Publication

This report discusses estimates of the US foreign affairs accounts sequestration amounts. Congress has an interest in the cost and effectiveness of foreign affairs activities that promote US interests overseas. The Budget Control Act of 2011 requires across-the-board reductions in most federal defense and non-defense discretionary programs, projects, and activities, including those in foreign affairs. These automatic cuts went into effect on March 1, 2013. Of ongoing interest will be the impact of these cuts on State Department operations, foreign aid programs, and their ability to protect Americans and promote US interests overseas.