Letter to House Supporting a Robust U.S. International Affairs Budget

November 10, 2008

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region, strongly supports a robust U.S. International Affairs budget and urges you to sign the Congressional letter to President-Elect Obama supporting an increase in the FY 2010 U.S. International Affairs budget, currently being circulated for consideration by Representatives Berman and Shays.

American businesses understand that development assistance and diplomacy play vital roles in building economic prosperity, protecting our national security, and promoting America's humanitarian values. These investments are critical to creating jobs, saving lives, protecting U.S. diplomats and embassies abroad, and fighting terrorism and the spread of weapons of mass destruction. Additionally, U.S. foreign assistance programs provide technical advice and build stronger political, legal, and economic policy regimes in developing countries that help these nations to become reliable trading partners.

At a time when trade is providing a lifeline to the U.S. economy, these international programs are more important than ever. America must remain engaged in the world and utilize all of the tools and resources it has to strengthen U.S. national interests — including the U.S. International Affairs Budget — to meet the global challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

Sincerely,
R. Bruce Josten