Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson joined Republicans in opposing passage of the FY2010 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill.  This legislation provides an unsustainable increase of $12 billion, which is 33% increase over last year’s funding levels.

“I was disappointed to see that the Democrats chose to provide such huge increases during a time when we are facing 9.5% unemployment and massive government deficits at home,” said Simpson.  “During a time when many families are struggling to pay their bills and put food on their own table, we should not expect the American taxpayer to foot the bill for expensive and unnecessary programs abroad.”

The bill increases funding for programs at the State Department and Foreign Relations programs including:

$7.684 billion for global health programs, which is $680 million above 2009;
$8.2 billion, $1.2 billion above 2009, for diplomatic and consular programs;
$2.5 billion in the Development Assistance account, which is $700 million above the fiscal year 2009 enacted level, for agricultural development, climate change, democracy, and education;
$1 billion to support basic education, $300 million above the FY09 enacted level,
$1 billion for food security and agricultural development assistance for foreign countries;
$685 million for biodiversity, clean energy and climate change programs in developing countries;
$450 million for the Peace Corps, which is $110 million above 2009
While this bill includes funding for many important programs, including programs to promote security abroad, to fight drug trafficking in Mexico, and to provide aid to strategic allies such as Israel, the bloated funding levels for many programs cannot be defended. Simpson supported amendments to reduce funding to last year’s levels for a variety of programs, but these amendments were defeated.

“A 33% increase in foreign spending is not only excessive, it is unwarranted,” said Simpson.  “Now is the time to focus on defending and improving the security of our own country and improving our economy at home.”

The bill passed the House by a vote of 318-106.  It now awaits consideration in the Senate.