The Future of USAID – J. Brian Atwood et. al.
“The Future of USAID”
J. Brian Atwood, Henrietta Holsman Fore, M. Peter McPherson and Andrew Natsios
Huffington Post | July 14, 2010
One would imagine that a national investment that pays dividends in the forms of greater national security, economic growth, and revitalized American values would be a wise investment in the future of our country. Yet the International Affairs budget — which funds America’s vital development and diplomacy programs — is burdened with a disproportionate share of the budget cuts now being made by Congress.
We recognize that Congress is faced with agonizing choices — and many competing priorities — on the budget front. However, cuts to the International Affairs budget will only weaken USAID and other agencies that make vital contributions to global development and our national security. This tiny fraction of the budget totals only 1.4% of federal spending, but is bearing the brunt of the cuts being made by Congress to President Obama’s budget request.
We are grateful for the emphasis the President has placed on development and foreign assistance–a tradition he continues from President Bush. And we strongly support Secretary Clinton’s call to make USAID “the premier development agency in the world.” But this goal will only be achieved when USAID’s personnel capacity is rebuilt and its funding enhanced.
J. Brian Atwood, Henrietta Holsman Fore, M. Peter McPherson and Andrew Natsios served as USAID Administrators in previous administrations. Ms. Fore also served as the Director of Foreign Assistance. All are advisors to the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition.
