Congressional Action Alerts

Focus on Family Health Worldwide Act of 2005 (HR 4188)

Background:
Introduced by Representatives McCollum (D-MN), Ramstad (R-MN), Oberstar (D-MN)  and Shays (R-CT) on November 1, 2005, the Focus on Family Health Worldwide Act of 2005 (HR 4188) bolsters U.S. international family planning assistance, which is vital to the health of the environment, families and our children’s future. International family planning is one of the most cost-effective ways to help countries reduce population pressures that cause environmental destruction such as loss of habitat and wildlife. Family planning helps preserve vital natural resources by slowing rapid population growth.

This legislation will authorize increased funding to family planning programs implemented by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Specifically, this bill will increase authorized funding for USAID’s voluntary family planning programs to $600 million in FY 2007, and then by an additional $100 million annually, over the next four years, reaching $1 billion in FY 2011. The bill also prioritizes funding allocation to countries with acute family planning and maternal and child health needs, where contraceptive shortages are forecast, and to areas where high population growth rates and crucial biological diversity intersect.

Message:
By funding international family planning programs, the United States can make a significant impact in stemming the rise of poverty, hunger, environmental destruction, and political instability that comes with poor health care and rapid population growth. USAID population programs help developing nations slow population growth, achieve economic and social development, and protect the environment.

Please co-sponsor the Focus on Family Health Worldwide Act (HR 4188) to increase funds for USAID’s voluntary international family planning programs!

ACTION:
Contact Representative Bass or Bradley and ask him to co-sponsoring this important piece of legislation. If you are a registered voter in another Congressional district, we can tell you if your Representative has sponsored the bill or not so you can contact them accordingly.

Global Poverty Act of 2005 (HR 3605)

Background:
Introduced by Representative’s Smith (D-WA) and Bachus (R-AL) on July 28, 2005, the Global Poverty Act (HR 3605) ensures that reducing global poverty is a major priority of US foreign Policy. Specifically the bill directs the Administration to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy integrating sustainable development principles to vastly reduce global poverty, those living on less than $2 per day, and to eliminate extreme poverty, those living on less than $1 per day, in developing countries.

Reducing poverty is inextricably linked to environmental sustainability because the poorest 5% of the global population depend on natural resources for 50% of their income. Development projects that exploit these resources may provide short term relief, but over time exacerbate environmental problems, making poor people destitute.

The major environmental challenges facing the world today - population growth, climate change, water scarcity, resource depletion, and pandemic diseases - are interrelated with economic development, national security and poverty. By requiring a strategy for development assistance which incorporates environmental sustainability, The Global Poverty Act is a first step to lasting relief from poverty and a healthy future for people and the planet.

Message:
By directing funds to reduce global poverty, the United States can take a lead role in improving the quality of life for people and the planet. Please support the Global Poverty Act (HR 3605) and help find a healthy balance for people and wildlife.

ACTION:
Contact your Representative and urge them to support the Global Poverty Act of 2005.

USEFUL CONTACT INFORMATION

Find your Representative’s and Senator’s office contact information at http://action.nwf.org/nwf/leg-lookup/search.tcl?domain=nwf

OR:

Official Government Web Portal: www.firstgov.gov
House: www.house.gov
Senate: www.senate.gov