@ketrinann.bsky.social
Reposted
This means Americans can no longer file Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests regarding its activities.
If there’s nothing to hide, hide nothing!
If there’s nothing to hide, hide nothing!
February 11, 2025 at 5:40 PM
This means Americans can no longer file Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests regarding its activities.
If there’s nothing to hide, hide nothing!
If there’s nothing to hide, hide nothing!
Reposted
Yesterday, the White House announced that Mr. Musk’s office, the United States DOGE Service, is now shielded from public records requests and most judicial oversight until at least 2034, with its documents classified as presidential records.
February 11, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Yesterday, the White House announced that Mr. Musk’s office, the United States DOGE Service, is now shielded from public records requests and most judicial oversight until at least 2034, with its documents classified as presidential records.
Reposted
Trump claimed that DOGE has uncovered billions in “fraud, waste, and abuse.” However, no evidence has been provided, and all public fraud claims from both Elon Musk and Trump have been debunked as false.
February 11, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Trump claimed that DOGE has uncovered billions in “fraud, waste, and abuse.” However, no evidence has been provided, and all public fraud claims from both Elon Musk and Trump have been debunked as false.
Reposted
Feel free to add your OWN facts about what else the world could do with $40 million in Superbowl ad buys - or $400 billion in wealth! #TeamUSAID #AIDBowl #USAIDLives
February 9, 2025 at 10:47 PM
Feel free to add your OWN facts about what else the world could do with $40 million in Superbowl ad buys - or $400 billion in wealth! #TeamUSAID #AIDBowl #USAIDLives
Reposted
IT'S GAME TIME! So maybe the Superbowl ad buy was just a rumor - we'll see- but we know what's true: USAID saves lives. We're gearing up for another fun-filled week in MAGA conspiracy-land. Help us spread the facts! #TeamUSAID #AIDBowl
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqUE...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqUE...
www.youtube.com
February 9, 2025 at 10:30 PM
IT'S GAME TIME! So maybe the Superbowl ad buy was just a rumor - we'll see- but we know what's true: USAID saves lives. We're gearing up for another fun-filled week in MAGA conspiracy-land. Help us spread the facts! #TeamUSAID #AIDBowl
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqUE...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqUE...
Reposted
Furthermore, if Congress is concerned with something USAID is doing, *any member of Congress* can request an investigation by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
(Just remember this the next time a member of Congress complains about USAID)
t.co/IBVmIr5LXv
(Just remember this the next time a member of Congress complains about USAID)
t.co/IBVmIr5LXv
https://www.gao.gov/agencies/u.s.-agency-international-development
t.co
February 9, 2025 at 10:08 PM
Furthermore, if Congress is concerned with something USAID is doing, *any member of Congress* can request an investigation by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
(Just remember this the next time a member of Congress complains about USAID)
t.co/IBVmIr5LXv
(Just remember this the next time a member of Congress complains about USAID)
t.co/IBVmIr5LXv
Reposted
If there is concern that money is being misspent, USAID's Inspector General has law enforcement authority to investigate allegations.
If they find fraud or abuse (which can happen) they can refer violations to DoJ for prosecution, and debar the org from future funding.
If they find fraud or abuse (which can happen) they can refer violations to DoJ for prosecution, and debar the org from future funding.
a police officer is smiling and saying that 's it you 're under arrest !
ALT: a police officer is smiling and saying that 's it you 're under arrest !
media.tenor.com
February 9, 2025 at 10:08 PM
If there is concern that money is being misspent, USAID's Inspector General has law enforcement authority to investigate allegations.
If they find fraud or abuse (which can happen) they can refer violations to DoJ for prosecution, and debar the org from future funding.
If they find fraud or abuse (which can happen) they can refer violations to DoJ for prosecution, and debar the org from future funding.
Reposted
What then keeps the partner from misspending it?
Several layers of protection there too. All partners must pass strict eligibility & audit reviews before getting federal funds.
And they make a raft of legal attestations on everything from drug policy to trafficking in person.
Several layers of protection there too. All partners must pass strict eligibility & audit reviews before getting federal funds.
And they make a raft of legal attestations on everything from drug policy to trafficking in person.
