The announcement of a new COVID-19 supplemental agreement that zeroes out global resources is stunningly irresponsible when it comes to protecting the health and safety of the American people. This is simply not the time to halt America’s modest and targeted global response to the pandemic given today’s acute crises – from Ukraine and the fastest growing refugee movement since WWII to the unprecedented global food emergency to the rise of China.

The global pandemic will only continue to multiply these global threats, and American families are still vulnerable when it’s just a matter of time before a new variant reaches our shores. Given that nearly 3 billion people around the world are unvaccinated, it’s all the more disappointing that the global package failed to be included.

We are thankful for the steadfast leadership of Chairman Coons and Senator Graham in their unwavering commitment to support resources to combat the pandemic globally. I am also encouraged that Leader Schumer and bipartisan leaders in Congress are already laying the groundwork for the next emergency supplemental in the near future to address urgent global needs – including the COVID-19 global response, the escalating humanitarian and hunger crises, and support for the Ukrainian people.

We urge Congress and the Administration to act with urgency and decisiveness to approve such a package. There is no time to waste. For our part, we stand ready to make the case – as business, military, faith, and community leaders – to the American people that these U.S. global resources not only demonstrate the best of American leadership, but are essential to our nation’s health, safety, and economic interests.
  

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