Originally published on the CGS blog on April 19, 2011.
In an editorial in the Seattle Times, two members of Congress made a strong statement about the importance of international relations funding as budget battles loom. Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA), Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), and Bill Clapp, the founder of Global Washington and Seattle International Foundation, laid out the key reasons to maintain the international relations budget, including:
“Foreign assistance is the first line of our national defense, making us safer by stabilizing volatile nations. As Secretary of Defense Robert Gates emphasized, ‘development is a lot cheaper than sending soldiers.'”
In addition to saving us from the troubles and expenses of war, programs that rely on the international relations budget also reduce the need for additional aid in the future. The editorial states, “it cost $100 million to eliminate smallpox on the planet, but now saves the world $1.3 billion annually.” International relations spending, a mere 1% of the budget, allows us to proactively solve minor international issues before they become major problems that we have to deal with.
The article concludes with the appeal: “Let your elected representatives and community know that you support crucial investments in our safety, economic interests and long-term prosperity.” We at CGS are thrilled that Congressmen are taking the initiative on this crucial issue and supporting what we fight for. We encourage everyone to do as Rep. McDermott and Rep. Smith say and make sure your Congress people protect the international relations budget.
To read the full article from the Seattle Times, click here.
