An impressive bipartisan Senate letter – led by Senators Durbin and Young – has galvanized nearly half of the Senate to send a strong and clear message that it is vital for America to invest in diplomacy, development, and global health programs to keep our citizens safe, calling for “a robust FY2022 International Affairs Budget.”

After seeing the painful toll the global pandemic has taken on the health and economic impact of every family across this nation, it has never been more clear just how critical American engagement is on the world stage.

We applaud this important statement and look forward to working with both Chambers of Congress and Members on both sides of the aisle to enact robust funding for the International Affairs Budget to protect the security, health, and economic interests of American families.

• “In the midst of an historic global pandemic, we write to urge strong Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 funding for the International Affairs Budget.”
• “A robust FY 2022 International Affairs Budget can help not only support more equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics around the world, but also strengthen health infrastructures, shore up food assistance programs, and provide other life-saving aid to those in need.”
• “Our investments in the key development and diplomatic programs in this budget account are critical to ensuring the health, safety, and economic interests of the American people.”

The full letter text and signatures are available here.