On the recordSeptember 28, 2023
I respectfully rise in opposition. The gentleman from Arizona brings up, I think, really legitimate reasons for his concern about the out-of-control spending and, frankly, what this administration has done. However, because of that, the operating account of USAID in this bill has been significantly reduced below the FY 2019 enacted level. As the gentleman is aware, we get to the point if we do further reductions, that this account, frankly, stops our ability to actually do some serious oversight. While I agree with his concerns, I don't think this is the right way to do that. Further reductions to this account would mean less oversight, less efficiency, and, frankly, I think fewer positive outcomes. By the way, in the manager's amendment, we reduce it even further. I totally understand and look forward to working with the gentleman about his concern. I think we are addressing it in this bill. Again, it is one of those issues that I understand where he is going, but I think this is not the right way to do it, so I respectfully oppose the amendment.
