At the end of this summary is a CALL TO ACTION and a suggested text for your immediate use.

The U.S. Congress is currently pending approval of the International Affairs Budget. Senators Feinstein (D-CA), Hagel (R-NE), Durbin (D-IL), Smith (R-OR), Dodd (D-CT), and Coleman (R-MN) are asking their colleagues in the Senate Appropriations Committee (Senator Byrd (D-WV) and Senator Cochran (R-MS) for full allocation of the $39.8 billion International Affairs Budget. In today’s environment, it is more important than ever that we support FULL FUNDING of the International Affairs Budget so we can secure more amiable relations between The United States and its allies, including our native Poland. If full funding were not received, some of the critical programs would be short-changed. Poland has been a great supporter of America’s Foreign Policy, and a friend in times of need. It is our, Americans of Polish descent and friends of Poland, duty to foster strengthening diplomatic relations with Poland and ensure proper allocation of funds in the International Affairs Budget.

In the incoming week, of April 16th, the U.S. Senate and House leaders will finalize their work on the Joint Budget Resolution and address the Appropriations subcommittee allocations – known as 302(b) allocations. These allocations set binding caps for all appropriations bills, including State-Foreign Operations, that make up FY2008 International Affairs Budget. Funding for America’s diplomatic and development programs greatly depends on the 302(b) allocations.

The proposed $39.8 billion allocation for the International Affairs Budget includes the Administration’s request for $36.5 base budget and $3.3 billion Global War on Terror supplemental. (Unlike the House, the Senate combines both requests when determining its budget for FY2008)

WE ARE NOW ASKING ALL OF YOU, BOTH AS INDIVIDUALS AND AS LEADERS IN THE COMMUNITY TO GIVE THIS YOUR UTMOST AND MOST IMMEDIATE ATTENTION.

Please ACT NOW and contact both of your Senators to express your support for the International Affairs Budget.

Make also sure to forward this appeal to others.

All Officers of the Polish American Congress - please pass this information on to all members of your Division or organization.

THE MESSAGE TO YOUR LEGISLATOR IS: "As your constituent I ask you to support full funding of the FY2008 International Affairs Budget, and its respective 302(b) allocations. Please vote IN FAVOR of full funding and 302(b) allocations for the FY2008 Budget."

Click for Contact information to your Senators and Congressmen

You can also visit http://www.usglc.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=56  (provided by the U.S. Global Leadership Campaign) - a Web page that will walk you through the process as well as provide you with all necessary information.