WEBVTT 00:01.270 --> 00:02.103 - Thanks. 00:02.103 --> 00:03.800 Thank you all for coming today, 00:03.800 --> 00:05.460 for joining us for the rollout 00:05.460 --> 00:09.860 of the President's Fiscal Year 2020 budget request 00:09.860 --> 00:11.490 for both the State Department 00:11.490 --> 00:14.860 and the U.S. Agency for International Development. 00:14.860 --> 00:17.840 Happy to at the top turn this over 00:17.840 --> 00:21.860 to the Deputy Secretary of State, John J. Sullivan, 00:21.860 --> 00:26.380 and the USAID Administrator Mark Green for opening comments. 00:26.380 --> 00:27.600 At the conclusion 00:27.600 --> 00:30.050 we'll invite some subject matter experts up 00:30.050 --> 00:32.860 to kind of drill down on some of the detailed questions 00:32.860 --> 00:33.850 that you might have. 00:33.850 --> 00:35.130 Thank you. 00:35.130 --> 00:36.443 Deputy Secretary Sullivan. 00:42.370 --> 00:44.540 - Thank you, Robert, for that introduction, 00:44.540 --> 00:46.640 and I want to thank my friend and colleague 00:46.640 --> 00:49.440 USAID Administrator Ambassador Mark Green 00:49.440 --> 00:51.170 for joining me here today 00:51.170 --> 00:54.360 to present the Fiscal Year 2020 budget request 00:54.360 --> 00:56.453 for the Department of State and USAID. 00:57.550 --> 00:58.760 Before I get started, 00:58.760 --> 01:01.556 I want to say on behalf of the Department of State 01:01.556 --> 01:04.680 that we want to extend our deepest condolences 01:04.680 --> 01:06.810 to the families and loved ones of those killed 01:06.810 --> 01:11.210 in the tragic crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302. 01:11.210 --> 01:14.563 There were a number of American citizens on that flight, 01:15.770 --> 01:18.520 people who worked for the United Nations, 01:18.520 --> 01:21.040 United Nations-affiliated organizations, 01:21.040 --> 01:23.650 friends, colleagues, partners of ours. 01:23.650 --> 01:27.040 It's really an extremely sad and tragic moment for us, 01:27.040 --> 01:30.160 and our colleagues in Addis and Nairobi 01:30.160 --> 01:32.420 and Washington are working very hard 01:32.420 --> 01:35.250 to provide all the appropriate consular assistance 01:35.250 --> 01:37.550 that we can to the families of the victims 01:37.550 --> 01:38.883 at this difficult time. 01:40.210 --> 01:42.060 Getting to the subject of hand, at hand, 01:42.060 --> 01:45.050 the President's Fiscal Year 2020 budget request 01:45.050 --> 01:48.383 is for $40 billion for the Department of State and USAID. 01:49.320 --> 01:50.610 With this funding level, 01:50.610 --> 01:54.140 we will protect our citizens at home and abroad, 01:54.140 --> 01:56.470 advance American prosperity and values, 01:56.470 --> 02:00.160 and support our allies and partners overseas. 02:00.160 --> 02:02.010 The State Department and USAID 02:02.945 --> 02:04.770 are on the front lines of the most pressing 02:04.770 --> 02:07.610 foreign policy and national security issues 02:07.610 --> 02:09.820 facing our country today. 02:09.820 --> 02:11.979 Staffing from both of our agencies 02:11.979 --> 02:15.140 are working very hard each day 02:15.140 --> 02:17.300 to protect American freedom, 02:17.300 --> 02:19.270 hold China and Russia accountable 02:19.270 --> 02:22.780 as members of a rules-based international system, 02:22.780 --> 02:24.810 support the people of Venezuela 02:24.810 --> 02:28.100 as they work toward a peaceful restoration of democracy 02:28.100 --> 02:29.670 in their country, 02:29.670 --> 02:31.640 prevent infectious disease outbreaks 02:31.640 --> 02:33.560 from reaching our borders, 02:33.560 --> 02:35.760 assist countries to become self-reliant 02:35.760 --> 02:40.210 economic and security partners, and so much more. 02:40.210 --> 02:41.950 With all of this on the line, 02:41.950 --> 02:45.380 we need all of our colleagues, our entire team, 02:45.380 --> 02:48.620 to be safe, prepared, and ready to take on 02:48.620 --> 02:51.820 any new challenges at a moment's notice. 02:51.820 --> 02:54.200 Keeping our citizens safe and secure 02:54.200 --> 02:58.530 requires constant vigilance and adequate resources. 02:58.530 --> 03:01.092 Our Fiscal Year 2020 budget request 03:01.092 --> 03:04.220 prioritizes the safety of our diplomatic 03:04.220 --> 03:07.640 and foreign assistance staff overseas. 03:07.640 --> 03:11.610 It protects chief of mission personnel from emerging threats 03:11.610 --> 03:16.270 and invests in safe, secure, and functional facilities. 03:16.270 --> 03:20.000 It will enable both the State Department and USAID 03:20.000 --> 03:22.470 to recruit, sustain, and train 03:22.470 --> 03:26.210 our global diplomatic and development workforce. 03:26.210 --> 03:28.740 Our agencies are developing new capabilities 03:28.740 --> 03:31.020 for the 21st century. 03:31.020 --> 03:33.320 Together, with so many critical goals 03:33.320 --> 03:35.880 to advance on behalf of the American people, 03:35.880 --> 03:38.420 the State Department and USAID 03:38.420 --> 03:40.440 need resources for both diplomatic 03:40.440 --> 03:42.880 and foreign assistance programs. 03:42.880 --> 03:45.255 The Fiscal Year 2020 budget request 03:45.255 --> 03:47.600 accounts for those resources 03:47.600 --> 03:49.200 and puts U.S. foreign policy 03:49.200 --> 03:53.090 on firm footing to move into the future. 03:53.090 --> 03:55.160 Our request is guided by the principle 03:55.160 --> 03:58.450 that taxpayer dollars must be used wisely. 03:58.450 --> 04:01.110 We want to maximize the investment made 04:01.110 --> 04:02.550 by the American people 04:02.550 --> 04:05.923 and deliver exceptional results on their behalf. 04:07.180 --> 04:08.680 President Trump has made it clear 04:08.680 --> 04:10.040 that U.S. foreign assistance 04:10.040 --> 04:12.710 should serve America's national interest 04:12.710 --> 04:14.370 and should support those countries 04:14.370 --> 04:17.840 that help us to advance our foreign policy goals. 04:17.840 --> 04:21.850 This budget maintains critical support for key U.S. allies, 04:21.850 --> 04:25.590 including Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Colombia. 