Only 1 percent of the U.S. budget goes to international affairs, and nearly half of that provides support for global health, humanitarian aid and economic development. Yet, this year’s budget proposes to cut that 1 percent into a smaller fraction.
With the current administration’s “America First” initiative, Americans have lost sight of how supporting international affairs is vital to our success as a nation. Providing support for global advancement not only aids underdeveloped countries, but it benefits the United States. Furthering international economic growth increases U.S. gross domestic product, bolsters national security and strengthens our diplomacy with allies.
The international affairs budget reflects our commitment to recognizing that the families and children we support in underdeveloped countries are not in their circumstances because of a lack of effort or because they failed to make the best of an unfortunate circumstance. They are there by chance. They did not choose what conditions they would grow up in. We have the power to ensure that unfortunate circumstances do not result in disastrous outcomes.
Every child should have access to necessities such as food, water, health care and education. Consider emailing or calling your Congress members to protect the international affairs budget.
