The Foreign Service Journal, April 2018

14 APRIL 2018 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL edge that the public debate about America’s role in the world shifts from administration to administration in ways that can have a significant impact on the work of the Foreign Service. While Republicans and Democrats may disagree on some of the contours of our foreign policy, there are moments of clarity when big issues—like fully fund- ing the State Department—come into focus and bipartisan resolve turns to action to ensure America maintains its leadership in the world. Given our unique backgrounds in for- eign policy, we both feel strongly about the crucial role our State Department must continue to play. We have listened closely as our nation’s military leaders emphasized the importance of the State Department and its diplomatic mission to the Defense Department. Secretary of Defense James Mattis summarized it best in his now famous admonition to legislators: “If you don’t fund the State Department fully, then I need to buy more ammunition ultimately.” And last September the Senate Appropriations Committee voted unanimously in favor of a bill appropri- ating more than $51 billion for the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development. In the face of proposed cuts that would amount to one-third of the budget for these critical agencies, the Senate Appropriations Committee chose instead to make key investments in American diplomacy, development and national security. In the report accompanying that legislation, the senators stated: “Defense alone does not provide for American strength and resolve abroad. Battlefield technology and firepower cannot replace diplomacy and development.” That is why the Senate also bol- stered assistance to our trans-Atlantic partners, particularly those on Russia’s front line. We provided comprehensive funding for global health programs that help prevent the spread of disease. We supported refugees, disaster assistance and efforts to counter violent extrem- ism. Our message could not have been clearer: we believe a strong State Department is critical for the security and prosperity of our nation. Although our politics at home can sometimes seem divided, in its con- stitutional role in U.S. international relations, the Senate has been steadfast as one of the strongest champions for democracy and human rights abroad. As an institution, we have historically held the view that promoting human rights, democracy and the rule of law is not only consistent with universal values but also serves our long-term security and economic interests. As our colleague Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.) said last May: “Our values are our strength and greatest treasure. We are distinguished from other countries because we are not made from a land or tribe or particular race or creed, but from an ideal that liberty is the inalienable right of mankind and in accord with nature and nature’s Creator.” We commend our Foreign Service for not only promoting these values and ide- als, but for supporting others in achiev- ing them. Our diplomats are the finest in the world. We in the Senate are tremen- dously grateful for your service and your sacrifice. You have our enduring support in the pursuit of our common goal: a bet- ter America in a better world. n In the face of proposed cuts, the Senate Appropriations Committee chose instead to make key investments in American diplomacy, development and national security. On Dec. 20, 2017, the Senate Foreign Service Caucus held a roundtable discussion with Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan on the international affairs budget. U.S.SENATE