Last Thursday afternoon in Vancouver, WA, three ONE volunteers met with Theresa Wagner, SW Washington Director for Senator Patty Murray. The meeting focused on strengthening ONE’s relationship with the 17-year veteran of the Senate and member of the very important Appropriations Committee. ONE volunteer, Jeff Hollett, talked about ONE’s activity in the area and the three discussed how they became passionate about advocating for global poverty reduction.

After the introductions, they got down to business and asked Senator Murray to check in with the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Hawaiian Senator Daniel Inouye, and ask him to allocate $51.7 billion to the Foreign Operations Bill during the 302(b) process. They also thanked Senator Murray for her past work to expand treatment and care for people affected by HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis and also for her leadership in calling for an increase in personnel at USAID.

The volunteers reported back saying that the meeting was a resounding success!

Theresa mentioned that Senator Murray and Senator Inouye agree on most issues and she took notes regarding the request for $51.7 billion for the Foreign Operations Bill. She seems interested and understood the request. I believe she will pass that request on!

–ONE Member, Evan Hull

Big thanks to Jeff Hollett, Evan Hull and Donna Van Horn!

-Christopher Berg