President George W. Bush
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500

 

Dear President Bush,

 

We are writing to express strong, bipartisan support for a robust increase in the FY2004 International Affairs Budget as a key complement to our military and intelligence capabilities in the battle against terrorism and the effort to build global stability.

 

Earlier this year before traveling to the Monterrey, Mexico, Summit, you announced a bold and significant initiative committing the United States to increase its international assistance by $5 billion over three years. We believe that now is the time to act on this initiative and begin to restore the overall International Affairs Budget to the high water mark of the Reagan years – almost 30 percent higher in real terms than we are spending today.  As Members of Congress, we are prepared to assist you in securing the necessary support from the legislative branch in this endeavor, for indeed the challenges we face today as a nation are no less daunting than those we confronted during the Cold War.

 

Totaling just one percent of the Federal spending, the International Affairs Budget strengthens our national security in assisting the formation of international coalitions, combating weapons of mass destruction, and helping people build a future – all of which will be an integral part of the fight against global terrorism.

 

The 150 Account builds markets for U.S. exports by funding embassies and export promotion programs that boost our nation’s goods and services around the world.  At a time when global stability is vital to our interests, this Account also gives us the tools to provide assistance to those in need, strengthen democracies, and respond to global challenges such as infectious diseases, hunger, illiteracy, and maternal and child health.  As you said during your March 14, 2002, address, “The advance of development is a central commitment of American foreign policy … We work for prosperity and opportunity because they're right.  It's the right thing to do.  We also work for prosperity and opportunity because they help defeat terror.”

 

We are more convinced than ever that America must remain engaged in the world and use all of the tools and resources it needs to strengthen U.S. national interests -- including the International Affairs Budget.  As you begin to prepare the FY2004 Federal Budget, we urge you to support substantially increased funding for international affairs programs.  These vital programs will play a central role in the conduct of this nation’s campaign against global terrorism and protection of our long-term security and prosperity.

 

Best wishes,
 

HOWARD L. BERMAN
Member of Congress
 

DOUG BEREUTER
Member of Congress
 

cc: The Hon. Mitch Daniels, Director, Office of Management and Budget
     The Hon. Colin Powell, Secretary of State
     The Hon. Condoleezza Rice, National Security Advisor