U.S. lawmakers seek 20% boost in foreign affairs budget, with eye on China
2021-03-17 09:03:55 source：Reuters
March 16, 2021
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic U.S. lawmakers on Tuesday proposed an increase of $12 billion in the country’s foreign affairs budget, hoping to prod President Joe Biden to boost funding for diplomacy after years of flat spending.
Senators Chris Murphy and Chris Van Hollen and Representatives David Cicilline and Ami Bera said the 20% spending increase would enhance the country’s ability to compete with China, prevent another pandemic and fight climate change.
Competing with China has been the focus of foreign affairs in the first weeks of the Biden administration. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is using his first trip abroad to shore up Asian alliances in the face of growing assertiveness by Beijing.
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