“Given the competing factors of America’s growing international interests and shrinking resources to engage on the global arena, the federal government must take a more critical look at how best to deliver accountable, transparent, and sustainable development aid to countries in need and ask itself how best to support our national security, economic, and humanitarian goals. That assessment cannot be driven by ideology. Success will require business-like assessment of the capabilities and results of those who can deliver,” Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), ranking member of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Technology and Procurement and a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, writes in an opinion piece on The Hill’s “Congress Blog.”

Connolly concludes, “In this time of budget constraints and skepticism over federal spending, and foreign aid in particular, opening the door to competition will spur innovation and positive results, which are good not only for the U.S. and its partners, but also those countries that rely on America for foreign assistance” (6/22).