False Alarm Over Foreign Affairs Spending Cuts

Publication Date: September 2002

Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): Bryan T. Johnson; Brett D. Schaefer

Research Area: Banking and finance; Government

Keywords: Budget

Type: Report

Abstract:

The Clinton Administration claims that a declining foreign affairs budget is threatening the ability of the United States to conduct foreign policy. Referring to Congress’s attempts to curb wasteful government spending, former Secretary of State Warren Christopher and his successor, Madeleine Albright, have stated that budget cuts have forced the closure of overseas embassies and other diplomatic offices. To deal with this alleged threat to U.S. diplomacy, the Clinton Administration is calling for increased spending in the foreign affairs budget, which includes funding for U.S. embassies, consulates, foreign aid programs, and international institutions like the World Bank and the United Nations.