The Administration’s FY23 International Affairs Budget request is a significant and serious proposal to help protect the health, safety, and economic interests of every American family at a time of unprecedented and growing global threats. We applaud the Administration’s proposed nearly 17% increase for global resources over the FY22 enacted level.  

As strong as this request is, we cannot lose sight of two realities that remind us how vulnerable Americans are to any shortfalls in our global response. First, global crises continue to spiral out of control – from Russia’s war in Ukraine to acute global hunger to millions of refugees on the move. Plus ongoing challenges are not letting up – including the global pandemic and the rise of China. We cannot confront new and growing threats in our ever-changing world with a budget living in the past. 

Second, as crises are raging, the final FY22 omnibus fell far short from what the Administration and Congress initially outlined – and we now are forced to play catch up. If enacted, the Administration’s global request would help fill this critical gap to advance American interests – particularly by focusing on countering Russia and China, investing in global health, and responding to unprecedented humanitarian crises at a time of growing conflict and food insecurity. In addition, and while we haven’t seen all the details, we are pleased to see the Administration calling for new investments in future pandemic prevention.  

As we have seen in response to Putin’s unprovoked war, when it comes to diplomacy and development, these are bipartisan issues. Congress now has an important opportunity to come together in support of American global leadership and confront these growing global threats. The FY23 international request must be the floor in negotiations, and we urge the Administration and Congress to move forward together to protect the health, safety, and economic prosperity of the American people. Alongside our members and partners, we are committed to working tirelessly to advance an FY23 International Affairs Budget that meets this moment.  

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