February 9, 2025 at 10:08 PM
What then keeps the partner from misspending it?
Several layers of protection there too. All partners must pass strict eligibility & audit reviews before getting federal funds.
And they make a raft of legal attestations on everything from drug policy to trafficking in person.
Several layers of protection there too. All partners must pass strict eligibility & audit reviews before getting federal funds.
And they make a raft of legal attestations on everything from drug policy to trafficking in person.
Reposted
So - finally! - it's time to spend money. USAID makes an award to partner and that org begins to implement the program.
By this point, the money has been through two rounds of White House review, two rounds of Congressional review, and navigated the federal acquisition regs.
By this point, the money has been through two rounds of White House review, two rounds of Congressional review, and navigated the federal acquisition regs.
a person is playing with a slingshot made out of pencils on a table
ALT: a person is playing with a slingshot made out of pencils on a table
media.tenor.com
February 9, 2025 at 10:08 PM
So - finally! - it's time to spend money. USAID makes an award to partner and that org begins to implement the program.
By this point, the money has been through two rounds of White House review, two rounds of Congressional review, and navigated the federal acquisition regs.
By this point, the money has been through two rounds of White House review, two rounds of Congressional review, and navigated the federal acquisition regs.
Reposted
Most USAID funds are then awarded to a partner organization to implement.
USAID puts out detailed calls for proposals, and selects partners based on a points-based evaluation of all proposals it receives.
USAID puts out detailed calls for proposals, and selects partners based on a points-based evaluation of all proposals it receives.
a man is standing in front of a white board with math equations on it .
ALT: a man is standing in front of a white board with math equations on it .
media.tenor.com
February 9, 2025 at 10:08 PM
Most USAID funds are then awarded to a partner organization to implement.
USAID puts out detailed calls for proposals, and selects partners based on a points-based evaluation of all proposals it receives.
USAID puts out detailed calls for proposals, and selects partners based on a points-based evaluation of all proposals it receives.
Reposted
OK so this is already post 10 of this thread and USAID *has not actually started spending any money yet.*
So, finally, the CNs get cleared and USAID can start to program funds. To do so, it must follow the voluminous "ADS" - USAID's internal rulebook. 2017-2020.usaid.gov/who-we-are/a...
So, finally, the CNs get cleared and USAID can start to program funds. To do so, it must follow the voluminous "ADS" - USAID's internal rulebook. 2017-2020.usaid.gov/who-we-are/a...
a person is holding a bible in their hands .
ALT: a person is holding a bible in their hands .
media.tenor.com
February 9, 2025 at 10:08 PM
OK so this is already post 10 of this thread and USAID *has not actually started spending any money yet.*
So, finally, the CNs get cleared and USAID can start to program funds. To do so, it must follow the voluminous "ADS" - USAID's internal rulebook. 2017-2020.usaid.gov/who-we-are/a...
So, finally, the CNs get cleared and USAID can start to program funds. To do so, it must follow the voluminous "ADS" - USAID's internal rulebook. 2017-2020.usaid.gov/who-we-are/a...
Reposted
Congress can then choose whether to "clear" these CNs or "hold" them.
If any of the 4 Committees (Senate - Foreign Relations and Approps; House - Foreign Affairs and Approps) has a concern, they can hold up the CN for further consultation before USAID can program the funds.
If any of the 4 Committees (Senate - Foreign Relations and Approps; House - Foreign Affairs and Approps) has a concern, they can hold up the CN for further consultation before USAID can program the funds.
a young boy is sitting at a desk with the words wait hold up hold up behind him
ALT: a young boy is sitting at a desk with the words wait hold up hold up behind him
media.tenor.com
February 9, 2025 at 10:08 PM
Congress can then choose whether to "clear" these CNs or "hold" them.
If any of the 4 Committees (Senate - Foreign Relations and Approps; House - Foreign Affairs and Approps) has a concern, they can hold up the CN for further consultation before USAID can program the funds.
If any of the 4 Committees (Senate - Foreign Relations and Approps; House - Foreign Affairs and Approps) has a concern, they can hold up the CN for further consultation before USAID can program the funds.
