
She is a United States Senator from Maine who currently chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Donald Trump
He is the current President of the United States leading the administration overseeing USAID closure.
USAID
This is the United States Agency for International Development, which the current administration intends to shutter.
The details
The expiring $725 million tranche includes $115 million for international crimes, $300 million for economic growth programs, and $310 million intended to counter Russian influence in Europe and Eurasia. The administration can still save these programs by obligating the funding or transferring it to the State Department before the deadline.
Timeline
Fiscal year 2025 saw Congress appropriate the $1.3 billion in global health funds.
September 30 marks the deadline for obligating the health and foreign aid funding.
The Big Picture
This dispute over expiring foreign aid follows the procedural constraints established by the Foreign Assistance Act. The administration's move to shutter an agency marks a significant departure from standard appropriation management by prioritizing closeout costs over authorized global programs.
The redirection of over $2 billion away from development assistance may affect specific international health initiatives supported by the United States. Taxpayers and global health stakeholders should monitor whether these funds are obligated or lost by the end of the fiscal year.
The takeaway
Congressional oversight remains a critical check on the administration's ability to repurpose foreign aid budgets. Timely execution of allocated funds is essential to maintain commitments to global health and international security programs.
Further reading
For broader context on public health funding priorities, visit the COVID-19 section.
Live Poll
Should the federal government prioritize previously approved international aid programs over its own agency reorganization plans?