04:25.590 --> 04:27.950 Through strategic funding and programming, 04:27.950 --> 04:31.300 this budget positions the United States to win. 04:31.300 --> 04:34.260 This means ensuring our nation is fully engaged 04:34.260 --> 04:37.430 in regions of the world upon which our national security 04:37.430 --> 04:40.420 and future prosperity depend. 04:40.420 --> 04:43.480 In recent years, we have seen China proactively applying 04:43.480 --> 04:45.650 its power to exert its influence 04:45.650 --> 04:48.720 in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. 04:48.720 --> 04:50.650 Under President Trump's leadership, 04:50.650 --> 04:53.020 the United States has taken decisive steps 04:53.020 --> 04:56.620 to respond to China's aggressive actions. 04:56.620 --> 04:59.780 We recognize that the United States' future security, 04:59.780 --> 05:03.590 prosperity, and leadership depends on maintaining a free, 05:03.590 --> 05:07.210 open, and secure Indo-Pacific region. 05:07.210 --> 05:09.770 To advance the Indo-Pacific strategy, 05:09.770 --> 05:13.050 the budget request nearly doubles U.S. foreign assistance 05:13.050 --> 05:17.260 and diplomatic engagement resources to the region. 05:17.260 --> 05:19.480 Our budget request is also guided 05:19.480 --> 05:23.250 by the realization that the threats imposed by Russia 05:23.250 --> 05:26.420 have evolved beyond external or military threats 05:26.420 --> 05:28.980 and now include influence operations 05:28.980 --> 05:32.610 in the very heart of America and the Western world. 05:32.610 --> 05:36.540 This budget prioritizes countering Russian malign influence 05:36.540 --> 05:39.123 in Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia. 05:40.000 --> 05:42.750 As we speak, the people of Venezuela 05:42.750 --> 05:44.780 continue to fight for their freedom 05:44.780 --> 05:47.790 in the face of a tyrannical and corrupt leader 05:47.790 --> 05:50.120 who refuses to step down. 05:50.120 --> 05:52.370 The Fiscal Year 2020 budget request 05:52.370 --> 05:55.830 includes funding to support democracy in Venezuela 05:55.830 --> 05:59.220 and provides the flexibility to make more funds available 05:59.220 --> 06:01.590 to support a democratic transition, 06:01.590 --> 06:05.563 including up to $500 million in transfer authority. 06:06.425 --> 06:07.910 In the past year, 06:07.910 --> 06:10.579 the United States has been out front in global efforts 06:10.579 --> 06:14.240 to help persecuted religious and ethnic minorities 06:14.240 --> 06:16.890 in the Middle East and elsewhere. 06:16.890 --> 06:19.240 On a trip to Iraq last fall, 06:19.240 --> 06:22.110 I experienced first-hand the positive impact 06:22.110 --> 06:23.860 of this kind of assistance 06:23.860 --> 06:27.740 and what it has done in these devastated communities. 06:27.740 --> 06:30.510 Working with local actors and community leaders, 06:30.510 --> 06:34.330 our assistance programs clear the explosive remnants of war 06:34.330 --> 06:36.770 to help keep families safe, 06:36.770 --> 06:40.350 restore access to services like health and education, 06:40.350 --> 06:43.750 improve economic opportunities, and more. 06:43.750 --> 06:46.250 But there is much more work that needs to be done. 06:47.350 --> 06:49.530 The Fiscal Year 2020 budget 06:49.530 --> 06:51.250 supports an increase in our efforts 06:51.250 --> 06:54.260 to empower religious and ethnic minorities, 06:54.260 --> 06:56.780 including requesting funds for new opportunities 06:56.780 --> 06:58.720 among different communities in need, 06:58.720 --> 07:00.790 and continuing U.S. leadership 07:00.790 --> 07:03.113 to promote global religious freedom. 07:04.200 --> 07:07.570 In addition, our budget request for Fiscal 2020 07:07.570 --> 07:10.120 includes a Diplomatic Progress Fund 07:10.120 --> 07:12.790 so we can effectively respond to new opportunities 07:12.790 --> 07:15.435 arising from diplomatic and peace progress 07:15.435 --> 07:18.083 and emerging counter-Iran needs. 07:19.020 --> 07:21.320 The diplomatic challenges we face today 07:21.320 --> 07:23.950 are particularly difficult due to rapid, 07:23.950 --> 07:27.730 continual advances in media and technology. 07:27.730 --> 07:30.660 Our human resources and organizational structures 07:30.660 --> 07:33.350 must keep pace with these changes. 07:33.350 --> 07:36.930 The Fiscal Year 2020 budget fully funds State 07:36.930 --> 07:39.800 and USAID's current workforce levels, 07:39.800 --> 07:44.090 enabling us to take on emerging policy challenges. 07:44.090 --> 07:47.170 The priority we place on safety and security 07:47.170 --> 07:52.090 extends beyond physical facilities to our networks and data. 07:52.090 --> 07:54.320 The budget request will seek to strengthen 07:54.320 --> 07:58.270 the State Department and USAID IT systems, 07:58.270 --> 08:01.563 prioritizing cybersecurity enhancements. 08:02.430 --> 08:04.670 And speaking of the threats to our homeland, 08:04.670 --> 08:07.720 there are few efforts as important to this administration 08:07.720 --> 08:10.441 and to the safety and security of the American people 08:10.441 --> 08:12.670 as securing our borders. 08:12.670 --> 08:15.940 The State Department and USAID budget request 08:15.940 --> 08:17.950 will support U.S. border security 08:17.950 --> 08:21.410 by strengthening visa vetting, targeting illicit pathways 08:21.410 --> 08:23.600 that transnational criminal organizations 08:23.600 --> 08:27.860 are using to traffic drugs, money, weapons, 08:27.860 --> 08:32.080 and even human beings from the Western Hemisphere, 08:32.080 --> 08:35.270 and enhancing governance and boosting local economies 08:35.270 --> 08:37.713 to discourage illegal immigration. 08:38.700 --> 08:41.730 Our budget request for Fiscal 2020 08:41.730 --> 08:44.850 also protects against infectious disease threats 08:44.850 --> 08:47.830 by bolstering country capacity to prevent, detect, 08:47.830 --> 08:52.830 and respond to any future outbreaks and prevent epidemics. 08:52.850 --> 08:55.120 These efforts mean retaining our place 08:55.120 --> 08:58.000 as a global leader in health assistance. 