At the Senate Budget hearing yesterday - classic @LindseyGrahamSC questioning OMB Director nominee Russ Vought about the International Affairs Budget: SEN. GRAHAM: Do you know how much money the State and Foreign Operations subcommittee spends on the State Department and foreign assistance? VOUGHT: Off the top of my head, no SEN. GRAHAM: It's $69 billion. Now that's for the entire State Department, all our embassies, everybody, and the aid we provide to distressed places in the world. What percentage of the federal budget is that, do you know outlays? VOUGHT: I believe ... it would be a small percentage compared to— SEN. GRAHAM: It's 1 percent. Now having said that, try to save money, let's don't waste money, I'm a pretty hawkish guy--if you don't get involved in the world and you don't have programs in Africa where China is trying to buy the whole continent, we're making a mistake. So it's 1 percent of the budget, you could eliminate it all. You're not going to balance the budget. I think soft power is a critical component of defending America and our values. I look forward to working with you to make that count better. But the concept of soft power means a lot to me, and that--that's coming from a pretty hawkish guy.

The incoming Trump administration has a unique opportunity to expand its previous policies on localization by supporting countries with cost-effective solutions that build self-reliance & bolster US interests, writes @mercycorps’ @kpbarrasso. #Opinion⬇️ devex.com/news/opinion-the-t…

.@Tjada, CEO of @MercyCorps, is driving innovation in humanitarian work with blockchain technology. 🌍💡 Focused on economic inclusion and climate resilience, she’s empowering underserved communities, women, and youth in emerging markets. #CryptoForGood thegivingblock.com/100