Title: Recognizing the interdependence of diplomacy, development, and defense as critical to effective national security.
Policy area: International Affairs

Summary:
This resolution recognizes the roles that development and diplomacy play in advancing the national security objectives of the United States and expresses support for a substantial U.S. international affairs budget.

[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 220 Introduced in House (IH)]

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116th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 220

Recognizing the interdependence of diplomacy, development, and defense 
              as critical to effective national security.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             March 13, 2019

   Mr. Engel (for himself, Mr. McCaul, Mrs. Lowey, and Mr. Rogers of 
Kentucky) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
                      Committee on Foreign Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Recognizing the interdependence of diplomacy, development, and defense 
              as critical to effective national security.

Whereas there has long been a strong bipartisan consensus that diplomacy, 
        development, and defense are key pillars of an effective national 
        security strategy;
Whereas former Secretary of Defense James Mattis testified before Congress that 
        ``If you don't fund the State Department fully, then I need to buy more 
        ammunition . . . .'';
Whereas President Barack Obama's first National Security Strategy affirmed that 
        ``Our Armed Forces will always be a cornerstone of our security, but 
        they must be complemented. Our security also depends upon diplomats who 
        can act in every corner of the world . . . .'';
Whereas President George W. Bush, in his first National Security Strategy, 
        recognized the interdependent relationship between development, 
        diplomacy, and defense as critical to advancing United States national 
        security interests;
Whereas the Department of State and its employees are extremely effective in 
        resolving international disputes through diplomacy, thus precluding the 
        need for the use of Armed Forces and saving American lives and taxpayer 
        dollars;
Whereas the United States Agency for International Development and its employees 
        lead efforts that help countries and communities progress from crisis 
        and poverty to stability and opportunity, creating a stronger, safer 
        world that is ultimately less dependent on aid;
Whereas in an April 21, 2010, letter to Congress, former Secretary of Defense 
        Robert Gates wrote that ``The work performed by diplomatic and 
        development professionals helps build the foundation for more stable, 
        democratic and prosperous societies. These are places where the 
        potential for conflict can be minimized, if not completely avoided, by 
        State and USAID programs--thereby lowering the likely need for 
        deployment of U.S. military assets.'';
Whereas for between just one and one-and-a-half percent of the total Federal 
        budget, the United States International Affairs Budget supports all 
        United States diplomacy and development objectives, which advance United 
        States national security interests at home and abroad;
Whereas diplomacy and development programs are critical tools in supporting key 
        strategic allies like Israel and Jordan;
Whereas the Department of State and the United States Agency for International 
        Development are critical partners in conflict mitigation, addressing 
        some of the root causes of state failure and terrorism in order to 
        prevent conflict before it starts;
Whereas global health programs funded through the United States International 
        Affairs Budget work to fight infectious diseases and prevent deadly 
        pandemics from reaching America's shores;
Whereas humanitarian assistance programs funded through the United States 
        International Affairs Budget assist vulnerable populations and help 
        respond to humanitarian emergencies, such as famine and the growing 
        numbers of displaced people worldwide;
Whereas United States development and diplomacy programs promote America's 
        economic interests and help support jobs here at home by building and 
        opening new markets for United States exports, attracting investment to 
        the United States, and helping American companies and workers to compete 
        globally on a level playing field;
Whereas bipartisan support in Congress has resulted in significant foreign 
        assistance reform, ensuring more transparent, accountable, and results-
        driven programs; and
Whereas Members of Congress have built a bipartisan legacy of support for United 
        States diplomacy and a strong and effective International Affairs 
        Budget: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes the importance of diplomacy and development 
        to United States national security;
            (2) recognizes the importance of United States diplomacy 
        and the work of our diplomats around the world in resolving 
        complex issues, including preventing conflict through dialogue 
        and negotiation;
            (3) recognizes the importance of United States development 
        efforts and the work of our development professionals around 
        the world in saving lives, creating opportunities, and 
        advancing democracy, governance, and peace; and
            (4) supports a strong United States International Affairs 
        Budget that demonstrates American leadership and values and 
        promotes United States interests.
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