Senator Kevin Parker Calls for Immediate Restoration of U.S. Foreign Aid to Haiti

Brooklyn, NY — State Senator Kevin Parker expressed his strong support for U.S. Senator Charles Schumer's call to reverse the Trump administration's abrupt decision to freeze and terminate nearly all foreign aid to Haiti. Senator Parker joins Senator Schumer in urging the Trump administration to immediately restore USAID and foreign assistance to Haiti, emphasizing the vital role these funds play in supporting health programs, emergency response, food aid, security, and much more. Senator Parker, who represents the largest Haitian population in New York State, emphasized the profound and far-reaching impact these cuts have on the Haitian community in Brooklyn and their families in Haiti.

Senator Parker condemned the decision as a "shortsighted mistake" that not only undermines the long-standing partnership between the United States and Haiti but also jeopardizes vital humanitarian efforts in the region. This critical aid provides essential support to a nation facing deep poverty, political instability, and widespread humanitarian challenges. He emphasized that the U.S. must prioritize humanitarian support and strengthen its relationship with Haiti, a partner in the Caribbean that shares vital national security interests with the United States.

"The Trump administration's abrupt termination of nearly all U.S. foreign aid to Haiti is not only a humanitarian mistake but also a misstep for America's long-term interests in the region," said Senator Parker. "Haitians in my district, in Brooklyn, and throughout New York are directly affected by this decision. These individuals have families back home relying on U.S. support to meet basic needs like food, healthcare, and security. The freezing of this aid is causing harm to our Haitian-American community and their loved ones, and we must act now to reverse this course."

In 2024, USAID provided over $317 million in aid to Haiti, including funding for emergency response, health initiatives such as HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, maternal and child health, food aid, security assistance, and agricultural development. Following the abrupt shutdown of USAID programs under the Trump administration, this crucial support has been put on hold, leaving many critical programs in limbo.

Senator Parker echoed Schumer's concerns about the impact of these cuts, particularly in areas such as food insecurity and public health. The World Food Program (WFP) alone received over $13 million from USAID in 2024 to combat hunger, improve school meals, support local farmers, and enhance disaster preparedness. Additionally, organizations like the International Organization for Migration (IOM) received funding to provide water, sanitation, shelter, health

services, and mental health support for vulnerable communities affected by gang violence and the cholera outbreak.

"Cutting foreign aid to Haiti is not only harmful to the Haitian people but also undermines America's foreign policy interests in the region," said Senator Parker. "Haiti is a critical partner in the Caribbean, and the U.S. is responsible for supporting its neighbors, especially during times of crisis. Restoring this aid will strengthen our relationship with Haiti and promote stability in the region, which is in our national interest."

In taking a bold leadership stance on this critical issue, Senator Parker said: "We cannot afford to turn our back on Haiti or the Haitian community here in Brooklyn. As such, I urge the administration to quickly restore these funds and demonstrate our commitment to our neighbors in need."

About State Senator Kevin Parker:

Senator Kevin S. Parker is intimately familiar with the needs of his ethnically diverse Brooklyn district comprising sections of Flatbush, East Flatbush, Kensington, Ditmas Park, Midwood, Flatlands, Canarsie, Georgetown, Old Mill Basin, Mill Basin, Marine Park, and Bergen Beach. A lifelong Brooklyn resident, Senator Parker is Senior Assistant Majority Leader for the NYS Senate Democratic Majority, Chairman of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, and is a member of the following standing Senate Committees: Finance; Rules; Judiciary; Select Majority Task Force on Diversity in the Judiciary; Banks; Health; Civil Service and Pensions; Internet and Technology; Select Majority Task Force on Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises.