Nita Lowey: “Ranking Member Rogers and I have worked hard to craft a bill that provides the necessary tools to the Secretary of State…”

“Ranking Member Rogers and I have worked hard to craft a bill that provides the necessary tools to the Secretary of State and USAID Administrator to advance United States foreign policy. Smart use of global health, humanitarian, and development assistance supports the United States' interests, builds greater global stability, and promotes American values. The gentleman's amendment would, not trim, but entirely cut all these investments, including support to 14.7 million people receiving lifesaving HIV treatment, including 700,000 children; 70 million children learning to read with U.S. assistance; 68.5 million refugees displaced by conflict or natural disasters; and 7,200 Peace Corps volunteers serving as excellent representatives of the United States. How are these cuts in our national interest? Mr. Chair, I urge a ``no'' vote on the gentleman's amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.”