Yesterday, by a vote of 318 to 106, the House of Representatives passed the $48.8 billion FY10 State, Foreign Operations Appropriations bill, which represents the largest component of the International Affairs Budget.  The bill is $3.2 billion or 6 percent below the President’s request and $1.2 billion or 2.4 percent below present spending.  Seven amendments were considered, including four cutting amendments that were defeated. 

Also yesterday, the Senate Appropriations Committee marked up its version of the FY10 State, Foreign Operations bill, approving the $48.7 billion measure by a 29 to 1 committee vote.