But in the waning weeks of the 106th Congress, the debt relief initiative risks derailment at the hands of a few congressional leaders. Congress also needs to authorize the release of IMF gold sale proceeds that will enable the cancellation of debts owed to the IMF by the poorest countries. Poor country debt keeps children from getting the food and education they need. It keeps families from receiving health care. It keeps millions of people bound to poverty.
Debt relief is hunger relief.
Debt relief is medical care for children. Debt relief is clean water and roads for farmers. The relatively small amount of money for debt relief would have a big effect on children and families in poverty-stricken countries. Now is the time to be people of our word. Congress must fully fund debt relief this year.