The Foreign Operations Budget Request for FY 1998
Abstract
The following is a reprint of a prepared statement that Secretary Albright presented before the Subcommittee on Foreign Operations of the House Appropriations Committee, in Washington D.C., on February 12, 1997. The purpose of American foreign policy is to protect and promote American interests." Good morning. I am glad to have this opportunity to address you so soon after my confirmation. Together, we have an important job to do. Last week in his State of the Union address, the President challenged us all to "do what it takes to remain the indispensable nation, to keep America strong, secure, and prosperous." That requires maintaining American leadership abroad to promote our interests at home. President Clinton's foreign affairs budget request for FY 1998 sets out our strategy for leadership and asks your help in providing the tools we need to sustain it. There could scarcely be a better time than now to begin to revive what has historically been, and I hope will be, a strong sense of bipartisanship in foreign policy. American power and prestige derive primarily from three sources?the strength of our economy, the might of our military, and the vigor of our diplomacy. Each played a role in our birth as an independent nation, from the day Ben Franklin was sent abroad to report on our military victories to France, our first ally and trading partner. Each was essential after World War II, when our economic and diplomatic power helped rebuild Europe while our military kept us secure. Each was essential to win the Cold War, as we confronted Communism with the determination of a free and prosperous people. Each reflects the genius and patriotism of our citizenry. And each is essential today, as we prepare to meet the challenges of a new century. That is why President Clinton has placed the highest priority on a sound and growing economy; that is why he is committed to keeping our armed forces modern, mobile, and strong; and it is why he has requested the funds we need to
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA500270
Entities
People
- Madeline K. Albright
Organizations
- Defense Security Cooperation Agency