Letters to the 108th Congress

March 20, 2003

Dear Senator:

On behalf of the American Bar Association, I write to urge you to vote in support of an amendment sponsored by Senators Richard Lugar and Dianne Feinstein to restore $1.1 billion in funding for the FY 2004 International Affairs budget.

One of the main goals of the American Bar Association is to promote the rule of law in the world. The International Affairs budget (the function 150 account) is a key component of the United States' role in that effort. This account funds programs and agencies that work toward goals such as the development of trade and economic opportunities abroad, the promotion of international human rights, the protection of refugees, and the establishment of independent judicial and legal systems. In order for the U.S. to continue its longstanding leadership role in the international community, which is needed more so today than ever before, we must devote adequate resources to our International Affairs budget.

Totaling just 1% of the federal budget, the 150 account strengthens our national security, enhances our economic prosperity, and supports our humanitarian and democratic values. This is a small investment with huge returns for the national security and economic interests of the United States. We strongly urge you to vote in favor of the Lugar-Feinstein amendment to restore funding for the 150 account to the level of $28.5 billion requested by the Administration.

Thank you for your attention to this important issue.

Sincerely,
Robert D. Evans

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