On Monday afternoon, I joined several ONE New York members to meet with Rep. Nita Lowey (NY-18). Already a true friend, Rep. Lowey has consistently worked for our issues and as an influential member in the U.S. House of Representatives and on the House Appropriations Committee, sits in a unique position to promote important initiatives.

Representing the 6,000+ ONE members in her district, we requested that she use her voice and vote on the Appropriations Committee to restore President Obama’s requested funding for Foreign Operations, currently before Congress. More than happy to do so, Rep. Lowey said that she would work to secure that funding and fully supported the budget which amounts to an increase of $4 billion for International Affairs over fiscal year 2009 – critical to the furtherance of the progresses made in the fight against global AIDS and poverty. We went into the meeting knowing we had a strong advocate in Rep. Lowey, but it was great to dialogue with her on the issues and hear directly about her strong commitment to the issues of global health and poverty.

Representative Lowey also taped this great message to ONE members. Enjoy!

-Christopher Geer, ONE Field Organizer, New York