Statement from World Vision on House Appropriations Committee Passage of the FY2024 State, Foreign Operations and Related Agencies Appropriations bill

July 12^th, 2023 (Washington, D.C.) Today, the House Appropriations Committee passed a FY2024 State, Foreign Operations bill with cuts that will directly impact the lives of the most vulnerable around the world.

While we know the Appropriations Committee has taken seriously the need to restrain government spending, disproportionate cuts to foreign assistance, which is less than 1 percent of the federal budget, will not balance the budget or reduce spending long term.  In fact, without the critical tools of development and diplomacy, the likelihood of instability around the world is increased and hard-fought gains made through previous programs to grow economies, save lives, and build democratic societies will be lost.

With mounting humanitarian crises – in places where World Vision is seeing firsthand the desperate needs of children and their families, from Venezuela to Bangladesh – and 345 million people facing severe hunger, cuts to humanitarian programs in the bill are particularly disappointing.  Combined with the cuts to development accounts that help build resilience to shocks, the U.S. risks its leadership as a global leader and force for good.

“I have seen the impact of U.S. foreign assistance and there is no better leader than the U.S. in terms of saving lives and building safe, prosperous communities,” noted World Vision President and CEO Edgar Sandoval.  “While at World Vision, our Christian faith motivates our work around the world, the U.S. government must be motivated by a desire to lead and use foreign assistance wisely to respond to global challenges.  Going backwards after years of progress risks the impact and effectiveness of foreign assistance and we ask the House to reconsider cuts to these vital programs.”

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. With staff in nearly 100 countries, World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit  www.WorldVision.org/media-center/ or on Twitter @WorldVisionUSA