Congress must restore funding for USAID

My daughter just turned two — a milestone that fills me with joy and heartbreak.

Joy, because she’s healthy and thriving. Heartbreak, because I know millions of mothers around the world never get to celebrate this moment.

As both a mom and an advocate, I’m devastated by Congress’s decision to dismantle programs that have saved the lives of so many mothers and children.

I’ll never forget those first moments after giving birth — holding my breath, waiting for hers. In 2023 alone, 238,000 newborns who weren’t breathing at birth were resuscitated thanks to USAID-supported programs.

That’s over 650 babies saved every single day. Right now, Congress is dismantling the very programs that make this possible.

Even with access to vaccines, I still fear for my daughter’s safety amid measles outbreaks. Millions of mothers don’t have that access — 1 in 5 children globally do not have access to vaccines, and 13,000 die daily from preventable causes.

We can change this. In 2023, USAID helped 92 million mothers and children access lifesaving care. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has vaccinated over 1 billion children.

Every mom deserves the chance to protect her child. I urge Congress to restore USAID funding and honor our pledge to Gavi — because saving lives shouldn’t be up for debate.

— Amanda Beals, Denver