WICHITA — The ONE Campaign released the following statement today thanking Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for once again using his influence to push back against the White House’s plans to cut billions in foreign aid that saves and improves lives.

Over the past two weeks, Kansans from every corner of the state wrote to Secretary Pompeo asking him to protect programs that help fight extreme poverty and disease. Secretary Pompeo helped intervene and ultimately played a big role in defeating the cuts.

Rick Bartlett, a Wichita, Kansas volunteer with The ONE Campaign:

“When Kansans from across the state wrote to Secretary Pompeo asking him to use his influence to push back against the White House’s plans to cut development funding, he delivered in a big way.

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

“I’m extremely grateful to Secretary Pompeo for his leadership and for using his powerful voice to help preserve valuable programs that help the world’s poorest and make America safer.”

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