Former Ambassadors Address Congress on Budget Cuts to U.S. Department of State

The American Academy of Diplomacy and the Council of American Ambassadors call on Congress to reject the proposed budget cuts to the U.S. Department of State. In a public letter addressed to congressional leadership, the group of distinguished former American diplomats argue that cutting funds for diplomatic efforts at this level would pose serious risks to American security.Signed by the leadership of both organizations, the letter details current major global crises for which diplomacy is the most effective tool to employ. The Ambassadors highlight the important work of embassies and the Foreign Service in the fight against the Islamic State, combating the threat of diseases outbreaks, keeping Americans safe while abroad, and creating new business ties worldwide.

“US public diplomacy fights radicalism. Educational exchanges over the years have enabled hundreds of thousands of foreign students truly to understand Americans and American culture. This is far more effective in countering radical propaganda than social media. The American Immigration Law Foundation estimates that 46 current and 165 former heads of government are US graduates.”

According to the letter, the current budget proposal is not a cost-effective way to protect America and its interests. If diplomatic efforts are reduced, the chances of war increase, which is why many American military leaders are opposed to the budget proposal as well.For more information visit: www.academyofdiplomacy.org