We All Agree

We all agree: fully fund a robust International Affairs Budget

There are not many issues before Congress that enjoy bipartisan support from across the ideological spectrum. Yet a message in Politico demonstrates that the International Affairs Budget is just one such issue.  Over the course of the last six months, there’s been a steady and consistent drumbeat of support for a strong International Affairs Budget from all corners – Republicans and Democrats, businesses and humanitarian organizations, and national security and foreign policy leaders.

In fact, there have been a whopping 18 major sign-on letters written in support of bolstering U.S. investments in the “smart power” tools of diplomacy and development by disparate leaders of different political persuasions, ranging from a bipartisan group of all living former Secretaries of State to the more than 50 military leaders to a group of leading American business representatives­­ who said “The International Affairs Budget is a fundamental tool for advancing U.S. economic and strategic interests around the world.” On Capitol Hill, a total of more than 200 members of the House and nearly 60 Senators – Democrats and Republicans – have gone on record in support of increasing the International Affairs Budget.

Want to see all the letters? Download the e-book below to read them.

This outpouring of support is a testament that this tiny fraction of the U.S. federal budget (at 1.4%) is critical to deterring threats before they reach America’s shores, responding to humanitarian crises, and creating new business markets and jobs in the United States. “I strongly believe a robust civilian foreign affairs capacity, coupled with a strong defense capability, is essential to preserving U.S. national security interests around the word,” wrote Defense Secretary Gates in his recent letter to Congress.

Continuing the bipartisan precedent set by the Bush Administration, President Obama and his administration have recognized a strong International Affairs Budget can help keep our shores safe and our nation prosperous.

As Congress begins deliberations on the President’s FY11 International Affairs Budget request, the consensus calls of these distinct voices needs to be heeded.  We must invest in the non-military tools of development and diplomacy.  Our nation simply cannot afford to do otherwise.