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These winning statistics are massive. But each is a face, heart and soul: a mother or father, sister or brother. Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. [Matthew 25:40] U.S. government investment is an American moral call and opportunity to feed the hungry, offer water to the thirsty, and free the stranger from exploitation. As the Administration and 115th Congress discern priorities and budgets, America can remain a leader among nations only by living into our core values that honor human dignity.
We know: Faith-based organizations (FBOs) are experienced implementers, on the front lines and bearing witness to critical need and unprecedented success. As fiscal partners, FBOs invested a massive $6.58 billion in international assistance in FY15. It’s important to note these numbers understate the faith contribution as they only consider donations to faith-based organizations and not to congregations and denominations and houses of worship; and the 27 FBOs received public funding and leveraged it, raising nearly $6 for every public $1 received. We are faith in all 50 states: Millions of faith voices opening hearts, minds and wallets to advance hope and dignity for the neediest, not only the nearest. Congress and the Administration have the active support of millions of Americans – Republican, Democrat and Independent -- who seek a life-affirming world with human security at its core. Consider: Whether better nutrition and food security, improved farming techniques and agricultural productivity, access to safe water and sanitation, fighting sexual exploitation and slavery, girls attending school, maternal and child health, good governance and more – human security and the life-affirming world for which we pray is not possible without US… United States-led foreign assistance. |
Photo: Gregory Wait for CCIH
St. Paul's Lutheran Church Group Quilting for Lutheran World Relief
Photo: Debbie DeVoe for CRS
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Photo: ADRA
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16 Generals Submitted Testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee calling for the protection of foreign assistance funding. This unprecedented support initiated in 2017 was shared with the SFRC, Senate SFOPS, House SFOPS, HFAC and HASC committees. Here is a particularly compelling excerpt:
"Modern national security challenges require innovative national security thinking. Such thinking begins with recognizing one of the clear lessons of history: American security is advanced by the development of stable nations that are making progress on social development, economic growth, and good governance; by countries that enforce the rule of law and invest in the health and education of their own people. In short, America’s interests are served by nations that give their people hope that tomorrow will be better than today. Conversely, American security is undermined by frail and failing nations where hope is non-existent, and where conditions foster radicalism, produce refugees, spark insurgency, and provide safe havens for terrorists, criminal gangs, and human traffickers. In this light, it is clear to us that strategic development assistance is not charity — it is an essential, modern tool of U.S. national security. U.S. development efforts should be respected — and budgeted — as investments in stability enhancement. The severe cuts to the State Department and USAID that the Administration has proposed will make America less safe, and Congress should reject them. Not only should we protect and properly fund the International Affairs budget, it is time for the United States and its allies to explore bold, dedicated funding for smart development efforts in fragile areas that build stability and prevent future threats from emerging.” |
Funding Fragile States:
The U.S Institute for Peace, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and the Center for a New American Security have formed the independent, non-partisan Fragility Study Group, to examine how the U.S. might best assist fragile nation-states. It's 9-month study, U.S. Leadership and the Challenge of State Fragility, recommends that Congress authorize the Department of Defense to exercise transfer authority to share its budget with the State Department and USAID to assist fragile nation-states.The Fragility Study Group is advised by more than 20 former U.S. government officials, members of Congress, academics and private sector leaders.
The U.S Institute for Peace, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and the Center for a New American Security have formed the independent, non-partisan Fragility Study Group, to examine how the U.S. might best assist fragile nation-states. It's 9-month study, U.S. Leadership and the Challenge of State Fragility, recommends that Congress authorize the Department of Defense to exercise transfer authority to share its budget with the State Department and USAID to assist fragile nation-states.The Fragility Study Group is advised by more than 20 former U.S. government officials, members of Congress, academics and private sector leaders.
Today's headlines are disturbing. With prophetic urgency, let each of us remember:
Today’s U.S. foreign assistance are smart investments, greatly leveraged by private and faith-based funding that turn this 1% of the federal budget into billions more dollars.
Today’s US. foreign assistance echoes bi-partisan values and American interests, advancing the U.S. economy by building future trade partners and opportunities for American private investments; securing U.S public health by containing pandemics and preventing diseases; and a tool for stability that increases our national security. U.S. foreign assistance is result-driven, grounded in data, and evidence-based. Results are life-saving and long-term, and they benefit millions of people, including Americans.
Our national security is not possible without human security. The need for smart U.S. foreign policy is at an all-time high. We know urgent global challenges will always persist: 65 million people are currently displaced, four famines loom, pandemics know no borders, conflicts and national security are concerns. The President needs all tools at his disposal to keep America safe and strong, which is why, especially during tight budgets times, U.S. foreign assistance is a critical asset.
Today’s U.S. foreign assistance are smart investments, greatly leveraged by private and faith-based funding that turn this 1% of the federal budget into billions more dollars.
Today’s US. foreign assistance echoes bi-partisan values and American interests, advancing the U.S. economy by building future trade partners and opportunities for American private investments; securing U.S public health by containing pandemics and preventing diseases; and a tool for stability that increases our national security. U.S. foreign assistance is result-driven, grounded in data, and evidence-based. Results are life-saving and long-term, and they benefit millions of people, including Americans.
Our national security is not possible without human security. The need for smart U.S. foreign policy is at an all-time high. We know urgent global challenges will always persist: 65 million people are currently displaced, four famines loom, pandemics know no borders, conflicts and national security are concerns. The President needs all tools at his disposal to keep America safe and strong, which is why, especially during tight budgets times, U.S. foreign assistance is a critical asset.