After cutting funding for civil society programs in Iraq by more than 60 percent since 2007, this year the U.S. administration proposed a further reduction of another 60 percent.

That would have meant drastic cuts in support for the very Iraqis who are working hard to build a safer, more peaceful tomorrow. It would have pulled support for community groups assisting war widows, internally displaced persons, religious and ethnic minorities, and other vulnerable Iraqis. It would have slashed funding for organizations fighting corruption and defending human rights.

Fortunately, over 1,500 EPIC supporters took a stand for Iraqi aid workers, human rights defenders, and community activists. They joined EPIC in petitioning Congress to stop the cuts in U.S. assistance for civil society programs in Iraq.

In early November, EPIC Board President and Iraq War veteran Andrew Morton delivered that strong message to Capitol Hill. And there is good news to report.

Congress has approved a bill that funds Iraqi community-based organizations at $85.5 million, the same amount they received the previous two years.

Thanks to EPIC activists who are standing by Iraqis who are working to build a safer, more peaceful tomorrow.