WASHINGTON – The ONE Campaign issued the following statement on the Administration’s full budget request for FY 2026, released last night.   

The request recommends that Congress cut the overall State and International Affairs budget by more than half – from $62.7 billion in FY2024 down to $31.2 billion for FY2026.  It proposes zeroing out U.S. contributions to Gavi, the international mechanism for providing children with lifesaving vaccines, and the African Development Fund, the concessional lending arm of the African Development Bank which promotes sustainable development in low-income countries. The Administration also proposes a $1.8 billion reduction to funding for the President’s Emergency Plan on AIDS (PEPFAR).  While ONE believes the leaders on the African continent should take increased ownership of their own health financing this must be done in partnership and in a systematic way that does not result in sudden cuts to life-saving services.

“The President’s International Affairs Budget Request proposes excessive cuts that would threaten America’s national interests and international leadership.  When global competitors like China and Russia are expanding their economic, diplomatic, and strategic footprints around the world – including across Africa – America’s national security and economic interests require our effective engagement.

“Ultimately it is Congress that holds the power of the purse and will make the final decisions on discretionary spending.  We trust that Congress will continue its decades of bipartisan support for effective, accountable, and life-saving foreign assistance programs that remain critical to American interests and American values.”