US Pacific commander to advocate 'most strongly' for USAID to Pacific Islands

WASHINGTON, April 9 (Reuters) - The head of U.S. forces for the Indo-Pacific, Admiral Samuel Paparo, said on Wednesday he would be advocating "most strongly" for the continuation of USAID funding to the Pacific Islands region, where U.S. influence is being contested by China.

Asked at a congressional hearing if the United States was missing opportunities with the Trump administration's assault on the U.S. Agency for International Development and by not using the Coast Guard to full effect in the Pacific Islands, Paparo told the House Armed Services Committee:

"USAID aid is under review, and I'll be advocating most strongly for that aid for all of the countries, and the Coast Guard provides a critical role in the South Pacific."