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Aid can work where there is good governance, and usually fails where governments are unable or unwilling to commit aid to improve the lives of their people.

Support each other as is needed to achieve goals for the benefit of the people and the nation's security.

We should insist that governments receiving American aid live up to standards of accountability and transparency, and we should support countries that embrace market reforms, democracy, and the rule of law.

In our social contract, we have provisions that see to it that you take care of people who need some help.

America has been a beacon of hope for vulnerable people throughout the world.

We have a responsibility as a state to protect our most vulnerable citizens: our children, seniors, people with disabilities. That is our moral obligation. But there is an economic justification too - we all pay when the basic needs of our citizens are unmet.

I experienced how foreign aid for large-scale vaccination projects helps to save the life of children and thus give a real input to growth and to escaping poverty.

Rich countries have been sending aid to poor countries for the last 60 years. And, by and large, this has failed.

Countries that perceive themselves to be vulnerable can be expected to try to redress that vulnerability - and in some cases, they will pursue clandestine weapons programs.

Whatever help we may want from the international community now or in the future, we want to make sure that this help is tailored to help our people to help themselves.