One of IGD's key recommendations for reducing global poverty is improving the effectiveness of U.S. foreign assistance and focusing our efforts on long-term growth.

The Global Poverty Act (GPA) is an important bipartisan bill that would require the president to develop a comprehensive strategy for reducing poverty. This bill would incorporate input from government agencies, multilateral organizations and the private sector, and would set specific, measurable goals. IGD believes the articulation of a national strategy and clear goals will enhance the coherence of aid, trade and development policies and will greatly improve the impact of U.S. development assistance. This act does not authorize new programs or require new spending.

This bill originated in the House, where it was introduced by Reps. Adam Smith (D-WA-9) and Spencer Bachus (R-AL-6) and had 84 bipartisan cosponsors at the time of its approval on September 25, 2007. In June 2007, the IGD Board sent a letter to members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee urging their support of the bill. After passing the House, this bill was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in February.

The Senate bill was introduced by Sens. Barack Obama (D-IL) and Chuck Hagel (R-NE) in addition to 29 other bipartisan cosponsors. Sen. Coburn (R-OK) placed a hold on the bill, making it much more difficult for Majority Leader Reid to bring it to the floor. If the bill does not pass the full Senate this year, it is voided and the effort to bring greater clarity and purpose to U.S. foreign assistance must start over the following year.

In September 2008, IGD sent a letter, cosigned by 64 partners, to Sen. Reid urging him to use all the tools at his disposal to ensure the Global Poverty Act comes to the floor for a vote. With the Wall Street crisis and bailout discussions consuming much of the congressional calendar, the Senate did not take up the GPA before adjourning.

Going into the next Congress and administration, it is critical that many voices express support for the principles for foreign aid embodied in the GPA – clarity, coordination and accountability.

IGD actions

September 2008
Letter to Majority Leader Reid from IGD partners

June 2007
Letter to members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee from IGD Board of Directors