WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) President and CEO Liz Schrayer issued the following statement on the release by the Senate Appropriations Committee of its subcommittee toplines – also known as 302(b) allocations – including for the FY24 State-Foreign Operations Appropriations bill:

Given that the Senate allocations abide by the bipartisan spending deal agreed to earlier this month, which caps overall spending at near current levels, we understand the Senate’s approach to come close to sustaining resources for America’s development and diplomacy programs.

At the same time, we know how much America’s interests are on the line – particularly as we confront competition with China’s escalating activity around the globe, Russia’s war on Ukraine, and unprecedented humanitarian needs from hunger to poverty to migration. In the face of these challenges, America must have sufficient diplomacy, development finance and development resources to protect and advance our nation’s economic and security interests. Now is not the time to pull back from our role in the world.

This message has been echoed by current and former military leaders as well as veterans, farmers, business, faith, and community leaders from across the country who understand that what happens abroad directly impacts kitchen table issues every day, from gas and grocery prices, to supply chain disruptions.

Looking ahead, we urge Congress and the Administration to fund the FY24 International Affairs Budget at no less than the current level as the absolute floor while also being prepared to provide additional supplemental resources necessary to respond to unprecedented emergency needs, such as standing with our Ukrainian allies against Putin’s war of aggression.

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