WASHINGTON \u2014 The ONE Campaign today welcomed the introduction of companion measures in the House and Senate, called the Global Fragility Act of 2019 that recognizes the importance of reducing poverty in fragile or conflict-affected countries. The bills would direct the State Department, USAID, and the Pentagon to work together to develop a coherent strategy to address the root causes of fragility, including poverty. A fragile state is defined by an inability to cope with political, security, economic or environmental stresses. Natural disasters or economic downturns in these places often lead to an increased risk of conflict or violence, or even the failure of state institutions. The Senate bill was introduced by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Todd Young (R-IN) and the House bill was introduced by Representatives Eliot Engel (D-NY), Michael McCaul (R-TX), Adam Smith (D-WA), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Bill Keating (D-MA), and Francis Rooney (R-FL).<\/p>\n
Tom Hart, North America executive director at The ONE Campaign:<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThere is often a clear link between extreme poverty and fragility. Experts predict that by 2030, nearly 80 percent of people living in extreme poverty will be in fragile states and regions. Reducing instability in fragile states can save innocent lives and is an efficient and cost-effective way of advancing our nation\u2019s foreign policy and national security interests. That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important for the United States government to have the right tools and strategies for reducing poverty in difficult environments, and reaching some of the world\u2019s most vulnerable populations.<\/p>\n \u201cThe sponsors of these bills should be applauded for acknowledging the need for a long-term approach to preventing crises, one that brings together the expertise and resources of State, USAID and the Pentagon. ONE welcomes the progress that these bills represent and we will work to ensure these proposals have the necessary resources behind them to be effective.\u201d<\/p>\n