International Affairs-FY 2005 Budget

• Targets over $5.7 billion in military and economic assistance to front-line states in the war on terror;
• Affirms our commitment to the citizens of Afghanistan by providing $1.2 billion for economic reconstruction, security and democracy building;
• Maintains strong U.S. leadership by providing $2.8 billion to combat AIDS in the most afflicted countries in Africa and the Caribbean;
• Provides $2.5 billion for the second year of the Millennium Challenge Account paving the way to reach the President’s commitment of $5 billion in 2006;
• Continues a multi-year effort to secure all overseas embassies and posts to protect U.S. Government employees;
• Supports the war on terrorism by increasing security staff and meeting new staffing requirements; and
• Strengthens protection of U.S. borders by effectively screening visa applicants and expanding the use of biometrics to improve security of U.S. visas and passports.

Foreign Operations and Related Agencies:

• Over $5.7 billion in counter-terrorism and other assistance programs to coalition partners that have joined us in the war on terrorism.
• $5.3 billion for the President’s bold initiatives to fight HIV/AIDS ($2.8 billion) and create the Millennium Challenge Corporation ($2.5 billion).
• $2.75 billion in development and child survival and health assistance programs.
• $1.5 billion for Multilateral Development Banks, including $59 million for arrears.
• $1.2 billion in disaster, transition, famine, refugee and conflict victim’s assistance.
• $1.2 billion in food assistance to address emergencies and disasters.
• $731 million in counter-narcotics funding for the Andean Counterdrug Initiative, including $463 million for Colombia.
• $401 million for the Peace Corps to meet the President’s goal of reaching 14,000 volunteers by the end of 2007.

• $1.5 billion for security-related construction and major rehabilitation requirements of U.S. embassies and consulates.
• $659 million to increase security for diplomatic personnel and facilities in the face of terrorism.
• $836 million to improve protection of U.S. borders through the Border Security Program.
• $831 million from all funding sources to exploit information technology.
• $309 million for public diplomacy to influence foreign opinion and encourage support for U.S. foreign policy goals.
• $345 million for strategic educational and cultural exchanges.
• $1.2 billion for U.S. obligations to international organizations.
• $650 million to back UN peacekeeping missions.