On March 10, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved several measures en bloc, by voice vote, including S. 1252, the Global Food Security Act, S. Res. 375, a resolution raising awareness of modern-day slavery, and S. Res. 388, a resolution supporting the goals of International Women’s Day.
Sponsored by Sen. Robert Casey, Jr. (D-PA), the measure would require the president to coordinate the development and implementation of a government-wide Feed the Future Strategy. The goals of the strategy would be to reduce poverty; promote inclusive, sustainable agricultural development; and eradicate hunger and malnutrition, especially among women and children.
The House Foreign Affairs Committee approved its version of the legislation (H.R. 1567) in April 2015 (see The Source, 4/24/15).
Sponsored by Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN), the measure notes that 55 percent of forced labor victims are women and girls and commends the END IT Movement to raise awareness of modern slavery around the world.
Among other provisions, the legislation, sponsored by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), reaffirms the commitment to end discrimination and violence against women and girls, pursue policies that ensure basic human rights for women and girls worldwide, and promote women’s participation in all aspects of society and community.
