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 violence against women and girls, 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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