U.S. Global Leadership Campaign praises overwhelming bipartisan action

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, leaders of the U.S. Global Leadership Campaign (USGLC) applaud the Senate for passage of the Biden-Lugar Amendment to restore $4.1 billion to the International Affairs Budget cut by the Senate Budget Committee. The amendment was enacted by an overwhelming vote of 73 to 23. Funding for the International Affairs Budget ensures America has the essential tools to protect our national security, promote economic prosperity, and to demonstrate our humanitarian values.

“The Senate made the right decision in restoring funding for the International Affairs Budget to the Administration’s request level of $39.8 billion. The United States faces many complex global challenges and funding for the International Affairs Budget is essential for America to achieve its national security and foreign policy goals,” said Bill Lane, Co-President of the U.S. Global Leadership Campaign.

“Increased funding for the International Affairs Budget will help America continue to lead the world in fighting global poverty, combating infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria, and improving the lives of millions of people in developing regions around the world,” stated Nancy Lindborg, Co-President of the U.S. Global Leadership Campaign. “We urge Congress to support the full $39.8 billion in funding for the International Affairs Budget as it completes work on the Joint Budget Resolution and moves forward on the FY09 appropriations bills.”

Recent statements by Defense Secretary Robert Gates, defense experts and Members of Congress underscore the vital need to fully fund America’s International Affairs programs at the Administration’s request level of $39.8 billion. Last evening, the House enacted its version of the FY09 Budget Resolution providing $38.3 billion for the International Affairs Budget, $1.5 billion below the Administration’s request. The U.S. Global Leadership Campaign urges the House and Senate conferees to adopt the Senate allocation of $39.8 billion for the International Affairs Budget as they negotiate the final version of the FY09 Concurrent Budget Resolution.

About the U.S. Global Leadership Campaign
The U.S. Global Leadership Campaign (USGLC) is a broad-based, nationwide coalition of businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community leaders that advocates for a strong U.S. International Affairs Budget. Members of the USGLC – a vibrant, influential network of 400 organizations and thousands of individuals – engage policymakers in the nation’s capital and educate the public around the country to build support for these essential programs.

The International Affairs Budget provides America with the fundamental tools to meet the global challenges of the 21st century and is critical to protecting our national security, building economic prosperity and strengthening our humanitarian values. The International Affairs Budget provides the U.S. with invaluable opportunities to generate much needed allies, partners and friends. For additional information, visit www.usglc.org.

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