In addition, the U.S. must reinvest in American soft power by restoring programs at the United States Agency for International Development and the United States Agency for Global Media that help build strong public health systems and support resilient democracies worldwide.
Reinstate and strengthen U.S. soft power programs, including USAID and the U.S. Agency for Global Media.
Occurrences
Evidence
Cisneros used his time during a House Armed Services Committee hearing to highlight the importance of international partnerships and coalitions, and he condemned the Trump Administration and Elon Musk’s dismantling of the State Department and USAID.
The press release says the New Democrat Coalition National Security Working Group, led by Gil Cisneros, urged an immediate course correction and stated that the U.S. must reinvest in American soft power by restoring programs at the United States Agency for International Development and the United States Agency for Global Media.
The working group page lists 'National Security — Chair Gil Cisneros,' confirming he holds the leadership role behind the April 30 soft-power/restoration message.
The budget appendix references USAID and USAGM-related budget lines, indicating these programs remain part of the federal budget apparatus even as policy debates continue.
Assessments
The evidence shows Cisneros actively advocated to restore and strengthen U.S. soft power programs, specifically USAID and the U.S. Agency for Global Media, through leadership statements and committee remarks. However, there is no evidence here that he enacted or materially secured reinstatement or strengthening of those programs during the relevant term. The budget reference only shows the programs remain in federal budgeting, not that Cisneros delivered the promised policy outcome. Under the rubric, a serious legislative or public effort without achieving the promised result counts as never with an effort badge.