Increase budget for foreign assistance

Background: On May 2, the White House released President Trump’s fiscal year (FY) 2026 budget request outlining the administration’s agenda. The budget includes a 13% increase in military spending and would eliminate funding for several life-saving foreign assistance programs, including the Complex Crisis Fund and the Food for Peace program.

Previous cuts to U.S. foreign assistance are already having severe impacts on vulnerable communities around the world. Unless funding is restored, we will see increases in trauma, famine and food insecurity that will likely lead to millions of deaths. This is the time for Congress to push back on the White House proposal and legislate a morally responsible FY2026 budget.

The world today faces unprecedented challenges: a rise in violent conflicts globally, massive forced displacements, growing food insecurity and looming famines. According to the Global Hunger Index, 42 countries are already experiencing alarming levels of hunger. Recent funding cuts by the U.S. and other nations have increased the risks for violence, hunger and deaths. Urge your members of Congress to recognize our moral responsibility and prioritize assistance for vulnerable populations.

Faith reflection: In the Scriptures, Jesus repeatedly reminds us of our responsibility toward each other, especially in responding to basic needs and saving lives, describing how God blesses and rewards those who are compassionately generous to others (Matthew 25: 31-45).

Action: Urge Congress to increase the budget for foreign assistance

Photo above: Lipimai Mondalmajhi is showing a pumpkin from her backyard vegetable garden. She is from Bhutadi village, Kandhamal district, Odisha, in India where MCC partner Society for Nature, Education and Health (SNEH) is supporting communities with kitchen gardens.