Reposted
Congressional Notifications, or "CNs" inform 4 Congressional committees of specifically how USAID will spend its budget, often down to the country and program level.
These CNs go through yet another layer of State Dept and OMB review before reaching the Hill (not very slush-y).
These CNs go through yet another layer of State Dept and OMB review before reaching the Hill (not very slush-y).
a man with his hands on his head and the words too much information below him
ALT: a man with his hands on his head and the words too much information below him
media.tenor.com
February 9, 2025 at 10:08 PM
Congressional Notifications, or "CNs" inform 4 Congressional committees of specifically how USAID will spend its budget, often down to the country and program level.
These CNs go through yet another layer of State Dept and OMB review before reaching the Hill (not very slush-y).
These CNs go through yet another layer of State Dept and OMB review before reaching the Hill (not very slush-y).
Reposted
On to step 3 - how USAID actually spends money.
Once USAID gets its budget from Congress, it must go straight back to Congress *again* with a further level of detail on how it will satisfy the various budget directives - via "Congressional Notifications."
Once USAID gets its budget from Congress, it must go straight back to Congress *again* with a further level of detail on how it will satisfy the various budget directives - via "Congressional Notifications."
a paramount network ad shows a woman and says and we 're right back where we started
ALT: a paramount network ad shows a woman and says and we 're right back where we started
media.tenor.com
February 9, 2025 at 10:08 PM
On to step 3 - how USAID actually spends money.
Once USAID gets its budget from Congress, it must go straight back to Congress *again* with a further level of detail on how it will satisfy the various budget directives - via "Congressional Notifications."
Once USAID gets its budget from Congress, it must go straight back to Congress *again* with a further level of detail on how it will satisfy the various budget directives - via "Congressional Notifications."
Reposted
Congress specifies to the dollar how much USAID spends on health, humanitarian aid, economic dev't, education, water, etc. And directs spending even further within those categories.
In many countries, >90% of AID spending is Congressionally directed.
oig.usaid.gov/sites/defaul...
In many countries, >90% of AID spending is Congressionally directed.
oig.usaid.gov/sites/defaul...
February 9, 2025 at 10:08 PM
Congress specifies to the dollar how much USAID spends on health, humanitarian aid, economic dev't, education, water, etc. And directs spending even further within those categories.
In many countries, >90% of AID spending is Congressionally directed.
oig.usaid.gov/sites/defaul...
In many countries, >90% of AID spending is Congressionally directed.
oig.usaid.gov/sites/defaul...
Reposted
CONGRESS then writes USAID's budget.
Let's just repeat that for DOGE, Miller, Trump, et al.
CONGRESS writes USAID's budget.
And Congress gets very very specific in directing USAID's spending.
Let's just repeat that for DOGE, Miller, Trump, et al.
CONGRESS writes USAID's budget.
And Congress gets very very specific in directing USAID's spending.
a woman is crying in front of a crowd of people and saying `` say it louder for the people in the back ! ''
ALT: a woman is crying in front of a crowd of people and saying `` say it louder for the people in the back ! ''
media.tenor.com
February 9, 2025 at 10:08 PM
CONGRESS then writes USAID's budget.
Let's just repeat that for DOGE, Miller, Trump, et al.
CONGRESS writes USAID's budget.
And Congress gets very very specific in directing USAID's spending.
Let's just repeat that for DOGE, Miller, Trump, et al.
CONGRESS writes USAID's budget.
And Congress gets very very specific in directing USAID's spending.
Reposted
Step 2: Congressional appropriations.
Fun fact - USAID does not set its own budget.
Congress does. And Congressional appropriators generally do what they want, often setting aside what the president & USAID are asking for.
Fun fact - USAID does not set its own budget.
Congress does. And Congressional appropriators generally do what they want, often setting aside what the president & USAID are asking for.
a man with a mustache says i 'm interested in that
ALT: a man with a mustache says i 'm interested in that
media.tenor.com
February 9, 2025 at 10:08 PM
Step 2: Congressional appropriations.
Fun fact - USAID does not set its own budget.
Congress does. And Congressional appropriators generally do what they want, often setting aside what the president & USAID are asking for.
Fun fact - USAID does not set its own budget.
