Budget Debates Move to Capitol Hill
On Wednesday, Feb. 24th, USGLC leaders took Capitol Hill by storm, meeting with over 30 Senators and Representatives on the House and Senate Budget Committees to let them know how important the President’s FY 2011 International Affairs Budget request is to our national security, economic growth, and standing in the world. From General Electric to World Vision, and Proctor & Gamble to CARE, the USGLC participants in these meetings demonstrated broad support from the business, NGO and faith-based communities for our civilian-led tools of development and diplomacy.
Vice Chair of the House Budget Committee Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) spoke at a breakfast briefing for USGLC leaders, reiterating her own personal support for the budget saying it is “morally and economically the right thing to do to provide foreign aid.” While recognizing the challenges of this difficult budget year, Rep. Schwartz noted the International Affairs Budget is a wise investment because it provides resources to grow markets around the globe, strengthen economic ties with other nations, and ultimately create more job opportunities for Americans at home as we export more goods and services.
Throughout the day, USGLC leaders made the case for including the President’s $58.5 billion FY11 International Affairs Budget request in the Senate and House Budget Resolutions to ensure America has the resources and civilian capacity to adequately address the growing global challenges of the 21st century. It’s crucial for Congress to know there is a growing consensus that exists around the country for greater investments in the International Affairs Budget, and Wednesday’s efforts coincided with Secretary Clinton’s first round of hearings on the FY11 Budget before Senate and House Committees.
The International Affairs Budget faces one of the most difficult budget environments in years on Capitol Hill, so it’s critical for USGLC members to convey their support for these programs to Congress. Make your own voice heard by contacting your own Senators and Representative and letting them know how important it is to America to support the President’s full International Affairs Budget request.
