It’s a busy week in Washington, DC, as the Members of the 118th Congress officially get to work.
Congress plays a critical role in the fight to end extreme poverty and preventable disease. At ONE, we often talk about the US’ long legacy of leadership in global health and development. That legacy exists largely because of Congress and lawmakers who have supported, reauthorized, and funded programs and legislation (like PEPFAR, the Global Fund, and the Global Food Security Reauthorization Act) that have helped save millions of lives. Now that they’ve been sworn in, the Members of the 118th Congress can help maintain that important legacy.
Here are three things ONE expects to see in Congress this year:
Slim Margins
Much like the 117th Congress before it, there is not a lot of wiggle room in the House and Senate majorities. Unlike the 117th Congress, in this Congress Democrats control one chamber while Republicans control the other. Practically, this means some Congressional processes – like funding the government – could get a whole lot trickier, which could impact the amount of funding ONE’s key programs are able to secure.
But the good news is… slim margins are no stranger to ONE! When it comes to Congress, most of the work we do *requires* support from both Republicans and Democrats to make it to the President’s desk. We’ll keep doing what we’ve always done — work with everyone to ensure our issues are at the top of lawmakers’ minds.
It’s been 1 week since the election and while we still don't know which of the 2 parties will run the House, here are my 3 takeaways on development post- #election2022 (thread)
— Tom Hart (@Tom_at_ONE) November 15, 2022
Support for Foreign Assistance
Members of Congress know that development assistance is in America’s strategic and security interests. That’s why foreign assistance has always received strong bipartisan support – it’s the right and the smart thing to do.
Take, for example, the growing hunger crisis. The US jumped into action last year to provide emergency relief for countries like Somalia and Yemen experiencing acute food insecurity and the Global Food Security Act was reauthorized with support from both parties.
While there are some new faces on Capitol Hill this year, ONE is lucky to have long-standing and bipartisan champions of our issues in key committee leadership positions. As world leaders hope to tackle hunger and other crises this year, these relationships – and those yet to be made–will be especially important.
As the 118th Congress gets to work, ONE is thrilled to see some of our longtime champions back in action – and in new positions of leadership – and we look forward to sharing our mission with new members of Congress!
— ONE in America (@ONEinAmerica) January 11, 2023
With your help… PEPFAR Reauthorization!
The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief – or PEPFAR – turns 20 this year! Since it was launched in 2003, PEPFAR has helped save 25 million lives. Widely recognized as one of the most successful global health programs, PEPFAR helps promote access to lifesaving antiretroviral drugs, reduce transmission rates of HIV from mothers to their babies and, by establishing infrastructures, has helped equip health systems to test and treat other diseases and health problems, too.
PEPFAR will need to be reauthorized by Congress this year. While the program has always received strong bipartisan support, we’ll need your help to make sure lawmakers get this across the finish line so PEPFAR can continue its lifesaving work.
Make sure you’re ready to rally for PEPFAR when the time comes – sign up below!