Protect lifesaving foreign assistance
Background: Recently, the Trump administration has taken several actions to drastically cut U.S. foreign assistance. These cuts are already having severe impacts on vulnerable communities around the world. Though exemptions were promised, many vital programs have not been reinstated due to the dismantling of the very structures and mechanisms that could process waivers. As more executive actions are now threatening to end 83% of USAID programs, communities are losing access to the lifesaving medicines, food and other poverty-focused development assistance. Unless funding is restored, we will see increases in trauma, famine, and food insecurity that will likely lead to millions of deaths.
In February, Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-California) introduced the Protect U.S. National Interest Act, to ensure that any reform of the U.S. foreign assistance architecture is done within existing laws and with Congressional approval. If passed, the bill would enable a modest and strategic reform of U.S. foreign assistance with the goal of making it more effective.
Faith reflection: As Christians, we are admonished to compassionately respond to the needs of others, since faith without good deeds is dead (James 2:17, 26).