Protecting Foreign Assistance
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We’RE ADVOCATING FOR CONGRESS TO PROTECT Foreign Assistance!
Foreign assistance is how the U.S. supports children and families worldwide to survive, grow, and learn. It includes humanitarian aid (responding to crises) and development assistance (helping families become self-reliant). SCAN advocates for strong U.S. leadership in providing effective foreign assistance that prioritizes children’s health, nutrition, protection, and education.
WHY FOREIGN ASSISTANCE MATTERS?
Humanitarian aid provides immediate relief to people affected by conflict, natural disasters, or food crises.
Foreign ASSISTANCE funds
emergency food, medical care, shelter, and child protection services.
Programs funded by US foreign assistance have helped communities
rebuild after crises and achieve long-term stability.
Why Spend Money on Foreign Assistance When People in the U.S. Need Help?
Foreign assistance represents less than 1% of the U.S. federal budget and is designed to address global challenges that, if left unaddressed, can have broader economic and security impacts including on the United States. Investments in international development and humanitarian aid support global stability, strengthen health systems, improve food security, and reduce the likelihood of conflict and displacement. These programs are a tool of U.S. foreign policy and economic strategy, contributing to global markets, public health, and national security. Addressing needs abroad can reduce long-term costs and risks, while complementing domestic efforts to support communities in the United States.
Why should the U.S. invest in foreign aid?
Foreign aid is an expression of American values and a cost-effective way to promote global stability and economic
prosperity. It helps prevent conflicts, combats diseases before they reach our borders, and strengthens international
partnerships—all while saving lives.
Does foreign assistance actually work?
Yes. For example, across countries where the U.S. has prioritized health assistance, there has been a 55% drop in child
deaths and 42% fewer maternal deaths since 2000. Programs funded by US foreign assistance have helped communities
rebuild after crises and achieve long-term stability.
DON’t LET CONGRESS CUT FOREIGN ASSISTANCE
Without foreign aid, millions of children will face these crises alone.
Tell Congress: Invest in foreign aid for a healthier, safer future.
Foreign Assistance Resources
By alleviating global suffering, the U.S. reinforces our own national security and fosters worldwide economic growth. Vulnerable children get desperately needed relief, and everyone gets a more prosperous future – I can’t think of a greater win-win. A stronger world means a stronger America.
– Christy Gleason, Executive Director, Save the Children Action Network
Victoria Zegler
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Save the Children Action Network (SCAN) was created in 2014 as the political advocacy arm of Save the Children, to be the political voice for kids. We work to ensure that the issues critical to children’s lives and futures are given top priority by our elected leaders, building bipartisan support to make sure every child has a strong start in life.