President Trump Outlines Fiscal Year 2018 Budget

Kevin Surbaugh

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President Donald Trump released the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 budget blueprint. Since it was just a blueprint it only provides an overview of the Administration’s overarching priorities for discretionary spending. It includes $37.6 billion for the Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), of which $12.0 billion is Overseas Contingency Operations funding.
The FY 2018 budget advances the national security interests of the United States by focusing on diplomatic efforts and foreign assistance programs that advance the security and prosperity of the American people.
The budget blueprint also includes $3.1 billion to meet the countries security assistance commitments to Israel and supports other critical foreign assistance efforts, including global health and humanitarian assistance programs. The budget also supports diplomatic engagement activities, and ensures the safety of our diplomats by applying $2.2 billion towards new embassy construction and maintenance. The budget will support Department of State and USAID efforts to optimize organizational effectiveness, helping us work to efficiently achieve our diplomatic and development goals and objectives.
The full FY2018 budget is expected to be released later this spring. The Full budget, according to a statement issued to the media, will contain more details on specific funding and programs requested for the Department of State and USAID, as well as other Executive Branch agencies.
Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (KS-02) said in a statement to the media regarding President Trump’s proposed budget:

 “While I am encouraged by the President’s desire to enhance our national security and take better care of our veterans, I cannot support his budget proposal. This budget blueprint would severely impact key programs, such as Meals on Wheels, that are important to Kansas and the nation. In the coming days and weeks, I will work with my colleagues in Congress to craft a thoughtful and responsible balanced budget.” 

Specific Cuts of Concern in the President’s proposed budget: The President’s proposed budget eliminates the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education program, cuts $1 billion in the Department of Justice’s prison construction program, initiates a multi-year reauthorization proposal to shift the air traffic control function of the Federal Aviation Administration to an independent, non-governmental organization – adversely affecting general aviation and contract towers in Kansas, such as Forbes Field in Topeka, cuts funding for the National Institutes of Health by $5.8 billion and cuts the Department of Transportation’s funding by $2.4 billion.
There were no statements issued by Kansas Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) or Pat Roberts (R-KS).