How to use this page: Here, you’ll find our legislative priorities for the 115th Congress (2017-2018). The first link under each issue contains downloadable documents that you can leave behind during your lobbying meetings. The other links will provide more data, analysis and instructions on how to email Congress. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email policy@borgenproject.org.
CURRENT LEGISLATION & ISSUES
The Problem: In March 2017, the Trump administration proposed enormous 31 percent cuts to the State Department and USAID.
The Response: Simply put, cutting one-third of our civilian forces of development and diplomacy at a time of extreme global threats, famines of historic proportions and a refugee crisis not seen since World War II is unfathomable. The IAB supports critical development and diplomacy programs around the world. Programs funded by the IAB create jobs here at home by opening new markets to American businesses and protect our national security by fighting terrorism and preventing conflicts before they start.
What to say when calling Congress: “Hello, I’m a Borgen Project supporter and I would like you to protect the International Affairs Budget.”
The Solution: The African Growth & Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the Millennial Challenge Corporation (MCC) have proven track records in spurring economic development across the world. Strengthening these programs furthers the U.S. position of international leadership, strengthens our domestic job market and economy, while protecting our national security interests.
What to say when calling Congress: “Hello, I’m a Borgen Project supporter and I would like you to support the AGOA and MCA Modernization Act.”
The Problem: Education is the first step in worldwide economic and democratic expansion, yet 59 million primary school-aged children do not attend school.
The Bill: The Reinforcing Education Accountability in Development (READ) Act is a low-cost bipartisan initiative that promotes universal basic education for millions of children across the globe — especially girls — while protecting U.S. national security interests.
- Download Bill Summary
- 2016 CBO Score
- Read Senate Version
- Read House Version Passed House on 1.24.17!
- Senate Cosponsors
- Email Congress
What to say when calling Congress: “Hello, I’m a Borgen Project supporter and I would like you to support the READ Act.”
The Problem: Today, 50 percent of the 65 million displaced peoples in the world are under the age of 18 and one in four of said children does not have access to primary or secondary education. Women and girls in these vulnerable settings are often disproportionately denied access to education, which can hinder their ability to find jobs, engage in civil society and access other economic opportunities.
The Bill: The Protecting Girls’ Access to Education in Vulnerable Settings Act will prioritize efforts to support access to primary and secondary education for displaced children with a specific focus on the inclusion of women and girls in foreign assistance programs.
What to say when calling Congress: “Hello, I’m a Borgen Project supporter and I would like you to support the Protecting Girls’ Access to Education in Vulnerable Settings Act.”
The Issue: Since the early 2000s, support for the idea of private sector investments has rapidly increased. However, these ideas have been slow to develop in legislation.
The Solution: The Economic Growth and Development Act seeks to boost market-based economic growth in developing countries. It also creates opportunities for the United States private sector to become more involved in foreign assistance programs by improving planning and coordination among U.S. departments and agencies.
- Download Bill Summary
- Read House Version
- View House Cosponsors
- Senate Version (last session)
- View Senate Cosponsors (last session)
- Email Congress
What to say when calling Congress: “Hello, I’m a Borgen Project supporter and I would like you to support the Economic Growth and Development Act.”
The Problem: Each year, millions of people in the developing world die of infectious diseases, malnutrition, and complications due to pregnancy and childbirth. Innovative developments in affordable and safe health technologies and solutions are a must.
The Bill: The Global Health Innovation Act seeks to require the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development to submit an annual report to Congress on the development and use of global health innovations in the programs, projects, and activities of the Agency.
- Download Bill Summary
- House Cosponsors & Bill Info (H.R. 1660)
- 2016 CBO Score
- 2016 House Cosponsors
- Email Congress
What to say when calling Congress: “Hello, I’m a Borgen Project supporter and I would like you to support the Global Health Innovation Act.”
UPCOMING LEGISLATION & ISSUES
The Problem: Every day 800 women die from preventable causes related to childbirth and pregnancy. Over 17,000 kids under the age of 5 die every day from preventable issues.
The Bill: The Reach Every Mother and Child Act will help save the lives of 600,000 women and 15 million children by 2020.
- Download Bill Summary
- Infographic Backgrounder
- Section-by-Section Summary – House Version
- Section-by-Section Summary – Senate Version
- 2016 House Version
- 2016 Senate Version
- 2016 Senate Cosponsors
- 2016 House Cosponsors
- Email Congress
What to say when calling Congress: “Hello, I’m a Borgen Project supporter and I would like you to support the Reach Every Mother and Child Act.”
The Problem: today’s technology-driven world, internet access is a major driver of economic and social improvement. However, 4.2 billion people or about 60 percent of the world’s population — most of whom are located in the developing world — remain offline.
The Bill: The Digital Global Access Policy (GAP) Act seeks to promote first-time internet access to mobile or broadband internet for at least 1.5 billion people in both urban and rural areas of developing countries by 2020.
- Download Bill Summary
- 2016 CBO Score
- Read House Version Passed House on 1.24.17!
- Email Congress
What to say when calling Congress: “Hello, I’m a Borgen Project supporter and I would like you to support the Digital GAP Act.”
2016 Passed Legislation
The following are bills The Borgen Project worked on that have passed in 2016.
Did you know? If a bill number starts with an “S.” that means the bill is in the Senate. If the bill starts with “H.R.” that means the bill is in the House. For example, in the Senate the Electrify Africa Act is bill number S. 2152, but in the House the Electrify Africa Act is H.R. 2847.
