John Kerry's position on

Humanitarian Aid: Part of U.S. "development assistance" which refers to the transfer of resources from the United States to developing countries and to some strategic allies. It is delivered in the form of money (via loans or grants), contributions of goods (such as food aid), and technical assistance. Humanitarian aid goes to countries and people suffering famine, recovering from a natural disaster, or displaced by conflict and for long-term development to help countries fight poverty, build roads, educate children, fight health crises, create small businesses, and spur economic growth

Description of candidate's position: John Kerry supports wiping clean the debts of the world's most heavily indebted poor countries (HIPC) that are reforming their economies and investing in their human capital. Debt relief will give them a fresh start to invest in health, education, and infrastructure. He plans to invest more in health care infrastructure in weak and failing states, and dedicate greater attention and increased resources to training health care professionals and community health care workers. Kerry also will work to rebuild our alliances and bring others in the international community together to address the risks that failed states pose to people all over the world. link

Quotation from the candidate: "We will support effective relief efforts when there is a humanitarian crisis…And we will continue to promote policies to support democracy, economic reform, and respect for human rights." July 23, 2004, from the Kerry website.

Assessment of the proposal:

Positive: Researcher could not find any international affairs offices, officials, or otherwise involved parties to support the senator's stance.

Negative: Researcher could not find any international affairs offices, official, or otherwise involved parties to negate the senator's stance.

Comparison: Both John Kerry and President Bush agree that humanitarian assistance to other countries is, in part, a responsibility of the U.S. Kerry supports the general concept of the MCA but would want to put his own stamp on the program, perhaps by changing the way countries are selected or backing away from the corporate nature of the program. Bush has made this a foreign policy priority and favors holding countries receiving U.S. aid accountable by making sure they are ruling justly, investing in their people, and encouraging economic freedom. The MCA is seen as a natural bipartisan initiative.

Link to Bush's Humanitarian Aid page