Jul 31, 2024
AAD Staff
Washington, D.C. – The Department of State and USAID are being seriously underfunded. Ten percent of positions are vacant in US embassies in Africa where China is “eating our lunch” in commercial competition. Staffing for new initiatives in the Pacific is under threat. Proper long-term professional training is seriously hampered by State and USAID’s inability to release staff from immediate work. In this environment, where administrations are often hesitant to even ask for what they need, it is important that the Congress and the American people know what needs are unmet.
The US military has long operated under a congressional requirement to be clear about its unfunded needs. It is more than time for the State Department and USAID to do the same, to operate on a level playing field with Defense, and for the Congress to have a full picture of true needs. The Fully Funding our National Security Priorities Act co-led by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Todd Young (R-IN) would meet the need to fully understand the requirements of a key part of our national security architecture.
The American Academy of Diplomacy, a non-governmental and non-partisan organization of former senior diplomatic practitioners strongly endorses the Fully Funding our National Security Priorities Act and urges its prompt passage into legislation.
The American Academy of Diplomacy is dedicated to strengthening the professionalism of diplomacy and explaining its importance to the American people. This statement was issued with the approval of the Academy’s Board of Directors.
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