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 the USAID Administrator to advance United States foreign policy. The bill also upholds many bipartisan positions and congressional interests. I have long opposed amendments that indiscriminately apply an across- the-board cut to the carefully thought-out funding recommendations in each appropriations bill. Such amendments make no provision for protecting high-priority programs and activities, such as security assistance for Israel, which would be cut by $66 million; global health programs, which would be cut by $184 million, including $118 million less for HIV/AIDS activities; humanitarian assistance, which would be cut by $158 million; and funding to protect our diplomats and development personnel and their facilities, which would be cut by $120 million. Cuts would also impact support for other key allies, such as Jordan, Egypt, Ukraine, Colombia, and countries in Eastern Europe battling Russian aggression and disinformation. Mr. Chair, Congress must strengthen, not cut, these civilian agencies so that they can respond to foreign policy crises and protect our economic interests abroad. I strongly urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.”