Citizens for Global Solutions played a key role in rallying to support a successful amendment to the Senate Budget resolution that restored funding to the International Affairs Budget.  Sponsored by Senators Lugar (R-IN) and Feinstein (D-CA), the amendment sought to restore $1.1 billion to the International Affairs Budget that had been cut earlier in Senate deliberations.  In final accounting, the Senate Budget resolution contains $31.8 billion for international affairs, $300 over the President's request and a tremendous victory in a time of massive cuts.

Working with other concerned groups, Citizens for Global Solutions called Senate offices to urge passage of the amendment.  Staff reported that they were "bombarded" by calls.

In a letter to Senators and their foreign affairs staffers, Don Kraus, Citizens for Global Solutions Executive Vice President, said :

"Now is a time of significant global challenges in which U.S. diplomacy is called upon to protect American national interests and security. Still, the 150 account only reflects approximately one percent of the total federal budget. Not withstanding increases for the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA), HIV/AIDS, and illicit drugs, 58% of core mainline programs receive flat or decreased funding. In addition, the long-term projected decline in funding levels through fiscal year 2009 is of great concern. This account cannot afford to be decreased. I am particularly concerned with:

"Preventive Diplomacy: As the U.S. carries out the war on terrorism, seeks stability and promotes democracy, rule of law and human rights, it needs to strengthen its preventive diplomacy. Success in diplomacy requires sufficient number of properly trained professionals with the tools of diplomacy required to effect change. The 2005 Budget Request increases the number of personnel funded and provides for their security, and responds to the need to develop the next phase of information and communications systems enhancements. Support must be provided for the tools of diplomacy, including international exchanges, strengthening peacekeeping and international organizations, international broadcasting, development assistance, and continued assistance to Eastern Europe and the former Soviet states.

"Public Diplomacy: Public diplomacy is a front line component of national security strategy, reaching millions of people who are unaware of or hostile to the United States and its international leadership. The recent report of the Advisory Group on Public Diplomacy for the Arab and Muslim World clearly makes the case that funding for public diplomacy, especially in this key region, is inadequate. Cost-sharing contributions by public and private partners exponentially expand the impact of public diplomacy funding, but exchange and cultural community efforts need added budgetary support to fully mobilize their considerable capacity.

"AIDS, Child Survival and Health (CSH), and other health programs: More than 14,000 people are infected each day with HIV, and in 2003 alone, 3 million people died from AIDS, the majority of whom live in the developing world. Congress authorized $3 billion in support of the President's HIV/AIDS initiative; however, it continues to be funded below authorization levels. Congress must provide full funding to meet U.S. commitments. In addition, the President's request decreases funding for the Child Survival and Health program. These programs cannot afford deeper cuts.

"Peace Corps: We support the President's goal of 14,000 Peace Corps volunteers by 2007. In support of this goal, we ask that you meet the President's request level of $401 million for the Peace Corps.

"International Organizations: As we call upon the United Nations and other international organizations to assume greater responsibility for peacekeeping, refugees, food, and rebuilding efforts, funding is needed to support those efforts. Current levels of voluntary contributions are insufficient to meet international obligations that serve American national security objectives including the fight against terrorism and need to be increased, not decreased!

"Foreign affairs programs are proactive in providing U.S. security and maintaining U.S. global leadership. Investments today ensure we are able to meet new challenges as they arise and that those challenges do not become crises."

Funding for HIV/AIDS was also increased by $300 million as a result of a successful amendment offered by Senator Durbin (D-IL).  If this language is retained in the final budget and appropriations, it may offset some of the Administration's previous budget cuts for HIV/AIDS programs.