SEATTLE — U.S. representatives and senators all have specific causes they support for reasons of personal, district or global interest. Democratic Sen. Christopher Coons of Delaware focuses on foreign policy and humanitarian aid.
According to Coons’ website, his philosophy on foreign aid is “deeply rooted in the notion that we should be helping the world’s most vulnerable by providing the tools that eradicate poverty and promote economic independence.” Thus far, Coons has advocated for the Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act, the Electrify Africa Act, the Global Food Security Act and the Reach Every Mother and Child Act.
In an interview with Kate Snow, Coons explained that because of food shrinkage and spoilage, the U.S. loses about a third of the money it spends on aid to starving families.The Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act, a bill in the process of being amended, supports efficient use of taxpayer dollars to effectively assist countries and peoples in need.
In 2015, Coons supported the Electrify Africa Act, a bill providing renewable energy and reliable power to sub-Saharan Africa.
More recently in April, Coons helped pass the Global Food Security Act. According to Congress, the bill helps “promote global food security, resilience and nutrition” and does so through augmenting investments to improve productivity and livelihoods.
Sen. Coons is collaborating with Republican Sen. Susan Collins from Maine in support of the Reach Every Mother and Child Act. According to Coons, “[The bill aims] to end infant and child mortality and improve maternal and neonatal care in developing countries.”
Beyond supporting specific bills, Coons urges Congress to support efforts addressing HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and vaccination expansion.
Sen. Coons’ work has already affected millions worldwide, and his persistent efforts will continue to do so.
The bills he advances promote stable governments, better markets and national security. With his humanitarian efforts, Coons is striving to make the world a better, fairer place.
– Kristen Guyler
Photo: Flickr