A group of Louisianans will head to Capitol Hill on March 25 to ask lawmakers to protect US investments in foreign assistance programs.
Significant changes to US foreign assistance have created confusion since January, when the State Department issued stop-work orders to nearly all foreign assistance in accordance with an Executive Order. Despite a subsequent waiver allowing lifesaving assistance to continue – and court orders unblocking funds – disruptions to care persist.
“With millions of lives at direct risk, it’s imperative that lifesaving, results-driven US foreign assistance programs urgently receive the resources and guidance needed to ensure the continuation of their work,” said Charlie Caplis of Madisonville. “I want Louisiana lawmakers to know we have an opportunity to build a safer, stronger, more prosperous future for everyone – but we can’t do it if we quit while we’re ahead.”
Caplis is one of more than 100 national activists who will head to Washington for the Power Summit, an annual advocacy event hosted by the ONE Campaign, which works to secure the resources needed to promote healthy lives and economic opportunities in Africa.
“By saving lives, helping to build more sustainable economies and health systems, and promoting stability, US foreign assistance programs have demonstrated an incredible return on investment,” Caplis continued. “When I’m in Washington, I’ll remind Representative Steve Scalise that smart, strategic investments in foreign assistance serve the health and security interests of Americans while also empowering countries to stand on their own. That’s a future Louisianans – and all Americans – can get behind.”
Louisianans and Foreign Assistance: Fast Facts
- According to the ONE Campaign, contributions from Louisianans alone have helped US foreign assistance programs save 299,483 lives from HIV, immunize 1,894,555 children against deadly but preventable diseases, and provide 486,512 bed nets to protect people from malaria.
- Shreveport native Kix Brooks, of Brooks and Dunn, joined several other country music artists in signing a letter to Congress urging lawmakers to support PEPFAR, the US’ historic global HIV/AIDS program. PEPFAR has helped save 26 million lives since 2003.
- The impacts of changes to foreign assistance are felt around the world – but also right here at home:
- Louisiana’s rice farmers, in particular, play a significant role in producing food for such aid programs as Food for Peace and McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition. According to USAID, an estimated 3-5% of Louisiana’s rice supply each year for international food assistance programs, providing revenue for the state’s 800+ rice farmers.
About The ONE Campaign:
ONE is a global, nonpartisan organization advocating for the investments needed to create economic opportunities and healthier lives in Africa. Our trusted advocacy uses hard-hitting data, grassroots activism, political engagement, and strategic partnerships to influence decision-makers. Learn more at one.org.