Dubuque, Iowa – Today, local Dubuque ONE volunteer Rev. Joan Fumetti delivered over 160,000 letters to Iowa Congressman Nussle, asking him to boldly lead Congress in fully funding the fight against global AIDS and extreme poverty.

“I asked Congressman Nussle to help America do more to create hope and opportunity for people in the world’s poorest countries,” said Rev. Fumetti. “People across Iowa know that helping other people is a good investment in a better, safer world, and it’s just the right thing to do.”

As Chairman of the House Budget Committee, Congressman Nussle has an incredible opportunity to help America save lives around the world. Currently, the U.S. gives far less than 1% of its federal budget-less than one penny of every dollar-to help fight AIDS and extreme poverty. The letters delivered today came from across Iowa and America, asking Congressman Nussle to support the President’s budget request for International Affairs at $35.1 billion and even do more:

“This part of the budget provides critical life-saving assistance to combat global infectious disease and poverty and supports our diplomatic engagement in the world. It demonstrates who we are as Americans – people of hope, compassion and generosity. As a member of ONE, I believe doing more to fight global AIDS and extreme poverty is in America’s interests and it’s the right thing to do. We can make a difference, and are. Right now, hundreds of thousands of people in Africa and around the world are alive because of America’s historic commitment to fight AIDS. With your support, we can do even more.”

There are over 16,000 ONE supporters across Iowa, and today’s letter delivery builds on events across Iowa with local faith, college and community ONE volunteers. On Monday, Des Moines was declared a “City of ONE”, joining over 40 other cities including Cedar Falls, Manchester and Iowa City.

Today, hundreds of thousands of people in Africa and around the world are alive because of America’s historic commitment to fight AIDS and poverty, and Iowans have been a part of that life-saving effort. Rev. Fumetti has seen firsthand the difference Americans can make, managing regional efforts by the Foods Resource Bank, a faith-based organization that works to fight hunger in Africa and around the world.

“Whether you’re a Congressman or pastor, all Iowans can be part of giving people the tools they need to lift themselves out of poverty,” said Rev. Fumetti. “People in small and big towns can all join the fight against poverty and AIDS, the opportunity to help save lives is just as real here in Dubuque as it is in Africa.”

ONE  is a new effort by Americans to rally other Americans – ONE by ONE – to fight the emergency of global AIDS and extreme poverty. ONE is a coalition of over 2 million supporters, founded by 11 of the nation’s most well-known and respected non-profit, advocacy and humanitarian organizations: Bread for the World, CARE, DATA, International Medical Corps, International Rescue Committee, Mercy Corps, Oxfam America, Plan USA, Save the Children US, World Concern, and World Vision. For more information please visit: www.ONE.org