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even unlike the years of unrest and war, certain parts of the country were left untouched and life could go on somewhat normally.
But here, the entire country was affected, entire crops wiped out, villages destroyed, parents left without jobs or food for their children.
So that it's clear that these nations that we are addressing today need not just short-term humanitarian relief, which we have come forward with in an extraordinary show of support, but they need long- term reconstruction. Which is why when my husband first announced U.S. assistance to help the people of Central America get back on their feet and look again toward the future with hope and optimism, he made it clear that we would stand with the people of these countries for the long haul. And today, we are making good on that promise.
I'm very pleased that the president has proposed funding of nearly $1 ion to help our Latin American neighbors repair and rebuild in the aftermath of these disasters. This proposal will bring our total commitment to over $1.2 ion, and it will help in several critical ways.
First, if this funding is approved, 17 million people will have help protecting themselves from the contagious diseases that too often rear their ugly heads in the aftermath of natural disasters. Seven hundred health clinics will be up and running, and more than seven million people will have access to clean water and proper sanitation.
Second, this proposal will help create jobs, boost economies, and rebuild entire communities.
When I was in Central America, I heard time and time again that the leaders -- this new generation of leaders in these countries -- understood very well that it was not enough just to stop the fighting, as important as that was; to reach peace agreements; and to be able to establish the rule of law and democracy.
: But instead there had to be sustained investment ality rates. And it is this progress which has been so much put at risk becaus neurs,
