Foreign aid is vital for Maine’s economic and national security – Bangor Daily News

April 2, 2025 | By State Senator Brad Farrin (R-Norridgewock, Maine)

“For decades, foreign aid has helped stabilize regions at risk of falling into chaos — areas where U.S. involvement prevents conflicts from reaching our shores. This is the central principle of America’s “peace through strength” strategy, a framework that combines military might with diplomatic efforts to foster peace and global stability. I witnessed just how valuable this foreign aid is to our national security during my National Guard deployment to Djibouti. Former Secretary of Defense and Gen. James Mattis highlighted the importance of foreign aid to our strategic defense when he stated, ‘If you don’t fund the State Department fully, then I need to buy more ammunition…’ At its core, foreign aid is a smart investment in both our national security and our economic future. It’s not just about helping others — it’s about ensuring that Maine’s economy continues to grow, that American businesses remain competitive and that our position in the global marketplace is secure.”