Last week, the House of Representatives passed a bill that slashes funding for refugee programs by more than 40 percent and international disaster assistance by more than 50 percent. These deep cuts to humanitarian aid are very concerning and cannot be justified from a humanitarian perspective or as sound national policy.
These funding cuts could potentially cost many lives. They will put displaced women and children at even greater risk of violence and exploitation. Young refugees will find it even more difficult to get an education that would allow them to build a life for themselves after displacement. The U.S. will be unable to respond to major new disasters, such as Haiti or Darfur. Less support for food assistance may push millions of people towards starvation.
The United States, which has traditionally provided strong bipartisan support for humanitarian programs, will lose important opportunities to enhance stability and economic growth in troubled regions. Our country's leadership has been essential to the delivery of life-saving services to the most vulnerable—the majority of whom are women and children.
This week, we joined 28 other organizations in writing to House Speaker John Boehner and other House leaders, urging them to restore funding for humanitarian assistance. We are now asking for your support. Click here to take action by expressing your concern and joining in our recommendation to restore funding.
To read our letter to House representatives, click here.