House Appropriators Propose Dramatic Cuts to Foreign Assistance

by | Jun 30, 2023 | Peace & Service

As advocates, our work varies with each Congress and administration. We constantly push for progress, and sometimes that requires us to play defense to protect federal initiatives that save lives and protect the earth.

A few weeks ago, when President Joe Biden and Speaker Kevin McCarthy (CA-20) reached a deal on the debt ceiling and budget, we knew there would be hard work ahead to protect critical, life-sustaining programs from cutbacks. Their agreement limited overall government spending for two years, reducing program funding in a time of inflation.

That reality became more apparent last week as we got our first real look at what we are up against. Chair Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-26) released his House Appropriations subcommittee’s version of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPs) Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2024. This is one of 12 bills that provide funding for the federal government.

The House proposal effectively rejected the Biden-McCarthy negotiated debt ceiling and budget agreement. Instead, the bill proposes dramatic cuts to funding for diplomacy, peacebuilding, economic development, climate adaptation, migration, and humanitarian assistance—funding at 12% below the agreed levels. (Read our detailed analysis here.)

Fortunately, the House does not get the last word.

In the Senate, things are already looking more promising. The Senate Appropriations Committee voted to adhere to the spending levels in the Biden-McCarthy budget agreement. This means significantly more funds will be available to support these vital programs.

As the Senate formulates its proposal, we have a window of opportunity to help lawmakers understand the need to protect and invest in these programs and the communities they serve.

Through our advocacy, we can help ensure that money is allocated to programs that respond to climate change, reduce violent conflict, alleviate suffering, and strengthen diplomacy.

As the House and Senate Appropriations Committees continue their work, FCNL advocates in Washington, D.C., and around the country remain steadfast in our advocacy to protect investments in the critical programs that make an outsized difference in the lives of our neighbors worldwide.

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Join a Movement for Racial Justice Among Friends

FCNL is a member of the Quaker Coalition for Uprooting Racism, a Quaker racial justice community. They are preparing to open applications for their second cohort of racial justice change-makers. Learn more, sign up for updates, and support the movement!

The Friends Committee on National Legislation is a national, nonpartisan Quaker organization that lobbies Congress and the administration to advance peace, justice, and environmental stewardship. This Week in the World. The FCNL weekly newsletter of advocacy actions and updates and opportunities to take action on the issues you care about.