Secretary Blinken addressed the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on May 22, 2024, to discuss the FY25 Department of State budget request. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of U.S. global leadership and cooperation with allies in facing contemporary challenges.
"The need for U.S. global leadership – and the need for cooperation, collaboration with allies and partners – has never been greater," Blinken stated. He highlighted concerns over China’s pursuit of "military, economic, geopolitical preeminence" and Russia's aggression against Ukraine as significant threats to international order.
Blinken underscored the U.S.'s support for Israel amid ongoing conflict in Gaza and stressed the necessity of American leadership in addressing humanitarian crises worldwide, including those in Sudan and Haiti. He also pointed out that global issues such as food security, climate change, transnational corruption, and the fentanyl crisis require collaborative efforts.
"With the support of Congress, we can and we are approaching these challenges from a position of strength," Blinken noted. He argued that recent investments have bolstered U.S. economic, diplomatic, and military strength.
The Secretary cited historic domestic investments in competitiveness, innovation, infrastructure renewal of alliances, new partnerships in Europe and Asia, and essential aid delivered to Ukraine as key achievements. He commended Congress for passing President Biden’s supplemental budget request by an overwhelming margin last month.
"Our investment abroad does not come at the expense of our strength here at home – far from it," Blinken said. He elaborated that most supplemental funds are spent domestically to enhance defense industrial capabilities and support American jobs.
The President’s FY25 budget requests $58.8 billion for the State Department and USAID. This includes $2 billion for sustainable infrastructure globally which would create jobs in America while expanding markets overseas. The budget seeks $1 billion for World Bank contributions expected to unlock $36 billion in development fund capacity.
Additionally, $1.7 billion is requested for international organizations like the UN and APEC to ensure they reflect U.S. interests and values. Another $500 million is aimed at increasing secure internet access globally while supporting U.S.-made technology exports.
The budget also addresses synthetic drug crises, irregular migration response efforts, global food insecurity solutions, public health initiatives, climate actions, energy security measures, educational exchanges funding expansion requests to counter disinformation by adversaries like China and Russia through the Global Engagement Center.
Blinken called for investment in expanding diplomatic presence with new posts planned for Pacific Islands and Eastern Caribbean regions while modernizing American diplomacy to handle current challenges effectively.
He concluded by urging Congress to support this budget: "We urge you to support this budget which helps us address the most pressing foreign policy priorities of our time."
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