To the editor:

In the recently proposed budget by the Trump Administration, large federal cuts have been predicted to have devastating consequences on various humanitarian programs. These cuts will potentially hurt the U.S. economy and their forefront efforts in alleviating global poverty. The International Affairs Budget is our only hope in helping save millions of lives in the U.S. and in many developing countries around the world.

Currently, this budget only makes up less than 1 percent of the entire U.S. federal budget, but nonetheless these funds continue to impact all aspects of life in America. In cutting these funds by about 30 percent, the development, defense and diplomacy of the U.S. will have harmful results that will take unnecessary steps back in the fight to alleviate global poverty. These funds are imperative in providing life-saving treatment, addressing issues of malnutrition and providing opportunities for children (especially girls) all over the world to receive education.

As a constituent and supporter of The Borgen Project, we advocate for the world’s poor and continue to emphasize a focus on global poverty reduction efforts in U.S. foreign policy. In order to truly make a difference in the world, stressing the importance of this budget is crucial in helping those struggling in the world escape the poverty that has troubled their country and give them an opportunity to lead a healthy and successful life.