Congressman Sander Levin

Development Assistance

I firmly believe that helping other countries build stronger economies and reduce poverty is not only the right thing to do, it is critical to our own prosperity and security. Humanitarian and economic development assistance reinforce American international standing, promote stability and create new markets for our goods and services.

From the Marshall Plan after World War II, to the Millennium Challenge Corporation today, Americans have long understood that when we help our neighbors, we create a stronger and safer international community.

But while the US has historically had a strong commitment to international development, we can do more. The Center for Global Development ranks the US 14th out of 21 rich nations on our Commitment to Development," and notes that our development assistance budget is among the very smallest as a percentage of our economy (0.19%, or 19th out of 21).

Earlier this year, I joined a number of my colleagues in the House of Representatives in sending a letter to President Bush urging that the Administration's Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 budget request continue to increase investments in international development. As Congress considers the FY 2009 State-Foreign Operations Appropriations bill, I will continue to work for increased investments in international development, including basic education and global health.