The International Affairs Budget Request For Fiscal Year 2007 PDF Download

I am pleased to be here today to discuss the programs and activities funded by the international affairs budget - the 'function 150' account of the federal budget. As you requested, my goal today is to help set the stage for a thoughtful examination of the issues that should be raised in assessing the current programs and activities on the books that support U.S. foreign policy and economic objectives. To date, no one has undertaken such a comprehensive review of 150 account activities. This examination appears to be warranted in light of the dramatically changed world environment and new budget realities and increased demand for accountability for results. GAO'S 1996 symposium involving leading academics and practitioners in the area of international affairs evidenced the broad and significant changes that are taking place in the world in terms of governance, finance, economics, and political-military affairs. I will establish the context for my statement and provide an overview of six categories into which we have placed the international affairs programs. Then I will outline a framework for assessing these activities and their funding. And finally, I will discuss some of the critical issues and questions that should be examined in each of our six categories.