All around the country Members are returning home to their districts and states, and “taking the pulse” of their constituents. As news channels cover heated town halls, there are others out who are quietly thanking their representatives for their efforts to help the world’s poorest people.

Just this week I met with the Office of Congresswoman Kay Granger (TX-12), a key and influential player in the U.S. House of Representatives and Ranking Republican of the State, Foreign Operations Subcommittee of the powerful House Appropriations Committee.

District Director Barbara Ragland took notes as I thanked the Congresswoman for her commitment to the world’s poor as well as global health issues. Specifically I thanked her for the Congresswoman’s steady leadership and bipartisan approach to developing the 2010 Foreign Operations Appropriations bill by working with Subcommittee Chair, Rep. Nita Lowey (NY-18). I also asked that she retain her commitment to the funding levels contained in the House Foreign Ops. Appropriations bill as it moves through the House/Senate Conference process. Her close attention to this process will ensure ultimate success and will lead to improved funding for proven, effective programs that help save lives.

Even in these tough economic times, I, as a member of ONE, believe that her thoughtful approach to foreign assistance is critical in the fight against global poverty and preventable disease. By making life a little better for those in troubled regions, our nation and world will ultimately be safer.

Thank you, ONE members, for taking the time to use your voice to help the world’s poorest, and please remember to thank your members of Congress when they do the same!

-Joshua Key, Texas ONE Member