Castro, Mccaul Introduce Bipartisan Legislation Supporting Innovative and Efficient International Development Solutions

Statement

Today, Congressmen Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20) and Michael McCaul (R-TX-10) introduced the Global Development Lab Act of 2015, legislation that authorizes and augments the capabilities of the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) Global Development Lab. The Global Development Lab applies science, technology, innovation, and partnerships to accelerate development impact and solve the world's most pressing problems.

"USAID's Global Development Lab is revolutionizing our efforts to save lives, foster international stability, and fulfill strategic foreign policy objectives through development work overseas," said Rep. Castro. "The Lab harnesses the brightest minds in government, the private sector, non-profits, and academia to develop pioneering solutions. With such an impressive collection of ingenuity and perspectives, our problem-solving capabilities go into overdrive. This legislation is essential for continuing the Lab's dynamic work that's disrupting cycles of poverty and improving lives around the world."

"The United States is currently facing some of the most difficult global challenges in recent history," said Rep. McCaul. "However, these challenges will not solve themselves and must be confronted head on. The Global Development Lab Act of 2015 is a critical component in a much broader strategy currently underway. By combining the ideas developed through public-private partnerships, and by collaboration amongst NGOs, innovators and entrepreneurs, this bill will help foster ingenuity and innovation in a cost-effective manner to improve lives of millions abroad. This crucial bill is one I'm proud to support."

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