Congressional Statements on FY09 International Affairs Budget

Senate Statements

Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-IL), Assistant Majority Leader

Foreign Affairs:

• “While I am pleased to see that the President’s budget includes an overall increase in the international affairs budget, I strongly disagree with his recommendation to reduce funding for vital international programs, including the Global Fund.”

Read Sen. Durbin’s entire statement on the Administration’s FY09 Budget.

Sen. Joseph Biden, Jr. (D-DE), Chairman, Senate Foreign Relations Committee

• “The budget submitted to Congress last week seeks $39.5 billion in spending for foreign affairs, a substantial increase over the last year. And I commend you for persuading the president to continue to expand the foreign affairs budget. “

Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN), Ranking Member, Senate Foreign Relations Committee

• “Congress must begin to ask more fundamental questions about the national security budget as a whole…our defense, foreign affairs, homeland security, intelligence, and energy budgets…evaluating whether the money flowing to these areas represents the proper mix for the 21st Century security threats that we face.”

Sen. John Kerry (D-MA)

• “This is a very significant increase that you have asked for and I’m confident the committee will embrace wholeheartedly — I think long overdue.”

Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI)

• “I am a strong supporter of increased funding for State Department operations to ensure that we have a robust and fully functioning agency.”

Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE)

• “And to accommodate and to address those great challenges of our time, we are going to rely greatly, I think, on what you have within your portfolio….”

Sen. George Voinovich (R-OH)

• “I am happy to see State Department included as a National Security Agency in FY2009 budget. For too long, we have ignored the importance of public diplomacy and soft power to our national security.”

Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN)

• “I also join in appreciation for the increase, 8.5 percent increase, in State Department funding. I think that’s important.”

House Statements

Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA), Acting Chairman, House Foreign Affairs Committee

• “I strongly support, Madam Secretary, the administration’s overall international affairs budget request for fiscal year 2009. It surpasses current spending by nearly $3 billion, a welcome turn of events.”

Read Rep. Berman’s entire statement

Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE)

• “Our foreign assistance programs represent the face of the United States overseas. Their effectiveness, the integrity in which they are implemented and the values that they convey speak volumes as to who we are as a people.”