WASHINGTON, D.C.- Earlier today, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee released a report on aid to Afghanistan. The report is a useful contribution to the ongoing review of our national efforts in Afghanistan. We agree that "cutting back our foreign aid budgets is not the most prudent solution," and that USAID and the State Department must have the resources necessary to ensure an effective transition as the military draws down.

Development assistance is a key part of an integrated civilian-military plan for achieving success in Afghanistan. Civilian assistance has helped support our objectives in Afghanistan, making tremendous strides for the people of Afghanistan.

For additional information on USAID's response to the report, please see the letter that USAID Administrator Shah and Deputy Secretary of State Nides sent to Committee Chairman, Senator John Kerry.

Letter from USAID Administrator Shah:http://www.usaid.gov/press/congressional/2011/kerry_letter_afghanistan.pdf (2.3mb)

Letter from Deputy Secretary Nides:http://www.usaid.gov/press/congressional/2011/kerry_letter_afghanistan_nides.pdf (215kb)

For more information about USAID, please visit www.usaid.gov.