As I have grown older in life, I have noticed how oblivious most people in the United States are to the struggles taking place in countries around the world.

Extreme poverty remains an issue in several countries. Some of these families are living off less than a dollar a day and don’t have access to basic needs such as water and food. Although the United States is one of the wealthiest countries, our international affairs budget makes up 1% of the total U.S. budget.

As a country, we have the funds to completely eliminate extreme poverty while also creating U.S. jobs and enhancing national security.

As a resident of Ohio, I am asking U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Columbus, to protect the international affairs budget while also asking my fellow Columbus residents to step up and take action.

Elizabeth Gierhart, Borgen Project intern, Columbus