Quotes
“No national security strategy is complete in the long run without promoting global health, political freedom and economic progress.”
President George Bush, Washington Post, December 2010
“To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow, to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds.”
President Barack Obama, 2009 Inaugural Address
“The ultimate importance to the United States of our security and development assistance programs cannot be exaggerated. The programs and activities provided for in these bills will enable the United States to continue its contribution to the achievement of a secure and stable international environment.”
President Ronald Reagan, Statement on Signing International Security and Foreign Assistance Legislation, December 29, 1981
“Security assistance programs, an essential complement to our defense effort, directly enhance the security of the United States. Development assistance also contributes to this effort by supplementing the indigenous efforts of recipients to achieve economic growth and meet the basic needs of their peoples. Progress in both of these areas will contribute to regional stability and to a more peaceful world, both of which are central U.S. policy objectives.”
President Ronald Reagan, Statement on Signing International Security and Foreign Assistance Legislation, December 29, 1981
“We live in a dangerous world and a world of opportunity. Increasing our diplomatic and development resources is absolutely critical and money well spent to deal with the dangers and seize the opportunities. I commend the President for his commitment to these urgently-needed investments in our nation’s economic and national security.”
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell, February 1, 2010
“For the United States, supporting international development is more than just an expression of our compassion. It is a vital investment in the free, prosperous, and peaceful international order that fundamentally serves our national interest.”
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Speech at the White House Summit on International Development, October 21, 2008
“The programs supported by the International Affairs Budget are as essential to our national security as defense programs. Development and diplomacy protect our nation by addressing the root causes of terrorism and conflict. But it’s not just about security. By building new markets overseas for American products, the International Affairs Budget creates jobs and boosts the economy here at home.”
Former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, Statement on the release of the President’s FY11 International Affairs Budget request, February 2010
