Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, this amendment would zero out funding for the United Nations' Office of High Commissioner for Refugees, which is a global organization established after World War II to help people who lost their homes. They work in 136 countries to provide lifesaving assistance, including shelter, food, water, and medical care for people forced to flee conflict and persecution, many of whom have nobody left to turn to. Just last week, the United States recognized World Refugee Day, reaffirming our tradition as a beacon of hope for refugees and persecuted people around the globe. In the United States, refugees contributed almost $124 billion to the growth of the United States' economy from 2005 to 2019. According to UNHCR, the overall forced displacement rose to 120 million in May 2024 and reflects the 12th year of a consecutive increase. At this level, the global displaced population is the equivalent of the 12th largest country in the world, which is about the size of Japan. Responsibility sharing is essential to meet humanitarian needs so that all people can live with hope and dignity. No single country can respond alone, and no country is untouched by the impacts of forced displacement. I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.”