1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

The administration's proposal to slash the State Department budget by nearly half would severely undermine America's global leadership and national security interests. Such drastic cuts would decimate funding for vital humanitarian aid, health initiatives, and conflict prevention programs around the world. Eliminating support for key international organizations like NATO and the UN would damage relationships with allies and cede influence to adversaries like China and Russia. Maintaining a robust diplomatic corps and foreign assistance capabilities is crucial for promoting American values, protecting our interests abroad, and fostering stability in volatile regions. Investing in diplomacy and development aid can help prevent costly military interventions down the line. The State Department plays an invaluable role in advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity globally. Rather than pursuing a dangerously isolationist path, I urge maintaining strong funding for the State Department and USAID. Robust diplomatic engagement and strategic foreign assistance are essential tools for keeping America safe and upholding our position as a world leader. Withdrawing from the international stage would be a grave mistake that compromises our security and influence. I encourage prioritizing America's diplomatic capabilities and global partnerships.