Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in opposition to the bill. At the outset, though, I want to congratulate our subcommittee chair on shepherding her very first bill to the House floor. The bill before us provides $62.2 billion for the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs. That is a 12 percent increase, Mr. Speaker, over the fiscal year 2021 enacted level. The bill provides important funding for our national security, including $3.3 billion for Israel. The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, and the looming shadow of Hezbollah and Iran, remind us all of the threats Israel faces to its security every day. The fighting in Gaza stopped when it did, in part, due to the diplomatic efforts of Egypt. As Secretary of State Blinken told the committee, Egypt was vital to helping arrange the cease-fire and remains an essential partner for the United States in the region-- Egypt. While the bill maintains funding for Egypt at the current level, I strongly disagree with the additional conditions that this bill places on Egypt. The bill continues critical funding for Jordan, supports countries facing Russian aggression, and provides resources to meet our commitments in the Indo-Pacific, including $300 million for the Countering Chinese Influence Fund. The bill provides funding for Colombia, our good ally and friend, at last year's level. This is a critical moment for that country, and we should be doing all we can to support them.…”