In 2002 the US announced a gradual increase in future assistance up to $5 billion additional a year. This will still leave the US as one of the smallest donors in relation to its economy. The USS George Bush aircraft carrier, launched in December 2002 by the Navy, cost $4.5 billion.

Net Official Development Assistance - as % of donor countries' gross national income (GNI) - has decreased over the last decade and is at an all-time low. Net ODA to LDCs has decreased even more.