Statement By Michel Gabaudan, President, Refugees International

"The House of Representatives has passed a version of the budget that would drastically reduce lifesaving aid to some of the world’s most vulnerable people. Cutting humanitarian aid represents a devastating retreat of U.S. global leadership and influence and harms the US government’s ability to prevent future conflict. The Fiscal Year 2011 Continuing Resolution passed by the House cuts refugee aid through the Migration and Refugee Assistance account by more than 40 percent. The International Disaster Assistance account has been cut by more than 50 percent. These shocking cuts will limit the provision of basic shelter, food, water, and medicine for the more than 43 million refugees and internally displaced people in places like Iraq, Pakistan, Sudan and Haiti. Refugees International is calling on the Senate to restore humanitarian funding to at least Fiscal Year 2010 levels. This will ensure that the U.S. government continues to provide assistance to innocent victims of war, persecution, and natural disasters."