Statement from CARE's Dr. Gayle on the House Chairman's Bill Fiscal Year 2011 Continuing Resolution

WASHINGTON, Feb. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In response to the proposed cuts contained in the House Chairman's Bill for the Fiscal Year 2011 Continuing Resolution to fund the government through September 30, 2011, CARE President and CEO Dr. Helene D. Gayle issued the following statement:

"Congress is poised to vote on a budget with unprecedented cuts to the International Affairs budget; deep cuts that would reverse the advances and progress that we have made in the global effort to eliminate poverty. In addition to undermining our progress, this extreme measure would result in dramatic reductions to the humanitarian and development programs which literally save millions of lives each year.  The U.S. Government's commitment to America's moral leadership, national security and economic future around the globe is at stake.

"The International Affairs budget is critical to fighting extreme poverty and helping the more than one billion people around the world struggling to survive on less than $1 a day.  CARE has been witness to the profound difference these investments make, especially in the lives of girls and women.  Americans should be proud that U.S. foreign assistance has saved the lives of millions of women by empowering them to raise healthy families, send their sons and daughters to school, and foster small businesses.  Because of U.S. aid, over the last 60 years, maternal and child mortality have dropped sharply, literacy rates have increased and economic opportunities have expanded in the developing world.  These funds produce real change in the lives of women, children and their families living in extreme poverty, changing entire communities and nations for the better.        

"With a great deal of focus on the growing federal deficit, we recognize that Congress must take a hard look at the most effective and efficient ways to leverage our foreign aid dollars. But it is critical that Congress also understand that the International Affairs budget supports programs with low-cost interventions that generate high-impact results, saving lives in the fight against disease, poverty and hunger. With only 1 percent of the entire U.S. government's budget going to foreign aid, the International Affairs budget is truly a small investment that yields big returns for our nation.

"CARE encourages members of the House of Representatives to reject these harmful and drastic cuts that jeopardize both our country's global leadership as well as millions of the world's most vulnerable people."

About CARE: Founded in 1945, CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty.  CARE places special focus on working alongside poor women because, equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help whole families and entire communities escape poverty.  Women are at the heart of CARE's community-based efforts to improve education, health and economic opportunity.  To learn more, visit www.care.org.

SOURCE CARE