No matter how successful we are in fighting the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic at home, we will never stop it unless we are also fighting it around the world. As Congress works on emergency funding to address the domestic impact – which is and must be our top priority – we must also prioritize resources for the State Department, USAID, and other development agencies on the frontlines keeping Americans safe.

If there is anything that we have seen in the last several weeks, it is that a deadly virus threat anywhere is a deadly threat everywhere. When 70% of the world remains underprepared to respond to a public health emergency, America must lead – and that will require smart investments in our diplomats and development programs.