April 14, 2009

Late last week, the White House submitted to Congress an $83.4 billion supplemental spending request for FY2009 for military and security efforts in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq that includes $836.9 million to cover shortfalls in US assessed contributions to UN peacekeeping. In addition to paying off recently-accumulated UN peacekeeping debt, the $836.9 million would be used to fund the US share of an expanded UN mission in Congo, a new UN operation in Chad and the Central African Republic, and possibly for UN logistical support for the African Union mission in Somalia.

Of the total $83.4 billion spending request, $7.1 billion is devoted to non-military international affairs spending, including the funding for UN peacekeeping, as well as $3.7 billion for economic and diplomatic assistance to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq, and approximately $800 million in assistance to the Palestinian Authority and humanitarian aid for Gaza.

In submitting the request to Congress, President Obama noted that the “request reflects the reality of our day and age: We need to use all the elements of our power – economic and diplomatic as well as military – to confront threats to our security.” Similarly, White House Budget Director Peter Orszag said the request meets the President’s “goal of comprehensive American engagement in key parts of the world, addressing emerging situations with all the tools of American power before they become crises. This will relieve further strain on our military while enhancing the safety of the American people.”

The Obama Administration has asked Congress to complete its work on the emergency funding request before leaving for the Memorial Day recess.