[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 27, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1842-E1843]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CUTS IN FUNDING FOR THE INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS ACCOUNT DAMAGE OUR 
                           NATIONAL SECURITY

                                 ______


                          HON. LEE H. HAMILTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 1995

  Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call my colleagues 
attention to a recent letter I received from the American Academy of 
Diplomacy. The letter points out the importance to U.S. national 
security of maintaining adequate funding for the international affairs 
(150) budget function.
  Foreign aid is always a prime target in tight budget times. I believe 
this is shortsighted. Adequate levels of funding for sustainable 
development, population, democracy, security, rule of law, and other 
assistance should be viewed as a valuable payment toward the national 
security of the United States. Stable democracies with thriving 
economies are less likely to become destabilizing forces. They are also 
more likely to become valuable trading partners of the United States, 
which increases jobs here at home.
  We also need a strong diplomatic presence abroad to advance the goals 
and objectives of American policy. I would like to call my colleagues 
attention to the massive cuts in the 

[[Page E 1843]]
appropriation for the Department of State and other cuts in vital 
foreign policy programs being proposed in the Senate. These cuts could 
damage our standing in the world and hurt our national security for 
years to come.
  Readiness is not just an issue for our military. Readiness is 
something we need to maintain in our diplomatic corps as well. 
Diplomacy is the first line of defense for the United States. If it 
fails because of inadequate funding, we will most likely be forced to 
increase defense spending even more. That is being penny-wise and 
pound-foolish. I urge my colleagues to support adequate funding for the 
international affairs account and commend the letter of the American 
Academy of Diplomacy to your attention.

                            The American Academy of Diplomacy,

                               Washington, DC, September 19, 1995.
     Hon. Lee Hamilton,
     House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Lee: Earlier this year, during Congressional debate on 
     authorization legislation for the FY 96 Function 150 Account, 
     the Academy wrote to express its concern over funding then 
     contemplated. We expressed our belief that the cuts then 
     being considered risked endangering America's capacity, 
     through diplomacy, to shape the world in which our national 
     interests will be at play at a critical time of global 
     change.
       Today even larger cuts are being proposed in appropriations 
     bills for both the 150 Account and funding for the Department 
     of State and other foreign affairs agencies. We believe it 
     important to state once again our concern that America's 
     capacity for leadership and influence is being placed at risk 
     at a time when our national interests face unique challenges 
     as well as opportunities on the global scene. I believe all 
     members of this Academy would concur in saying that these 
     cuts are excessive. They come very near to undermining 
     America's diplomatic readiness at a time when effective 
     diplomacy is a vital tool in pursuit of our national 
     interests in many regions of the world.
       The membership of the American Academy of Diplomacy 
     includes more that a hundred Americans who, while in 
     government service, either as career diplomats or as private 
     citizens, played leading roles in the formulation and 
     implementation of American foreign policy. The membership 
     includes all living former Secretaries of State. It 
     represents both sides of the political aisle. Our members may 
     disagree on the specifics of policies, but they speak with 
     one voiced in believing that in today's world a strong 
     diplomatic arm, well funded, well staffed and strategically 
     placed throughout the world as well as in Washington, is 
     critical to a prosperous American state.
       At a time of stringent budget limitations, Academy members 
     appreciate full well that overall spending on behalf of our 
     global interests and the means to secure them must be weighed 
     against compelling needs elsewhere. However, if the United 
     States, which today is engaged nationally in a manner that 
     touches on the smallest and most remote of our communities, 
     must have a sustainable, flexible, long-term strategy to 
     defend that engagement. Such a defense takes people. It takes 
     funding. It requires understanding the 150 Account and the 
     funding for State and other foreign affairs agencies have a 
     legitimate and, indeed in today's circumstances, urgent claim 
     on an appropriate portion of our national resources. The cuts 
     in appropriations now being proposed, in our belief, directly 
     contradict our national interest.
       I ask that you share these views with your colleagues.
           Sincerely,
                                                 L. Bruce Laingen,
     President.

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