WASHINGTON (June 22, 2017) – CARE calls on the U.S. Senate to swiftly confirm Ambassador Mark Green as the new Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). CARE is eager to see this critical leadership role filled within the federal government, particularly as the world faces the biggest refugee crisis in our history and more than 20 million people are at risk of famine in South Sudan, Yemen, Nigeria and Somalia. For decades, USAID has helped save lives, empower women and girls to lift themselves out of poverty and serve as a beacon of American leadership and stability in the poorest communities around the world.
“CARE is encouraged by the nomination of Ambassador Green and the development expertise he will bring to this pivotal role,” said David Ray, vice president of policy and advocacy at CARE. “To best serve the country and vulnerable people around the world, USAID’s expertise and independence must be supported by a permanent leader,” Ray said.
CARE has partnered with USAID for over six decades in five major regions, including Asia, Europe, Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. Together, we have implemented programs in more than 80 countries and across sectors, including humanitarian assistance, food and nutrition security, health, economic development, governance, gender, climate change and water.
“While CARE is pleased by the nomination of Ambassador Green, we remain deeply concerned by the Administration’s FY18 budget proposal. We look forward to working with the new Administrator to continue the critical work needed to save lives, combat poverty and create a more stable and prosperous world for us all,” said Ray.
If enacted, the Administration’s budget proposal would represent a retreat from America’s leadership in the world and threaten our country’s ability to safeguard against the desperation and instability often caused by extreme poverty and suffering. USAID is a leader for delivering effective, transparent and accountable programs and their expertise must be protected in any proposed government reorganization in the FY18 budget. CARE continues to call on Congress to conduct deep oversight over any proposed cuts to USAID programs and personnel and to develop a budget for the coming year that protects lives, supports our national security and maintains our nation’s standing in the world.
ABOUT CARE
Founded in 1945, CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. CARE places special focus on working alongside poor girls and women because, equipped with the proper resources, they have the power to lift whole families and entire communities out of poverty. Last year, CARE worked in 94 countries and reached more than 80 million people around the world. To learn more, please visit www.care.org.
Media Contacts
Nicole Ellis, +1-202-560-1791, nicole.ellis@care.org