The President Submits $58.5 billion FY11 International Affairs Budget Request
Budget season officially began on Monday, February 1, as the President submitted his FY 2011 Budget, which includes a strong request of $58.5 billion for the International Affairs Budget, a $6.1 billion increase over current spending levels. The bulk of the increase (59%) is concentrated on Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq, leaving a modest growth of $2.5 billion for all other International Affairs programs. Assuming Congress approves the new war supplemental request that includes $4.5 billion for International Affairs accounts, it would represent – a 2.8% percent increase over 2010 funding.
This marks the ninth year in a row that a president requested an increase in the International Affairs Budget, a clear sign that both Republicans and Democrats recognize that funding the United States’ civilian capacity makes America stronger and better prepared to deal with the challenges of the 21st century.
- Read the USGLC’s in-depth analysis of the FY11 International Affairs Budget request
- USGLC Press Statement with support from key foreign policy officials
The entire International Affairs Budget, which includes funding for the State Department, USAID, and all our Foreign Operations, is a mere 1.4% of the total FY11 Budget. Yet the International Affairs Budget funds America’s “smart power” tools of diplomacy and development – two of the three pillars of U.S. national security. Which is why last month 247 Members of Congress (58 Senators and 189 Representatives) from both parties sent a letter to President Obama urging a robust request for the International Affairs Budget in FY 2011.
Continuing the bipartisan precedent set by the Bush Administration, the Obama Administration views the International Affairs Budget as part of overall national security spending along with Defense, Homeland Security and Veterans programs. Key Administration officials, Members of Congress and former senior policymakers have spoken out in support of an increased FY11 International Affairs Budget request.
Noting that “we live in a dangerous world and a world of opportunity,” USGLC Honorary Chairman and former Secretary of State Colin L. Powell commended the President’s budget request and said that “increasing our diplomatic and development resources is absolutely critical and money well spent.”
In response to the President’s request, the USGLC sent a letter to President Obama commending him for his leadership in requesting a robust FY11 International Affairs Budget. Now that action moves to Congress, and the USGLC will be mobilizing its members here in Washington, D.C. and its supporters across the country to urge Congress to fully fund the President’s request. Keep an eye out for Action Alerts and other communications as the process moves forward.
