So, as somewhat expected, the Foreign Operations subcomittee in charge of determining State's budget has decided to cut it by $4 BILLION. Not sure what will actually go into effect since Congress isn't preparing a budget resolution this year - which is strange since it's kind of their job. Details are here. Diplopundit has a post about it here.
Time to start freaking out?
5 comments:
I guess it's time to buckle down and learn a language.
ugh. no freaking out, please.
Well, it does suck, but reading the chart on Diplopundit's post, it looks like FS staffing budget is being set back to 2009 levels - at least that's how I interpret it. Since the budget hasn't been actually approved, I imagine there's quite the chance that the current budget will be rolled over into 2011. Or at least I hope so.
Regardless, hard times are coming. It's probably best to have State and its employees get used to the belt tightening (although I imagine that the people that get hurt the most are the people working in already understaffed embassies and consulates).
I thought that it said $4B was being cut from foreign aid?
Destinaish Unknown - That's a good question. Since the info refers to appropriations for State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, I assume it is the whole shebang. Unfortunately, the line-item descriptions are not too detailed. Frankly, I'm surprised there is only this much being cut given the budget issues going on. I think it might be safe to think that FS hiring, at least through the next 6 months or so, will continue apace. My real concern is that this is just the beginning, and after the November elections there will be a brutal budget fight in Congress that will have repercussions for all us wannabes (not including you, Bridget - I have high hopes you're going to be in DC in September).
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