[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 164 (Wednesday, December 19, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1970]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            DON'T LET FOREIGN AID FALL OFF THE FISCAL CLIFF

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                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2012

  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, as negotiations to avoid the ``fiscal 
cliff'' enter the final stages, it is important that we keep in mind 
the potentially devastating consequences of across-the-board cuts. This 
is true not only for domestic programs, but also for foreign 
assistance, which represents less than one percent of the federal 
budget and is one of the most cost-effective ways of protecting our 
interests across the globe. Today, more than ever, our health, 
security, and prosperity depend on a world in which basic human needs 
are met, fundamental rights and freedoms are respected, conflicts are 
resolved peacefully, and the world's resources are used wisely.
  In this regard, I commend to my colleagues an excellent op-ed by 
Sharon Waxman, vice-president of the International Rescue Committee. 
Her article in The Hill, ``Don't Let Foreign Aid Fall off the Fiscal 
Cliff,'' outlines the importance of foreign aid in saving lives and 
easing suffering for millions around the world.

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