WASHINGTON – A group of Oklahomans will head to Capitol Hill on March 25 to ask lawmakers to protect US investments in foreign assistance programs.
Significant changes to US foreign assistance have created confusion since January, when the State Department issued stop-work orders to nearly all foreign assistance in accordance with an Executive Order. Despite a subsequent waiver allowing lifesaving assistance to continue – and court orders unblocking funds – disruptions to care persist.
“With millions of lives at direct risk, it’s imperative that lifesaving, results-driven US foreign assistance programs urgently receive the resources and guidance needed to ensure the continuation of their work,” said Julie Sledge of Norman. “I want Oklahoma lawmakers to know we have an opportunity to build a safer, stronger, more prosperous future for everyone – but we can’t do it if we quit while we’re ahead.”
Sledge is one of more than 100 national activists who will head to Washington for the Power Summit, an annual advocacy event hosted by the ONE Campaign, which works to secure the resources needed to promote healthy lives and economic opportunities in Africa.
“By saving lives, helping to build more sustainable economies and health systems, and promoting stability, US foreign assistance programs have demonstrated an incredible return on investment,” Sledge continued. “When I’m in Washington, I’ll remind Representative Tom Cole and Senators James Lankford and Markwayne Mullin that smart, strategic investments in foreign assistance serve the health and security interests of Americans while also empowering countries to stand on their own. That’s a future Oklahomans – and all Americans – can get behind.”
Oklahomans and Foreign Assistance: Fast Facts
According to the ONE Campaign, contributions from Oklahomans alone have helped US foreign assistance programs save 233,511 lives from HIV, immunize 1,511,157 children against deadly but preventable diseases, and provide 416,047 bed nets to protect people from malaria.
About The ONE Campaign:
ONE is a global, nonpartisan organization advocating for the investments needed to create economic opportunities and healthier lives in Africa. Our trusted advocacy uses hard-hitting data, grassroots activism, political engagement, and strategic partnerships to influence decision-makers. Learn more at one.org.
Get Local News!
