A bill that extensively reforms and modernizes the decades-old U.S. foreign assistance system was introduced by Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.) yesterday. The Global Partnerships Act of 2012 is the major rewrite of the Foreign Assistance Act originally passed in 1961 during Pres. John F. Kennedy’s term.

The GPA seeks to modernize foreign aid efforts by reducing global poverty and alleviating human suffering, advancing peace and mitigating conflict, and supporting human rights and democracy.

It aims to do this by building and reinforcing strategic partnerships, countering transnational threats, sustaining the global environment, and expanding prosperity through trade and investment.

The Modernizing Foreign Assistance Network (MFAN) was an active participant throughout the broad consultative process between the development community, the administration, and Congress.