Budget Snapshot
FY 2010 International Affairs Budget
*The Agriculture Appropriations bills contain funding for the P.L. 480 international food assistance program and the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program.
**The Labor-HHS Appropriations bill funds a portion of the U.S. commitment to the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and Tuberculosis.
Final Action
The FY10 International Affairs Budget was completed with passage of the $446.8 billion FY10 Omnibus Appropriations bill by the House on Dec. 10th and the Senate on Dec. 13th and signed into law by the President. The measure includes the $48.76 billion FY10 State, Foreign Operations Appropriations bill and the $300 million transfer to the Global Fund in the Labor-HHS bill. When combined with the $1.9 billion in international food aid in the Agriculture bill, already signed into law, the International Affairs Budget is funded at $51 billion, $1.7 billion or 3.2 percent below present spending, and $2.9 billion or 5.4 percent below the Administration’s request.
USGLC Analysis of the FY10 International Affairs Budget
Summary of the FY10 International Affairs Budget
Senate Action
The Senate passed only one of the three bills that make up the International Affairs Budget, the Agriculture bill. The FY10 State, Foreign Operations Appropriations bill, the largest of the three, was never brought to the Senate floor for a full vote. The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the $48.7 billion FY10 State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations bill on July 9th by a 29 to 1 vote. The measure is $100 million below the House-passed bill and includes key funding differences among specific accounts:
- $450 million less for the Millennium Challenge Corporation;
- $300 million more for the President’s Food Security Initiative; and
- $77 million less for the Peace Corps
Comparison of the House and Senate FY10 State, Foreign Operations Bills
House Action
The House passed all 12 FY10 Appropriations bills by the end of July, just prior to adjourning for the summer recess. The FY10 State, Foreign Operations Appropriations bill, passed by a vote of 318 to 106 on July 9th. Four cutting amendments were defeated leaving intact the full $48.8 billion provided in the bill. The final vote included 242 Democrats and 76 Republicans in favor, while 9 Democrats and 97 Republicans voted against final passage.
Highlights of the House FY10 State, Foreign Operations Bill
On the same day, the House passed the FY10 Agriculture Appropriations bill by a vote of 266 to 160. The bill includes $1.9 billion in international food aid: $1.7 billion for P.L. 480 international food aid and $200 million for the McGovern-Dole program. The FY10 Labor-HHS Appropriations bill was approved by a vote of 264 to 153 on July 24th, and includes $300 million for the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis.
White House Action
President Obama submitted the details of his $3.6 trillion FY 2010 Budget request to Congress on May 7th. In keeping with his commitments to double U.S. foreign assistance by 2015 and increase funding for America’s civilian-led tools of to diplomacy and development, the President requested $53.9 billion for the FY10 International Affairs Budget, an 8% increase above enacted and then-pending appropriations for FY09.
Highlights of the FY10 International Affairs Budget Request
USGLC Statement
The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition applauds the Obama Administration’s bold and visionary leadership in requesting $53.9 billion for the FY10 International Affairs Budget. It is clear from the details of this request that President Obama recognizes the importance of elevating America’s civilian-led tools of diplomacy and development to address the global challenges of the 21st century. In particular, the USGLC praises the Administration’s commitment to double U.S. foreign assistance by 2015, including increases in our civilian capacity as critical to reinvigorating U.S. foreign policy. At a mere 1.4% of the entire federal budget, the International Affairs Budget is essential to protecting our national security, building economic prosperity and demonstrating our moral leadership.
USGLC Leadership
