Senate Budget Resolution Fully Funds International Affairs Budget at $36.5 Billion

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, members of the U.S. Global Leadership Campaign (USGLC) applaud the Senate for passing the FY08 Senate Budget Resolution, which includes full funding of the Administration’s request for $36.5 billion for the International Affairs Budget. The funding for the International Affairs Budget was secured by a bi-partisan amendment sponsored by Senator Gordon H. Smith (R-OR) and co-sponsored by Senators Christopher Dodd (D-CT), Richard Lugar (R-IN), Norm Coleman (R-MN), John E. Sununu (R-NH), and Sam Brownback (R-KS). The amendment was agreed to by unanimous consent, signaling the Senate’s support for their continuing commitment to increase U.S. investment in America’s international diplomatic, economic and humanitarian programs as part of the FY 2008 Federal Budget.

“We applaud the Senate for recognizing the importance of the International Affairs Budget in building global stability. This year’s budget resolution reflects the bi-partisan support that the Congress and the Administration have shown for these programs over the past few years,” said George Ingram, President of the U.S. Global Leadership Campaign.

“Senator Smith and his colleagues have demonstrated their leadership on this vital issue once again. At only 1.2 % of the entire budget, they understand that the International Affairs Budget is critical to protecting our national security, building economic prosperity and strengthening our humanitarian values,” Ingram continued.

The global initiatives funded by the International Affairs Budget build markets for U.S. exports, provide for U.S. embassy personnel and security, and promote good governance practices that strengthen democracies. They also facilitate the formation of international coalitions, fund nonproliferation and anti-terrorism efforts, and help people around the globe build a future of hope and opportunity.

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 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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