WASHINGTON, DC—Representative Eliot L. Engel, the leading Democrat on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement on the release of the President’s Fiscal Year 2016 international affairs budget:

“Around the world today, the United States faces tremendous challenges, from violent extremism to nuclear proliferation to climate change. The budget released by the President today will help keep the United States safe and provide for strong American leadership. The budget provides dedicated funding to counter ISIS and other terrorist threats; advances our global health priorities, including a continued commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS and Ebola; provides $1 billion to address the root causes of migration from Central America; and includes important assistance to Ukraine and neighboring countries facing Russian pressure. In addition, the President’s budget keeps our American diplomats safe by providing $4.8 billion for worldwide security protection.

“A recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll found that many Americans erroneously believe that a significant percentage of the federal budget is spent on foreign assistance. In fact, only 1.4 percent of our budget is dedicated to international affairs, and less than one percent is for foreign aid. Foreign assistance provides a great deal of bang for our buck by keeping Americans safe and promoting U.S. leadership in a very dangerous world. Now I urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to fully fund the President’s FY 2016 international affairs request.”

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