Congressman Berman Releases Global Partnerships Act

Photo Credit: Sarah Trister
Congressman Howard Berman (D-CA28), ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has released the Global Partnerships Act of 2011, a piece of legislation that would completely overhaul America’s foreign assistance framework.  Congressman Berman explained in a speech given at the American Enterprise Institute the need to update America’s global aid.
 
“Today, even more than in 1961, our health, our security, and our prosperity are advanced by a world in which basic human needs are met, fundamental freedoms are respected, conflicts are resolved peacefully and the world’s resources are used wisely,” said Representative Howard Berman. “The United States provides foreign assistance because it serves OUR interests. Helping countries become more democratic, more stable, more capable of defending themselves and better at pulling themselves out of poverty is just as important for us as it is for them.”

Freedom House has been a strong supporter of the movement for comprehensive aid reform.  Freedom House welcomes Mr. Berman’s proposed legislation and looks forward to a robust discussion about specific provisions.

The full text of Mr. Berman’s speech can be found here.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Issues: 
Civil Society, Democratic Governance, Human Rights Defense, U.S. Foreign Policy