Parishioners get letter from Sherrod Brown on U.S aid

Parishioners got a letter from U.S. Rep. Sherrod Brown for the parish Offering of Letters supporting the Foregin Assistance Revitalization and Accountability Act.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved the act by a 14-3 vote which is a significant first step in reforming U.S. foreign assistance and a major milestone for the r 2009 Offering of Letters by the parish. . H.R. 2139 has shown an increase of 121 co-sponsors of this bill. President Obama has issued a national strategy for our foreign aid.

“Congress and the Administration bave a vital opportunity to renew our commitment to international development and diplomacy abroad, Brown wrote. “Our investment in foreign assistance is a crucial aspect toward creating an effective foreign policy grounded in our shared values and directed toward advancing global peace and prosperity,"

"U.S. foreign aid makes up less than 1 % of our nation's gross national product. It provides research to cure life-threatening diseases, security for troubled regions, and support for democracy building initiatives .. People who, through no fault of their own, would otherwise not receive help are provided· vaccinations, food, water, education, and shelter."

“Global poverty, disease, and war not only threaten the safety of those involved, but also our own economy and national security. Disease easily crosses borders, war creates refugees,. and poverty crushes hope, opportunity, and economic growth. Our aid helps to stop these threats.”