On the recordDecember 17, 2019
I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I rise today in support of this second appropriations package to fund the government for fiscal year 2020. I especially want to state my heavy support for this portion of the bill that funds the State Department and our foreign operations around the world. I thank the distinguished chair, Mrs. Lowey, and the ranking member, Ms. Granger, on their masterful work to shepherd this compromise all the way through the maze that is the Congress to this floor where we sit today. I especially value Chairwoman Lowey's partnership on the State and Foreign Operations title of this bill, which she also chairs. She and I may differ on some issues--in fact, we do differ on some issues--but on the whole, this bill represents the priorities of Congress in support of our national security. The agreement includes significant funding to secure our 200-plus diplomatic posts around the world, our embassies, consulates, and the like, and to support critical allies like Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Georgia, and Ukraine. It will allow us to respond to a growing threat that China poses to our security. In our own hemisphere, the bill prioritizes funding for Latin America as the region continues to face instability from the crisis in Venezuela, as well as from the rampant drug problem and corruption. The bill also continues vigorous oversight of U.S. assistance, denies funding for the Green Climate Fund, and respects the sanctity of life around the world.…
