International affairs cutsa threat to U.S. security
Many Americans think the U.S. spends a significant amount of money on foreign aid. In reality, the U.S. spends less than 1 percent of the federal budget on foreign assistance.
The international affairs budget is important because it enables the U.S. to establish development and diplomacy programs in other countries. Some examples include staffing U.S. embassies, providing emergency response, implementing hunger programs and assisting developing democracies.
While the issue of global poverty appears daunting, solutions are easy, affordable and proven.
Providing foreign aid does more than just benefit foreign countries; it also profits the American economy by creating jobs and strengthens national security by reducing conflict in struggling nations.
Unfortunately, the Trump administration has proposed cuts to the international affairs budget. Many have expressed their opposition against this, including members of Congress and 151 retired three- and four-star generals from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
I urge Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Sen. Kamala Harris to protect the international affairs budget.