The USGLC applauds Congressional and Administration leaders for reaching a new bipartisan budget deal that is essential to continuing to advance America’s security and economic interests. By raising the caps on non-defense discretionary spending, this agreement – led by Speaker Pelosi and Secretary Mnuchin – can ensure America’s development and diplomacy programs have the necessary resources to advance our nation’s interests in the world.

America faces no shortage of challenges on the global stage. From the growing competition with China to the threat of Ebola to the largest refugee crisis in history, we cannot afford to pull back from the world. If we shortchange our civilian national security tools, we do so at our own our peril.

As Congress finalizes its spending decisions, it is imperative that the Appropriations Committees fully fund the International Affairs Budget at no less than $60 billion to keep our nation safe and promote America’s economic interests around the world.