Topics in the News: Foreign Aid
Tom Steyer on Foreign Aid:
(Foreign Policy Dec 24, 2019)
More foreign aid for Central America
Steyer has not taken a position on the economic and political crisis in Venezuela, and he has made few comments on U.S. policy elsewhere in the region.
He says he will provide more foreign aid for Central American countries as part of his plan to address the record number of asylum seekers arriving at the U.S. southern border.
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Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2019 Democratic primary
Kirsten Gillibrand on Foreign Aid:
(Foreign Policy Aug 18, 2019)
Israel went in wrong direction barring Congressional visit
Q: What about foreign aid to Israel and others in the Middle East?GILLIBRAND: Congress has a duty to make decisions about whether we give aid, how we protect allies such as Israel with qualitative military edge.
I don't know why Netanyahu would want to deny members of Congress to come to Israel if they expect us to be that never-ending partner and friend.
Q: They talk about the BDS movement
("Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions" directed against Israel)..
GILLIBRAND: In this country, we don't deny people the right to participate in conversations about their views and their values. Unfortunately,
Netanyahu has allowed a law that says if you support the BDS movement they can prevent you. Any time you are undermining basic free speech rights and human rights you're going in the wrong direction.
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Source: ABC This Week interview for Democratic 2020 Veepstakes
Joe Sestak on Foreign Aid:
(Immigration Jul 16, 2019)
Establish path to citizenship, end family separation
Sestak tweeted that he supports allowing a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, and new border security measures. He would end the Trump administration's family separation practices, which his campaign
website calls "shameful." And he has called on U.S. officials to do more to ensure that Central American governments are using U.S. foreign aid effectively.
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Source: PBS News Hour on 2020 Democratic primary
Pete Buttigieg on Foreign Aid:
(Homeland Security Jun 11, 2019)
Security establishment should reflect nation's diversity
A foreign policy that serves our people can best be made by government officials who represent the full diversity of our people. For far too long, our national security establishment has not reflected this diversity. We must work to upgrade our hiring
practices to promote both diversity and excellence. No matter where they come from, our finest minds should find it as attractive and compelling to serve in Foggy Bottom, or USAID or Langley as it is to work on Wall Street or in Silicon Valley.
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Source: 2020 presidential campaign website, PeteForAmerica.com
Seth Moulton on Foreign Aid:
(Foreign Policy May 2, 2019)
Build a Pacific NATO & rebuild existing alliances
Over the last couple years, this administration has turned its back on our friends and cozied up to our adversaries. Donald Trump's erratic foreign policy has weakened the country, left our allies in the lurch, and emboldened our adversaries
across the globe. That needs to change in 2020.But to restore strong American leadership, we need to use all the tools at our disposal--from foreign aid to new alliances to diplomacy--not just the military.
We should build new alliances, like a Pacific NATO, to counter the growing threats of Russia and China abroad.
And we need to take care of those who take care of us, whether it's an ally in the Paris Climate Accord or the veterans who fight our wars.
Our troops deserve it and our national security demands it.
Click for Seth Moulton on other issues.
Source: 2020 Presidential Campaign website SethMoulton.com
Donald Trump on Foreign Aid:
(Foreign Policy Sep 25, 2018)
Foreign aid only for allies with shared values
Lobbing criticism at a bevy of international institutions, Trump called the U.N. human rights council "a grave embarrassment to this institution" and said the International Criminal Court "has no jurisdiction, no legitimacy and no authority." He touted
some of his most divisive foreign policy decisions, including his crackdown on immigration and his recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.The "America first" remarks drew on a similar speech he delivered at the United Nations last year but
included more detailed examples of how that vision informs his policies on trade, immigration and the world's hot spots.
Trump suggested he would sharply curtail U.S. foreign aid, saying he ordered a review of whether countries that receive American
assistance are allies with shared values. "We are only going to give foreign aid to those who respect us and, frankly, are our friends," Trump said. "And we expect other countries to pay their fair share for the cost of their defense."
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Source: USA Today on Trump Administration UN Speech
Bernie Sanders on Foreign Aid:
(Foreign Policy Sep 21, 2017)
Development aid isn't charity; it avoids military later
Development aid is not charity, it advances our national security. It's worth noting that the U.S. military is a stalwart supporter of non-defense diplomacy and development aid. Starving diplomacy and aid now will result in greater defense needs later
on. US foreign aid should be accompanied by stronger emphasis on helping people gain their political and civil rights to hold oppressive governments accountable to the people.
