We think that you should work in your community with labor, with other community leaders, and taking into account environmental justice concerns.

It is unfortunate that we have two, at least two, other compelling hearings on similar or related topics.

To leverage resources and spark innovation.

The fiscal year 2024 request for this subcommittee's budget including staff and programs of, State, USAID, MCC, DFC, and other agencies, is in total $68.6 billion, 6.8 billion, or 11 percent above the fiscal year 2023 enacted level.

If what we hear in country after country is: we welcome U.S. investment, we welcome U.S. companies, we want help transforming our economy.

Your task is daunting, and this subcommittee must both rigorously oversee your work, and ensure you have the support and resources you need to protect and advance our national security and our national values.

The fiscal year 2024 request for this subcommittee's budget including staff and programs of, State, USAID, MCC, DFC, and other agencies, is in total $68.6 billion, 6.8 billion, or 11 percent above the fiscal year 2023 enacted level.

If I could just respond to the Ranking Member; I agree with you that we need to get ahead of this problem.

It is unfortunate that we have two, at least two, other compelling hearings on similar or related topics.

If you include the supplemental funding that was provided in 2023, to address Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine, the fiscal year 2024 request would actually be a 15 percent cut over the overall expenditures.

I call this hearing to order.

I am grateful, the Vice Chair of the Full Committee, my friend and colleague from Maine, Susan Collins, is serving as the Ranking for this hearing.