The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the United States federal government agency primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign aid. Responding to President Obama's pledge in his January 2013 State of the Union address to "join with our allies to eradicate extreme poverty in the next two decades," USAID has adopted as its mission statement "to partner to end extreme poverty and to promote resilient, democratic societies while advancing the security and prosperity of the United States."[3] USAID operates in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe.
President John F. Kennedy created USAID in 1961 by executive order to implement development assistance programs in the areas authorized by the Congress in the Foreign Assistance Act.[4] The Congress updates this authorization through annual funds appropriation acts, and other legislation. Although technically an independent federal agency, USAID operates subject to the foreign policy guidance of the President, Secretary of State, and the National Security Council.[3]