Background: On May 30, the White House sent a detailed document to Congress, requesting additional funding cuts to lifesaving humanitarian assistance. The document fleshes out the previously released FY2026 budget request which includes a 13% increase in military spending and the elimination of vital programs such as Food for Peace. These cuts will result in catastrophic outcomes, including otherwise preventable deaths, as well as increased global poverty, instability and violence. For decades, a bipartisan majority in Congress recognized that foreign assistance brings more peaceful and prosperous communities globally—and in the U.S. 

Previous cuts to U.S. foreign assistance are already having severe impacts on vulnerable communities around the world. Unless funding is restored, we will see increases in trauma, famine and food insecurity, leading to millions of deaths. This week, the Senate begins deliberations on the FY26 budget bill passed by the House. Urge your Senators to recognize our moral responsibility and to unconditionally prioritize assistance for vulnerable populations. 

Faith reflection: In the Scriptures, Jesus repeatedly reminds us of our responsibility toward each other, especially in responding to basic needs and saving lives, describing how God blesses and rewards those who are compassionately generous to others (Matthew 25:31-45). God invites us to courageously love others and share generously, in the same way God loves us.