Mitt Romney Outlines Vision of Foreign Assistance

Speaking to an audience of world, business and civic leaders, Romney said the U.S. needs to refocus its foreign aid priorities. This “new approach” outlined by the Republican presidential candidate would have three priorities: addressing humanitarian needs; supporting U.S. military, diplomatic, and economic interests abroad; and making aid effective and self-sustaining by focusing on job growth and trade. 

 

Romney said that his administration will prioritize "aid that elevates people and brings about lasting change in communities and nations."  To achieve this, Romney proposes creating access to free enterprise, leveraging the resources of the private sector and using trade agreements. 

 

Obama, who spoke after Romney, said more countries now have passed and are enforcing modern anti-trafficking laws. But, with more than 20 million victims of human trafficking worldwide, more needs to be done in the U.S. and abroad, he said. Obama announced a series of additional measures to combat what he called modern slavery, including an executive order that he said will further ensure U.S. contractors do not engage in forced labor. "In short, we’re making sure that American tax dollars must never, ever be used to support the trafficking of human beings," Obama said.