Lincoln Diaz-Balart: “I revere his service to the country. We must always thank those who served, and he served honorably. On this amendment…”

“I revere his service to the country. We must always thank those who served, and he served honorably. On this amendment, the bill that we are debating right now substantially reduces spending, while strengthening our national security. Part of the strategy is to ensure that the most effective tools to achieve this objective are strong and ready to deliver, including the National Endowment for Democracy. Now, remember, NED was a brilliant initiative from President Ronald Reagan to fight communism and enemies abroad, and it succeeded, strengthening democracy forces from within and helping to get rid of the Berlin Wall. Today, the adversaries of the United States are still there, and they threaten democracy and freedom all over the world. NED, just as envisioned by President Reagan, is needed once again on the forefront of fighting the enemies of the United States. NED and democracy programs have been supporting those struggling for freedom in the most repressive places in the world. In Iran, China, Cuba, and Venezuela, the people are hitting the streets, and NED is there with them. Those who are anti-American tyrannies are where NED is effective, and that is where we need them now the most. At this critical time, America cannot turn its back to those who are courageously fighting, advocating for freedom around the world.”