The humanitarian needs in the world have significantly increased due to conflicts and climate change.
For instance, 25 million people in Southern Africa face extreme food and water shortages, which El Nino primarily causes. In Sudan, civil war is the main reason why 700,000 children are nearing famine.
Currently, about 4% of the world's population, which translates to 363 million people across 72 countries, is affected by disasters that require assistance. Unfortunately, we only hear about a few of them.
The United States' role in worldwide humanitarian aid is crucial. Ignoring it is not an option, as the world's safety and security are at stake. The US spends 0.14% of its federal budget on international humanitarian aid. The question remains whether this amount is too little or too much.
The US spends less than 1% of its annual budget on foreign aid. Of this aid, 40-45% goes to long-term development, 30-35% is allocated to military and security aid, 14% is set aside for humanitarian needs, and 11% is for political aid.
My opponent Rep. Bergman's votes and opposition to funding proposals tell us international aid is worthless federal spending. Wrong. As a former diplomat for ten years, I can attest that we spend too little on foreign humanitarian aid, which is essential to our national security.