When we talk about funding for the Department of State
When we talk about funding for the Department of State and various
international programs, we are talking about the federal budget process. Federal agencies are funded through Congressional action. In a simplified overview, the House and Senate Budget Committees establish budget levels, the Authorizing Committees assign funds to specific agencies and programs under their jurisdiction, and the Appropriations Committees secure and provide the funds for these purposes. How well is this system working today? What are the major issues? How can they be resolved?