The funds were approved by Congress, and under the Impoundment Control Act, the president doesn’t have the authority to refuse their disbursement. There are ways to conduct audits without jeopardizing the many Americans involved in these projects. In the U.S. alone, a whole section of work, including those employed by USAID, represents a significant workforce. What are they going to do? What about the organizations that implement these projects, which operate on very thin margins with little room for error?
It’s time for a regroup. All implementers should accept these stop work orders but also collaborate with their lawyers as a united front to push back and advocate for their interests on Capitol Hill.
So, what can you really do about it? Here are a few steps:
- YOUR GRANTS & CONTRACTS, AND COUNSELOR – If you’ve got an in-house legal person and a grants and contracts department, now’s the time for them to really shine. Lean on their expertise instead of taking cues from social media chatter that might not get your organization’s situation right.
- EDUCATE – Showcase the positive impact of your projects. Have any success stories to share? Now’s the ideal moment to put them in the spotlight!
- REACT & LOBBY
– Connect and build networks with stakeholders to reach out to Congress
– Encourage employees, who are directly affected by this, to voice their concerns by reaching out to their congressman, US Senator, and state representatives.