Ultimately, governments that are accountable to the needs of their people will make more dependable partners.
Here is the bottom line: In my view, the United States must seek partnerships not just between governments, but between peoples.
A sensible and effective foreign policy recognizes that our safety and welfare is bound up with the safety and welfare of others around the world.
Click for Bernie Sanders on other issues.
Source: Westminster College speech in Where We Go From Here, p. 109
Arvin Vohra on Foreign Aid:
(Foreign Policy Jun 28, 2016)
Instead of foreign aid, sell sovereignty rights
Right now, dozens of countries are struggling and demanding foreign aid. But the fact is: they don't need foreign aid. They all have large quantities of the most valuable resource on earth: sovereign territory.Normally, when you buy land, you don't
also buy sovereignty rights. You cannot treat your house like a private country, setting your own laws, regulations, and taxes. But any country can theoretically sell you those sovereignty rights. Sovereign rights over land have been sold many times in
history.
Most countries have huge amounts of unused, state-owned land. Selling sovereign rights to that land to private companies would quickly raise billions of dollars in capital.
Of course, the creation of new, private countries would benefit
everyone else. How much would a hundred new Hong Kongs help the global economy? As private nations competed with public nations to offer better services, lower taxes, and lower regulations, it would force all countries to improve.
Click for Arvin Vohra on other issues.
Source: 2018 Maryland Senatorial campaign website VoteVohra.com
Donald Trump on Foreign Aid:
(Foreign Policy Sep 1, 2015)
Stop sending aid to countries that hate us
Devex compiled a list of quotes from Trump that provide a window into his view on foreign aid:- "It is necessary that we invest in our infrastructure, and stop sending aid to countries that hate us--and nobody can do that better than me."--
Presidential announcement
- "Pakistan's a real problem because they have nuclear weapons. I would say we don't give them any money unless they get rid of their nuclear weapons."--
Fox News, May 9, 2011
- "The World Bank is tying poverty to climate change--and we wonder why international organizations are ineffective." --@realDonaldTrump
Twitter, Nov. 19, 2012
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Source: Devex global development blog, "Trump on foreign aid"
Amy Klobuchar on Foreign Aid:
(Foreign Policy Aug 24, 2015)
Internationalism should include humanitarian policies
Internationalism is about more than economics. American internationalism should also include humanitarian policies--and an abiding concern for human rights--grounded in our democratic values and moral purpose. On the first all-women senators' trip to
Africa, I saw firsthand the way our government's USAID has taken smart, pragmatic economic- and health-focused approaches to foreign aid. Foreign aid is a much less expensive way of engaging with the rest of the world than foreign military involvement.
Click for Amy Klobuchar on other issues.
Source: The Senator Next Door, by Amy Klobuchar, p.268
Cory Booker on Foreign Aid:
(Free Trade Nov 3, 2013)
African trade makes stable countries & good for our security
Expanding the economic pie means creating strong ties with these developing nations. Rather than making these countries dependent on long-term foreign aid, we should focus on increasing trade with them. For example, in countries that don't have legacy
landline telephones, as we do in America, there are opportunities to invest in mobile data technology--creating jobs here and there. This "trade, not aid" approach means new markets for
American goods, self-sufficient countries that benefit from investment and a world economy that's expanding.Stronger, more stable African countries are also good for our security. Some parts of Africa, like Mali and Somalia, have
had significant problems with extremist groups. Extremists have a much harder time gaining a foothold and recruiting when a countries people are making money, putting food on the table, and being supported by an effective government.
Click for Cory Booker on other issues.
Source: 2013-2014 New Jersey Senate campaign web CoryBooker.com
Barack Obama on Foreign Aid:
(Foreign Policy Sep 4, 2012)
Prepare for global pandemics with global partners
Q: What steps should the US take to protect our population from emerging diseases, global pandemics and/or deliberate biological attacks?A: Advancements in technology allow Americans to travel internationally with ease, and allow us to welcome
individuals from around the world. This fluidity also requires that we, as a nation, are prepared to protect against them. I will continue to work to strengthen our systems of public health so we can stop disease from spreading across our borders.
It is also important that should these threats breach our borders, our communities can respond quickly & effectively. Lastly, to help our country prepare to meet these challenges, we have been working with the private sector to assess potential
vulnerabilities. I have no doubt that we can counter any threat we face, but we cannot face it alone. We must continue to work with our international partners, remain diligent in seeking out new threats, and prepare to act should a need arise.
