U.S. FY 2010 Budget

President Obama put forward a promising budget outline including a $4.5 billion increase for the International Affairs budget (the 150 Account), which includes funding for State Department operations and foreign assistance (although the request did not include food aid). While the details of this budget are not yet known, this increase is a hopeful signal there will be room to fund important development assistance programs during the appropriations process later this year.

In the coming weeks, the president will submit a more detailed, line-by-line accounting of programs important to ONE members including global health, basic education, debt relief, and food security. In the meantime, Representatives and Senators on Capitol Hill are working to draft their own budget resolutions, which should be ready for floor votes in the House and Senate this month.

The budget resolution serves as the framework for Congress to spend money, so it is important that the 150 Account remains intact through the committee process, floor consideration, and conference. The conference is where the House and Senate will resolve any differences between their respective budget resolutions, and will provide the final allocation for the 150 Account. All of this legislative activity will occur quickly in the coming weeks.

In addition to the topline figures, the Administration's budget request reiterated the president's pledge to double foreign assistance and meet many other campaign pledges including a commitment to expand global education, improve food security through enhanced agricultural investments, and follow through on commitments to improving global health.

There will be numerous changes and amendments before the budget is complete, and the final product will demonstrate the United States' priorities for the coming year. ONE's goal in this process is to ensure that helping the world's most vulnerable people remains a priority for both the president and Congress. Our task ahead is to maintain the $4.5 billion increase in the fiscal year 2010 international affairs account the President is requesting. It will not be easy, but thanks to ONE members and other champions, we have strong achievements to build upon this year.