08:58.000 --> 09:00.450 With this budget, the United States will remain 09:00.450 --> 09:05.450 the single largest donor to global HIV/AIDS relief efforts. 09:06.420 --> 09:07.990 Several other important additions 09:07.990 --> 09:10.388 to the Fiscal Year 2020 budget request 09:10.388 --> 09:12.950 will increase private sector involvement 09:12.950 --> 09:17.000 in global development, optimize our humanitarian assistance, 09:17.000 --> 09:18.800 and advance partner countries 09:18.800 --> 09:21.133 in their journey toward self-reliance. 09:22.000 --> 09:25.740 My colleague USAID Administrator Ambassador Mark Green 09:25.740 --> 09:27.840 will introduce those vital elements 09:27.840 --> 09:31.730 of the 2020 budget request shortly. 09:31.730 --> 09:33.123 Through all of these efforts, and more, 09:33.123 --> 09:36.400 our budget promotes American interests 09:36.400 --> 09:38.300 while continuing our country's legacy 09:38.300 --> 09:40.800 as a beacon of freedom to the world. 09:40.800 --> 09:44.700 The President's budget request for Fiscal Year 2020 09:44.700 --> 09:47.920 sets our agencies, and our country, up for success, 09:47.920 --> 09:49.920 and I appreciate the opportunity 09:49.920 --> 09:53.410 to introduce it to all of you this afternoon. 09:53.410 --> 09:55.240 Again, thank you for joining us, 09:55.240 --> 09:58.763 and with that I will turn it over to Ambassador Mark Green. 10:00.040 --> 10:02.203 - Thank you, Deputy Secretary Sullivan. 10:03.380 --> 10:05.090 John laid out well, I think, 10:05.090 --> 10:08.220 a number of the USAID and State shared priorities, 10:08.220 --> 10:11.610 so I'll keep my remarks relatively brief. 10:11.610 --> 10:14.580 But I would like to begin in joining him 10:14.580 --> 10:18.180 in expressing our sadness over the many lives lost 10:18.180 --> 10:21.680 in yesterday's Ethiopian Airlines crash. 10:21.680 --> 10:25.560 As was mentioned, we understand that it included 10:25.560 --> 10:27.810 at least eight U.S. citizens, 10:27.810 --> 10:29.440 as well as a number of members 10:29.440 --> 10:31.453 of USAID partner organizations. 10:32.920 --> 10:36.610 As many of you know, I have a really deep gratitude 10:36.610 --> 10:41.120 and admiration for the many heroes of humanitarian work, 10:41.120 --> 10:43.470 and this particular route and this particular flight 10:43.470 --> 10:46.020 was used regularly by humanitarian 10:46.020 --> 10:48.860 and development organizations in the region. 10:48.860 --> 10:52.530 People working each and every day to save lives 10:52.530 --> 10:55.610 and make the world just a little bit better place 10:55.610 --> 10:57.540 despite the risks. 10:57.540 --> 11:01.042 Our hearts go out to all of those who lost loved ones 11:01.042 --> 11:04.110 and our thoughts and prayers are truly with them 11:04.110 --> 11:05.483 during this difficult time. 11:06.900 --> 11:10.730 With that, on to the more mundane subject of the budget. 11:10.730 --> 11:12.700 While fiscally conservative, 11:12.700 --> 11:14.420 I believe this budget's request 11:14.420 --> 11:17.440 will support our goal of advancing countries 11:17.440 --> 11:19.980 on their journey to self-reliance. 11:19.980 --> 11:22.410 It aims to help partner countries build capacity 11:22.410 --> 11:23.910 so they can eventually take on 11:23.910 --> 11:26.023 their own development challenges. 11:28.450 --> 11:30.070 By supporting our tools 11:30.070 --> 11:33.190 aimed at reducing the reach of conflict, 11:33.190 --> 11:36.000 spreading the, or preventing the spread 11:36.000 --> 11:37.830 of pandemic diseases, 11:37.830 --> 11:41.630 and counteracting the drivers of violence, instability, 11:41.630 --> 11:43.540 and other security threats, 11:43.540 --> 11:47.513 this budget will also strengthen U.S. national security. 11:48.380 --> 11:51.630 It also strengthens American economic leadership 11:51.630 --> 11:53.080 by supporting our investments 11:53.080 --> 11:55.720 that expand markets for American goods, 11:55.720 --> 11:58.840 leveling the playing field for American businesses, 11:58.840 --> 12:00.930 as well as supporting more stable, 12:00.930 --> 12:04.283 more resilient, and more democratic societies. 12:05.170 --> 12:08.260 As many of you have noted in recent months, 12:08.260 --> 12:10.540 many parts of the world have seen 12:10.540 --> 12:13.560 an exponential growth of predatory financing 12:13.560 --> 12:16.573 that is dressed up as foreign assistance. 12:17.490 --> 12:20.110 This budget supports USAID's efforts 12:20.110 --> 12:23.100 to aggressively communicate the stark differences 12:23.100 --> 12:26.020 between authoritarian financing tools 12:26.020 --> 12:31.020 and the approach that we and our allied donor nations use. 12:31.110 --> 12:33.740 Our approach is true assistance. 12:33.740 --> 12:37.200 It helps partner nations build their own self-reliance 12:37.200 --> 12:41.300 and a more dynamic, private enterprise-driven future. 12:41.300 --> 12:44.340 It incentivizes reform to spur private enterprise 12:44.340 --> 12:47.660 and free markets, attract investments, 12:47.660 --> 12:50.123 and again, foster self-reliance. 12:51.160 --> 12:53.270 We also aim to help partner countries 12:53.270 --> 12:56.360 recognize the costs of alternative models, 12:56.360 --> 12:58.793 like those of China and Russia. 12:59.710 --> 13:02.480 Their approach seeks to weaken confidence 13:02.480 --> 13:05.320 in democratic and free market systems, 13:05.320 --> 13:08.570 saddle countries with unsustainable debt, 13:08.570 --> 13:11.900 lead to the forfeiture of strategic resources, 13:11.900 --> 13:14.330 and further the militaristic ambitions 13:14.330 --> 13:16.629 of those authoritarian actors. 13:16.629 --> 13:19.990 In coming weeks, we will unveil a framework 13:19.990 --> 13:23.410 that we'll use to help counter malign Kremlin influence, 13:23.410 --> 13:27.460 especially in Europe and Eurasia and Central Asia, 13:27.460 --> 13:30.570 and this budget supports that work. 13:30.570 --> 13:33.010 Our efforts in this regard will be made easier 13:33.010 --> 13:35.670 as the new development finance corporation 13:35.670 --> 13:38.180 is stood up later in the year. 13:38.180 --> 13:40.410 It will also be made more clear 13:40.410 --> 13:43.680 as the Trump administration accelerates our partnerships 13:43.680 --> 13:45.530 in the Indo-Pacific. 