On the recordSeptember 28, 2023
The migration and refugee assistance account supports protection and assistance to ease the suffering of those who had to leave everything behind and become refugees. The funding also contributes to broader USG and international efforts to resolve conflicts that cause displacement. This humanitarian aid saves lives and upholds the dignity of tens of millions of forcibly displaced and crisis-affected people, including refugees, victims of conflict, stateless persons, and vulnerable migrants. There were more than 108 million forcibly displaced people globally at the end of 2022. This is the largest ever annual increase and represents the largest number of forcibly displaced in history. Without assistance, nations will not accept the growing refugee populations in their countries, potentially destabilizing regions and threatening global peace, security, and stability. We should be doing more, not less, to support these individuals. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.
