World Vision Praises House Action on Water for the World Act, Urges Full House and Senate Pass Bill Quickly

World Vision applauds the House of Representatives for passing the Water for the World Act.
World Vision applauds the House of Representatives for passing the Water for the World Act. PHOTO: World Vision

WASHINGTON (November 20, 2014) — World Vision praised Thursday’s passage of the Water for the World Act (H.R. 2901) in the House Foreign Affairs Committee.  The bill now moves to the full House of Representatives for consideration. World Vision urges both the House and Senate to pass the bill without delay.

“The Water for the World Act is a critical piece of the poverty puzzle, ensuring that the United States stays focused on helping those who don’t have access to  clean water and sanitation services,” said World Vision’s Senior Health Policy Advisor Lisa Bos.  “Clean water, adequate sanitation and hygiene are vital to ensuring that we put an end to preventable diseases like diarrhea, which is the second leading killer of children under 5.”

The Water for the World Act builds upon the Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act, first passed by Congress in 2005.  H.R. 2901 works to ensure that the intent of the original law – to bring water, sanitation and hygiene services to the world’s poorest communities – remains the focus of U.S. government investments.  The bill also requires the U.S. Agency for International Development to follow criteria that will maximize impact and effectiveness in reaching the poorest populations; avoid duplicating other water, sanitation, and health efforts; and ensure programs last for the long-term.

Introduced by Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Ted Poe (R-TX), the bill has 103 bipartisan cosponsors and passed the committee unanimously.

“We applaud the House Foreign Affairs Committee for acting in such a bipartisan manner to move the bill forward and ask that the full House and Senate act quickly to get this important bill to the President’s desk,” added Bos.

World Vision is the largest NGO provider of clean water, delivering water to a new person every 30 seconds.

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About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization conducting relief, development, and advocacy activities in its work with children, families, and their communities in nearly 100 countries to help them reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.WorldVision.org/media-center/ or on Twitter @WorldVisionUSA.

Highlights

  • The Water for the World Act ensures United States stays focused on providing water in most-needed places.
  • The water bill now moves to the full House of Representatives for consideration.