13:45.530 --> 13:48.170 I firmly agree with the deputy secretary 13:48.170 --> 13:50.660 that our security and prosperity at home 13:50.660 --> 13:55.660 is closely tied to a stable and free Indo-Pacific region. 13:56.040 --> 13:58.100 Working with State and others, 13:58.100 --> 14:02.260 our strategic investments will promote open, transparent, 14:02.260 --> 14:04.620 and citizen-responsive governance 14:04.620 --> 14:06.963 across that Indo-Pacific region. 14:07.890 --> 14:12.030 A third way we will be able to sharply contrast our approach 14:12.030 --> 14:13.810 is through the administration's efforts 14:13.810 --> 14:16.950 to promote inclusive economic growth, 14:16.950 --> 14:20.100 especially at it relates to full economic participation 14:20.100 --> 14:22.930 by women around the world. 14:22.930 --> 14:24.540 The National Security Strategy 14:24.540 --> 14:27.130 clearly identifies women's empowerment 14:27.130 --> 14:30.070 as a priority integral to economic prosperity 14:30.070 --> 14:32.170 and global stability. 14:32.170 --> 14:34.040 Last month, the President signed 14:34.040 --> 14:35.978 a presidential security memorandum 14:35.978 --> 14:38.670 decisively linking the ability of women 14:38.670 --> 14:42.140 to participate fully and freely in the economy 14:42.140 --> 14:45.723 with greater peace and prosperity across the world. 14:46.620 --> 14:48.210 We have also officially launched 14:48.210 --> 14:51.440 the Women's Global Development and Prosperity Initiative, 14:51.440 --> 14:53.600 known as WGDP, 14:53.600 --> 14:56.520 which aims to economically empower 50 million women 14:56.520 --> 15:01.380 in developing countries by the year 2025. 15:01.380 --> 15:04.103 The WGDP fund, established at USAID, 15:05.210 --> 15:08.560 included an initial commitment of 50 million U.S. dollar, 15:08.560 --> 15:13.010 50 million U.S. funds from Fiscal Year '18. 15:13.010 --> 15:15.500 Support is being doubled in this budget proposal 15:15.500 --> 15:17.960 to $100 million for the fund 15:17.960 --> 15:21.390 to support workforce development and skills training, 15:21.390 --> 15:23.540 greater access to capital, 15:23.540 --> 15:26.040 and changes to the enabling environment 15:26.040 --> 15:27.870 so that around the world, 15:27.870 --> 15:29.677 women all have the opportunity 15:29.677 --> 15:32.813 to reach their full economic potential. 15:33.810 --> 15:37.040 As you all know, USAID is not only our lead agency 15:37.040 --> 15:38.800 in development assistance, 15:38.800 --> 15:40.210 but we are known around the world 15:40.210 --> 15:44.363 for our humanitarian assistance and crisis response as well. 15:45.490 --> 15:47.990 The U.S. will continue its role as the world leader 15:47.990 --> 15:50.030 in humanitarian assistance, 15:50.030 --> 15:52.830 but we'll also call on others to do their part 15:52.830 --> 15:55.600 and we'll work relentlessly to assure that assistance 15:55.600 --> 16:00.070 is delivered as effectively and as efficiently as possible. 16:00.070 --> 16:01.970 The consolidation of our overseas 16:01.970 --> 16:04.520 humanitarian assistance program funding 16:04.520 --> 16:08.550 within our new Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance 16:08.550 --> 16:10.550 supports the administration's commitment 16:10.550 --> 16:13.060 to optimize humanitarian investments 16:13.060 --> 16:16.863 by leveraging the strengths at both State and USAID. 16:18.120 --> 16:21.140 Nowhere is America's leadership in humanitarian assistance 16:21.140 --> 16:25.010 more important, or quite frankly, more timely, 16:25.010 --> 16:27.110 than in our continued response 16:27.110 --> 16:31.990 to the man-made, regime-driven crisis in Venezuela. 16:31.990 --> 16:34.070 The Department of State and USAID 16:34.930 --> 16:36.640 are committed to providing support 16:36.640 --> 16:40.783 to those affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis. 16:41.660 --> 16:43.870 We are also both dedicated to supporting 16:43.870 --> 16:47.770 a future democratic transition for the people of Venezuela. 16:47.770 --> 16:49.840 We vow to stand with them 16:49.840 --> 16:51.370 as they fight for a government 16:51.370 --> 16:53.530 that represents their interests 16:53.530 --> 16:55.363 and is responsive to their needs. 16:56.220 --> 16:59.830 This budget significantly expands our investments 16:59.830 --> 17:01.740 in another kind of freedom, 17:01.740 --> 17:05.240 as the deputy secretary mentioned, the freedom of religion. 17:05.240 --> 17:08.540 In particular, we will continue our important assistance 17:08.540 --> 17:11.500 to those religious and ethnic minorities in the Middle East 17:11.500 --> 17:14.810 whom ISIS sought to extinguish. 17:14.810 --> 17:18.240 Finally, the 2020 budget aligns closely with 17:18.240 --> 17:21.530 and supports the implementation of USAID's 17:21.530 --> 17:24.173 internal reform initiative or transformation. 17:25.670 --> 17:29.050 This will allow us to strengthen our core capabilities, 17:29.050 --> 17:33.350 increase our efficiency, and ultimately reduce costs. 17:33.350 --> 17:35.280 We're creating an agency that is capable 17:35.280 --> 17:37.730 of leveraging our influence and authority 17:37.730 --> 17:41.110 and available resources to transform the way 17:41.110 --> 17:44.770 that humanitarian and development assistance are provided. 17:44.770 --> 17:47.110 And alongside the rest of the world, 17:47.110 --> 17:49.360 we will work hard and forcefully 17:49.360 --> 17:53.210 to meet the daunting challenges that we all face. 17:53.210 --> 17:55.510 While the funding generously provided by Congress 17:55.510 --> 17:58.150 is never enough to meet every demand 17:58.150 --> 18:00.010 and every need in the world, 18:00.010 --> 18:01.900 we will ensure that USAID 18:01.900 --> 18:05.350 remains the world's premier international development agency 18:05.350 --> 18:08.790 and continues the work we do each day and every day 18:08.790 --> 18:12.870 to protect America's future security and prosperity. 