Joe Crowley: “I thank the gentlewoman, and my friend and mentor, from New York for yielding me this time; and I want to thank her and…”

“I thank the gentlewoman, and my friend and mentor, from New York for yielding me this time; and I want to thank her and Chairman Kolbe, another good friend, on another good bill coming out of this committee and proving once again, when it comes to the issue of foreign aid, we can work in a very bipartisan way. This bill is of particular importance because it is the last for Chairman Kolbe, and I would like to commend Chairman Kolbe for his steadfast support of foreign aid and for what I believe will become your greatest legacy, the creation of a Trade Capacity Enhancement Fund. Time does not allow me to go into it in further detail, but I want to thank you for that. This bill also includes $34 million to the United Nations Population Fund, but it has become a norm under this administration that restrictions on providing this important funding will not be released by the administration. The administration seems determined to hinder the health of women and children around the world. While remaining troubled that this detrimental policy continues, there is much good in this bill, particularly when it comes to the issue of the Middle East. I strongly support the funding included in this bill for Israel's foreign military financing and economic aid. We need to continue to ensure that our close allies are able to protect themselves and remain a strong and viable state. While I support our ally Egypt, there are issues that we in Congress must address.…”