KANSAS CITY — Following reports that the Trump administration is making yet another attempt to cut foreign aid funding already appropriated by Congress, Kansans are urging Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to once again use his position of influence to push back against the potential cuts to foreign aid.

Last year, the Trump administration tried to sneakily cut $3 billion in foreign aid — but leaders like Secretary Pompeo helped stop it. Now, the White House is once again aiming to send Congress a rescission package that would cut up to $4 billion worth of critical funds needed for the fight against extreme poverty and preventable disease. Within 72 hours, Kansans from across the state wrote to Secretary Pompeo urging him to once again express his concerns about cutting foreign aid.

Leslie Scott, a Kansas City, Kansas volunteer with The ONE Campaign:

“As a proud American and fellow Kansan, I believe generosity for the world’s most vulnerable people represents the best of American values around the world and is in our best economic and security interests. These cuts would only undermine that, and I urge Secretary Pompeo to use his position of influence and push back against the Office of Management and Budget’s reckless attempt to cut up to $4 billion in Congressionally authorized and appropriated foreign aid.

“America’s investment in fighting extreme poverty is less than 1 percent of the budget but does a world of good. U.S. leadership on global health, gender equality, national security and economic opportunity has lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty, turned the tide of deadly diseases, and made America safer.

“The only thing stopping the Office of Management and Budget from cutting foreign aid are leaders like Secretary Pompeo who can serve as a voice of reason. My neighbors and I care deeply about this issue and we hope Secretary Pompeo voices these concerns directly to President Trump, Director Mick Mulvaney, and White House staff.”

For more information, or to speak with an expert, please contact Sean Simons, [email protected].

ONE is a global movement campaigning to end extreme poverty and preventable disease by 2030, so that everyone, everywhere can lead a life of dignity and opportunity. We are non-partisan and pressure governments to do more to fight extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa, and empower citizens to hold their governments to account. Read more at www.one.org.