Political Quotes

“Mr. Chair, when we fund specific programs, we should ask ourselves one question: What is the real return on investment? In the case of the Peace Corps, we are spending a little over $410 million. Is the investment worth it, given the rising costs of food and gas? Is it appropriate for Congress to prioritize the Peace Corps over our veterans, prioritize the Peace Corps over securing our border? Keep in mind, my proposed cut is a modest cut. How is the Peace Corps justifying its budget in light of financial hardships borne by millions of Americans today? In separate testimonies before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Carol Spahn, the Peace Corps Director, pointed out the agency's work on the following: helping illegals at the southern border, promoting DEI amongst its volunteers, promoting COVID-19 vaccinations in low-income areas, and climate change adaptation, just to name a few. In the latter case, the Peace Corps is working to promote climate- smart approaches in agriculture and to focus on gender equity issues. It is clear the Peace Corps has become more of an activist organization than an organization determined to help people. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.”