Barbara Lee: “I am very proud, Mr. Speaker, to present the fiscal year 2022 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs…”

“I am very proud, Mr. Speaker, to present the fiscal year 2022 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations bill for the first time as chairwoman of this critically important subcommittee. Indeed, it is an honor to be entrusted with the responsibility of managing the SFOPS bill which has been a key component of United States foreign policy since World War II. The resources provided in this bill are based on the fundamental generosity of the American people, but they also protect and advance our national security, economic prosperity, and global leadership. I commend the Biden-Harris administration and our chair, Rosa DeLauro, for recognizing the importance of the State and Foreign Operations budget, and I urge my colleagues to follow suit by supporting this bill. With unprecedented levels of human suffering and so many complicated challenges around the world, the bill rightfully increases funding for global health and the prevention of future pandemics and for migration, refugee, and disaster assistance, and continues our support for key allies and partner organizations such as the United Nations. These are just a few of many ways the SFOPS bill meets urgent humanitarian needs, many of which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID pandemic has caused significant economic and social harm.…”