Brian Mast: “As I mentioned, I rise on behalf of my good friend, House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington to present his…”

“As I mentioned, I rise on behalf of my good friend, House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington to present his amendment that would prevent funds from this bill going to transport Palestinian refugees to the United States of America. The primary mission of the Department of Defense is to ensure the defense and the security of the United States. Allocating resources to transport Palestinian refugees does not align with the mission of protecting the United States. The Department of Defense budget is already stretched thin with numerous global commitments and responsibilities. Diverting funds and resources to humanitarian efforts outside of its core mission could undermine the readiness and the effectiveness of our Armed Forces. The Defense budget is finite and must be prioritized towards enhancing our military capabilities, maintaining our military defense infrastructure, and supporting our servicemembers in uniform. The transportation and resettlement of refugees involves significant logistical and financial burdens that could detract from critical defense initiatives. According to recent reports, the U.S. military faces ongoing budgetary pressures, including modernization needs and addressing emerging threats. Any diversion of funds could exacerbate these challenges. There are valid security concerns associated with the resettlement of refugees from conflict zones. The vetting process for refugees is thorough, yet it is not infallible.…”