McCollum, Smith, Meeks, McCaul Introduce Bipartisan Legislation Reauthorizing the Global Food Security Act

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04), Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04), Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Congressman Gregory Meeks (NY-05), and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10) have introduced the Global Food Security Reauthorization Act of 2022 (H.R. 8446), extending the authorization of USAID's Feed the Future program for an additional five years through 2028.

Congresswoman McCollum, the bill's author and Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement:
"The Global Food Security Act is the law, and it cannot be allowed to expire – it needs to be extended by Congress because it is improving food security, increasing economic opportunity, and saving lives," Rep. McCollum said. "The ongoing U.S. commitment to expand food production while fighting malnutrition and poverty in the world's poorest countries is absolutely critical to our national security interests. Through strategic investments in USAID's Feed the Future, more women farmers have been empowered to take their livelihoods into their own hands and become self-sufficient. I am proud of this vital legislation, which will allow the United States to continue to support small scale agricultural development where it is needed most. The human, economic, and national security costs of global food insecurity are too high for Congress to ignore, and they must be addressed."

"By promoting local and sustainable agricultural practices and self-sufficiency, the U.S. Global Food Security Act has saved the lives of millions and has helped lift families out of poverty," said Rep. Smith, who shepherded the original bill through the House in 2016 when it became law. "Through this critical legislation, the U.S. addresses the most basic humanitarian needs—fighting starvation and malnutrition on a massive scale—and helps mitigate the political instability and threats to national security that are inherent in a global food crisis. Russia's invasion of Ukraine—the world's food basket—only underscores the dire situation and urgency to continue America's commitment and leadership in strengthening global food security."

"Russia's war of choice on Ukraine has had devastating rippling effects on the global food supply system, adding to the significant stress caused by COVID-19 and intensifying climate events," Chairman Meeks said. "That is why it is critical for the United States to lead on the issue of global malnutrition and take action. I am proud to join Reps. McCollum, Smith and McCaul in introducing the reauthorization of the Global Food Security Act. Renewing this initiative will help lift millions of people out of poverty and help address root causes of global food insecurity."

"As someone from an agriculture state, we know the importance of farmers and growing seasons," Rep. McCaul said. "U.S. efforts to strengthen food systems and improve agricultural productivity is critical to preventing food insecurity and spurring agricultural-led economic growth. With the world facing a global food crisis as a result of Putin's war in Ukraine, Congress must reauthorize these critical programs and do everything we can to advance smart investments in nutrition and food security."

BACKGROUND:

The Global Food Security Reauthorization Act of 2022 (H.R. 8446) builds upon the landmark bill which formally codified the Feed the Future Initiative and was signed into law with bipartisan support in July 2016. In 2018, the GFSA was reauthorized for five years through 2023.

This bill reaffirms the United States' commitment to combatting hunger and poverty worldwide. With an authorized spending level of $1,100,00,000, H.R. 8446 enables the federal government to partner with food-insecure countries to get on a path to self-sustainability by supporting agriculture-led economic growth, bolstering small-holder and women-owned farms, and improving maternal and child nutrition.

Because of Feed the Future, 23.4 million more people live above the poverty line, 5.2 million more families no longer suffer from hunger, and 3.4 million more children live free from the devastating effects from stunting.

In addition to strengthening local and regional economies in some of the world's poorest countries, these programs are critical to national security, especially given the ongoing conflict in Europe. Together, Russia and Ukraine supply 12% of the world's traded calories – 28% of globally traded wheat, 29% of the barley, 15% of the maize, and 75% of the sunflower oil. Nearly 250 million people are on the brink of famine, and further political unrest could lead to a global food crisis.

Food insecurity worsens instability and violent extremism in regions that are already highly vulnerable. That's why Feed the Future is so critically important: it gives countries the tools they need to feed themselves without relying on food donations from other countries. With this bill, USAID and Congress are working to build on past successes of food security initiatives and legislation by recognizing the interconnection of development challenges and prioritizing coordinated efforts in nutrition, water, hygiene and sanitation, and resilience. The human, economic, and national security costs of global food insecurity are too high for Congress to ignore.

Learn more at mccollum.house.gov/GFSA.

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