I want to quickly echo Chairman Lowey's concerns about the capital investment grants, and note that I am also glad to see the funding for the program in your request.

A bipartisan majority in Congress has rejected shortsighted cuts to overseas programs, and I am confident we will do again.

There is no greater need than to combat climate change, and the committee at least begin against America's commitment to leadership goals in global climate change.

The democracy, development, diplomacy, humanitarian, and security assistance programs funding in this bill are critical to maintaining United States' global leadership, protecting our national security, and promoting economic growth.

These rural communities need to be able to count on democratic governance, financing for alternative livelihood, rule of law, schools and health clinics, and the protection of their local social leaders.

They have literally put their lives on the line for peace, but they can't succeed without the full engagement of the Colombian government.

I must note several gross inadequacies in the budget, including a $374.5 million decrease for Northeast Corridor grants to Amtrak.

Entire neighborhoods in my district could be under water, including Logan Airport.

Fortunately, Congress has consistently and resoundingly rejected the administration's cuts.

Lack of progress and even setbacks to reducing illegal crops comes less from copa sino farmers than the lack of political will by the civilian and military authorities.

I am deeply concerned about the fate of human rights and democracy in Central America.