Battle Continues to Protect the International Affairs Budget
For the second time since the beginning of the month, Senate consideration of the International Affairs Budget has been delayed. The International Affairs Budget funds the diplomatic and development work of the United States. This funding saves lives in countries affected by conflict, works to prevent atrocities and supports international peacekeeping.
Although the International Affairs Budget was expected to be up for consideration last week, negotiations on the bill fell through before the November 18th deadline. Since funding was set to run out after the 18th, Congress passed a resolution to create a short-term extension and avoid a government shutdown. The new deadline is December 16th. After the Thanksgiving recess, the House and Senate will have three short weeks to pass the International Affairs Budget. There is ongoing concern about proposed cuts that would disproportionately target this critical funding. (more…)



