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WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) sent a letter to President Biden calling for immediate U.S. assistance to Lebanon to address the country’s rapidly deteriorating economic and humanitarian situation. The country remains at risk for access to essential supplies like food, medicine and fuel, which threatens internal and regional stability.

As a result of longstanding political, economic, and governance challenges, the Lebanese people are facing significant and growing food insecurity. Food prices have increased by 350% in the last year, leading to inadequate nutrition and food supplies. Additionally, the country is facing ongoing challenges to health care access amidst the COVID-19 pandemic as well as a breakdown in educational services, given Lebanon’s high poverty rate and an influx of students because of the crisis in Syria.

Dingell wrote, “To address these pressing needs in food security, health care, and education, I am requesting a substantial increase in U.S. assistance to address these rapidly escalating crises. This includes additional funds through USAID’s Food for Peace Title II and Economic Food Security Programs to address Lebanon’s food security issues, as well as increases in USAID’s basic education assistance. This also includes strong funding increases for USAID’s health programs for Lebanon, including direct assistance to cover increased health care costs that act as a barrier to access, as well additional dedicated support to help the country address the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, we ask you take all practical measures to ensure that this aid is disbursed through trusted partners and NGOs, following all applicable US laws and vetting standards for recipients and implementing organizations, directly to the Lebanese people in a timely manner that reflects the urgency of the need.”

The full letter is available here.