Statement from USAID Administrator Shah on the Enactment of the Paul Simon Water for the World Act of 2014

For Immediate Release

Monday, December 22, 2014
USAID Press Office

“We are pleased with the recent enactment of the Paul Simon Water for the World Act of 2014, which will help U.S. and international efforts to provide clean water and sanitation services to 2.5 billion people who do not have access to basic sanitation and 750 million who lack access to clean water. We applaud the bipartisan leadership of Representatives Blumenauer (D-OR) and Poe (R-TX), along with Senators Durbin (D-IL) and Corker (R-TN), all long-time advocates of improving access for the world’s poor to clean water and sanitation services. 

“The Water for the World Act of 2014 provides a solid platform for USAID to work toward our goal of a water-secure future, free from the diseases caused from inadequate access to clean water and sanitation, where food is available and affordable, and where populations are less vulnerable to the risks of a changing planet. 

“The Act supports more targeted, effective and sustainable investments in foreign assistance, underpinning the objectives of USAID’s Water and Development Strategy and aligns with the global community’s work toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Water and sanitation intersects with nearly every aspect of USAID’s mission to end extreme global poverty by ensuring every child survives and thrives, improving education, advancing human rights, responding to crises, strengthening food security through Feed the Future, and bolstering global health outcomes such as ending preventable child and maternal deaths.”