Tell Congress: No drastic cuts to foreign aid
While countries are facing the threat of famine and refugees are fleeing their war-torn hometowns, the President’s proposed budget slashes relief for those who need it most. The President’s fiscal year 2019 budget proposes cutting foreign assistance — by almost 30 percent compared to current funding — during a time of unprecedented global challenges.
Add your name: Tell Congress that any cuts to lifesaving foreign assistance are unacceptable.
Foreign aid saves millions of lives. It’s also a low-cost investment that helps all Americans by fostering international stability, security and prosperity. We must stand up for our humanitarian values and fight these drastic cuts.
Congress will decide whether to cut foreign aid or show compassion for those in need. It’s up to them to decide whether America will continue to be a global humanitarian leader. The lives of nearly 66 million people in places like Syria, South Sudan and Yemen depend on it.
You can help protect funding that is a lifeline for so many families in need. Sign now and urge your member of Congress to support foreign aid.
My Message
Dear Member of Congress,
As a constituent, I am writing with deep concern about the Administration’s proposal to cut 30 percent of the FY 2019 International Affairs budget compared to FY 2017 levels. I ask you to fight for U.S. leadership and robust foreign assistance funding that saves lives and creates the conditions for a safer, more prosperous world.
Despite overwhelming global humanitarian need, the Administration proposed cutting foreign assistance programs for the second year in a row. This request flies in the face of American values and undermines our global leadership. The cuts to accounts such as the International Disaster Assistance, Migration and Refugee Assistance and Food for Peace/Title II mean that millions of families will not get the lifesaving assistance that they desperately need.
Foreign assistance is a direct investment in global stability, conflict prevention and global prosperity. Across Africa, humanitarian assistance funded by the United States offers lifesaving support to those fleeing war, and development programs allow recipients to regain their independence and sustain themselves and their families with resilient livelihood opportunities. Economic Support Funds also contribute to de-radicalization by decreasing youth participation in political violence.
Over the past year, business leaders, faith leaders and military commanders weighed in, urging Congress to reject the President’s proposed cuts to foreign assistance and to fight for levels of foreign assistance that keep pace with growing threats. These views matter. As a proud American, I want to echo these calls to reject the deep cuts in the FY 2019 President’s Budget Request and fund the International Affairs budget at no less than the total FY 2017 enacted level.
Sincerely,