Mario Díaz-Balart

I think one could argue that, for example, supporting a group created by a vocal anti-Semite is extremism.

the thousands and tens of thousands of Americans who died because of those narcotics.

You know, include me in one of those lists of those skeptics, as far as when we are looking at the proposed budget, which I think is inadequate and clearly does not provide the Defense Department the funds necessary to execute all of our…

I think we are, frankly, not dealing with reality with that top line number.

Your kindness never surprises me. But I am touched. Thank you very much.

I echo the opening statement of the ranking member as to the top line, which I think is highly irresponsible.

I would argue that, you know, fascism is extremism. I would argue that Marxism or Communism or socialism is extremism.

I just hope that--again that is----

the Cuban regime is a murderous, totalitarian, terrorist regime.

Balance is not asking a terrorist state for their version of the story.

You also have further said that the U.S. should provide, quote, 'less automatic deference to special interests.'

I think if we are going to aim to represent all of America accurately, we have got to show diversity, right.

I am concerned, however, about, and very disappointed, that less than $13 million was requested for the Office of Cuba Broadcasting.

Human trafficked people are victims, and they do wonderful things.

asking the regime for certain facts of report has nothing to do with journalistic standards.

And I thank USAID and others for the work that you are doing there, and obviously it helps when you have a partner that wants to be helpful and has their act together, so.

I particularly remain concerned about China's active COVID-related so-called assistance programs globally.

Are you confident that these issues or that this issue has been resolved?

I know that you have difficult tasks, difficult tasks.

What is not debatable, I think, at this stage is that the Chinese regime held information, covered up.

During the Obama administration and even after... that is what they were insisting on.

I am particularly interested in any recommendations that you may have for us today as appropriators.

That, by the way, is an unprecedented, shameful betrayal of Israel.

It is really interesting, you might be interested to hear this, Madam Chairman, if not for the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, which happens by the way to be in the district that I represent, I suspect that USAGM's diversity numbers were even…

Do you support, again, sanctioning human rights abusers or sanctions against the military and intelligence services and those who deal with human trafficking in Cuba?