Statement from CARE’s Dr.

Gayle on the House Chairman’s Bill Fiscal Year

2011 Continuing Resolution
WASHINGTON, DC (February 15, 2011) – In response to the proposed cuts contained in the
House Chairman’s Bill for the Fiscal Year 2011 Continuing Resolution to fund the government
through September 30, 2011, CARE President and CEO Dr. Helene D. Gayle issued the
following statement.
“Congress is poised to vote on a budget with unprecedented cuts to the International Affairs
budget; deep cuts that would reverse the advances and progress that we have made in the global
effort to eliminate poverty. In addition to undermining our progress, this extreme measure would
result in dramatic reductions to the humanitarian and development programs which literally save
millions of lives each year. The U.S. Government’s commitment to America’s moral leadership,
national security and economic future around the globe is at stake.
The International Affairs budget is critical to fighting extreme poverty and helping the more than
one billion people around the world struggling to survive on less than $1 a day. CARE has been
witness to the profound difference these investments make, especially in the lives of girls and
women. Americans should be proud that U.S. foreign assistance has saved the lives of millions
of women by empowering them to raise healthy families, send their sons and daughters to
school, and foster small businesses. Because of U.S. aid, over the last 60 years, maternal and
child mortality have dropped sharply, literacy rates have increased and economic opportunities
have expanded in the developing world. These funds produce real change in the lives of women,
children and their families living in extreme poverty, changing entire communities and nations
for the better.

With a great deal of focus on the growing federal deficit, we recognize that Congress must take a
hard look at the most effective and efficient ways to leverage our foreign aid dollars. But it is
critical that Congress also understand that the International Affairs budget supports programs
with low-cost interventions that generate high-impact results, saving lives in the fight against
disease, poverty and hunger. With only 1 percent of the entire U.S. government’s budget going
to foreign aid, the International Affairs budget is truly a small investment that yields big returns
for our nation.

CARE encourages members of the House of Representatives to reject these harmful and drastic
cuts that jeopardize both our country’s global leadership as well as millions of the world’s most
vulnerable people.”

CONTACT:
Niki Clark, (202) 604-4062, nclark@care.org

About CARE: Founded in 1945, CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global
poverty. CARE places special focus on working alongside poor women because, equipped with
the proper resources, women have the power to help whole families and entire communities
escape poverty. Women are at the heart of CARE's community-based efforts to improve
education, health and economic opportunity. To learn more, visit www.care.org.