Senators Introduce Reauthorization of Global Food Security Legislation
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) introduced a five-year reauthorization of their Global Food Security Act. The Senators’ 2016 legislation, which is now public law, ensures that the life-saving food security programs managed under the Feed the Future Initiative will continue through 2018. This reauthorization is crucial to ensuring the success of the program beyond next year.
“Feed the Future and the Global Food Security Act have helped the United States more effectively address hunger around the world and in the process created greater international stability,” said Senator Casey. “This bipartisan effort was widely supported last Congress. I look forward to my colleagues continued support and urge swift passage of this reauthorization.”
“The Global Food Security Act has not only helped our neighbors abroad, but also has been an investment in our own national security,” said Senator Isakson, a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. “The strategy helps ensure that every dollar that’s invested in our foreign assistance is getting a maximum return for the American taxpayer, including Georgia’s farmers. I’m proud to introduce legislation to reauthorize this program that has already saved lives.”
Specifically, the Global Food Security Act:
Requires the Administration to develop a whole-of-government strategy to address global food insecurity and hunger. The strategy would emphasize agricultural development, improving maternal and child nutrition, building the resilience of communities, and civil society engagement.
Ensures the alignment of U.S. assistance with country-owned strategies to enhance agricultural productivity, household income, local economies, and food and nutrition security to work toward the ultimate goal of transitioning countries and communities away from the need for U.S. assistance under this Act.
Improves upon existing monitoring and evaluation practices to ensure the effective use of U.S. taxpayer dollars. This includes a requirement for the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to issue a report in 2019.
Requires that the Administration report to Congress and to the American people annually about the strategy, its results, and the use of foreign assistance funds.
Authorizes appropriations through 2021 to carry out international development assistance programs and activities under the strategy.
This five-year reauthorization would ensure that these oversight measures are authorized through 2023.
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