We cannot afford cuts to democracy and governance programs right now or, when it's appropriated, fail to implement programs because of directives from the White House or Embassies abroad.

So promoting democracy, helping to advance our democratic values around the world--the work that your three organizations do--should be at the center of our foreign policy.

Attacking the free press, the way I see it, is an attack on democracy.

Forget what I just said and pretend it's a hypothetical.

Our form of government empowers the people.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 132, line 25, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced by $1,500,000) (increased by…

Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer an amendment that would direct healthcare providers with VA affiliation to continue their efforts at continuing education courses in specific areas to manage pain, opioids, and substance abuse disorders…

Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time. MR. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition, although I will not oppose this amendment. The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes…

Mr. Chairman, it is another area where we can keep working together to help veterans, and this amendment will bring us forward in that task. I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by…

Mr. Chairman, I know the gentleman from Texas and I will work together on this going forward and, hopefully, this amendment will move us in that direction further. I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on…

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 132, line 25, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced by $5,000,000) (increased by…