The President The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, DC…

The President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

As you prepare your Fiscal Year 2009 budget, we are writing to express bipartisan support for an increase in the
International Affairs Budget ­ one that reinforces the continued commitment of Congress and your
Administration to invest in the strategic tools that are essential to protecting our national security, building
economic prosperity and demonstrating our moral values.

We live in an interconnected world where infectious diseases, failed states, and terrorism have no borders.
America's security and prosperity are linked with the security and prosperity of other nations. The global
realities of the 21st century require America to utilize the full range of non-military tools as a fundamental pillar
of our national security. Investments in our international affairs programs bolster our national security by
allowing us to work with foreign partners to track down terrorists and weapons, to improve the political and
economic lives of others, and to help stabilize fragile states.

National security and foreign policy experts support an increase in the International Affairs Budget as a key
component of our national security. The 2006 National Security Strategy reaffirmed that "Development
reinforces diplomacy and defense, reducing long-term threats to our national security by helping to build stable,
prosperous, and peaceful societies." The Pentagon's 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review cited the lack of U.S.
civilian international capacity as hindering the Pentagon's core mission to defend the United States.
Furthermore, the bipartisan 9/11 Commission called for an increased investment in the full range of diplomatic,
development and humanitarian tools to deliver long-term success for U.S. foreign policy.

As Defense Secretary Gates said, "One of the most important lesson of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan is that
military success is not sufficient to win: economic development, institution-building and the rule of law,
promoting internal reconciliation, good governance, providing basic services to the people, training and
equipping indigenous military and police forces, strategic communication, and more ­ these, along with
security, are essential ingredients for long-term success." We agree, and that is why an increase in the
International Affairs Budget is so critical.

America has a proud history of bringing hope to millions of people who live under oppressive poverty, face
starvation, battle HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases and suffer the consequences of conflict and insecurity.
Continued investments in such diplomatic, economic, democracy, and development programs are critical to
saving lives, restoring America's capacity to engage the world, and building global stability.

Finally, our export promotion agencies and overseas missions open new markets for America's businesses and
advocate for U.S. commercial interests overseas. These programs help developing countries to fully participate
in the world economy, in turn creating economic opportunities at home and abroad.

The International Affairs Budget strengthens America's civilian capabilities and energizes our outreach to the
world through vigorous public diplomacy, educational and cultural exchanges, and capable, secure embassies
and diplomats who directly represent U.S. interests and values. Despite modest increases, the International
Affairs Budget remains dangerously underfunded ­ currently 17 percent below Cold War levels ­ hindering the
ability of our civilian agencies to adequately participate in meeting our foreign policy goals.

Together we must ensure that the U.S. is fully equipped to face the challenges and opportunities of the 21st
century. Despite progress in restoring dangerously low levels of funding for the International Affairs Budget,
we must do more. As you prepare the FY09 Federal Budget, we urge you to continue to increase funding for
U.S. International Affairs programs.

Thank you.
The President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

As you prepare your Fiscal Year 2009 budget, we are writing to express bipartisan support for an
increase in the International Affairs Budget ­ one that reinforces the continued commitment of
Congress and your Administration to invest in these strategic tools that are essential to protecting our
national security, building economic prosperity and demonstrating our moral values.

We live in an interconnected world where infectious diseases and terrorism have no borders.
America's security and prosperity is linked with the security and prosperity of other nations. The
global realities of the 21st century require America to utilize the full range of non-military tools as a
fundamental pillar of our national security. Investments in our international affairs programs bolster
our national security by allowing us to work with foreign partners to track down terrorists overseas, to
secure dangerous weapons wherever they are found, and to help stabilize fragile states.

National security and foreign policy experts support an increase in the International Affairs Budget as
a key component of our national security. The 2006 National Security Strategy reaffirmed that
"Development reinforces diplomacy and defense, reducing long-term threats to our national security
by helping to build stable, prosperous, and peaceful societies." The Pentagon's 2006 Quadrennial
Defense Review cited the lack of U.S. civilian international capacity as hindering the Pentagon's core
mission to defend the United States. Furthermore, the bipartisan 9/11 Commission called for an
increased investment in the full range of diplomatic, development and humanitarian tools to deliver
long-term success for U.S. foreign policy.