Click for Barack Obama on other issues.
Source: The Top American Science Questions, by sciencedebate.org
Hillary Clinton on Foreign Aid:
(Foreign Policy Jul 13, 2011)
1% of budget on foreign aid maintains our global leadership
Clinton discussed the benefits of foreign aid at the annual "Investing in the Future: A Smart Power Approach to Global Leadership" conference hosted by the US Global Leadership Coalition."The 1% of our budget we spend on all diplomacy and development
is not what is driving our deficit. Not only can we afford to maintain a strong civilian presence, we cannot afford not to. The simple truth is, if we don't seize the opportunities available today, other countries will; other countries will fight for
their companies while ours fend for themselves. Other countries will promote their own models and serve their own interests, instead of opening markets, reinforcing the rule of law and creating widespread inclusive growth. Other countries will create the
jobs that should be created here, and even claim the mantle of global leadership."
Clinton cited the Marshall Plan [in post-WWII] Europe, which established a long-term economic partnership with the US that now grosses $250 billion annually.
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Source: Obama Cabinet: ONE.org, "US foreign aid," by M. Glauberman
Mike Pence on Foreign Aid:
(Foreign Policy Nov 1, 2008)
Foreign aid for US security interests & disasters
Pence indicates support of the following principles regarding international aid:- Support the United States granting aid to countries when extraordinary circumstances cause disaster and threaten civilian lives.
-
Support the US granting aid to countries when in the security interests of the US.
- Increase United States military support and financial support for Afghanistan
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Source: Congressional Indiana 2008 Political Courage Test
Barack Obama on Foreign Aid:
(Foreign Policy Aug 1, 2008)
Global Poverty Act: spend 0.7% of GDP on foreign aid
As the Democratic primaries were winding down in May 2008, Obama quietly steered his Global Poverty Act, known as S. 2433, through the Senate. Obama likes to characterize S. 2433 as requiring "the president to develop and implement a comprehensive policy
to cut extreme global poverty in half by 2015 through aid, trade debt relief, and coordination with the international community, businesses and NGOs (non-governmental organizations)." Obama clearly hopes he will be in his second term as president by
then, so reduction of global poverty by half can be tracked back to his co-sponsorship of this visionary piece of legislation.Critics on the right, who were anything but enthusiastic, sarcastically renamed the bill the "Global Poverty Tax."
The legislation "would commit the U.S. to spending 0.7 percent of Gross Domestic Product on foreign aid, which amounts to a phenomenal total of $845 billion over and above what the U.S. already spends.
Click for Barack Obama on other issues.
Source: Obama Nation, by Jerome Corsi, p.250
Hillary Clinton on Foreign Aid:
(Foreign Policy Oct 23, 2007)
Supported strong funding for international development
Hillary worked quietly with her husband’s top officials on their budgets and policy priorities in areas that interested her, such as the US Agency for International Development.
Brian Atwood, the director of USAID, said that Hillary “deserves more credit. than anyone” for securing an increase in funding for his agency in 1997.
Click for Hillary Clinton on other issues.
Source: For Love of Politics, by Sally Bedell Smith, p.263
Barack Obama on Foreign Aid:
(Foreign Policy Aug 26, 2007)
$50B annually to strengthen weak states at risk of collapse
Barack Obama believes that strengthening weak states at risk of collapse, economic meltdown or public health crises strengthens America’s security. Obama will double U.S. spending on foreign aid to $50 billion a year by 2012.
He will help developing countries invest in sustainable democracies and demand more accountability in return. Obama will establish a $2 billion Global Education Fund to eliminate the global education deficit.
He will reduce the debt of developing nations and better coordinate trade and development policies.
Obama also will reestablish U.S. moral leadership by respecting civil liberties; ending torture; restoring habeas corpus; making the
U.S. electoral processes fair and transparent and fighting corruption at home.
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Source: 2008 Presidential campaign website, BarackObama.com “Flyers”
Hillary Clinton on Foreign Aid:
(Foreign Policy Oct 17, 2005)
Obligation to support Israel with more than foreign aid
"Israel is our strongest ally into the Middle East. Now, more than ever, all democratic nations stand behind Israel as it fights against terrorism and for the principles all democracies share. Democratic nations throughout the world must
understand that turning their backs on Israel at this time would hurt all freedom loving nations."
