We have enormous influence and leverage there made much easier by an embassy reopening.

Good morning to our witnesses, colleagues, and guests who are convening the subcommittee today to discuss the FY24 budget request for the Middle East and North Africa.

I do not judge them to be apolitical. I do not think that they have fashioned themselves in a way that would communicate that to the Tunisian people.

Undeniably, a normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel would be a pivotal and immensely positive development.

I think this committee would have a lot to say about whether the conduct of Saudi Arabia over the course of the last 5-10 years has merited that kind of commitment.

Any security or defense guarantee provided to Saudi Arabia would be submitted to Congress for ratification.

We have enormous influence and leverage there made much easier by an embassy reopening.

I think a reorientation of our policy there would send an important signal beyond Tunisia that your partnership with us is dependent on your commitment to continuing to head your democracy and your civil protections in the right direction.

The military is participating in President Saied's campaign of repression. They are holding military tribunals against his political opponents.

Good morning to our witnesses, colleagues, and guests who are convening the subcommittee today to discuss the FY24 budget request for the Middle East and North Africa.

I continue to look forward to working with the Administration on this committee and on the Appropriations Committee to try to get this right.