USAID drives economic returns, supports American industries, and strengthens national security—all for less than 1% of the U.S. federal budget. The numbers speak for themselves: every $1 invested in agricultural research generates $8.52 in returns, keeping U.S. farmers, businesses, and manufacturers competitive. Cutting USAID funding puts over 200,000 American jobs on the line and could drain $23 billion from U.S. exports—hitting local economies hard. Beyond the numbers, the stakes are global. Without USAID, food insecurity rises, health systems weaken, and millions lose access to education, creating instability that has a direct impact on U.S. trade and security. Meanwhile, the defense budget keeps climbing, while one of the country’s most cost-effective investments in global stability is on the chopping block. At a time when global challenges demand smarter investments, gutting USAID just doesn’t add up.