Mercy Corps and 65+ NGOs Oppose Cuts to Humanitarian and Foreign Assistance in FY24 House Spending Bills

As Members and partners of InterAction, the largest alliance of U.S.-based NGOs championing humanitarian, health, development, and democracy programs, we are gravely concerned with the proposed funding cuts for humanitarian and foreign assistance programs in H.R. 4665, the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 2024 and H.R. 4268, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2024.

Additionally, several proposed amendments would further gut foreign assistance influence and effectiveness and undermine State Department and USAID operations.

The proposed cuts represent reductions to vital humanitarian and foreign assistance initiatives that not only save lives but also fortify communities worldwide—enhancing global stability, prosperity, and resilience against shocks and stressors. These programs are instrumental in mitigating global poverty, promoting democratic values, expanding foreign markets for U.S. goods, reducing the likelihood of conflicts, and delivering life-saving aid to those in the throes of complex crises worldwide. 

The enactment of this bill would signify a distressing abdication of the United States’ role as a global leader, eroding the bipartisan legacy of investments that have forged healthier, safer, and more stable communities. This departure jeopardizes the cornerstone of U.S. national security and prosperity. Failing to lead in this critical arena would invite others to take the reins.

U.S. foreign assistance programs are highly impactful, evidence-based, cost-efficient, transparent, and accountable to the American people. They’ve played a pivotal role in lifting over one billion people out of extreme poverty since 1990 and halving maternal, infant, and child mortality rates. Accounting for less than 1% of America’s budget, these international development and humanitarian efforts boast a proven track record of success, delivering an exceptional return on investment.

However, the efficacy of these programs hinges on consistent and predictable support. We urge Congress to pass the FY2024 State and Foreign Operations and international food assistance provisions in Agriculture appropriations at no less than FY2023 levels. This action must also coincide with the passage of substantial supplemental funding to meet urgent global needs.

1,000 Days, an initiative of FHI Solutions
Action Against Hunger
ADRA International
Alight
Alliance for Peacebuilding
Alliance to End Hunger
American Jewish World Service
Americares
Bank Information Center
Basic Education Coalition
Better World Campaign
Blumont
Bread for the World
Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation
CARE
Catholic Relief Services
ChildFund International
Church World Service
Corus International
Doctors of the World USA
Equal Access International
FHI 360
Food for the Hungry
Global Campaign for Education-US
Global Health Council
Heartland Alliance International
Helen Keller Intl
HIAS
Humanity & Inclusion
Humentum
InterAction
International Medical Corps
International Orthodox Christian Charities
International Rescue Committee
International Youth Foundation
IREX
Islamic Relief USA
Jesuit Refugee Service/USA
JSI
Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)
Management Sciences for Health
MedGlobal
Mennonite Central Committee U.S.
Mercy Corps
Millennium Water Alliance
Nonviolent Peaceforce
ONE
Oxfam America
PATH
Physicians for Peace
Plan International USA
Project HOPE
Refugees International
RESULTS
Save the Children
Solidarity Center
SPOON
The Hunger Project
Together for Girls
UNICEF USA
Water for South Sudan, Inc.
WaterAid
Women’s Refugee Commission
World Food Program USA
World Learning
World Vision