March 27, 2024 — Over the weekend, Congress finished its work to pass an FY24 budget, the final tranche of which included an international affairs budget that was cut by 6%. It is astonishing that, at this moment of global suffering, Congress has cut back on key accounts that alleviate poverty, protect us from pandemics, and support people in crisis.
There were a few bright spots – a new account for frontline health workers, and maintained funding to end gender-based violence and to support women’s economic empowerment. But these individual accounts can’t make up for the losses that will come from a diminished budget for foreign assistance.
CARE now urges Congress to pass a supplemental funding bill that includes humanitarian assistance as a small attempt to mitigate this abdication of global leadership.
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