Washington, DC —The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) released the following statement today from Executive Director Liz Schrayer expressing concern at the House’s FY 2012 appropriations allocations for the International Affairs Budget:

“While we are glad the House Appropriations Committee fully funded the war-related components of the International Affairs Budget, we are very concerned about the continued disproportionate cuts to core programs.  The $47.2 billion allocation is a major improvement from the House budget resolution that contained a deep and disproportionate 18% cut ($39 billion), but we are concerned the allocation results in deep cuts for core (non-war related) programs, representing nearly a 20% reduction from FY 2010 levels and 22% from the President’s request.

“Funding our programs in the frontline states is critical, particularly as our civilian forces take the baton in Iraq, but there are many other hot spots in the world where we need to be working.  The International Affairs Budget already shouldered a disproportionate 20% of the government-wide spending cuts in FY 2011.  By cutting back even deeper on core development and diplomatic functions again, we are doing a disservice to our national and economic security.”

The International Affairs Budget represents just over one percent of the entire federal budget yet pays large dividends for our national and economic security, as well as American leadership and values in the world.

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (www.usglc.org) is a broad-based influential network of 400 businesses and NGOs; national security and foreign policy experts; and business, faith-based, academic and community leaders in all 50 states who support a smart power approach of elevating development and diplomacy alongside defense in order to build a better, safer world.

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