18:12.870 --> 18:13.921 And thank you for the honor 18:13.921 --> 18:16.317 of being able to be with you today. 18:16.317 --> 18:17.203 Thank you. 18:17.203 --> 18:18.299 - [Robert] Thank you, Administrator Green 18:18.299 --> 18:20.080 and Deputy Secretary Sullivan. 18:20.080 --> 18:21.154 Very wonderful to see you. 18:21.154 --> 18:21.998 - [Matt] Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. 18:21.998 --> 18:22.831 You're not going to take questions? 18:22.831 --> 18:24.330 - Yeah, we're inviting experts up now to-- 18:24.330 --> 18:25.940 - [Matt] I'd rather ask a general question. 18:25.940 --> 18:27.489 - What's the general question? 18:27.489 --> 18:31.268 - The, this is-- - Come on, guys, we've got-- 18:31.268 --> 18:34.373 - What, they're-- - We have-- 18:34.373 --> 18:36.393 - They can't defend the entire budget? 18:37.710 --> 18:39.680 - We have folks that can do that just now, 18:39.680 --> 18:41.570 right now, right before you. 18:41.570 --> 18:44.010 And we have three subject matter experts: 18:44.010 --> 18:46.563 Eric Ueland, who is our director, 18:47.580 --> 18:49.060 Office of U.S. Foreign Assistance, 18:49.060 --> 18:50.510 from the State Department. 18:50.510 --> 18:53.128 We've got Doug Pitkin, who is our director 18:53.128 --> 18:55.250 for the Bureau of Budget and Planning 18:55.250 --> 18:56.290 from the State Department. 18:56.290 --> 19:00.490 And from USAID, Tricia Schmitt, who is our director, 19:00.490 --> 19:02.670 Office of Budget and Resource Management. 19:02.670 --> 19:05.880 They're more than capable of answering your questions. 19:05.880 --> 19:06.713 Please. - Well, right. 19:06.713 --> 19:08.070 I was just hoping that the deputy 19:08.070 --> 19:09.400 or the administrator would give an answer. 19:09.400 --> 19:10.850 - [Robert] And they may, yes, here we go. 19:10.850 --> 19:13.848 - All right, so can I, so it's opening, open for questions? 19:13.848 --> 19:14.681 - Please, go ahead, Matt. 19:14.681 --> 19:17.380 - Okay, so this is the third year in a row, 19:17.380 --> 19:19.610 the third time this administration has gone to Congress 19:19.610 --> 19:24.610 with a proposal that would slash the funding for this, 19:24.770 --> 19:28.741 for diplomacy and development by roughly 25 percent, 19:28.741 --> 19:31.363 even more the first time around. 19:32.670 --> 19:36.900 Congress has soundly rejected those proposals 19:36.900 --> 19:38.570 the last two times, 19:38.570 --> 19:41.830 and those two times the party of the administration 19:41.830 --> 19:44.410 controlled both houses of Congress. 19:44.410 --> 19:46.310 This year it's a little bit different. 19:47.190 --> 19:49.590 The chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee 19:49.590 --> 19:53.200 has just said that this budget proposal is dead on arrival, 19:53.200 --> 19:55.150 it's a 24 percent cut. 19:55.150 --> 19:57.530 So I'm wondering, given the fact 19:57.530 --> 19:59.650 that you can't possibly think that Congress 19:59.650 --> 20:00.900 is going to go along with this, 20:00.900 --> 20:03.340 and that you're going, and that these cuts 20:03.340 --> 20:04.370 are going to happen, in fact, 20:04.370 --> 20:06.350 you may end up getting more than you got, 20:06.350 --> 20:08.283 than you didn't want last year, 20:10.350 --> 20:12.820 how do you argue against people 20:12.820 --> 20:16.970 who say that repeatedly bringing these massive cuts 20:16.970 --> 20:17.803 to the Hill 20:18.790 --> 20:20.910 doesn't mean that the administration 20:20.910 --> 20:23.410 isn't trying to gut diplomacy and development, 20:23.410 --> 20:26.370 gut the State Department, gut USAID, 20:26.370 --> 20:28.600 and doesn't, really doesn't have any regard 20:28.600 --> 20:31.070 for this, the institution? 20:31.070 --> 20:32.130 - I'd say twofold. 20:32.130 --> 20:34.330 First off, it's important to look at this request 20:34.330 --> 20:36.530 in the context of the administration's overall approach 20:36.530 --> 20:38.670 to non-defense discretionary spending, 20:38.670 --> 20:39.810 which, let's make clear, 20:39.810 --> 20:43.050 is not sustainable given the U.S.'s current fiscal picture. 20:43.050 --> 20:45.170 And so this is part of an overall effort 20:45.170 --> 20:47.770 to constrain and reduce non-defense spending 20:47.770 --> 20:49.780 by about five percent starting now, 20:49.780 --> 20:52.190 and continue that path for the next 15 years 20:52.190 --> 20:53.774 to try to get our overall fiscal picture 20:53.774 --> 20:55.321 in some semblance of order 20:55.321 --> 20:58.410 while still prioritizing some things like defense, 20:58.410 --> 20:59.990 border security, veterans, 20:59.990 --> 21:02.774 and some other programs that OMB will speak to shortly. 21:02.774 --> 21:05.150 So I think it has to be looked at in that context. 21:05.150 --> 21:08.070 It also sets priorities in terms of what programs 21:08.070 --> 21:11.010 the administration and the department believes 21:11.010 --> 21:13.060 should be prioritized for funding 21:13.060 --> 21:15.340 in the context of that constraint, 21:15.340 --> 21:16.972 and so there are certainly things that, 21:16.972 --> 21:18.770 relative to the last two requests, 21:18.770 --> 21:21.330 we've made new investments and we're posed to sustain. 21:21.330 --> 21:22.750 So the last two budgets, for example, 21:22.750 --> 21:25.310 included reductions to State and AID personnel. 21:25.310 --> 21:26.610 This budget does not propose that. 21:26.610 --> 21:28.948 This budget sustains and enables new investments 21:28.948 --> 21:31.730 in the personnel workforce of both agencies. 21:31.730 --> 21:33.400 It continues to prioritize the security 21:33.400 --> 21:35.820 and safety of our diplomatic presence overseas 21:35.820 --> 21:37.115 and does target selected initiatives 21:37.115 --> 21:39.120 such as the Global Engagement Center 21:39.120 --> 21:41.080 for additional resources. 21:41.080 --> 21:41.913 But otherwise, you're right. 