March 22, 2012

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Contacts: Sue Pleming: 202.552.6561 or 202.341.3814 (Cell) or spleming@interaction.org Jeanne Paradis: 202.552.6535 or 202.297.1696 (Cell) or jparadis@interaction.org

InterAction troubled by relief and development cuts in Ryan budget

Washington, DC (March 22, 2012) InterActions 197 member NGOs are troubled by the proposed 10% cut in support for international development and humanitarian response which was passed by the House Budget Committee late on Wednesday. Our compassion, and for some our faith, calls us to do more to help the poorest populations around the world. This proposed cut for humanitarian and international long-term development programs runs counter to American values, said Samuel A. Worthington, president and CEO of InterAction, the largest alliance of U.S.-based international NGOs. As total federal spending on international relief and development amounts to just seven-tenths of 1% of the federal budget, these dramatic cuts will not make a dent in reducing our national debt but they will significantly affect the ability of the United States to respond to crises worldwide. Added Worthington: We hope Congress will continue to support direct investments in innovative programs like new life-saving vaccines or helping teach and expand sustainable agriculture practices, which help people in less-developed countries build the capacity to feed themselves. A 10% cut for FY2013, as proposed by House Budget Committee Chair Rep. Paul Ryans (RWisconsin), would undermine current efforts to make the delivery of aid even more effective, transparent and accountable. At a time when our military is disengaging from two wars, people in North Africa and the Middle East are fighting to build democracies, and humanitarian crises continue around the world, we need to be stepping up our civilian international engagement, not pulling back, said Worthington. InterAction calls on Appropriations Chair Hal Rogers (R-Kentucky) to reject this advisory funding level for international affairs spending, and instead provide an allocation for this spending that allows the United States to respond rapidly to emergencies and create more sustainable livelihoods for poor communities. InterAction is an alliance of nearly 200 U.S.-based international NGOs that offer humanitarian and development assistance. Our members operate in most developing countries, working alongside local communities to overcome poverty. **************************************************************************************************************
InterAction is the largest alliance of U.S.-based nongovernmental international organizations, with more than 190 members. Our members operate in every developing country, working with local communities to overcome poverty and suffering by helping to improve their quality of life. Visit www.interaction.org
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