Policy research and thought leadership
Aid on the Hill delivers expert-based insights and policy recommendations to make U.S. international assistance easier to understand and act on. We clarify complex issues so advocates and policymakers can communicate with accuracy and confidence.
Talking points and legislative analyses
Our talking points break down why U.S. international assistance matters for Americans, and how to communicate that in conversations, meetings, and emails.
Our evergreen talking points:
Foreign assistance
=
National security
Unstable states become footholds for authoritarian regimes, armed conflict and wars, and terrorist groups. Creating more stability ultimately keeps Americans safer, at home and abroad.
Soft power
=
Smart power
International assistance is America's soft power machine. Every dollar invested pays dividends in stability, partnerships, and global goodwill. Trust and goodwill lead to political alliances, economic partnerships, and improved safety for Americans at home and abroad.
Economic development today
=
Market access tomorrow
If we want to win the competition for the 21st-century global economy, we need an independent development agency at the table helping countries create strong markets that can grow the global economy and trade with American companies.
Case studies
These short briefs provide specific examples of U.S. international assistance, its impact around the world, and trends that are currently shaping the future of American foreign policy.
Avoiding Premature Structural Changes to Food for Peace
This resource argues that proposed changes in the Farm Bill to permanently shift the Food for Peace program to USDA are premature and risky, warning that separating it from other U.S. humanitarian tools could weaken coordination, reduce effectiveness, and create operational gaps before the new system has been properly tested.
Legislative analyses
We study current legislation and policy proposals to understand how they may affect international development programs. These analyses help readers follow important changes in Congress and understand their possible effects.
Beyond the Food Drop: Restoring Resilience Food Security Activities
This publication discusses current policy shifts and executive actions on non-emergency food aid. The stakes are high: 735 million people worldwide face hunger, and 318 million require emergency assistance. While emergency food aid saves lives in the short term Resilience and Food Security Activities (RFSAs) address chronic issues.
Foreign Assistance Cuts in FY 2025: Deep Dive into Funding Accounts
A new analysis finds that although Congress cut only 13% of U.S. foreign aid in 2025, failures in USAID’s ability to deliver funds caused actual support to fall by 65%, leading to major reductions in food, health, and humanitarian assistance and an estimated 500,000 to 1,000,000 preventable deaths, with even greater losses likely if funding and agency capacity are not restored.