InterAction Applauds Passage of Water for the World Act

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Dec 16, 2014, 11:30 ET

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Monday, December 15, the U.S. Senate passed the Senator Paul Simon Water for the World Act—an important bipartisan measure that will help improve access to clean water and sanitation to millions around the globe. The bill passed the Senate unanimously late Monday evening.

The Senate's action follows on the passage of the bill in the U.S. House of Representatives by a unanimous voice vote on December 8. The act, which now awaits the president's signature, is the product of a multi-year, bipartisan effort led in the House by Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Ted Poe (R-TX) and Sens. Bob Corker (R-TN) and Richard Durbin (D-IL) in the Senate.

Speaking in response InterAction CEO and President Sam Worthington said:

"Safe water and improved sanitation provide a basic level of human security that enables families and individuals to increase their standards of living, educate their children and live healthier lives. The Water for the World Act will ensure that water, sanitation and hygiene projects remain a top policy priority for the U.S. government.

"Clean water and proper sanitation are critical to the success of virtually every aspect of international development. InterAction commends Reps. Blumenauer and Poe and Senators Corker and Durbin for their tireless efforts to ensure that limited U.S. funding for water, sanitation and hygiene programs are directed to the countries and communities most in need and continue to build foundations that strengthen self-reliance."

BACKGROUND

Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Fast Facts

748 million people still lack access to clean, safe drinking water and 2.5 billion (1 out of 3 globally) do not have access to adequate sanitation (such as a toilet or latrine).
According to recent research, each $1.00 invested in clean water and sanitation yields a $4.30 return through increased productivity and decreased health care costs.
Through various partnerships with USAID since 2005, 31 million people gained access to safer drinking water, and 12 million people gained access to improved sanitation.

Source: "Aid Works: Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)," InterAction Policy Brief, June 2014 http://bit.ly/1qTnJ5B

Learn More: View an interactive map of InterAction members working on water, sanitation and hygiene efforts around the world: http://bit.ly/1xmDioE

InterAction is the largest alliance of U.S.-based nongovernmental international organizations, with more than 180 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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SOURCE InterAction