Nita Lowey: “With great respect for my good friend and ranking member, Mr. Wolf, we have just provided $2.863 billion in emergency…”

“With great respect for my good friend and ranking member, Mr. Wolf, we have just provided $2.863 billion in emergency supplemental appropriations for Iraq, diplomatic operations and reconstruction. In addition, there are $3 billion for unexpended IRF funds. This amendment is requesting $140 million in additional funding for democracy, rule of law and governance programs. The supplemental provided $250 million for democracy activities, $67.6 million for civil society, $57.4 million for targeted development, $125 million in governance programs, and $150 million in rule of law activities. The amendment is also requesting $16 million in additional funding for nonproliferation, anti-terrorism and demining activities. The recently passed supplemental provided $7 million for demining in Iraq. Additionally, nowhere in this bill is there language restricting funding for humanitarian activities in Iraq. In my judgment, the administration should substantially expend the funds we have provided before Congress provides additional funding for the same purposes.”