WASHINGTON, DC – President George W. Bush announced today that the United States would release $674 million in aid to Africa.  Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY18), the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, issued the following statement on the announcement:

“Millions of Africans are suffering from lack of access to food, clean water and basic health care.  The United States can and should do more to meet these needs, which constitute not only a humanitarian disaster, but a real threat to the stability and security of the region. 

“While I applaud the President for highlighting these issues by releasing $674 million for Africa, I am deeply disappointed that the money is not new funding.  Today's announcement double-counts funds already provided to meet severe needs and does nothing to increase the universe of aid the U.S. provides to Africa.   This simply does not go far enough in meet the humanitarian challenges in Africa. 

“I had hoped the President would take this opportunity to announce a new commitment to poverty reduction and famine relief in Africa.  There is still time for this Administration to turn its attention to Africa and provide the relief that is so desperately needed.”