WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Appropriations Committee, secured funding in the Fiscal Year 2021 federal spending bill to ensure the United States restores its global leadership role by investing in programs to promote national security and international development and provide global health assistance to fight the pandemic. Senator Coons worked on a bipartisan basis to reject the president’s proposal to slash funding for U.S. national security and development agencies by 30 percent for the fourth year in a row. The Senate voted to pass these provisions on Monday as part of a $1.4 trillion annual spending package, and they are soon expected to become law.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has hit us hard in the United States, and we must remember that our allies and partners face similar challenges.  It is in the United States’ interest and consistent with our values to lead the global response to this disease.  This year’s bipartisan spending deal represents an initial down payment on what will need to be a more aggressive response to the health crisis and economic consequences of the pandemic.” said Senator Coons. “I am pleased that the package includes provisions that will provide $4 billion to a public-private partnership that can help ensure swift distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine to low income countries.  I am also pleased to see two of my major authorizing bills, the Sudan Claims Resolution Act and the Nita Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act included in the package.”

The federal spending bill includes provisions that will ensure the United States remains a global leader and continues to safeguard U.S. interests and values around the world, including:

  • $50 million for the establishment of the Nita Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Fund to support venture capital investments in Palestinian entrepreneurs and people-to-people ties between Israelis and Palestinians.   
  • The Sudan Claims Resolution Act, which will restore Sudan’s sovereign immunity and resolve longstanding terrorism-related claims against the country to help transform the U.S.-Sudan relationship, support the country’s civilian-led transition to democracy, and help reestablish Sudan’s place in the international community.
  • Over $100 million for implementation of the bipartisan Global Fragility Act, legislation led by Senator Coons that addresses the root causes of violence and extremism around the world before countries fall into crisis.
  • Over $800 million for the U.S. Development Finance Corporation, a federal agency established by legislation led by Senator Coons to support private-sector investment in developing countries.
  • Increased funding to implement Global Magnitsky Human Rights sanctions around the world.
  • Funding to continue the Young African Leaders Initiative to cultivate the next generation of change makers on the African continent. This program supports a cohort of fellows at the University of Delaware each year.
  • An increase in funding to support Fulbright scholarships in Africa and for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
  • $150 million for the humanitarian, development, and security needs of the Palestinian people.
  • Robust military assistance for Israel, as agreed to in 2016 by then-President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu and as authorized in the United States-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act, which Senator Coons co-authored. 

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