With the end of the Cold War and the need to reduce the Federal budget, U.S. foreign aid commitments are under congressional review. The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) understands the need for this review and welcomes any effort to eliminate waste, corruption and misuse of funds. We support ongoing efforts in the Congress to restructure USAID, and other international humanitarian organizations, so that those involved in administering foreign funds are held accountable.
We support efforts to focus U.S. foreign aid on such programs as micro-enterprise development and child survival that have demonstrated the ability to make a real difference in the lives of those in need. We encourage the utilization of private, voluntary organizations such as our own World Relief Corporation, which can supplement U.S. government funds with support from private donors, operate with minimal overhead, and work effectively to bring hope to people at the local level.
We strongly believe that any review of the U.S. foreign aid budget should safeguard our country’s benevolence to those in desperate need. Although our country cannot solve all of the world’s problems, our foreign aid should be available to care for victims of war and disaster, reduce chronic poverty, and assist with health care for those exposed to preventable illnesses.
We urge the U.S. Congress, therefore, to approve foreign aid budgets that will protect and strengthen our nation’s long-standing tradition of humanitarian concern and bring hope to those who are displaced, hungry, and in need.