As Congress knows, America’s investment in the international COVID-19 response is a direct investment in our own health and economic recovery, and we applaud the $11 billion provided in the House-passed emergency package for these efforts.

This is exactly the kind of investment American business and faith leaders, veterans, farmers, and USGLC leaders across the country have been calling for because they know we cannot stop a global pandemic without a global response. In addition to funds Congress approved last year including for vaccine distribution through Gavi, the House-passed bill would bring America’s total investment in the global pandemic response to less than .4% of overall COVID emergency funding – a small but critical down payment to ensuring the health and economic safety of our nation.

We are grateful for the ongoing support for a global response from both sides of the aisle and look forward to continuing to work with Republicans and Democrats in both the House and Senate to ensure an appropriate international component to fight this pandemic and prepare for future crises.