Jesuit Refugee Service/USA commends the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs for its newly released FY23 funding bill which includes an increase in humanitarian assistance and support for the first global fund for education in emergencies, Education Cannot Wait. 

“In a world navigating a growing number of crises, how the U.S. responds to the more than 100 million people who have been forced to flee their homes impacts not only their future but the future for all of us,” said Joan Rosenhauer, Executive Director, Jesuit Refugee Service/USA. “This strong show of support by the U.S. will have a direct impact on the well-being of refugees and other displaced people as we work towards building a world of peace and justice where all people can thrive.” 

The House of Representatives FY23 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs funding bill includes $8.095 billion for humanitarian assistance, $1.2 billion above the FY22 enacted level to address the historic levels of global displacement and humanitarian need resulting from natural disasters, conflict, and the pandemic and to rebuild the U.S. Refugee Admissions program.  

The bill also allocates $985 million to international basic education, including $35 million for Education Cannot Wait (ECW), a $10 million increase above FY22 levels. This increase will help ECW meet the education needs of crisis-affected children and youth, now totaling more than 222 million globally, through emergency rapid response and multi-year funding platforms. 

“By demonstrating bipartisan Congressional support for ECW and education in conflict and crisis settings, the U.S. remains a leader in ensuring that youth can learn and achieve their dreams,” said Giulia McPherson, Director of Advocacy & Operations, Jesuit Refugee Service/USA. “We look forward to working with Congress to support these funding levels throughout the FY23 appropriations process, in particular as the Senate deliberates its proposal in the coming weeks.”