WASHINGTON – The Foreign Affairs budget includes funding for the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Department of State among other organizations. In the past, the House and Senate have disagreed on how to spend the foreign affairs budget. Recently, President Barack Obama’s 2013 USAID budget request for $51.84 billion did not go over smoothly in Congress.
The International Affairs budget comprises just under one percent of U.S. spending. This budget focuses on development and international diplomacy. In addition, they fund embassies abroad, implement agricultural programs and fund crisis relief among other international programs.
Before the end of 2014, Congress passed a bill appropriating $50.9 billion to Overseas Contingency Operations and international food and aid. This is a $300 million increase over the last appropriation. The final package includes $2.5 billion for Ebola relief and crisis.
Another part of the budget is devoted to preventing war. In this new year the U.S. is faced on several fronts with ongoing conflicts in the middle east. The U.S. continues to battle Syria with airstrikes as the Bashar al-Assad regime harbors extremist terrorist groups. Additionally, the U.S. recently deployed 3,100 troops back into Iraq to slow the terrorist group known as ISIS.
It has never been more pertinent for the U.S. to invest in programs that engender diplomacy and soft power in order to deter conflicts; this is especially true in Russia. Although the ruble has collapsed due to the plummeting price of oil around the globe, the U.S. continues to pursue harsh economic sanctions in order to deter Russia from sending troops into the Ukraine.
The Foreign Affairs budget is meant to advance U.S. interests abroad. There is a broad definition of what this could mean, however, the general consensus is that it should increase national security.
There have been recent advances in funding for USAID. For instance, in 2014 the Foreign Affairs budget increased by six percent. Freedom House is an independent organization that promotes democracy and transparency in governments reported in a statement that the U.S. Congress needs to completely fund the budget.
Sarah Trister, a Senior Manager at Freedom House stated, “The administration has recognized that funding for America’s diplomats and assistance programs is a key tool for achieving American policy objectives and protecting American interests around the world. Congress should likewise recognize that these investments are vital and fully fund the international affairs budget in FY15.”
It is crucial that the current administration continue to increase funding for the Foreign Affairs Budget. A continued effort would help maintain America’s image and goals abroad as well as reinforce soft power initiatives across the globe.
– Maxine Gordon
Sources: U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, Heritage, Defense News, Freedom House
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