21:41.913 --> 21:44.330 It does contain some reductions in some programs 21:44.330 --> 21:46.210 and efforts that the administration, 21:46.210 --> 21:47.800 as outlined in the last year, 21:47.800 --> 21:49.608 and I'm sure it'll be this year, Major Savings Volume, 21:49.608 --> 21:51.358 it believes are either a lower priority 21:51.358 --> 21:54.090 or perhaps are not the best use of taxpayer dollars. 21:54.090 --> 21:55.720 An example of that is continuing 21:55.720 --> 21:58.350 to request lower amounts for contributions, 21:58.350 --> 21:59.500 international organizations, 21:59.500 --> 22:01.540 than Congress has provided as an effort 22:01.540 --> 22:02.900 to try to drive greater burden-sharing 22:02.900 --> 22:04.040 among those organizations. 22:04.040 --> 22:05.980 And so there are some themes that'll be continuous 22:05.980 --> 22:08.250 over this three-year period, 22:08.250 --> 22:10.670 but we recognize this is a back-and-forth with Congress, 22:10.670 --> 22:13.008 and just because they, Congress has not taken up 22:13.008 --> 22:15.710 some of the reductions that were reposed 22:15.710 --> 22:16.870 over the last three years 22:16.870 --> 22:18.500 does not change the administration's position. 22:18.500 --> 22:20.040 - They haven't taken up any of them. 22:20.040 --> 22:22.960 And if you want to reduce the overall budget 22:22.960 --> 22:26.400 by five percent, why does State and USAID 22:26.400 --> 22:29.020 have to take an almost 25 percent cut, 22:29.020 --> 22:30.270 not a five percent cut? 22:30.270 --> 22:31.170 - I mean, it's two factors. 22:31.170 --> 22:32.270 One is they make this, 22:33.612 --> 22:35.030 the budget is decided both on specific programs, 22:35.030 --> 22:36.330 so it looks at specific programs 22:36.330 --> 22:37.670 like the contributions I mentioned. 22:37.670 --> 22:39.230 It proposes a lower amount 22:39.230 --> 22:41.750 based upon the merits of those investments 22:41.750 --> 22:43.800 relative to other domestic priorities. 22:43.800 --> 22:46.310 And also, again, because we are, 22:46.310 --> 22:48.220 there are going to be investments, as OMB will roll out, 22:48.220 --> 22:51.050 in other non-defense programs, 22:51.050 --> 22:52.200 there are gonna be offsets in other parts of the budget. 22:52.200 --> 22:53.610 - Well, it just sounds to me 22:53.610 --> 22:56.390 like you can't make a case against the argument 22:56.390 --> 22:57.740 that critics of this will make, 22:57.740 --> 23:00.240 which is that you're, you cannot make a case 23:00.240 --> 23:02.720 that you're not trying to gut diplomacy and development. 23:02.720 --> 23:04.412 That sounds like what your answer is. 23:04.412 --> 23:05.245 Is that wrong? 23:05.245 --> 23:06.078 - I would not, I would actually, 23:06.078 --> 23:07.443 we would argue this does support diplomacy and development, 23:07.443 --> 23:08.880 just at a different set of priorities 23:08.880 --> 23:10.663 with lower spending on some programs. 23:12.200 --> 23:13.822 - Let's go Bloomberg, Nick Wadhams. 23:13.822 --> 23:14.960 - Hi, Nick Wadhams with Bloomberg. 23:14.960 --> 23:18.070 Can you explain the message you're trying to send 23:18.070 --> 23:21.410 by fully eliminating the item 23:21.410 --> 23:23.807 for international disaster relief 23:23.807 --> 23:28.807 and also cutting migration and refugee assistance 23:30.160 --> 23:32.070 by $2.5 billion? 23:32.070 --> 23:35.720 So what's the specific message with the decision, 23:35.720 --> 23:37.370 I mean, recognizing, as Matt says, 23:37.370 --> 23:38.460 that this won't be acted on, 23:38.460 --> 23:40.450 what message are you trying to send specifically 23:40.450 --> 23:42.990 by essentially eliminating those two items? 23:42.990 --> 23:43.823 - Well, actually, 23:43.823 --> 23:46.070 if you review the entirety of the proposal, 23:46.070 --> 23:48.380 you'll see that while specific funding 23:48.380 --> 23:52.580 was proposed for elimination in those accounts, 23:52.580 --> 23:55.070 that funding has actually migrated to a new account, 23:55.070 --> 23:57.680 the international humanitarian assistance account, 23:57.680 --> 24:01.049 which is proposed for funding at a record, 24:01.049 --> 24:03.910 at a level over $6 billion, 24:03.910 --> 24:06.952 which ensures that United States continues to be a leader 24:06.952 --> 24:10.600 on humanitarian assistance throughout the world. 24:10.600 --> 24:15.530 The budget will recommend a series of potential changes 24:15.530 --> 24:18.020 for Congress's consideration in the structure 24:18.020 --> 24:21.080 and delivery of humanitarian assistance, 24:21.080 --> 24:23.690 and so as you review the details of the volume, 24:23.690 --> 24:28.560 you'll see that President's commission from June 2018, 24:28.560 --> 24:30.710 where they discussed potentiality 24:30.710 --> 24:33.730 of optimizing humanitarian assistance delivery, 24:33.730 --> 24:36.600 is reflected in this budget proposal. 24:36.600 --> 24:39.300 So the '20 request consolidates 24:39.300 --> 24:42.060 all overseas humanitarian assistance 24:42.060 --> 24:44.910 from the international disaster assistance 24:44.910 --> 24:47.970 and migration and refugee assistance accounts 24:47.970 --> 24:52.970 into this new single, flexible account, the IHA. 24:53.631 --> 24:57.630 The IHA is administered by the administrator of USAID 24:57.630 --> 24:59.930 under the authority of the Secretary of State. 25:00.860 --> 25:03.530 This new account and organizational structure 25:03.530 --> 25:07.400 will enable the U.S. Government to respond seamlessly 25:07.400 --> 25:11.330 to ongoing as well as new humanitarian needs, 25:11.330 --> 25:14.400 the most vulnerable displaced people in the world 25:14.400 --> 25:16.193 and other affected populations. 25:17.070 --> 25:21.950 The new proposed high-level dual-hat leadership 25:21.950 --> 25:23.690 recommended in the budget 25:23.690 --> 25:26.020 also elevates humanitarian assistance 25:26.020 --> 25:29.150 within the U.S. Government to more effectively address 25:29.150 --> 25:33.250 the continuum of response, including diplomacy, 25:33.250 --> 25:36.240 from relief to conflict resolution 25:36.240 --> 25:38.943 and to the eventual transition from aid. 25:39.970 --> 25:41.280 The request restructures 25:41.280 --> 25:43.250 our overseas humanitarian programming 25:43.250 --> 25:45.920 to enable to the United States 25:45.920 --> 25:50.220 to respond seamlessly to evolving humanitarian needs, 25:50.220 --> 25:52.690 achieve optimal UN reforms, 25:52.690 --> 25:56.960 and induce other donors to do their fair share 25:56.960 --> 25:59.163 while resolving ongoing crises. 