instability and social discord, which creates conditions for insecurity. (4) It is in the security and economic interests of the United States to assist in the economic recovery of developing countries that are made more vulnerable and unstable from both the public health and economic impacts of the COVID–19 pandemic. (5) United States foreign assistance and development finance institutions must blunt the impacts of a COVID–19 related economic recession by supporting investments in sectors critical to maintaining economic stability and resilience in low and middle income countries. (6) The need for the United States International Development Finance Corporation’s support for advancing development outcomes in less developed countries, as mandated by the Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development Act of 2018 ( 22 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.), is critical to ensuring lasting and resilient economic growth in light of the COVID–19 pandemic’s exacerbation of economic hardships and challenges. (7) The United States International Development Finance Corporation is encouraged to adjust its view of risk versus return by taking smart risks that may produce a lower rate of financial return but produce significant development outcomes in responding to the economic effects of COVID–19. (8) To mitigate the economic impacts of the COVID–19 recession, the United States International Development Finance Corporation should use its resources and authorities to, among other things— (A) offer borrowers loans and loan guarantees at concessional rates below the Federal Reserve interest rate