USGLC Urges Senate to Fund President’s Full Request to Support America’s Smart Power Tools of Diplomacy and Development

Washington, DC – The U.S. Global Leadership Campaign today issued the following statement from Executive Director Liz Schrayer on the announcement of the House 302(b) allocations:

“Today, the House Appropriations Committee approved the 302(b) allocation for the FY 2010 International Affairs Budget at $51 billion, which is consistent to the funding level recommended in the FY10 Concurrent Budget Resolution. This allocation represents a $2.9 billion decrease below the Administration’s $53.9 billion International Affairs Budget request and nearly one-third of the discretionary cuts to the Administration’s overall request.

“While we recognize these are challenging times, we urge the Senate Appropriations Committee to approve the Administration’s request of $53.9 billion – a mere 1.4% of the entire budget – in its 302(b) allocation for the FY10 International Affairs Budget.

“The USGLC supports the commitments made by President Obama to double U.S. foreign assistance by 2015, increase civilian capacity, and elevate the smart power tools of diplomacy and development in U.S. global engagement. As Secretary Gates and Secretary Clinton have stated on numerous occasions, the International Affairs Budget is critical to our nation’s security, economic prosperity, and demonstrates our humanitarian values.

“Given today’s global challenges, we urge Congress to continue its bipartisan support for these programs and to adequately fund this small but vital investment critical to protecting our national interests and restoring America’s image around the world.”

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The U.S. Global Leadership Campaign (www.usglc.org) is a broad-based, nationwide coalition of businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community leaders that advocates for a strong U.S. International Affairs Budget. Members of the USGLC – a vibrant, influential network of 400 organizations and thousands of individuals – engage policymakers in the nation’s capital and educate the public around the country to build support for these essential programs.