Two important budget-related measures have recently been in the news. Last Thursday, President Obama released his first budget, while earlier in the week Congress submitted the details of its latest appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2009. Both offer important insights into U.S. government thinking regarding challenges abroad.
Highlights regarding Enough’s issues from the “State and Foreign Operations” section of the appropriations bill include:
- $250.2 million for U.N. peacekeeping operations, with up to up to $16 million to support UNAMID training.
- $1.517 billion for contributions to the international peacekeeping account, with directions to fully fund UNAMID and to fund oversight missions meant to identify all forms of abuse.
- $325.5 million for international organizations and programs.
- For Sudan: $254.1 million for long-term development efforts in southern Sudan, including rule of law programs, institution building, health, basic education, agriculture and economic growth.
- Reports required on:
- Any efforts by the Government of China to impede sanctions, dilute international condemnation of Government of Sudan, or help Government of Sudan avoid complying with U.N. resolutions.
- Efforts by Government of China to pressure Government of Sudan to end the Darfur conflict.
- State’s efforts to engage China on Darfur.
- State’s proposals for obtaining China’s cooperation on Sudan.
The administration’s proposed budget would include $51.7 billion in international affairs funding for Fiscal Year 2010. Specifically, President Obama’s international affairs budget aims to increase America’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and assistance tools to address current and future challenges that affect our nation’s security. It also further supports United Nations peacekeeping activities and seeks to eventually double U.S. foreign assistance meant to reduce poverty, help countries govern peacefully, and expand democracy worldwide.
If everything is passed in its current form, there will be a 9.5% increase in foreign assistance. And while nothing is set in stone, Obama’s early push for increased funding is commendable. We are only at the starting line of the race that is the budget process, but this is certainly a great starting point and a step in the right direction.
Photo courtesy of AP.