Clinton Makes Case for Development and Diplomacy on the Hill
Secretary Clinton was on Capitol Hill today to begin discussions on President Obama’s FY11 International Affairs Budget request with the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In her opening statement, Secretary Clinton told Senators, “The budget we are presenting today is designed to protect America and Americans and to advance our interests and values,” and throughout the hearing she emphasized the national security, economic prosperity, and global leadership benefits of the programs funded by the International Affairs Budget.
“One thing should be clear from this budget: The State Department and USAID are taking a lead in carrying out the United States’ foreign policy and national security agenda,” she assured Senators.
Clinton focused on three areas where FY11 budget investments will be critical:
1. Enhanced Civilian Capacity
- Commenting on the importance of getting more civilians on the ground in frontline states, Clinton said, “We also need to give our civilian experts the resources to do the jobs we are asking them to do.” Clinton reiterated the U.S. has the finest troops in the world, and that strong civilian capacity is needed to work alongside them.
2. Investing in Development
- Clinton called the global health Initiative, food security, climate change, and humanitarian assistance, as well as a commitment to focus on women and girls, “Investments [that] are a key part of our effort to get ahead of crises rather than just responding to them.” Funding these programs will give “the American people a strong return on this investment.”
3. Personnel
- Finally, she emphasized the importance of recruiting, training, empowering, and equipping personnel at USAID and the State Department to carry out their missions.
At the beginning of the Senate Appropriations hearing, Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) pointed out that in a time of political partisanship in Congress, there is still enormous bipartisan support for the International Affairs Budget, which was obvious during both hearings.
Secretary Clinton and Senators in both committees acknowledged that even during a time of economic hardship, the International Affairs Budget plays a crucial role in promoting U.S. interests, security, and leadership around the world. “Our agenda is ambitious,” Clinton told both committees, “but I think the times demand it. America is called to lead – and we need the tools and resources to exercise our leadership wisely and effectively.”
Secretary Clinton will testify before the House Appropriations Committee and House Committee on Foreign Affairs tomorrow.
Read Secretary Clinton’s Testimony before the Senate Foreign Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs
Read Secretary Clinton’s Testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Read Senator Kerry’s Opening Remarks from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Read Senator Lugar’s Opening Remarks from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