26:01.670 --> 26:03.190 - [Nick] Can I just ask a follow-up on that? 26:03.190 --> 26:05.098 - Sure, go ahead. 26:05.098 --> 26:06.015 - For, the, 26:09.330 --> 26:13.080 in his statement at the start of this briefing, 26:13.080 --> 26:16.450 Deputy Secretary Sullivan made explicit as well 26:16.450 --> 26:19.840 that humanitarian assistance would go primarily 26:19.840 --> 26:22.700 to countries that support U.S. policies. 26:22.700 --> 26:24.630 Is that now the official government policy? 26:24.630 --> 26:26.774 - I think you're blending a couple of concepts 26:26.774 --> 26:29.800 that the Deputy Secretary of State discussed. 26:29.800 --> 26:32.660 There's no question that there are a variety of priorities 26:32.660 --> 26:34.200 the Secretary's laid out for us 26:34.200 --> 26:36.980 and the administrator in constructing this budget, 26:36.980 --> 26:40.840 one of which is working on behalf of the American taxpayer 26:40.840 --> 26:43.710 to provide appropriate resources and assistance 26:43.710 --> 26:46.150 to our friends and allies around the world. 26:46.150 --> 26:48.390 Second is to position ourselves 26:48.390 --> 26:51.230 to continue to compete strongly 26:51.230 --> 26:53.290 in the great power competition. 26:53.290 --> 26:56.060 Third is to support the opportunity 26:56.060 --> 26:59.070 and options for countries to evolve 26:59.070 --> 27:01.430 as they move on a journey to self-reliance, 27:01.430 --> 27:04.630 and finally, to focus on opportunities 27:04.630 --> 27:08.400 at every point possible to enhance burden-sharing. 27:08.400 --> 27:10.600 You'll see many elements of the budget 27:10.600 --> 27:13.993 that reflect these four emphases of the Secretary. 27:14.860 --> 27:15.851 - [Robert] Washington Post. 27:15.851 --> 27:17.485 - The creation of that 27:17.485 --> 27:20.640 international humanitarian assistance account actually, 27:20.640 --> 27:24.090 I'm finding, makes it very difficult to make comparisons. 27:24.090 --> 27:25.665 Do you have some sort of figure 27:25.665 --> 27:28.560 that you can provide on how much was spent 27:28.560 --> 27:32.970 in settling migrants and refugees last, 27:32.970 --> 27:36.350 or this existing year compared to what is being proposed? 27:36.350 --> 27:39.490 Because it seems you're not even spending 27:39.490 --> 27:41.800 what Congress has appropriated for you. 27:41.800 --> 27:45.040 And also, is there some sort of restructuring 27:45.040 --> 27:47.720 going on in PRM? 27:47.720 --> 27:50.040 And while I have you, if I could just also ask: 27:50.040 --> 27:51.970 I don't understand why you're making such deep cuts 27:51.970 --> 27:53.383 in global health. 27:54.266 --> 27:55.380 - Couple of things. 27:55.380 --> 27:59.390 First, yes, we are certainly happy, as information develops, 27:59.390 --> 28:02.060 to provide specific numbers to you 28:02.060 --> 28:05.900 as we work through both the implications 28:05.900 --> 28:06.972 as well as the actual facts 28:06.972 --> 28:09.810 of what's occurred on humanitarian assistance, 28:09.810 --> 28:12.110 both for us and USAID. 28:12.110 --> 28:13.780 So happy to provide that to you. 28:13.780 --> 28:17.391 When it comes to PRM, the restructuring here 28:17.391 --> 28:22.380 is an objective to try to replace 28:22.380 --> 28:24.520 outdated, fragmented structures. 28:24.520 --> 28:26.890 We're spread across four accounts. 28:26.890 --> 28:29.500 Responsibility is in three offices. 28:29.500 --> 28:32.260 And so we're attempting both to consolidate account, 28:32.260 --> 28:34.270 but also accountability 28:34.270 --> 28:37.410 when it comes to providing humanitarian assistance. 28:37.410 --> 28:39.000 PRM's role will continue 28:39.000 --> 28:42.900 when it comes to significant refugee assistance work, 28:42.900 --> 28:47.900 as well as work they do in resettling migrants from Israel, 28:48.100 --> 28:50.250 as well as providing the Secretary 28:50.250 --> 28:52.410 and the entire integrated team 28:52.410 --> 28:55.070 a political and diplomatic strategy 28:55.070 --> 28:56.590 when it comes to dealing with 28:56.590 --> 28:59.050 refugee challenges around the world. 28:59.050 --> 29:00.810 - And what about global health? 29:00.810 --> 29:02.290 There seem to be really steep cuts 29:02.290 --> 29:04.943 being proposed in global health, including PEPFAR. 29:05.970 --> 29:07.530 - Well, thanks for the question. 29:07.530 --> 29:10.680 I think just a couple points on global health in general, 29:10.680 --> 29:13.340 and then certainly PEPFAR in particular. 29:13.340 --> 29:16.940 The budget proposal that we're sending to Congress today 29:16.940 --> 29:20.770 actually includes significant resources for global health, 29:20.770 --> 29:23.290 and certainly, year-to-year comparisons 29:23.290 --> 29:24.710 of the request demonstrate 29:24.710 --> 29:27.310 that we are not reducing proposed, 29:27.310 --> 29:29.480 recommended expenditures for global health. 29:29.480 --> 29:32.280 In fact, we are sustaining significant resources 29:32.280 --> 29:33.200 for global health, 29:33.200 --> 29:35.950 and happy to walk through the details on that. 29:35.950 --> 29:39.740 That includes both specific funding for PEPFAR 29:39.740 --> 29:42.790 as well as for the Global Fund. 29:42.790 --> 29:44.910 As you know, the Global Fund is about ready to launch 29:44.910 --> 29:47.170 its sixth replenishment cycle. 29:47.170 --> 29:51.000 And so we budget for both that as well as PEPFAR, 29:51.000 --> 29:54.560 PEPFAR to ensure that no single individual 29:54.560 --> 29:58.200 loses coverage versus where they are today 29:58.200 --> 29:59.370 by virtue of the resources 29:59.370 --> 30:02.510 that we provide to Dr. Birx and PEPFAR. 