How to use this page: Here, you’ll find our legislative priorities for the 119th Congress (2025-2026). The first link under each issue contains a downloadable document that gives an overview of each bill. The other links will provide additional data, analysis and instructions on how to email Congress. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email policy@borgenproject.org.
Top Legislative Priorities
International Affairs Budget
The International Affairs Budget is one of America’s most effective tools for advancing national security, promoting economic opportunity and strengthening our global leadership. Representing less than 1% of the federal budget, these life-saving investments support diplomacy, humanitarian relief, global health programs, and development initiatives that reflect core American values. Yet today, these investments are under unprecedented threat. This would devastate programs that provide clean water, fight hunger, prevent disease and stabilize fragile regions—undermining both global security and America’s own safety and prosperity.
- International Affairs Budget Summary
- Business Leaders’ Support for Aid
- Military Leaders’ Support for Aid
- Faith-Based Leaders’ Support for Aid
What to say when calling Congress: “Hello, I’m a Borgen Project supporter. Please oppose cuts to the International Affairs Budget in FY27.”
Global Fragility Reauthorization Act
The Issue: Violence, instability and fragility in countries around the world threaten U.S. national security by creating environments in which terrorism, criminal activity and corruption thrive. Violent conflict is also driving global displacement and humanitarian crises, with 117 million people forcibly displaced globally and 300 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in 2024.
The Solution: On December 20, 2019, the Global Fragility Act was signed into law. The bill focuses U.S. diplomatic, development and security efforts on preventing the root causes of violence and instability in countries worldwide by applying a whole-of-government and locally-led approach to target the root causes of fragility, such as extreme poverty, lack of economic opportunity and weak governance. The Global Fragility Act required 10-year strategies to address or prevent conflict in five different priority contexts: Haiti, Mozambique, Libya, Papua New Guinea and Coastal West Africa. It also authorized the Prevention and Stabilization Fund (PSF) and the Complex Crises Fund (CCF) to catalyze additional funding toward these efforts.
Global Child Thrive Reauthorization Act
The Issue: Today, more than 250 million children are living in extreme poverty and face the risk of physical and neurological harm. These figures are alarming since 80% of brain development occurs between conception and 3 years of age. In response to these challenges, Congress enacted the Global Child Thrive Act in January 2021 to strengthen the integration of early childhood development (ECD) across U.S. foreign assistance. The Act established a coordinated policy framework to support children’s early learning, health, nutrition and social-emotional development across all child-focused programs. However, the Global Child Thrive Act expired in 2025, putting continued coordination and investment in early childhood development at risk without timely reauthorization.
The Solution: The Global Child Thrive Reauthorization Act (H.R. 6347) extends the Global Child Thrive Act through 2030, reaffirming congressional support for continued implementation of early childhood development priorities within U.S. foreign assistance.
Passed Legislation in the 118th Congress (2023-2024)
READ Act Reauthorization Act
Passed! Great work!
The Problem: Currently, 58 million primary school-aged children globally do not attend school and 260 million do not have access to quality education. Gender discrimination in school contributes to the illiteracy of over 500 million women in adulthood as well. These issues, along with frequent global conflicts, undermine the benefits of education. The negative secondary consequences of COVID-19 have also exacerbated these barriers over the last three years.
The Solution: On Sep. 8, 2017, the Reinforcing Education Accountability in Development (READ) Act was signed into law. The READ Act emphasizes the value of education for economic growth and social mobility as it promotes educational programs around the world. Through the READ Act, partnerships for educational development will have greater oversight, coordination and a renewed focus on retention. H.R.681/S.41 reauthorizes the READ Act for an additional five years, continuing this vital work.
