The President’s first budget request to Congress further militarizes U.S. foreign policy. Trump’s FY18 budget makes the world a much more dangerous place by slashing diplomacy and development programs. In the name of cost saving and efficiency the White House is proposing to cut important programs that prevent violent conflict, build peace and save lives.

Programs that actually have better return on investment than military expenditures have been drastically cut in the President’s budget.

President Trump’s proposal would cut the overall international affairs budget by a staggering 32%. If approved by Congress, this budget would take us back to funding levels for diplomacy and development not seen since 9/11 and it would signal U.S. diplomatic retreat from then world at time when the global community is facing multiple crises. This budget takes away resources from poor communities and transfers it to the rich. It will ensure a big boost to the military industrial complex by lining the pockets of super wealthy corporations while slashing support for diplomacy and development programs that actually promote U.S. national security.

Specific Cuts to the State Department and USAID that concern FCNL:

• The Complex Crises Fund is effectively eliminated. The budget recognizes the importance of funds to “prevent or respond to emerging or unforeseen complex crises” suggesting that such authorities be included under Peacekeeping Operations and Economic Support and Development Fund. There is no further clarity on whether the authorities would enable work to prevent or respond to emerging or unforeseen crises in similar ways to past years or – ultimately – how much money would be allocated for these critical functions.
• Bureau of Conflict & Stabilization Operations (CSO) is cut by 58%. The CSO bureau at the State Department is a vital part of U.S. efforts to be more effective in preventing and responding to violent conflict. CSO works with partners to break cycles of violence, strengthen civilian security, and mitigate crises in priority countries in support of U.S. national security interests. The Bureau also serves as the hub for the State Department’s atrocities prevention work, providing dedicated expertise, analysis, planning, and coordinating in support of priorities of the Atrocities Prevention Board.
• U.S. Institute of Peace eliminated.
• Contributions to International Organizations cut by 27%. This is the U.S. share of contributions to 40 multilateral institutions including the United Nations and many UN affiliated agencies.

Now is actually the time to increase American investments in the conflict and atrocities prevention tools that are run out of the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development.

Leaders from across the political spectrum and sectors such as retired military, Christian, and peace and conflict practitioners are speaking up and urging Congress and the administration to support a strong international affairs budget.

We can – prevent violent conflict at a reasonable cost, it is good for our national security and save lives, and it is the right thing to do. Now it is up to Congress to protect diplomacy, development, and our national security.