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Amazingly, a Dysfunctional Congress Delivers
Wed, 01/18/2012 - 15:11This week, the Washington Post published a poll showing that the U.S. Congress has set a new record for disapproval. A whopping 84 percent of Americans do not approve of the way Congress is doing its job. Media coverage of the House and Senate highlights the brinksmanship and polarized politicking that seems to surround every piece of legislation – and now, even routine nominations and confirmations.
16 Days: Congress Joins the Campaign
Mon, 12/12/2011 - 10:01As the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence drew to a close last week, we were proud to see two members of Congress - one a Republican, one a Democrat - raise their voices on this vital issue.
The first, Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX) told the House of Representatives, "My grandmother used to tell me that you never hurt somebody you claim you love. As the leader of the free world, it is critical that the United States promotes this simple truth throughout this country and other countries."
The Supercommittee Stumbles. Now What?
Mon, 11/21/2011 - 13:38It's official: Congressional negotiations over a debt-reduction plan have now collapsed. What does that mean for America's role in humanitarian assistance and crisis response? Well, it's a bit complicated. But stick with us, and we'll explain.
Deadline Day Nears for Supercommittee
Wed, 11/16/2011 - 16:12Breathless headlines about the so-called Supercommittee have been popping up everywhere these days. And as the hours until the committee's deadline tick by, it seems like everyone in Washington is asking the same questions: "Will they or won't they agree to a deal?", "Which party will win, and which will lose?"
Here at Refugees International, we're asking a different question: "What will the debt deal mean for the world's most vulnerable people?"
Support Senate’s Bid to Preserve US Leadership
Wed, 11/02/2011 - 17:16A few months ago, I wrote about the initial budget negotiations on Capitol Hill and how they could affect America’s humanitarian operations.
At that point, it was clear that the most important budget line items supporting humanitarian action – Migration and Refugee Assistance, International Disaster Assistance, and Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities – were under tremendous pressure.
A Proud American Tradition on Shaky Footing
Mon, 08/22/2011 - 11:00
Since the earliest days of our nation, the United States has self-identified as a beacon of hope for the world’s oppressed and most vulnerable. Every year, the Congress decides anew whether or not our country will live up to its highest ideals and continue to provide global leadership in response to humanitarian crises. In times of plenty – when the economy is growing – living up to the high standard we set for ourselves, may happen as a matter of course.
RI Mourns the Death of Senator Hatfield
Fri, 08/12/2011 - 10:53
Thirty-one years ago when the founders of Refugees International were looking for a friend and ally to help the refugees of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, they discovered Senator Mark Hatfield. The former governor of Oregon was a committed and compassionate champion of the poor and persecuted.
Pakistan: Goals and Perceptions of Foreign Aid
Wed, 05/11/2011 - 15:04It has been a big week for those of us working on Pakistan. New attention on the intensely fractured relationship between the US and Pakistan has led to questions about the fate of current and planned aid packages- with emphasis on the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act (or the Kerry-Lugar Act).
Famine Looms in Somalia as Crisis Marks 20th Year
Mon, 03/07/2011 - 17:30
The potential famine looming in Somalia is not being met with any sense of urgency by the U.S. Government. The humanitarian arm of USAID is currently frozen while the U.S. debates a new policy on the provision of humanitarian assistance in south and central Somalia. If the spring rains fail, recent assessments indicate that nearly five million people in southern and central Somalia will struggle to meet their basic food and water requirements for survival in the coming months.
US Budget: America's Humanitarian Legacy is at Risk
Tue, 02/15/2011 - 18:13
Budgets matter. They show us two things: 1) how our government is spending our scarce resources; and 2) where our national values and priorities lie.
Yesterday, President Obama unveiled his budget request for Fiscal Year 2012 (FY12). His budget proposal comes a mere three days after the fledgling GOP House leadership unveiled its plan to fund the U.S. government for the remainder of the 2011 fiscal year. The two documents – the President’s FY12 budget and the House of Representatives' GOP FY11 spending plan – both display starkly different visions for U.S. spending abroad.
Yesterday, President Obama unveiled his budget request for Fiscal Year 2012 (FY12). His budget proposal comes a mere three days after the fledgling GOP House leadership unveiled its plan to fund the U.S. government for the remainder of the 2011 fiscal year. The two documents – the President’s FY12 budget and the House of Representatives' GOP FY11 spending plan – both display starkly different visions for U.S. spending abroad.
Refugees International (RI) advocates for lifesaving assistance and protection for displaced people and promotes solutions to displacement crises.
We are an independent organization, and do not accept any government or UN funding.
We are an independent organization, and do not accept any government or UN funding.