Erik Paulsen: “I want to thank Congressman Smith for his hard work and bipartisan leadership, and for bringing a very, very important…”

“I want to thank Congressman Smith for his hard work and bipartisan leadership, and for bringing a very, very important issue to the floor, and also for his longtime advocacy for lifting people up out of poverty. Mr. Speaker, we have heard Members speak on the floor here today very bipartisanly in support of H.R. 5656, the Feed the Future Global Food Security Act. The Feed the Future Initiative embodies the very best of the United States' foreign aid. It is a new approach. It doesn't just provide handouts but, instead, provides a hand-up to some of the very poorest parts of the world. Feed the Future is working to bring sustainable agricultural practices to targeted communities around the world to help lift people out of extreme poverty. In fact, in 2013, farmers working with the program applied these improved techniques to over 4 million hectares of land. The program's work goes far beyond just increasing yields for farmers though, Mr. Speaker. It is introducing an entrepreneurial spirit into these communities, a business model, an empowerment model. It is increasing family incomes. It is expanding economic growth. And it is opening up new trade opportunities. This work is also empowering communities to take control of their future by building sustainable local economies. As they become more reliant on themselves, they become less reliant on government assistance. This should always be the goal of our U.S. foreign aid programs.…”