Nita Lowey: “I reluctantly rise in opposition to the State and Foreign Operations budget in the CR. These are irresponsible cuts.…”

“I reluctantly rise in opposition to the State and Foreign Operations budget in the CR. These are irresponsible cuts. These cuts would threaten global security and stability. Despite broad agreement that a three-legged stool of defense, diplomacy, and development is vital to our national security, this bill dramatically weakens diplomacy and development. However, especially given the ongoing development in Egypt, through the region, and around the world, the drastic cuts in democratic governance, alternate development options, international financial institutions, conflict mitigation, reconciliation, disaster assistance, and global health, would significantly impede our ability to achieve our security objectives. I'm really disappointed with the Republican leadership's partisan approach because, as I mentioned, during my 4 years as chair of the subcommittee, I worked closely with my ranking member, and we did not include divisive social issues in our bills.”