The message outlining the Obama administration's proposed 2010 budget -- titled "A New Era of Responsibility" -- pledged to impose transparency in the budget and cited humanitarian aid as a prime example.

"The Budget reduces reliance on emergency supplemental appropriations by increasing key accounts and programs for which funding is predictable and recurring," the president's message stated. "For example, the Budget includes increased funding for humanitarian assistance accounts and U.N. Peacekeeping Missions that reflect ongoing costs. While emergency supplementals may be required in the future, they should focus on truly unanticipated events and not be used to fund regular programs."

That was borne out when the White House released a more detailed budget proposal in April that included $27 million more for expenses relating to the Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid programs of the Department of Defense. And the proposed State Department budget sought to increase funding for international disaster relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction assistance from $350 million to $880 million.

The budgets have not all been approved and appropriated, but we think Obama's proposed budget is true to the spirit of this promise. We move this one to In the Works.