In addition, America has a proud history of bringing hope to millions of people who live under
oppressive poverty, face starvation, battle HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases and suffer the
consequences of conflict and insecurity. Investments in our diplomatic, economic and development
programs are critical to saving lives, restoring America's capacity to engage the world, and building
global stability.

Investments in our export promotion agencies and overseas missions open new markets for America's
businesses and advocate for U.S. commercial interests overseas. These programs help developing
countries to fully participate in the world economy which create economic opportunities at home and
abroad. Moreover, the International Affairs Budget strengthens America's civilian capabilities and
energizes our outreach to the world through vigorous public diplomacy, educational and cultural
exchanges, and capable, secure embassies and diplomats who provide the first line of offense for
America's interests abroad. Despite modest increases, the International Affairs Budget remains
dangerously underfunded, 17 percent below Cold War levels, hindering the ability of our civilian
agencies to adequately participate in meeting our foreign policy goals.

Together we must ensure that the U.S. is fully equipped to face the challenges and opportunities of
the 21st century. Despite progress in restoring dangerously low levels of funding for the International
Affairs Budget, much more needs to be accomplished. As you prepare the FY09 Federal Budget, we
urge you to continue to increase funding for U.S. International Affairs programs.

Sincerely,
                 Co-signers of the Feinstein-Hagel-Durbin-Smith-Dodd-Coleman and
                                 Berman-Kirk-Chandler-Shays Letters
                    to the President for increase in FY09 International Affairs Budget


