World Vision statement on U.S. government FY24 funding package

SEATTLE (March 25, 2024) – At a time when human suffering and global need are soaring, World Vision is disappointed that the U.S. government’s fiscal year 2024 funding package does not provide the critical resources needed to aid children and families around the world. The package, which includes funding for the State Department and USAID, would cut the State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill by 6%.

Beyond the overall reduction in poverty-focused foreign assistance, cuts to global health and development assistance are particularly concerning. “Despite being less than 1% of the federal budget, foreign assistance and long-term development programs have been successful in promoting human dignity and flourishing,” stated World Vision President and CEO Edgar Sandoval Sr. “We believe all children deserve opportunities to pursue their God-given potential. Reducing investment in development programs harms children today as well as generations to come. World Vision hopes that Congress works to restore these cuts as it considers FY25 appropriations in the coming months.”

Funding for humanitarian programs in the FY24 agreement is also woefully inadequate. Displacement due to conflict is at a record high, with needs compounded by inflation and climate extremes. And World Vision research has shown a disproportionate rise in the cost of 10 basic food items compared to average wages in the world’s poorest countries, leaving the most vulnerable people at risk of severe hunger. While the slight increases in the bill to humanitarian accounts are appreciated, they are not sufficient, and Congress must work immediately to pass supplemental humanitarian funding requested by the White House nearly six months ago. This would enable the U.S. government to respond to human needs resulting from serious crises in places like Sudan, Haiti, Venezuela, Bangladesh, DRC, and the Horn of Africa, as well as impacts from the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

In addition, the bill extends the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for only one year, placing at risk the oversight mechanisms and funding requirements that are a critical part of PEPFAR’s success. “PEPFAR has saved 25 million lives over its 21-year history and is undeniably one of the most successful foreign assistance programs ever created,” stated World Vision Senior Director of Government Relations Lisa Bos. “We urge Congress to pass a five-year extension of PEPFAR as quickly as possible.”

About World Vision:

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. We serve all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, visit worldvision.org or follow on X, formerly known as Twitter, @WorldVisionUSA.