News from U.S. Representative
Nita M. Lowey
2329 Rayburn House Office Building · Washington, DC 20515 · 202-225-6506 · 202-225-0546 fax

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Elizabeth Stanley
July 22, 2002 202-225-6506

Statement of Rep. Nita M. Lowey (D-NY)

Ranking Member, Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee

Regarding the Bush Administration's Decision to Cut International Family Planning Funding

"The Administration's decision to cut off funding for the United Nations Population Fund is an absolute outrage. Apparently, no price is too high for this Administration when it comes to political payoffs.

"How can this Administration withhold this funding in good conscience? Not only does this decision endanger the lives of poor women and children around the world, it breaks a trust by backtracking on a deal with Congress.

"This decision flies in the face of our role as the world's leader on women's and children's health and reaches far beyond China's borders. UNFPA's work in 142 countries will be severely curtailed, denying the poorest women access to basic, life-saving medical care.

"It is truly a sad day when the health of poor women and children is sold out for a political giveaway. I believe the China team's report will vindicate UNFPA, and I urge the Administration to release it immediately. The American people deserve to know the facts, not political fiction."

"This will not be the final word on U.S. funding for UNFPA. As ranking member on the House Appropriations subcommittee with oversight of this program, I will fight tooth and nail to ensure UNFPA gets funding and to ensure that the Kemp-Kasten law can no longer be manipulated for political points."