Barbara Lee: “This amendment, which I am opposed to, seemingly seeks to punish Secretary Blinken likely due to differences of opinion…”

“This amendment, which I am opposed to, seemingly seeks to punish Secretary Blinken likely due to differences of opinion with the amendment's sponsor. Now, the last time I looked, in a democracy, I thought differences are allowed without punitive measures. This is a slippery slope. Given that the Secretary covers all worldwide issues, it is unbelievable that differing opinions would not arise. We cannot decide to defund the salary of a Cabinet member simply because a Member of Congress does not agree with all the positions the administration takes on issues pertaining to foreign affairs. Again, remember what the fundamentals of our democracy allow. This is, again, another move to shut it down. Again, to my colleagues, if you want to debate the foreign policy of the Biden administration, let's do that, but Secretary Blinken is doing his job. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.”