Bread for the World today welcomed Senate passage of the bipartisan Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act (H.R. 4693). The bill was passed by unanimous consent and now heads to President Biden for his signature. It will make existing U.S. global nutrition programs even more effective and support countries in their efforts to prevent and treat child and maternal malnutrition.
“Passage of this legislation could not be timelier as the world gathers during the United Nations General Assembly to address the worsening global hunger and malnutrition crisis,” said Rev. Eugene Cho, president and CEO of Bread for the World. “Malnutrition contributes to a child’s death every 11 seconds. Thanks to this legislation, tens of millions of young children and mothers will have the opportunity to not only survive, but also thrive.”
The Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act will bring greater strategic vision, effectiveness, and accountability to the United States’ existing global nutrition efforts and will help mitigate and prevent future hunger and malnutrition crises. The legislation will also improve coordination within the U.S. government and with partner countries to ensure assistance gets to the children and families who need it most.
Bread was instrumental in both the development and passage of the Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act. Bread worked with the congressional champions to draft language in the bill, guide it through committee, and helped ensure its final passage. Thousands of Bread members contacted their congressional delegations to urge them to cosponsor and support the legislation.
The Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act was introduced in the Senate by Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and John Boozman (R-Ark.), and in the House by Representatives Michael McCaul (R-TX), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Young Kim (R-CA), and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA).
“Passage of this legislation shows it is possible to come together, despite the many political divisions, to help the most vulnerable among us,” said Cho.
Bread also welcomes today’s announcement that the Biden administration would release additional food aid funding to help address the global hunger crisis – including famine-like conditions across the Horn of Africa.
“This funding could not be more urgently needed as 22 million people in Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya teeter or the verge of famine with no end in sight,” said Cho.
Jesus reminds us that whatever we do in service of those who are most vulnerable, we also do in service to him. (Matthew 25:40). “Today, we express our gratitude to Congress and Bread supporters for their good service impacting tens of millions around the world,” said Cho.
