Today’s International Affairs Budget request is a smart and serious proposal to confront the unprecedented global challenges we face, which is critical for protecting the health and economic recovery of every American family. If enacted, it would represent an important down payment consistent with expert recommendations for vital new investments to address pandemic preparedness, the myriad of global health and humanitarian crises, and ensure American competitiveness.

With COVID-19 still raging in hot spots around the world, this is exactly the right moment for the Administration to send an unequivocal message that the U.S. is stepping up on the global stage, rallying our partners and allies ahead of the G7, and protecting the interests of American families. We urge the Administration and Congress to move forward with this International Affairs funding level as the floor in all Fiscal Year 2022 negotiations.