SENATE LETTER                        HOUSE LETTER
1. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)           1. Howard Berman (D-CA)              64. John Larson (D-CT)
2. Chuck Hagel (R-NE)                2. Mark Kirk (R-IL)                  65. Barbara Lee (D-CA)
3. Richard Durbin (D-IL)             3. Ben Chandler (D-KY)               66. Sander Levin (D-MI)
4. Gordon Smith (R-OR)               4. Christopher Shays (R-CT)          67. John Lewis (D-GA)
5. Christopher Dodd (D-CT)                                                68. Dan Lipinski (D-IL)
6. Norm Coleman (R-MN)               5.    Gary Ackerman (D-NY)           69. Dave Loebsack (D-IA)
                                     6.    Thomas Allen (D-ME)            70. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)
7.    Daniel Akaka (D-HI)            7.    Brian Baird (D-WA)             71. Stephen Lynch (D-MA)
8.    Max Baucus (D-MT)              8.    Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)           72. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY)
9.    Joseph Biden (D-DE)            9.    Melissa Bean (D-IL)            73. Edward Markey (D-MA)
10.   Jeff Bingaman (D-NM)           10.   Shelley Berkley (D-NV)         74. Doris Matsui (D-CA)
11.   Christopher Bond (R-MO)        11.   Judy Biggert (R-IL)            75. Betty McCollum (D-MN)
12.   Barbara Boxer (D-CA)           12.   Tim Bishop (D-NY)              76. James McGovern (D-MA)
13.   Sam Brownback (R-KS)           13.   Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)         77. Gregory Meeks (D-NY)
14.   Sherrod Brown (D-OH)           14.   Leonard Boswell (D-IA)         78. Michael Michaud (D-ME)
15.   Richard Burr (R-NC)            15.   Bruce Braley (D-IA)            79. Brad Miller (D-NC)
16.   Maria Cantwell (D-WA)          16.   Lois Capps (D-CA)              80. Gwen Moore (D-WI)
17.   Benjamin Cardin (D-MD)         17.   Michael Capuano (D-MA)         81. James Moran (D-VA)
18.   Robert Casey (D-PA)            18.   William Lacy Clay (D-MO)       82. Christopher Murphy (D-CT)
19.   Saxby Chambliss (R-GA)         19.   Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO)         83. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY)
20.   Hillary Clinton (D-NY)         20.   Stephen Cohen (D-TN)           84. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)
21.   Susan Collins (R-ME)           21.   Joseph Courtney (D-CT)         85. James Oberstar (D-MN)
22.   Bob Corker (R-TN)              22.   Joseph Crowley (D-NY)          86. John Olver (D-MA)
23.   Elizabeth Dole (R-NC)          23.   Susan Davis (D-CA)             87. Ed Pastor (D-AZ)
24.   Byron Dorgan (D-ND)            24.   William Delahunt (D-MA)        88. Donald Payne (D-NJ)
25.   Russ Feingold (D-WI)           25.   Rosa DeLauro (D-CT)            89. Todd Platts (R-PA)
26.   Tom Harkin (D-IA)              26.   Norman Dicks (D-WA)            90. Earl Pomeroy (D-ND)
27.   Daniel Inouye (D-HI)           27.   Keith Ellison (D-MN)           91. Jon Porter (R-NV)
28.   Johnny Isakson (R-GA)          28.   Rahm Emanuel (D-IL)            92. David Price (D-NC)
29.   Tim Johnson (D-SD)             29.   Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO)          93. Charles Rangel (D-NY)
30.   Edward Kennedy (D-MA)          30.   Eliot Engel (D-NY)             94. Ciro Rodriguez (D-TX)
31.   John Kerry (D-MA)              31.   Bob Etheridge (D-NC)           95. Mike Ross (D-AR)
32.   Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)           32.   Eni Faleomavaega (D-AS)        96. Steven Rothman (D-NJ)
33.   Herbert Kohl (D-WI)            33.   Sam Farr (D-CA)                97. Bobby Rush (D-IL)
34.   Mary Landrieu (D-LA)           34.   Chaka Fattah (D-PA)            98. John Sarbanes (D-MD)
35.   Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ)        35.   Barney Frank (D-MA)            99. Janice Schakowsky (D-IL)
36.   Patrick Leahy (D-VT)           36.   Jim Gerlach (R-PA)             100. Adam Schiff (D-CA)
37.   Carl Levin (D-MI)              37.   Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD)         101. David Scott (D-GA)
38.   Joseph Lieberman (D-CT)        38.   Charles Gonzalez (D-TX)        102. Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH)
39.   Richard Lugar (R-IN)           39.   Gene Green (D-TX)              103. Brad Sherman (D-CA)
40.   Mel Martinez (R-FL)            40.   Alcee Hastings (D-FL)          104. Heath Shuler (D-NC)
41.   Claire McCaskill (D-MO)        41.   Maurice Hinchey (D-NY)         105. Albio Sires (D-NJ)
42.   Robert Menendez (D-NJ)         42.   Mazie Hirono (D-HI)            106. Louise Slaughter (D-NY)
43.   Barbara Mikulski (D-MD)        43.   Paul Hodes (D-NH)              107. Adam Smith (D-WA)
44.   Patty Murray (D-WA)            44.   Rush Holt (D-NJ)               108. Vic Snyder (D-AR)
45.   Bill Nelson (D-FL)             45.   Michael Honda (D-CA)           109. Hilda Solis (D-CA)
46.   Barack Obama (D-IL)            46.   Steny Hoyer (D-MD)             110. Betty Sutton (D-OH)
47.   Mark Pryor (D-AR)              47.   Bob Inglis (R-SC)              111. Ellen Tauscher (D-CA)
48.   Jack Reed (D-RI)               48.   Jay Inslee (D-WA)              112. John Tierney (D-MA)
49.   John Rockefeller (D-WV)        49.   Steve Israel (D-NY)            113. Mark Udall (D-CO)
50.   Ken Salazar (D-CO)             50.   Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX)      114. Tom Udall (D-NM)
51.   Bernard Sanders (I-VT)         51.   Jesse Jackson (D-IL)           115. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)
52.   Charles Schumer (D-NY)         52.   William Jefferson (D-LA)       116. Tim Walz (D-MN)
53.   Olympia Snowe (R-ME)           53.   Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX)   117. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-CA)
54.   Arlen Specter (R-PA)           54.   Timothy Johnson (R-IL)         118. Maxine Waters (D-CA)
55.   Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)         55.   Patrick Kennedy (D-RI)         119. Diane Watson (D-CA)
56.   Ted Stevens (R-AK)             56.   Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-MI)      120. Henry Waxman (D-CA)
57.   John Sununu (R-NH)             57.   Ron Kind (D-WI)                121. Peter Welch (D-VT)
58.   George Voinovich (R-OH)        58.   Ron Klein (D-FL)               122. Jerry Weller (R-IL)
59.   John Warner (R-VA)             59.   Joseph Knollenberg (R-MI)      123. Robert Wexler (D-FL)
60.   Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)      60.   Ray LaHood (R-IL)              124. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA)
61.   Ron Wyden (D-OR)               61.   James Langevin (D-RI)          125. Albert Wynn (D-MD)
                                     62.   Tom Lantos (D-CA)
                                     63.   Richard Larsen (D-WA)