(Senator Hillary Clinton, letter to Colin Powell, April 9, 2002)"I believe it is our obligation as friends and supporters and
allies of Israel to support Israel's efforts for peace, stability and security. Now, this means doing more than providing Israel with economic aid so that it can remain strong in the face of ongoing threats. We must also demand that
President Abbas dismantle the structure of terror that the Palestinian leadership has employed for so long."
(Senator Hillary Clinton, American Israel Public Affairs Committee Policy Conference, May 24, 2005)
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Source: The Case for Hillary Clinton, by Susan Estrich, p.210-211
Hillary Clinton on Foreign Aid:
(Foreign Policy Nov 1, 2003)
Supports USAID projects in developing world
My visit to the subcontinent was meant to demonstrate that this strategic and volatile part of the world was important to the US and that Bill supported their efforts to strengthen democracy, expand free markets and promote tolerance and human rights.
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Source: Living History, by Hillary Rodham Clinton, p.268-270
Hillary Clinton on Foreign Aid:
(Health Care Nov 1, 2003)
Low-tech low-cost water treatment for developing world
Bangladesh, the most densely populated country on earth, presented the starkest contrast of wealth and poverty I saw in South Asia. But this was another country I had long wanted to visit, because it was home to two international recognized projects--the
International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research (ICDDR/B) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and the Grameen Bank, a pioneer of microcredit. The ICDDR/B is an important example of the positive results that come from foreign aid. Dysentery is a leading cause of
death, particularly among children, in parts of the world where there are limited sources of clean drinking water, The ICDDR/B developed "oral rehydration therapy" (ORT), a solution composed mostly of salt, sugar and water, that is easy to administer
and responsible for saving the lives of millions of children. This simple, inexpensive solution has been called one of the most important medical advances of the century, and the hospital that pioneered it depends on American aid.
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Source: Living History, by Hillary Rodham Clinton, p.283-284
Mark Sanford on Foreign Aid:
(Foreign Policy Nov 4, 2000)
1997: proposed freezing State Department budget at $6.3B
International spending is about $12 billion for foreign aid and $6 billion for the State Department. My proposal only dealt with the State Department portion, and left one of Washington’s sacred cows, foreign aid, untouched.Freezing State Department
funding at 1997 levels ($6.3 billion each year), as opposed to increasing it by $265 million for each of the next two years was a no-brainer to me. Every day families and businesses are asked to do more with less--was it too much to ask for the State
Department to manage with what they already had?
This amendment was consistent with testimony given to the international relations committee suggesting that if we merged the two cold war programs--the US Information Agency and the Arms Control and
Disarmament Agency--we would see over $1 billion in savings. This bill did indeed fold the two programs into the State Department. But instead of saving $1 billion, spending at the State Department was set to rise by $265 million!
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Source: The Trust Committed to Me, by Mark Sanford, p. 79
Lincoln Chafee on Foreign Aid:
(Foreign Policy Sep 19, 2000)
Supports continuing Foreign Aid to Russia, Israel, & others
This year, Senator Chafee has been instrumental in securing funding for debt relief for some of the world’s most impoverished nations -- a key aim of the church-led Jubilee 2000 movement. Senator Chafee also played a critical role in securing funding
for the rebuilding of East Timor. Since last November, Senator Chafee has participated in fruitful discussions with foreign dignitaries and heads of state, such as Colombian President Andres Pastrana.
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Source: Senate web site, “Debt relief”
Hillary Clinton on Foreign Aid:
(Foreign Policy Feb 3, 1997)
Foreign aid spending is only 1%; lead by remaining engaged
I think many people are mistaken about how much money we spend on foreign aid. We spend 1%, and many believe we spend 25%. That 1% investment has made a difference in solving problems but also in helping America to be stronger by solving problems around
the world. We sometimes learn lessons we can bring home. I want us to continue to be a leader, and you don’t lead from behind walls. You don’t lead by walking away from the world. I think you lead by remaining engaged and trying to shape events.
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Source: Unique Voice, p.111-12
John Kasich on Foreign Aid:
(Foreign Policy Nov 1, 1996)
Phase out economic aid to Russia & others
Kasich indicates support of the following principles concerning economic aid to Russia and the former Soviet republics.- Foreign aid should be given to countries only when it is in the security interests of the United States.
-
The US should participate in UN peacekeeping missions only when vital US interests are directly threatened.
- Kasich adds, "Economic aid to Russia should be gradually phased out."
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Source: Congressional 1996 National Political Awareness Test
Page last updated: Dec 08, 2020