As the April recess draws to a close I was fortunate enough to attend a town hall meeting yesterday with Congressman Christopher Carney in Swoyersville, PA. Many representatives use the April congressional recess to host town halls and forums in their communities – so check out their websites for a schedule to meet up with yours. If you can go, wear a ONE T-shirt and use your voice for the world’s poorest people. These events are free and open to the public so it is a great opportunity to let your representatives in Congress know that you care about fighting extreme poverty and global disease.

About 50-60 of his constituents came and spoke directly with Congressman Carney about issues that are important to them. After the meeting concluded, I was able to meet with Congressman Carney and I made sure to thank him for his support of the PEPFAR reauthorization last year which will enable the United States to expand our efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria globally. I also had a chance to ask him to express his support for poverty reduction programs to Chairman David Obey of the House Appropriations. I explained how 86,000 PA ONE Members would really like all Members of Congress to express support for a restoration of the 150 account with a $51.7 billion allocation to the Foreign Operations Bill to support development assistance. Congressman Carney indicated that he would seriously consider the request. Lastly, I mentioned a few of the amazing things our PA ONE Members have accomplished in Pennsylvania and asked for an in-district meeting with him when his schedule permits.

-Brian Sweeney