STATEMENT: Compromise on COVID Bill that Cuts Global Vaccination Funding is Unacceptable
STATEMENT: Compromise on COVID Bill that Cuts Global Vaccination Funding is Unacceptable
Washington, DC — Today, Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D, MA-04) led fellow Co-Chairs of the COVID-19 Global Vaccination Caucus, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D, IL-08), Congressman Tom Malinowski (D, NJ-07), and Congressman Mark Pocan (D, WI-02) in the following statement after reports indicate that the Senate may cut $5 billion in global coronavirus funding aimed at boosting vaccinations abroad from the COVID aid package.
“Support for global vaccinations is the right thing to do and the smart thing to do. Any compromise on COVID appropriations that cuts funding for overseas vaccinations, which help reach our goal of 70% vaccination rates worldwide, is unacceptable. Failing to secure this funding means people around the world will die and future variants and surges will be more likely here at home. The United States has a moral imperative to lead the world in vaccine diplomacy. We must fund global COVID vaccinations and treatments.”
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