Support the International Affairs Budget to protect humanitarian
assistance programs and help ensure our nation’s security and economic interests.

In March 2017, the Trump administration proposed enormous 31 percent cuts to the State Department and
USAID. Simply put, cutting one-third of our civilian forces of development and diplomacy at a time of
extreme global threats, famines of historic proportions and a refugee crises out numbering WWII.

These funds are imperative for helping the world's poor, and as global citizens, we must back initiatives that can save millions of lives both domestically and abroad. Currently, the International Affairs Budget makes up only a mere 1 percent of the U.S. federal budget, but impacts all aspects of life in America.

As poverty rates dropped and malnutrition was cut in half globally over the past 20-years it has created emerging markets for U.S. companies to reach and to trade, with over 45% of all U.S. exports now going to developing countries. Job creation in the U.S. and national security are all linked to the plight of the world's poor.

Top national leaders also support U.S. global leadership. Of note, 121 retired military generals recently stated, "the International Affairs Budget must keep pace with the growing global threats and opportunities we face. Now is not the time to retreat."

However, that is exactly what the White House is proposing in its skinny budget -- a huge step back in the efforts to address development, defense and diplomacy. More specifically, the proposed budget calls for cutting global anti-poverty programs by about 30 percent. This funding for the State Department and USAID, helps provide lifesaving treatment against diseases like tuberculosis, addresses malnutrition, helps ensure more children (especially girls) attend school and so much more.

I urge you to protect the International Affairs Budget in order to further global poverty reduction efforts, boost U.S. job creation and advance our national security interests.

Please  sign in support of the International Affairs Budget to protect the worlds most vulnerable.

Thank you!