A question for those who support this humanitarian effort, please.

[sad sally]

According to the US Global Leadership Coalition, a little more than one percent of the total U.S. Federal Budget, the International Affairs Budget, supports numerous programs around the globe. The FY 2008 International Affairs Budget totaled $34.3 billion and provided the U.S. with invaluable opportunities to generate much needed allies, partners and friends.

The types of programs are funded by the International Affairs Budget include America’s global economic, diplomatic, and humanitarian initiatives. These programs build markets for U.S. exports, provide for U.S. embassy personnel and security, and promote good governance practices that strengthen democracies. They also facilitate the formation of international coalitions, fund essential nonproliferation and anti-terrorism efforts, respond to global challenges such as hunger and illiteracy, and help people build a future of hope and opportunity.

If, as the President has said, this is a humanitarian effort should the US's share of funding come from this budget? If yes, what Countries share of this should be reduced?

Should it simply be added to the National Debt?

Should it be added as an increase to the Defense budget for FY2011? What will be needed for FY2012?

Should funds be reduced in non-discretionary budgets to pay for it?

Should social programs be cut to pay for it?

Should it be "off-budget" since it wasn't planned?

Should we ask China to fund our portion?

[Raine1967]

1. I'm pretty sure it's is not off budget.

You have a lot of 'should' questions.

I'll let those smarter than me to answer each question. You asked a lot of questions, most of which are asking people to play strawman.

EACH question should be asked separately, unless you make your opinion and point of debate clear.

[sad sally]

2. Thank you, you're right, of course.

Too late for me to edit, the question is, should humanitarian budgets pay for Odyssey Dawn?

[Raine1967]

3. Is there such a thing as a humanitarian budget?

[sad sally]

5. Yes, humanitarian aid (budget) is in the International Affairs Budget

which is in the State Department.

Clinton highlighted three areas where the budget request makes significant new investments:

1. Frontline states. Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan receive the bulk of the FY11 budget increases.

2. Investing in development. The budget makes targeted investments in fragile societies, which Clinton argued “bear heavily on our own security and prosperity.” The administration also requests increases for the Global health Initiative, food security, climate change, investments in women and girls, and humanitarian assistance.

3. Recruit, train and empower the right people for the job. The budget allows for expanding the Foreign Service, staffing the standby element of the Civilian Reserve Corps, ending reliance on contractors, and expanding oversight.

All of these investments, Clinton said, are “designed to enhance American security, help people in need and give the American people a strong return on their investments.” She said, “one thing should be very clear from this budget: The State Department and USAID are taking a lead in carrying out the United States’ foreign policy and national security agenda.” She added that the Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review, set to come out this summer, will help match resources to priorities and ensure the programs are effective and accountable.

My (lost) original question: If Odessy Dawn is a Humanitarian Mission, should it be funded by the State Department?

[bhikkhu]

4. I would say: lump it in the defense budget for 2011

as far as the immediate expenses, at least. Much of the cost is in the missiles we already bought and paid for. I'd be happy myself if they were simply not replaced.

In any case (and not that I or anyone here is likely to have the slightest shred of influence on the matter), in spite of supporting the effort, its very easy to say that the defense budget is the one part of the US budget that is full of pork. It hasn't seen any pressure yet, so this would be a good excuse.