The federal budget for fiscal year 2019, specifically the International Affairs Budget, if approved without cuts, could increase the “soft power” image of the United States of America, strengthening the bonds with other countries.

In a time when domestic hardships, tense global relationships and international security are main topics, the United States Agency for International Development is crucial and in need of support rather than cuts.

The foreign aid budget accounts for 1 percent of the United States’ national budget. Members of Congress may say that cuts will save taxpayers millions of dollars, but this percentage is negligible, while increasing foreign aid funds will prove for betterment on a global scale.

Working to help through USAID and humanitarian aid helps poverty-stricken countries supply citizens with the basic necessities: education, sex education and medical aid. Improving these aspects of life has helped with population control, decreases in infant mortality and maternal mortality, to name a few. Support of protecting the International Affairs Budget is a positive for the United States.

In today’s political climate, it is important for constituents to reach out to their members of Congress. Let Sens. Mitt Romney and Mike Lee and Utah’s House members know of your support to increase the International Affairs Budget.