Is there an issue that transcends partisan divisions on Capitol Hill? We who “Believe in Zero” think there is: saving children and mothers from dying from preventable causes.
Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), Senator Bob Corker (R-TN), and Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) have united to introduce S. 1966, the Global Child Survival Act of 2009. The bill directs the U.S. Government to develop a comprehensive, integrated strategy to reduce infant and child mortality rates and authorizes funding to reach more children and mothers who are at risk.
This bipartisan Senate measure helps to make the plight of children who are needlessly dying a foreign policy priority for the United States. We are excited that key Senators from both parties are coming together to fight for legislation that reflects the global values of our country. As Caryl M. Stern, President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, said when the bill was introduced, “Americans strongly believe that no child or mother should die from preventable causes.”
Leadership from the United States Government can help save the lives of the 8.8 million children who die every year from causes we can prevent. But for that to happen, your Senators and Representatives need to hear from you!
Tell your Senators now that you want them to cosponsor and support S. 1966, the Global Child Survival Act of 2009. And let your Representatives know that you want them to cosponsor and support a similar bipartisan House bill, H.R. 1410, the Newborn, Child, and Mother Survival Act of 2009.
Take a few minutes to urge the policymakers in Washington to work together on behalf of the world’s children.
For more information, see http://volunteers.unicefusa.org/activities/advocate/congressional-leadership.html
