WASHINGTON, D.C…. It’s time to treat the root causes of hunger and poverty around the world, and legislation offered this week by U.S. Senator Richard Lugar, R-Ind., and Robert Casey, D-Penn., is a solid step toward that goal, the ONE Campaign said today.

In a statement by Tom Hart, ONE’s Director of Government Relations, the global advocacy group urged Congressional support for the bipartisan legislation.

“This legislation is a smart step forward in what must be a global response to the food crisis.  Too often, governments treat the immediate symptoms of problems, while the root causes remain unaddressed.  We can and must provide food and assistance to those facing starvation, but we should also make contribute to agricultural productivity in these countries.  That includes building the capacity for people in Africa and elsewhere to grow enough food to feed their families and increasing support for long-term rural development efforts.  Put simply, the United States should help to provide people with the tools that they need to fend for themselves.  When we take those steps, we begin to address the core of the food crisis.

“The Lugar-Casey bill is a good approach, and ONE looks forward to working with the Senators to see it approved by Congress.”

The legislation, S. 3529, was introduced this week and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

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