Bipartisan Support for Obama Budget’s Strong International Affairs Funding Critical to National Security, Economic Prosperity

Washington, DC – The U.S. Global Leadership Campaign today applauded President Barack Obama’s FY2010 International Affairs Budget request for $51.7 billion, an increase of 9.5% from FY2009’s $47.2 billion, and called on Congress to fully fund the request. While the details will not be released until April, it is clear from this topline request that President Obama recognizes the International Affairs Budget, which funds all of America’s non-military tools of global engagement, is a small but important part of the overall budget that pays large dividends for America’s standing abroad and our economic and national security at home. The requested increase reflects the bipartisan consensus of numerous foreign policy and national security experts and policymakers that the U.S. government must elevate and strengthen our civilian-led tools of diplomacy and development to address the global challenges of the 21st century.

REACTIONS: USGLC Leadership on FY2010 Budget Request

USGLC Honorary Chair and former Secretary of State Colin L. Powell: “The President’s request for a robust international affairs budget is a smart and necessary investment in strengthening America’s civilian capacities for global development assistance and diplomacy, which augment our defense and are vital to our national security and prosperity.”

USGLC Co-President and Caterpillar’s Washington Director for Governmental Affairs Bill Lane: “We are pleased that the bipartisan commitment to ‘smart power’ continues. By building on previous increases, President Obama’s proposed International Affairs Budget will provide the United States with critical tools to strengthen national security, develop overseas markets for American goods, and demonstrate our moral values across the globe.”
USGLC Co-President and Mercy Corps President Nancy Lindborg: “President Obama has taken a bold step forward in meeting his commitments to elevate the importance of diplomacy and development in U.S. global engagement. We urge Congress to fully fund the President’s request, sending a strong message around the world that the United States is committed to addressing the root causes of global instability and poverty and to restoring America’s global image and moral leadership.”

FAST FACTS: FY 2010 International Affairs Budget

• President Obama today proposed $51.7 billion for the FY2010 International Affairs Budget, a $4.5 billion or 9.5% increase over the $47.2 billion* in funding provided for FY2009.

• The requested increase in the International Affairs Budget for FY2010 represents just 0.13% of the total President’s budget request.

• The entire International Affairs Budget, which funds two of the three pillars of U.S. national security – diplomacy and development – represents just 1.4% of the FY2010 proposed federal budget.

• The International Affairs Budget funds the State Department’s diplomatic programs, global health initiatives on HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis, and other development and humanitarian assistance programs to help stabilize fragile states, reduce global poverty and assist refugees. It also covers U.S. food aid and democracy, human rights and public diplomacy efforts critical to restoring America’s image abroad.

• As Secretary of State Hillary Clinton noted in her confirmation hearing, “The relatively small but important amount of money we do spend on foreign aid is in the best interests of the American people” and “promotes our national security and advances our interests and reflects our values.”

• Due to the Obama Administration’s new budgeting method, FY2009 funding level includes the FY2009 Omnibus funding passed by the House yesterday, FY2008 emergency supplemental funding already in law, and an expected FY2009 supplemental funding request.

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The U.S. Global Leadership Campaign (www.usglc.org) 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.