Congress does. And Congressional appropriators generally do what they want, often setting aside what the president & USAID are asking for.
Reposted
OMB goes over everything and begins cutting down Agency requests and reviewing them for alignment with the president's priorities.
So to be clear: every dollar that USAID requests from Congress goes through White House review.
Not very slush-y.
So to be clear: every dollar that USAID requests from Congress goes through White House review.
Not very slush-y.
a man wearing headphones and safety goggles is using a chainsaw to cut a tree stump
ALT: a man wearing headphones and safety goggles is using a chainsaw to cut a tree stump
media.tenor.com
February 9, 2025 at 10:08 PM
OMB goes over everything and begins cutting down Agency requests and reviewing them for alignment with the president's priorities.
So to be clear: every dollar that USAID requests from Congress goes through White House review.
Not very slush-y.
So to be clear: every dollar that USAID requests from Congress goes through White House review.
Not very slush-y.
Reposted
Buckle up for a roller coaster ride through the USAID budget process. To keep you reading, I will use memes.
Step 1.
Every year, the White House (via OMB) puts together a federal budget proposal to Congress. Every federal agency (incl USAID) sends OMB their budget wishlist.
Step 1.
Every year, the White House (via OMB) puts together a federal budget proposal to Congress. Every federal agency (incl USAID) sends OMB their budget wishlist.
a woman sitting at a table talking to a man who says money pleeeeease
ALT: a woman sitting at a table talking to a man who says money pleeeeease
media.tenor.com
February 9, 2025 at 10:08 PM
Buckle up for a roller coaster ride through the USAID budget process. To keep you reading, I will use memes.
Step 1.
Every year, the White House (via OMB) puts together a federal budget proposal to Congress. Every federal agency (incl USAID) sends OMB their budget wishlist.
Step 1.
Every year, the White House (via OMB) puts together a federal budget proposal to Congress. Every federal agency (incl USAID) sends OMB their budget wishlist.
Reposted
Open message to Elon Musk:
Rumors are swirling that you’re spending $40 million on Super Bowl ads targeting USAID. If there were truly fraud, wouldn’t you not need to spend millions trying to convince people?
Rumors are swirling that you’re spending $40 million on Super Bowl ads targeting USAID. If there were truly fraud, wouldn’t you not need to spend millions trying to convince people?
February 9, 2025 at 4:46 AM
Open message to Elon Musk:
Rumors are swirling that you’re spending $40 million on Super Bowl ads targeting USAID. If there were truly fraud, wouldn’t you not need to spend millions trying to convince people?
Rumors are swirling that you’re spending $40 million on Super Bowl ads targeting USAID. If there were truly fraud, wouldn’t you not need to spend millions trying to convince people?
Reposted
Nearly $7 million has been “apportioned” over the past week to cover DOGE-related expenses.
February 9, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Nearly $7 million has been “apportioned” over the past week to cover DOGE-related expenses.
Reposted
It's #SuperbowlSunday and it's time to pick your fighter. Kickoff at 5:30 p.m. today. Be there - it'll be wild.
February 9, 2025 at 5:19 PM
It's #SuperbowlSunday and it's time to pick your fighter. Kickoff at 5:30 p.m. today. Be there - it'll be wild.
Reposted
Vance posted on X: “Judges aren’t allowed to control the executive’s legitimate power.” You mean Trump’s “power” being used to violate our Constitution? The Constitution is not something any president can manipulate for political games.
February 9, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Vance posted on X: “Judges aren’t allowed to control the executive’s legitimate power.” You mean Trump’s “power” being used to violate our Constitution? The Constitution is not something any president can manipulate for political games.
Reposted
No words.
www.reuters.com/world/asia-p...
www.reuters.com/world/asia-p...
Burmese refugee dies after discharge from shut US-funded clinic, says family
A Burmese refugee with lung problems died after she was discharged from a U.S.-funded hospital on the Myanmar-Thai border that was ordered to close as a result of U.S. President Donald Trump's freeze on foreign aid, her family said.
www.reuters.com
February 9, 2025 at 2:37 AM
No words.
www.reuters.com/world/asia-p...
www.reuters.com/world/asia-p...
