ONE applauds the FY 2018 budget, urges Congress to support full funding for SFOPS in FY 2019

WASHINGTON — The ONE Campaign released the below statement applauding the FY 2018 budget, which protects life-saving assistance accounts, including many of ONE’s core priorities, for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Tom Hart, North America executive director at The ONE Campaign:

“In the face of unprecedented proposed cuts from the White House to America’s foreign assistance programs, this budget is a positive sign that both sides of the aisle in both chambers of Congress are committed to continuing America’s leadership in the fight against extreme global poverty and disease.

“We applaud the hard work of members and their staff to protect funding for the SFOPS Budget in FY 2018, especially Senators Cochran (R-MS), Leahy (D-VT) and Graham (R-SC), as well as Representatives Frelinghuysen (R-NJ), Lowey (D-NY), and Rogers (R-KY). We also thank Senators McConnell and Schumer, and Representatives Ryan and Pelosi, for their leadership in advancing a budget bill which protects programs that save lives and help lift millions of people out of extreme global poverty.

“Once again however, we find ourselves up against a budget proposal from the White House for FY 2019 that would slash funding for America’s development programs that are proven to save innocent lives, help create jobs here in America, and make our country safer. Once again, Congress must stop these cuts from becoming law, fully fund the international affairs budget, and ensure America continues to lead the fight against extreme global poverty.

“We know there continues to be extraordinary humanitarian needs around the world, and we look forward to working with our partners in Congress to ensure those needs are met.”