Joseph Knollenberg: “I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4426. This legislation, and the moneys it authorizes, can only help the United…”

“I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4426. This legislation, and the moneys it authorizes, can only help the United States continue to project a presence anywhere, anytime and anyhow. The isolationist critics of this position are shortsighted and lack any historical basis for their political posturing. All I need to do in support of this is cite some mind-numbing numbers: 116,000, 407,000 and 58,000. Each of these numbers represent a lost son or daughter due to American politicians seeking to have America withdraw from the international scene, shirking our responsibilities. In World War I, we lost 116,000. In World War II, we lost 407,000, and in Vietnam, more than 58,000. Mr. Chairman, how many more young lives does it take before my colleagues understand the consequences of their actions here today? Foreign aid represents less than 1 percent of the entire U.S. budget, and the GAO estimates that more than 72 percent of those funds are returned to the United States in the form of increased trade and cooperative programs. So even from a fiscal conservative perspective this is money well spent, and I would argue that this is really an investment, preserving our future and our children's futures. It is my sincerest hope that our grandchildren will not have to bear witness to another generational blood bath such as that brought on by World Wars I and II, and Vietnam. Our failure to support a continued American presence abroad is this important.”