CALLS FROM VERMONT NEEDED:
Stop Congress from Cutting Refugee Resettlement Funds
Background: Congress is proposing funding bills for Fiscal Year 2017 that would flatline refugee resettlement funding at last year’s levels. President Obama committed to resettling 110,000 refugees in 2017, in contrast to the 75,000 planned for in the 2016 budget. As we are facing the worst displacement crisis in recorded history, resettlement is one of the key ways that the U.S. can lead by example and encourage other countries to help refugees. It is critical that this increase in refugee admissions is met with increased funds to ensure local communities have the resources they need to help refugees integrate and thrive.
These proposed flat funding levels would turn our backs on the 110,000 refugees we have pledged to welcome, damage integration efforts, and negatively impact communities that welcome refugees. Please call Senator Patrick Leahy, who serves a key leadership role in the appropriations process, as he considers these proposals.
Take Action TODAY: Tell Senator Patrick Leahy to Increase Refugee Funding
Call Senator Leahy: (202) 224-4242
Here’s a sample of what to say: “As Congress considers Fiscal Year 2017 funding, I urge them to increase resources for the Office of Refugee Resettlement and the Migration and Refugee Assistance accounts to increase refugee assistance overseas and refugee resettlement in the United States, over and above last year’s levels. Resettlement in one of the ways the U.S. can lead by example and leverage international support for refugees. My community welcomes refugees, and I urge Congress to increase funding for refugee protection and resettlement.”
You can also tweet Senator Leahy: “.@SenatorLeahy, show that #AmericaWelcomes by supporting increased funds to resettle #refugees! #RefugeesWelcome”
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