J Street is deeply concerned about the drastic, irresponsible cuts to the State Department and to important foreign assistance and humanitarian programs in the Trump administration’s proposed budget.
This misguided budget would severely weaken American soft power and undermine our diplomatic efforts – harming the security and interests of the United States and our allies. It indicates that this administration fails to understand how diplomacy serves as the most effective frontline tool of American strength.
At a time when humanitarian crises and extremist groups are destabilizing regions around the world, this budget would abandon vulnerable populations and undercut our hard-working foreign service professionals. By furthering a dangerous over-reliance on the use of military power, it increases the likelihood that the men and women of our armed forces will be put in harm’s way. Over the course of our history, Americans have learned all too well the dangers of using military force to solve problems that have no military solutions.
We call on members of Congress to reject this budget. Instead, they should craft a budget that empowers our diplomats and foreign assistance programs to tackle the challenges our country faces in a rapidly changing world.