2025 Global Poverty Laser Talks
Congress: Deliver on Global Fund pledges
Engage: In 2002, the world came together to create the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Over the past two decades, this partnership has helped save 70 million lives.
Problem: Despite recent progress in global health, millions of people are still suffering. They have been left behind by their health systems. For example, tuberculosis (TB) killed 1.25 million people in 2023 alone.
Inform: In November 2025, the U.S. pledged $4.6 billion to the Global Fund for the next three years. This upholds the U.S.’s traditional commitment of providing $1 for every $2 from other donor countries. Congress must fully fund this pledge. Additionally, the Trump Administration must immediately release $2 billion in Global Fund money from our 2022 pledge. Fully honoring these pledges will prevent further disruption in the Global Fund’s life-saving work.
Call to action: Will you make the Global Fund an immediate priority by fully funding this new $4.6 billion pledge starting in the FY26 budget? Will you also work to release the withheld funds? We must ensure the U.S. keeps its commitment to end these deadly diseases.
Congress: Protect foreign assistance in fiscal year (FY)26 budget
Engage: In 2025, Congress rescinded over $8 billion in foreign aid. That partisan effort cut funding for nutrition, education, and vaccinations for millions of children.
Problem: Partisan rescissions and continuing resolutions stifle lifesaving support around the world.
Inform: Over 400,000 children died in 2025 due to foreign aid cuts. Now Congress has an opportunity to prevent future deaths. It can pass a thoughtful bipartisan FY26 budget. House appropriators are calling for strong global health and education funding. The Senate must do the same. And any deal must also include safeguards against future partisan rescissions and impoundments.
Call to action: Senator, will you urge Senate leaders to follow the House’s lead? Will you stand up for strong foreign aid funding in FY26? Will you also push for language that ensures timely spending as Congress directs?