Supporting Efforts toward a Sustainable and Peaceful World
Turmoil abroad often spells trouble at home. Small investments can often bring peace and stability to dangerous regions of the world, advancing America's moral cause and helping to support our national security. In pursuit of these goals, Senator Harkin has undertaken the following.
- In 2004 Senator Harkin established a disability fund within USAID to provide disability organizations with seed money so they can advocate for policies that advance their rights. Harkin also helped ensure that any projects built with USAID funds are accessible to people with disabilities.
- In 2005, Senator Harkin created the Disability Advisor positions in the US Department of State and at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The purpose of these positions is to ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are addressed in the areas of democracy, human rights, and rule of law programs, projects and other activities supported by the State department and USAID.
- In 2010, following the earthquake in Haiti, Senator Harkin worked to ensure a disability advisor was involved in the reconstruction activities in Haiti. The primary task of the Advisor is to ensure that Haitians with disabilities are integrated into Haitian civil society by ensuring that the built environment is accessible and that policies are advanced that will include Haitians with disabilities in education, housing, employment, transportation and the political process.
- Senator Harkin secured funding to start a partnership with India that will include a new global disease detection center and field epidemiology training program.
- Through his work on the Senate Appropriations committee, Harkin supported new global funding streams at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) that focus on chronic disease prevention and injury prevention.
- Harkin worked to advance the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, and is currently pushing for its ratification by the Senate.