Tell Senate: Vote “No” on Foreign Aid Cuts

On June 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would rescind $8.3 billion in foreign aid. This rescissions package would eliminate or reduce funding for programs that have saved millions of lives and strengthened global health and economic security.

The bill cuts funding to programs such as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). These programs offer health services, expand educational opportunities, and play a crucial role in alleviating global poverty. PEPFAR alone has prevented millions of HIV infections, saved over 25 million lives, and brought the HIV pandemic under control.

The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns recently signed a letter calling on Congress to protect its constitutional authority and reject these rescissions. The affected programs represent long held U.S values that have widespread support among the American public. A Pew Research Center survey found that 68% of U.S. adults wanted to maintain or increase spending on foreign aid. This past February, the University of Maryland found that 89% of Americans believed the U.S. should invest at least 1% of its federal budget in foreign assistance.

At the cost of only a fraction of a percent of the federal budget, the United States has the ability to strengthen global peace, security, health, and development – mobilizing resources that only a government can. In addition to it being a smart investment, Catholic Social Teachings inform us that aid to the poor and vulnerable upholds human dignity, which is our moral duty. Other donors cannot fill this gap, as neither private philanthropies—whether from foundations, corporations, faith groups, or individuals—nor donor nations have the influence, wealth, or prosperity of the United States.

Urge your senators to protect vital foreign aid programs using the form below: