Michael Gerson Oped: Bipartisan Shortsightedness on MCC Cuts

Another persuasive argument for not leaving the Millennium Challenge Account on the Congressional cutting room floor; this time from Michael Gerson. In reaction to the $1.2 billion Senate Appropriations Committee allocation to the MCA ($600 million lower than the House appropriation and $1.8 billion below the President's request), Gerson notes:

"Congressional reductions in MCC funding would bite agreements on the African continent first. Tanzania could have its compact reduced significantly. Burkina Faso might be cut off entirely. Then Jordan and Bolivia could have their agreements delayed indefinitely. And our country would forgo a great deal of goodwill."

"America needs tools of influence other than the tools of war. And when we have them, they should not be carelessly discarded."