Barbara Lee Introduces Resolution to Increase Non-Military Foreign Assistance to One Percent of GDP
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) introduced legislation expressing support for providing, on an annual basis, an amount equal to no less than one percent of United States Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for non-military foreign assistance programs. The resolution echoes the ‘commitment made with the passage of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to renew our country’s commitment to assist people in developing countries to eliminate hunger, poverty, [and] illness’ and recognizes the critical importance of foreign assistance programs in promoting national security, demonstrating the humanitarian spirit of the people of the United States, and improving the credibility and standing of the United States in world affairs.
“Through myriads of private philanthropic efforts and federal programs including the Marshall Plan, the Peace Corps, and the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief, the American people have demonstrated time and time again their resolve to help empower all peoples of the world to improve their quality of life, reduce mortality rates, and spur economic development for the betterment of all humankind,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “Despite these praiseworthy and innovative efforts, the United States continues to spend a disproportionately small amount of funding on non-military foreign affairs programs, and in 2007, as a percentage of Gross National Income (GNI), was tied for last among the world’s 22 wealthiest countries in official development assistance funding at 0.16 percent.
“A firm and significant financial commitment to enhance non-military foreign assistance programs not only underscores the compassion of the American people, but is essential to creating a more peaceful and prosperous world.”
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