Clinton doubles state department budget, slashes military spending: “Diplomacy is the future”
WASHINGTON, D.C. –- President Hillary Rodham Clinton announced an ambitious budget proposal on Friday outlining the new administration’s priorities for the upcoming year.
Two of the highlights of the proposed budget include both the doubling of the State Department budget as well as a nearly 10% decrease of the overall military budget. Both of these acts are expected to draw criticism from Congressional Republicans.
“Our nation has never been safer,” Clinton said. “This is due not only to our impressive military might but to commitment to engaging both our allies as well as our adversaries. Our investment in diplomacy is an acknowledgement that America's future, prosperity and safety is intrinsically linked to the world's in the 21st century.”
The proposed budget would double the State Department budget from $50.1 billion to $100.2 billion and would decrease the overall military budget from $773.5 billion to $700 billion.
Many of the additions to the State Department budget were expected to be centered on embassy and consulate security, especially in areas of conflict.
Cuts to military spending are concentrated on reevaluating outdated technologies like the F-35 project, a program that has long been supported by Congressional Republicans despite delays and excessive expenses.
“Moving forward we will face hard choices and decisions regarding the best way to keep America safe and I welcome these conversations,” said President Clinton. “However, we cannot turn our backs on the foundational relationships we have established over the last decade. For America to remain great, we have to make sure we are doing everything in our power to protect our citizens but doing it in an efficient and effective way.”
Congressional Democrats were expected to pitch the benefits of the proposed budget to their constituents at a number of scheduled town halls this upcoming week.
