Letter to the Editor: Reject foreign aid rescissions

Growing up in a farming community, I learned the value of hard work, helping neighbors, and doing what’s right — even when no one’s watching. Those values are what inspired me to join Save the Children Action Network. I believe in protecting children, whether they live down the road or across the globe.

Helping kids around the world isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s also the smart thing. The U.S. foreign aid budget supports families in need overseas by purchasing food grown right here at home. These investments create a ripple effect that supports American farmers, strengthens rural economies, and boosts our agricultural exports.

But now, Congress is considering a rescissions package that would eliminate more than $8 billion in critical foreign aid — including food assistance and farming support that helps families feed themselves. These cuts won’t make America safer or stronger. In fact, they’ll do the opposite: making the world more unstable, disease outbreaks harder to contain, and markets for U.S. goods harder to access.

Foreign aid is one of the most effective tools we have for building a safer, healthier world — for all children, including our own. These programs save lives, reduce poverty, and promote global security, all while benefiting our local communities.

We can’t afford to turn our backs on children and families in need. I urge our Iowa Legislators to reject the proposed foreign aid rescissions. Let’s continue to lead with compassion, strength, and a commitment to doing what’s right — even when it’s not easy.

Jessi Balk

Bondurant

Save The Children Action Network