Barbara Lee: “Once again, I have no idea what my colleagues are trying to achieve. All this amendment would do is double down on the…”

“Once again, I have no idea what my colleagues are trying to achieve. All this amendment would do is double down on the harm Russia's aggression has already wreaked on the poorest countries of the world through higher food, fertilizer, and fuel costs. This amendment would cut $750 million each from global health programs and the International Disaster Assistance accounts. These cuts would impose tremendous harm and suffering to the most vulnerable, including: 4 million children with malaria will go untreated; 350,000 deaths attributable to tuberculosis; 13 million fewer children vaccinated resulting in a possible 115,000 additional deaths; and A reduction by over 45 percent of humanitarian assistance to Sudan compared to FY 2023 levels. This doesn't sound much like pro-life to me, Mr. Chairman. It would also eliminate the entire Official Development Assistance accounts, affecting agriculture and food security programs, education, and clean water for millions of the most vulnerable people in the world. Development assistance is also used for Countering PRC Influence programs, which represents one of our most effective tools to counter and compete with the PRC globally. It is really ridiculous, it is cruel, and it is not pro-life. These are not funds that would be targeted to Ukraine in any significant way. It has no impact on the Ukraine debate and would inflict harm on millions of people. Mr.…”