Recognizing the interdependence of diplomacy, development, and defense as critical to effective national security.

IV 116TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION H. RES. 220 Recognizing the interdependence of diplomacy, development, and defense as critical to effective national security. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MARCH 13, 2019 Mr. ENGEL (for himself, Mr. MCCAUL, Mrs. LOWEY, and Mr. ROGERS of Ken- tucky) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Com- mittee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Recognizing the interdependence of diplomacy, development, and defense as critical to effective national security. Whereas there has long been a strong bipartisan consensus that diplomacy, development, and defense are key pillars of an effective national security strategy; Whereas former Secretary of Defense James Mattis testified before Congress that ‘‘If you don’t fund the State De- partment fully, then I need to buy more ammunition . . . .’’; Whereas President Barack Obama’s first National Security Strategy affirmed that ‘‘Our Armed Forces will always be a cornerstone of our security, but they must be com- plemented. Our security also depends upon diplomats who can act in every corner of the world . . . .’’; VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:26 Mar 14, 2019 Jkt 089200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR220.IH HR220 pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS 2 •HRES 220 IH Whereas President George W. Bush, in his first National Se- curity Strategy, recognized the interdependent relation- ship between development, diplomacy, and defense as critical to advancing United States national security in- terests; Whereas the Department of State and its employees are ex- tremely effective in resolving international disputes through diplomacy, thus precluding the need for the use of Armed Forces and saving American lives and taxpayer dollars; Whereas the United States Agency for International Develop- ment and its employees lead efforts that help countries and communities progress from crisis and poverty to sta- bility and opportunity, creating a stronger, safer world that is ultimately less dependent on aid; Whereas in an April 21, 2010, letter to Congress, former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates wrote that ‘‘The work performed by diplomatic and development professionals helps build the foundation for more stable, democratic and prosperous societies. These are places where the po- tential for conflict can be minimized, if not completely avoided, by State and USAID programs—thereby low- ering the likely need for deployment of U.S. military as- sets.’’; Whereas for between just one and one-and-a-half percent of the total Federal budget, the United States International Affairs Budget supports all United States diplomacy and development objectives, which advance United States na- tional security interests at home and abroad; VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:26 Mar 14, 2019 Jkt 089200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR220.IH HR220 pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS 3 •HRES 220 IH Whereas diplomacy and development programs are critical tools in supporting key strategic allies like Israel and Jordan; Whereas the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development are critical part- ners in conflict mitigation, addressing some of the root causes of state failure and terrorism in order to prevent conflict before it starts; Whereas global health programs funded through the United States International Affairs Budget work to fight infec- tious diseases and prevent deadly pandemics from reach- ing America’s shores; Whereas humanitarian assistance programs funded through the United States International Affairs Budget assist vul- nerable populations and help respond to humanitarian emergencies, such as famine and the growing numbers of displaced people worldwide; Whereas United States development and diplomacy programs promote America’s economic interests and help support jobs here at home by building and opening new markets for United States exports, attracting investment to the United States, and helping American companies and workers to compete globally on a level playing field; Whereas bipartisan support in Congress has resulted in sig- nificant foreign assistance reform, ensuring more trans- parent, accountable, and results-driven programs; and Whereas Members of Congress have built a bipartisan legacy of support for United States diplomacy and a strong and effective International Affairs Budget: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 1 VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:26 Mar 14, 2019 Jkt 089200 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6201 E:\BILLS\HR220.IH HR220 pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS 4 •HRES 220 IH (1) recognizes the importance of diplomacy and 1 development to United States national security; 2 (2) recognizes the importance of United States 3 diplomacy and the work of our diplomats around the 4 world in resolving complex issues, including pre- 5 venting conflict through dialogue and negotiation; 6 (3) recognizes the importance of United States 7 development efforts and the work of our develop- 8 ment professionals around the world in saving lives, 9 creating opportunities, and advancing democracy, 10 governance, and peace; and 11 (4) supports a strong United States Inter- 12 national Affairs Budget that demonstrates American 13 leadership and values and promotes United States 14 interests. 15 Æ VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:26 Mar 14, 2019 Jkt 089200 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6301 E:\BILLS\HR220.IH HR220 pbinns on DSK79D2C42PROD with BILLS