December 20, 2022

USGLC Welcomes FY23 Omnibus Increase in International Affairs Resources to Confront Global Threats

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) President and CEO Liz Schrayer issued the following statement on the U.S. International Affairs Budget resources included in the final FY23 spending package:

When it comes to global resources, the bipartisan FY23 omnibus package is a critical step forward to meeting the moment and advancing U.S. interests at a time of growing global instability. The USGLC welcomes these vital and increased resources, including a more than 6% increase for core international affairs programs and additional security, economic, and humanitarian emergency assistance for Ukraine.

While sadly there are still growing global threats and needs, it is not lost on any of us that this omnibus is the most significant increase for the non-emergency International Affairs Budget in six years – clearly a big deal. This is thanks to the steadfast and dedicated commitment of bipartisan Congressional and Appropriations leadership, the unwavering support of State-Foreign Operations Subcommittee leaders, and the Administration – and is reflective of the broad-based voices speaking out across the country calling for strengthened investments in diplomacy and development programs.

From Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine to global hunger to the competition with China, these resources are particularly timely and send a strong signal to our allies and our adversaries around the world. As the new Congress begins, we look forward to working with policymakers on both sides of the aisle to ensure resources keep pace with the growing threats impacting our national interests, because the imperative for America’s global leadership has rarely been greater.

Key Numbers:

Congress provided a total of $78.3 billion for the FY23 International Affairs Budget – including:

  • $61.7 billion in regular/non-emergency funding ($3.7 billion or 6% above the FY22 non-emergency enacted level)
  • $16.6 billion in emergency funding for Ukraine

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (www.usglc.org) is a broad-based influential network of 500 businesses and NGOs; national security and foreign policy experts; and business, faith-based, academic, military, and community leaders in all 50 states who support strategic investments to elevate development and diplomacy alongside defense in order to build a better, safer world.