Bush Requests $31.5 Billion for Foreign Affairs in 2005

The Bush administration is requesting $31.5 billion to fund the State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other foreign affairs agencies for the fiscal year beginning October 1 (FY05).

The requested amount includes $21.3 billion for foreign operations, $8.4 billion for the State Department, $1.2 billion for food aid and $569 million for international broadcasting services, said Secretary of State Colin Powell.


Testifying April 8 before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee, Powell said the administration's top foreign policy priority is fighting terrorism, with 48 percent of the foreign affairs budget request targeted to supporting U.S. allies and strengthening the United States' diplomatic efforts overseas. Of that, $5.7 billion would take the form of aid to countries that have supported the war on terrorism, $3.5 billion would go to strengthening the U.S. ability to respond to emergencies and conflict situations, and $190 million to expanding democracy in the Middle East, he said.

With respect to Iraq, for which $21 billion is targeted for reconstruction and humanitarian aid, Powell said the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) and Iraqi Governing Council (IGC) are making "great strides" in the areas of security, economic stability and growth, and democratization.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200404090535.html

three comments: Note that this was found in a non US news source. Where is the US coverage?
Second, $5.7 billion for bribes to our coalition partners? We are being squeezed for billions just to make this invasion look legit.
And last, this budget request is in addition to the 2005 budget request. Shenanigans!

Why is he requesting money for 2005? HE'S NOT EVEN GOING TO BE THERE!!!!!! The Dems beter NOT give it to him. NO NO NO!!!!!!

So Bush will only be warming that seat in the WH for three months of the 2005 budget year. Bet he spends most of it all too and leaves very little for Kerry.

When we get our country back. THEY'RE GETTING THEIR TAXES RAISED.
fuckers

Me thinks thou doth protest too much.

"I'd like to kill them all", what the fuck is that?

I won't bother to tell you what I read between the lines of this curious post.

they got the big buck


Saudi has a buck or two
Hustle them
why us?

We only throw millions at our problems and they complain. Then they turn around and throw billions at their own problems.

The president is throwing billions of dollars at problems to make up for his deficient policies.

Earth to Colin...Have you seen the news lately ?

furriners!" Why don't they notice when their Beloved Leader does the same?

Hypocrites.