Cravaack targets Peace funding

GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack wants to cut all federal funding for the United States Institute of Peace. The organization is aimed at reducing violent conflicts across the world. Cravaack, a former U.S. Navy pilot, says he admires the goals of the group but says the cuts are needed.

"After four years of massive deficit spending and with a ballooning national debt, we must look for ways to rein in Washington's out of control spending and begin the process of getting our fiscal house back in order," said Cravaack in a statement. "The U.S. Institute of Peace's goals are important and honorable. However, a number of other departments, agencies and non-profit organizations - many of which do not depend on the federal government for funding - can help achieve that goal. Given our current fiscal constraints, I cannot justify spending over $42 million on the Institute of Peace."

Cravaack hopes to introduce the funding cut as an amendment to the continuing appropriations bill. It's expected to be voted on later this week.

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