Before retiring to Maine, I worked for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for 34 years. I saw how USAID makes the U.S. safer by preventing violent extremism in Yemen. One of my proudest moments was when a young Yemeni man (who fit the profile for terrorist recruitment) publicly thanked the United States for establishing the first health facility in his remote community. He explained to the crowd that before, he thought all Americans were evil, but now he sees us as friends.

I saw how USAID protects American lives by strengthening health systems in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria and South Africa to prevent the spread of infectious diseases like Ebola, malaria and HIV/AIDS to the U.S.

I saw how USAID supports American businesses. USAID bought $2 billion in food from U.S. farmers last year and did nearly $1 billion in business with American small businesses.

Maine’s economy has benefited from USAID’s partnerships. Maine farmers have long contributed to food aid programs, shipping grains and dairy across the world. Our fisheries, agriculture and small businesses grow in emerging markets. Maine-based faith groups and humanitarian organizations work alongside USAID, showing the world what American generosity looks like.

But today, all of that is at risk.

On March 10, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reported 83% of USAID’s contracts were or will be terminated. According to USAspending.gov, Maine’s potential funding loss is estimated at $15.7 million. The impact will be felt across the state and could soon be felt by you, your family, friends and neighbors.

Foreign assistance is not charity. It’s an investment in America’s economic growth and national security. USAID saves Americans money by preventing instability abroad, so we don’t have to pay the much higher costs of war, pandemics or refugee crises later. It stabilizes fragile regions, reducing the need for military interventions, and counters the influence of China and Russia. It keeps global markets stable, and allows millions of people around the world to see America as a force for good. Imagine …. all this for less than 1% of the federal budget.

There is no mystery in how USAID spends its money. It operates under strict oversight from Congress, the White House and the State Department. Each year, Congress reviews and approves USAID’s budget; every dollar spent is monitored, audited and aligned with foreign policy priorities. Over 80% of USAID programming is earmarked by Congress. Every USAID mission overseas and USAID’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., has legal, contract, monitoring and evaluation and financial management officers to ensure your taxes are spent as intended. As director in three countries, it was my job to ensure critical checks and balances were in place to safeguard your money. The U.S. government meticulously documents its spending via an official, public platform for data on federal spending (USA Spending), giving all U.S. taxpayers access to information on U.S. government agencies’ spending.

The current attempted dismantling of USAID is illegal, cruel and chaotic, and threatens America’s global leadership. Since Congress established USAID in 1961 as an independent establishment within the Executive Branch, only congressional authorization can abolish, move or consolidate USAID. Congress should intervene by taking legislative action to restore USAID. This issue is not only about USAID. Our Constitution provides checks and balances so that no president dismantles any federal agency or violates the law.

It’s easy to be intimidated by the political climate, but Mainers value courage. We value fairness. Now is the time to lift our voices and stand up against this short-sighted decision. Advancing American interests at home and abroad makes a better world for all of us. Our economy, our security and our global leadership depend on it.

I urge you to contact Sen. Susan Collins today. Ask her to reinstate USAID’s funding, halt staff terminations and resume programming. As chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, she can do this. And your voice matters. We won’t forget those who stand up when it matters most.