On the recordSeptember 22, 2020
As I begin, I express deep gratitude to Chairman Engel for his strong and steady leadership on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and specifically, with respect to this bill, for working with me to move important legislation through the committee and the Congress. I also thank Representative Brian Fitzpatrick for working with me on this legislation that enjoys wide bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate. Finally, I recognize USAID as the country's lead agency to provide humanitarian assistance and lead in international development. The tireless efforts of its staff helped millions of vulnerable people every year and advanced core United States interests. The Global Child Thrive Act shows that the leadership in Congress is concerned about future generations in developing countries, and we are concerned that they be empowered to survive and succeed. I would like to speak to the importance of this bill that we are considering here today in the House of Representatives. Over 250 million children worldwide are at risk of stunted growth and damage to their brains due to the long-lasting impacts of poverty, conflict, and displacement. Research indicates that poor health, stress, and lack of learning impairs a child's growth and development, with lifelong negative effects. The Global Child Thrive Act is designed to reduce the devastating effects of poverty through early childhood development programming.…
