Ho, ho, ho: Congressional Santas (Mostly) Deliver on International Affairs Funding

In my job, it's not that often that I look at the results of the congressional appropriations process with satisfaction, especially in the current economic and foreign policy climate.  However, Congress has surprised me this year in two welcome ways. 

First, the House and Senate passed a large "omnibus" appropriations package, including funding for the State Department, before their Christmas recess without threat of a government shutdown (okay, it's two and a half months past their original deadline, but why quibble?).  Second, the Fiscal Year 2012 budget mostly delivers pretty good results for the international affairs budget.  It's a Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa miracle!

The final results of the huge appropriations package, which combine funding for departments from nine separate appropriations bills, were about as good as could be hoped for in the current economic and political environment on Capitol Hill.  The legislation provided about $1.45 billion for the Contributions to International Organizations (CIO) budget account, which pays our dues to international organizations such as the U.N. and NATO, with about $100 million extra designated for a related account, bringing the total level up to about $1.55 billion.  This amount is technically below the level needed to keep the U.S. from falling behind into arrears on its U.N. dues; however, since the U.S. will not be funding UNESCO this year due to the Palestinian membership issue, the amount will hopefully be sufficient to keep us out of arrears at the United Nations.

Congress also provided $1.83 billion for the Contributions to International Peacekeeping Activities (CIPA) budget, which funds U.N. peacekeeping missions around the globe.  Another $91 million was provided specifically for peacekeeping in Somalia, bringing the total funding level to $1.92 billion.  This actually represents an increase from last year's level (wow!) and meets the President's budget request.  Due to some unforeseen changes since the President made this request last February, more funding will be needed to keep the U.S. out of arrears on peacekeeping dues at the U.N.; but it appears likely the State Department has enough available "credits" to meet its obligations.  Fingers crossed....

All in all, given the difficult climate and budgetary constraints that have become an unfortunate reality these days, I think it's fair to say that Congress delivered pretty well for the international affairs budget this festive season.  I wish them, and you, a happy holiday, and look forward to seeing what 2012 will bring.