Nita Lowey: “Our committee has worked hard on a bipartisan basis to craft a bill that provides the Secretary of State and the U.S.…”

“Our committee has worked hard on a bipartisan basis to craft a bill that provides the Secretary of State and the U.S. administrator with the necessary tools to advance United States foreign policy. As I have said before, I have long opposed amendments that indiscriminately apply across-the-board cuts to the carefully thought- out funding recommendations in appropriations bills. Such amendments make no provision for protecting high-priority programs and activities. For example, the amendment would cut $33 million from security assistance to Israel. It would cut $92 million from global health programs, including $118 million less for HIV/AIDS; $79 million from lifesaving humanitarian assistance; and $60 million from funds made available to protect our diplomats and development personnel and their facilities. Cuts would also impact funding for other key allies, such as Jordan, Egypt, Ukraine, Colombia, and countries in Eastern Europe battling Russian aggression and disinformation. Mr. Chair, I tell my friend, as a grandmother of eight, I strongly urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.”