Mercy Corps Applauds U.S. Humanitarian Funding Levels for 2014

Urges lawmakers to pass spending bill that responds to global humanitarian needs

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The global humanitarian organization Mercy Corps applauds the strong bipartisan leadership of the congressional appropriations committees for responding to urgent humanitarian needs around the globe and prioritizing assistance in the 2014 omnibus spending bill unveiled on Monday.  More than 45 million people worldwide have been forcibly displaced from their homes, with conflict and persecution forcing some 23,000 people a day to seek protection, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

"We congratulate leaders on the appropriations committees for ensuring meaningful funding for vital aid programs," says Andrea Koppel, vice president of Global Engagement and Policy at Mercy Corps.  "As violent conflicts and natural disasters threaten the well-being of people around the world  – Syria, the Philippines and South Sudan, to name just three countries – it is essential that the United States continue its leadership in supporting lifesaving assistance that helps millions of people survive the adversity they face today while rebuilding their communities to better cope with future challenges."

The proposed spending bill increases funding for International Disaster Assistance and Migration and Refugee Assistance and maintains food-aid funding under Food for Peace.  It also includes an essential provision on food-aid reform:  $35 million to reduce monetization of food within development programs.  This provision could allow hundreds of thousands more men, women and children to receive assistance at no additional cost to U.S. taxpayers while improving the ability of vulnerable families to cope and rebound from disasters and other crises.

"Congress is making necessary, smart and strategic investments to help people in some of the world's most fragile countries build the foundation for sustainable economic growth and, hopefully, peace and long-term stability," says Koppel.  "We urge the full Congress to fully support this bill with these vital humanitarian measures."

About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is a leading global humanitarian agency saving and improving lives in the world's toughest places. With a network of experienced professionals in more than 40 countries, we partner with local communities to put bold ideas into action to help people recover, overcome hardship and build better lives. www.mercycorps.org.

SOURCE Mercy Corps