As the United States (U.S.) political spotlight beams elsewhere, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is quietly advancing global poverty relief through appropriations, legislation and advocacy that deliver transformative impact abroad. Sen. Chris Coons (D-D.E.), Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-T.X.), Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-P.A.) and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) work across the aisle to sustain investment in global health, food aid and gender equity. Their efforts underscore how U.S. foreign engagement, especially lawmakers supporting global poverty, can reflect both humanitarian values and national interest.

5 Lawmakers Supporting Global Poverty

1. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.): Champion for Gender Equity. Since 2023, Shaheen has served as Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, becoming the first woman to hold the position. She co-sponsored the Global HER Act to permanently abolish the Global Gag Rule and reinstate financing for the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA). Additionally, in July 2025, Shaheen negotiated with Senators Risch and the administration to secure the release of $75 million in foreign aid, $50 million allocated for Haiti and $25 million for Nigeria, targeted at food and medical help. On April 2, 2025, she convened a Senate Foreign Relations roundtable to examine the ramifications of assistance reductions. She underscored that the cessation of mother and child health programs would undermine advancements in vaccinations, HIV prevention, malaria management, neonatal care and water, sanitation and that USAID’s emergency response framework and significant disease-prevention initiatives were jeopardized.
2. Sen. Chris Coons (D-D.E.): The Power Player in Foreign Aid. Over the years, Coons has emphasized the importance of critical foreign assistance portfolios, including United States Agency for International Development (USAID), President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund. In early 2025, he proposed a Senate resolution reiterating the strategic role of USAID in national security. On the Senate floor after the 2025 executive freeze of USAID, he cautioned: “Our biggest global competitor…is delighted that we’ve handed them an opportunity to say to communities around the world that we are not a reliable partner.” Coons co-sponsored the Global Child Thrive Act with bipartisan colleagues, demonstrating his enduring commitment to early childhood development internationally. He observed: “With nearly 250 million children in low and middle income countries suffering from poor development…this bill will improve efforts by the U.S. to advance early childhood development policies across the world.”
3. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-T.X.): Innovating Aid, Prioritizing Refugees. Castro, a member of the House Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Committees, is a vocal proponent of refugee initiatives and humanitarian innovation. He co-sponsored the Fostering Innovation in Global Development Act, asserting that it reinstates USAID as a preeminent leader in global development via the promotion of evidence-based programs. He also joined Coons and Fitzpatrick in championing the Global Child Thrive Act, declaring: “To help all kids succeed…it’s never been more important that we show that same commitment on a global scale.” Castro has emphasized refugee displacement and human rights, advocating for augmented humanitarian assistance in situations impacting the Rohingya and Venezuelan communities. In a 2017 House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, Rep. Castro fervently addressed the situation of the Rohingya, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis and the U.S. relief response. Specifically, he noted: “This is an incredible time… in Southeast Asia, the Rohingya have been dispossessed.” Rep. Castro emphasized that the U.S. must do its share to alleviate the severe humanitarian situation that Venezuelans confront at home as they continue to escape tyranny and instability when he co-introduced the AFFECT Human Rights in Venezuela Act in 2022. This act aimed to guarantee that humanitarian assistance was sent directly to Venezuelan migrants and refugees, illustrating Castro’s commitment to aiding displaced individuals.
4. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.): Conservative Bridge-builder on Aid. Graham, a steadfast advocate for international health financing, has justified initiatives such as the Global Fund and PEPFAR based on national security considerations. He referred to foreign aid as “national security insurance” and endorsed letters supporting PEPFAR and USAID for 2024–25. Even amid partisan debates, Graham helped preserve nearly $5.15 billion in PEPFAR funding for fiscal year 2025, resisting efforts that would have weakened the global HIV/AIDS response.
5. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-P.A.): Health & Food Security Advocate. Rep. Fitzpatrick has consistently prioritized nutrition and health in foreign aid. As a House Foreign Affairs Committee member, he co-sponsored the Global Child Thrive Act and helped pass it into law. In August 2023, Rep. Fitzpatrick, along with Representatives Blumenauer and Krishnamoorthi, urged the Biden administration to enhance emergency international food assistance, particularly Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), to address escalating world famine. He stated: “Food insecurity affects hundreds of millions of individuals and families worldwide… Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) is proven to save the lives of children lacking access to nutrition.” As one of the most active lawmakers supporting global poverty in the House, Fitzpatrick’s bipartisan cooperation reflects a pragmatic approach to international aid.

Looking Ahead

In turbulent policy times, Sen. Coons, Rep. Castro, Sen. Graham, Rep. Fitzpatrick and Sen. Shaheen form a bipartisan group focused on advancing global poverty relief. Their actions demonstrate that addressing global poverty involves not only compassion, but also policy, stability and international engagement. Through appropriations debates, legislation and continued advocacy, these lawmakers support programs that assist vulnerable communities while aligning with U.S. strategic interests and reinforcing the country’s role in global development.

– Ray Bechara

Ray is based in Glasgow, Scotland and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr