While Rep.  Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) questioned the worth of borrowing more money to help people in countries ruled by corrupt or oppressive regimes, other members were more optimistic about the initiative.  Rohrabacher, skeptical of “transfers of wealth” to the populations suffering from chronic hunger, called for a more “hard-headed” approach. Conversely, Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) explained how failure to attack world hunger at its roots will render other foreign assistance goals, such as education, stability and economic growth, impossible.

Witnesses Patricia Haslach (State Department) and William Garvelink (USAID), coordinators for Diplomacy and Development at the Office of the Coordinator for Global Hunger and Food Security Initiative, reiterated that Feed the Future is an international collaboration.  The working committee in charge of Feed the Future is committed to holding donors accountable, coordinating the efforts of all stakeholders, and requiring investment plans that are specific to needs of the countries in which they are applied.  Garvelink closed with an important reminder: “security is determined not by promises, but by results.”  To be successful, the initiative will need U.S. leadership in global engagement, consultation and action.

Photo Credit: mckaysavage

The Majority Leader explained how development is not just for the benefit of the recipients of our aid – it serves our moral and economic interests, eliminating threats to our own country.  In a strong reflection of our global leadership, the Obama administration is partnering with other donor countries and the private sector on new food security and global health initiatives, as well as investing in the empowerment of women and girls. He noted that such efforts will be bolstered by strong standards for accountability and against corruption in recipient countries.

Also key to Hoyer’s approach is a commitment to promoting democracy and human rights in a way that maintains our values. If we fail to lead by example and stay true to our character as a nation, Hoyer says, “we make our principles hollow in the eyes of the world, and we throw away one of the best weapons we have.”

You can view the rest of his speech here and read his full remarks here.