Meeting with Representative Sestak (PA-7)

Aug 3rd, 2009 4:22 PM UTC
By Field

Today, Pennsylvania ONE members kicked off the August recess by attending the 7th Congressional District “Working Families Resources Summit” hosted by Congressman Joe Sestak. We were able to meet briefly with Representative Sestak afterwards to thank him for becoming a Co-Sponsor of the Initiating Foreign Assistance Reform Act (H.R.2139) and give him a ONE wristband. Congressman Sestak said he was very familiar with ONE and indicated that he understands the importance of this legislation. This very reassuring because Representative Sestak is a retired serviceman and currently serves on the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) which has oversight over the Department of Defense (DoD). DoD provides about 22% of U.S. development assistance so planning and coordination with the State Department which administers another 50-60% of U.S. foreign assistance is critical maximize aid effectiveness. We hope he will encourage his other colleagues on the HASC to also support this bill.

As our members of Congress are returning to their respective states during the August recess we have an opportunity to share our concerns for those who do not have a voice suffering in extreme poverty. This is a great time to get involved and engage your members of Congress! Here in Pennsylvania, ONE members across the state are planning to meet with their elected officials and attend events to advocate on behalf of the world’s most vulnerable. Stay tuned for more PA Congressional engagement throughout this August recess!

-Greg Colker and Matt Schaeffer, PA ONE Members

TAGS: August Recess 2009, From ONE Members, Pennsylvania