Bipartisan issues are often less discussed than more polarizing partisan issues. This is because of the need to pit one side against the other to gain political favor, while topics that most Americans would agree on if educated on the subject are often swept under the rug. As a Borgen Project member, my responsibility is to inform people of some of these bipartisan issues. One important issue is the protection of the International Affairs Budget.
The International Affairs Budget accounts for less than 1% of the national budget, yet it has helped hundreds of millions of people around the globe by providing food, clean water, humanitarian aid, and education, and furthering the rights of the disenfranchised. Every year, the International Affairs Budget is at risk of getting cut.
One reason for the budget is to further national security. Providing poverty relief and education is a preventative measure against extremist and militant groups. At least 141 three- and four-star generals are against cutting the International Affairs Budget.
Another reason is to create economic and diplomatic ties with a developing nation. Once they have industry, it can promote free trade, investment, global supply chains, American exports and more opportunities overseas.
With the fear of pandemics still present in Americans, the International Affairs Budget also provides humanitarian aid in the form of vaccinations and containment of disease.
This part of the budget prevents the potential of a worldwide pandemic.
I call on Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Sen. Dan Sullivan to prevent the cutting of the International Affairs Budget.
— Jacob Brinn
Eagle River
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