Foreign aid just as important to our security as defense spending

Aug. 10 − To the Editor:

Two weeks ago, the Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act for 2024, which Senators Hassan and Shaheen both applauded. They both worked to include key measures in the bill that would benefit New Hampshire, including authorizing submarines maintained at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, boosting research at NH universities, and addressing PFAS contamination in military communities.

I commend the work these Senators have done to keep New Hampshire and the United States safe. Additionally, as a Borgen Project Ambassador, I recognize ways in which foreign aid can achieve similar goals and hope that these Senators do too.

Countless U.S. soldiers have shared their worry that the United States is not doing enough to combat global poverty. 84% of military officers believe that non-military tools, including development and diplomacy, should play a role equal to military efforts. Yet, in 2022, almost 50% of discretionary spending went to defense, while less than 1% was spent on foreign aid.

There are many ways that the U.S. can strengthen their non-military foreign policy, including funding the International Affairs Budget and passing bills that focus on Foreign Aid. There are multiple bills before Congress that our Congressional leaders that have done so much to protect our national security should care about. These include the Reauthorization of the READ Act and the End Tuberculosis Now Act. These bills would create a more stable world for everyone while improving the lives of millions abroad.

It is clear that foreign aid makes a big difference in national security, and the U.S. Congress needs to act to create a safer world.

Kaya Garside

Portsmouth