While the proposed 2010 budget put forth by the White House in February would seem to put this promise on the right track — there's a paragraph under the heading "Put the United States on a path to double foreign assistance" — it's less clear whether President Barack Obama intends to stick to his pledge to reach that milestone by the end of his first term, as promised.

"It has become clear over the past decade that all the elements of American power must be developed to protect our people, interests, and values," the proposed budget states. "That is why the administration is committed to placing the nation on a path to double foreign assistance to $50 billion.

"Doing so, the United States will reach out to the global community, lay the groundwork for stability and security at home and abroad, and strengthen its role as a leader in global development and diplomacy. These are important investments that will help bring stability to other parts of the globe and greater security for our nation."

But while the budget reinforces the goal of doubling foreign aid, it does not provide any deadline. In fact, the budget doesn't give any time frame at all.

According to a March 23, 2009, article in the Christian Science Monitor, the economic downturn has caused the administration to hint that Obama may not double foreign aid by the end of his first term. The proposed 2010 budget includes a 10 percent increase in foreign aid, but according to the article, "the White House Office of Management and Budget speaks of 'extending out' the goal of doubling foreign aid — presumably into what officials envision as a second term for the president."

We'll have to wait to see whether Obama sticks to his 2012 deadline. But since there's an increase in foreign aid in his proposed budget, and since the budget document talks about putting the United States "on a path to double foreign assistance," we think there's enough to move this to In the Works.