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ONE denounces White House’s reckless foreign aid cuts, calls on Congress to reject them

WASHINGTON — Following reports that the Trump administration is making yet another attempt to cut billions in foreign aid funding already appropriated by Congress, The ONE Campaign issued the below statement.

Tom Hart, North America executive director at The ONE Campaign:

“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Once again, the Trump Administration is hellbent on slashing programs that lift millions out of poverty, turn the tide against deadly diseases, strengthen our economy, and make America safer. Not only does this undermine US leadership around the world, it subverts Congress’ power of the purse.

“The only thing that can stop the White House from gutting these programs and tarnishing the bipartisan legacy of American foreign assistance is Congress. We are grateful to lawmakers like Senators Jim Risch, Patrick Leahy, Bob Menendez and Representatives Nita Lowey, Eliot Engel and Michael McCaul, who have publicly expressed concerns about the White House’s dangerous efforts. The ONE Campaign and its members have also spoken loud and clear, flooding Capitol Hill offices with thousands of letters. Congress must now do everything in its power to prevent this reckless proposal from becoming a gut-wrenching reality.”

Background:

  • On October 12, 2018, President Trump spoke to an Ohio radio station about Melania’s trip to Africa: “She came back and she said, ‘I hope you’re going to continue to give a lot of money because they need it.’ It’s not a question of — it’s not a question of defense — it’s not a question — or, it’s just on a human basis. They need it. And she had a big impact on me. I will tell you… she really had a big impact on me.”
  • Now, the White House is reportedly ramping up its efforts to block the State Department from distributing billions in foreign assistance by the end of the fiscal year. The Administration is expected to send a formal rescissions package to Congress by August 20th.
  • On a trip to Africa this April, Ivanka Trump said: “Our commitment to Africa is clear.” She added that she hoped President Trump will visit. “I’ve been deeply, deeply inspired by my trip here. And I think he will be as well,” she said. It is rumored that Ivanka’s Women’s Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) Initiative will be exempt from the cuts while the future of other development programs that benefit women and girls remains uncertain.

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 nonpartisan 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.