30:02.510 --> 30:04.480 And then, the Global Fund, 30:04.480 --> 30:06.320 by proposing both resources 30:06.320 --> 30:09.705 and a new way of funding to ensure that the amount 30:09.705 --> 30:13.590 unlocked by a U.S. pledge for the Global Fund 30:13.590 --> 30:17.010 would be the most ever in the Global Fund's history 30:17.010 --> 30:19.050 if accepted by our international partners. 30:19.050 --> 30:21.773 - Seems to be going from $8.7 billion to 6.3. 30:22.860 --> 30:25.100 That's two and a half billion dollars less. 30:25.100 --> 30:27.540 - And again, I'm happy to provide details FY19 30:27.540 --> 30:30.094 versus FY20 requests. 30:30.094 --> 30:31.660 - We can get more details. 30:31.660 --> 30:33.320 Right here, please, go ahead. 30:33.320 --> 30:34.153 - Thank you. 30:34.153 --> 30:36.400 I have a specific question about Colombia. 30:36.400 --> 30:40.110 In the INL budget, it says that it has been, 30:40.110 --> 30:41.750 there has been a significant increase 30:41.750 --> 30:43.620 in the funds requested for Colombia 30:43.620 --> 30:45.660 in the fight against drugs. 30:45.660 --> 30:47.300 And I was wondering why is that, 30:47.300 --> 30:50.250 and if the U.S. Government is worried 30:50.250 --> 30:53.900 about an increase in the coca production, and that's why. 30:53.900 --> 30:55.330 - Well, I appreciate the question, 30:55.330 --> 30:57.600 and the answer, you definitely do touch on it. 30:57.600 --> 30:59.740 The resources recommended for Colombia 30:59.740 --> 31:03.380 for consideration by Congress in the FY 2020 budget 31:03.380 --> 31:06.780 anticipate the potentiality of partnering with Colombia, 31:06.780 --> 31:10.290 not just on its current efforts regards of, 31:10.290 --> 31:12.550 related to the peace settlement, 31:12.550 --> 31:14.740 dealing with some of the regional consequences 31:14.740 --> 31:17.620 of the migration flows from Venezuela, 31:17.620 --> 31:21.080 and the current eradication process underway. 31:21.080 --> 31:23.950 But in the event the supreme court rules 31:23.950 --> 31:27.280 and allows the government to resume aerial eradication, 31:27.280 --> 31:30.780 provide resources from the United States for that program. 31:30.780 --> 31:33.380 So that's why you see significant uptick 31:33.380 --> 31:36.583 in recommended resources for Colombia for FY 2020. 31:38.060 --> 31:39.471 - This is the last question. 31:39.471 --> 31:40.606 Michel, why don't you go right ahead. 31:40.606 --> 31:42.650 - Yeah, I had a question related to the, to foreign aids. 31:42.650 --> 31:44.297 Do you have numbers or figures 31:44.297 --> 31:49.013 related to the aids to Israel, Egypt, and Jordan? 31:50.480 --> 31:51.770 - Thank you for that question. 31:51.770 --> 31:54.688 In the recommended budget for FY 2020, 31:54.688 --> 31:59.180 the recommended amount for Israel, Egypt, and Jordan 31:59.180 --> 32:00.500 is a straight line extension 32:00.500 --> 32:02.420 of last year's proposed amounts. 32:02.420 --> 32:05.570 So 3.3 billion for Israel, 32:05.570 --> 32:09.360 consistent with our memorandum of understanding 32:09.360 --> 32:12.700 with the government, and then concomitantly, 32:12.700 --> 32:15.570 consistent with our memorandum of understanding with Jordan, 32:15.570 --> 32:17.950 as well as our previous expenditures, 32:17.950 --> 32:20.250 recommended expenditures for Egypt from last year. 32:20.250 --> 32:22.650 - [Michel] Do you have the numbers? 32:22.650 --> 32:23.940 - I can get those to you, 32:23.940 --> 32:25.995 but again, they're consistent with last year's numbers. 32:25.995 --> 32:27.023 - [Michel] Thank you. 32:27.023 --> 32:28.900 - [Reporter] Nike has a question if you don't mind. 32:30.200 --> 32:32.430 - Last question, Nike Ching, go ahead. 32:32.430 --> 32:34.820 - Yes, so there has been discussion 32:34.820 --> 32:37.418 to have a new cybersecurity bureau. 32:37.418 --> 32:42.418 I was reading the congressional justification budget, 32:42.860 --> 32:45.940 the fact sheet. 32:45.940 --> 32:49.260 I don't seem to find the funding for a cybersecurity bureau. 32:49.260 --> 32:51.530 Could you please shed some light on that? 32:51.530 --> 32:55.060 And then, is it still a plan to have that bureau 32:55.060 --> 32:59.040 under the authority of the undersecretary of state 32:59.040 --> 33:02.430 for arms control and international security? 33:02.430 --> 33:03.910 - The department is working on a proposal. 33:03.910 --> 33:05.700 We're still in the initial planning stage, 33:05.700 --> 33:08.940 and since we have not formally provided 33:08.940 --> 33:10.100 that proposal to Congress, 33:10.100 --> 33:11.510 it was not proposed in the budget. 33:11.510 --> 33:14.050 But the budget, once the proposal comes forward, 33:14.050 --> 33:15.372 will provide the flexibility to address 33:15.372 --> 33:18.000 that bureau should the administration 33:18.000 --> 33:19.010 and Congress move forward. 33:19.010 --> 33:21.851 But we're still in the planning stages on that proposal, 33:21.851 --> 33:23.870 fairly close to the outlines that you mentioned, 33:23.870 --> 33:27.150 but because it had not been formally signed off on, 33:27.150 --> 33:30.580 and then informed the Hill of, prior to the release, 33:30.580 --> 33:32.210 it was not shown the budget. 33:32.210 --> 33:33.200 But once it's released, 33:33.200 --> 33:35.410 we'll be able to explain both to Congress 33:35.410 --> 33:36.500 and to all of you 33:36.500 --> 33:39.590 how it tracks with the funding levels in this request. 33:39.590 --> 33:43.140 - Structure wise, would that be under the arms control, 33:43.140 --> 33:44.550 international security bureau? 33:44.550 --> 33:46.790 - I don't want to get ahead of the actual formal submission, 33:46.790 --> 33:49.210 but it's something that the department is working on, 33:49.210 --> 33:50.560 and then once it's released 33:50.560 --> 33:52.000 we're happy to come back and provide details 33:52.000 --> 33:54.310 based upon the proposal that's put forward. 33:54.310 --> 33:56.350 - Great, thank you all very much, thanks. 33:56.350 --> 33:58.550 You can go off in this door right back here. 34:02.593 --> 34:05.465 - Robert. - You guys sent out a tweet.