Diaz-Balart Remarks at FY27 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Bill Subcommittee Markup
I’d like to welcome everyone to today’s Fiscal Year 2027 subcommittee markup of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs appropriations bill. Let me start by thanking Chairman Cole for his invaluable leadership of the Appropriations Committee and for his commitment to ensuring that Congress upholds its responsibility to provide the tools necessary to safeguard our national security. I also want to thank Ranking Member Frankel and Ranking Member DeLauro, and all the members of the subcommittee for their ideas and insights, which were instrumental in developing this bill.
The bill before us today is the next step in our historic efforts to strengthen our national security while reducing spending. Under Chairman Cole’s leadership, and with the support of our colleagues, this Republican majority has delivered nearly $12 billion in responsible cuts to spending under the purview of this Subcommittee since 2023. The FY27 bill continues this effort with an additional $2.7 billion cut from the enacted level. The greatest long-term threat to our country’s stability and security is our debt, and this bill makes disciplined decisions to continue reining in spending. Yet, our national security priorities are funded at or above prior year levels.
The bill maintains $1.8 billion for partners in the Indo-Pacific, including $500 million in military assistance for Taiwan and robust funding for the Philippines and our partners in Pacific Islands countries.
It provides unwavering support for Israel and fully funds the United States-Israel Memorandum of Understanding by providing $3.3 billion in security assistance. Other key partners and allies in the Middle East, such as Jordan and Egypt, continue to be strongly supported. Recognizing the valuable partnerships in the Western Hemisphere, which continue to expand and realign under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Rubio, the bill increases support for our friends and allies such as Paraguay, Argentina, and Costa Rica.
As part of this effort, the bill increases funds for counter-narcotics and related law enforcement efforts, including investments to combat the trafficking of fentanyl, which has devastated every community in America. It also continues strong support for a democratic transition to freedom for the people of Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.
The bill supports the America First Opportunity Fund, which enhances United States leverage abroad and enables a rapid response to crises and strategic opportunities. It continues the National Security Investment Programs account, which supports efficient, targeted deployment of programs that support United States national security interests.
Last year, this Subcommittee focused on how to responsibly transition PEPFAR programs back to partner countries that are capable and ready. PEPFAR is a great success, but most of us agree the program cannot, and should not, go on forever. Working alongside the Administration, countries are now committing significant sums of their own resources as part of the America First Global Health Strategy, enabling this Committee to reduce funding while achieving the same outcomes.
Just as critical as what the bill funds is what it does not fund, and how it strengthens conditions, prioritizes oversight, and demands accountability for every dollar. The bill prohibits funds to the People’s Republic of China and the Communist Chinese Party and prohibits funds to other countries from being used to repay debt owed to China. It also requires opposition to lending to the PRC within the multilateral development banks.
The bill continues a key provision adopted in the prior year which blocks assistance to anyone that supports, finances, or facilitates the operations of the Cuban Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces or Ministry of the Interior. It continues the prohibition on all assistance to the Taliban and puts Americans first by withholding funds for Mexico until it delivers water owed to the United States in accordance with the terms of the 1944 Water Treaty.
Assessed funding for the United Nations is cut by $1.8 billion. No funds are included for the United Nations Regular Budget, and funds are prohibited to: the World Health Organization, the United Nations Commission of Inquiry against Israel, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the United Nations Human Rights Council, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the International Criminal Court, and the International Court of Justice, just to start.
The bill also includes a provision to help provide justice for victims murdered in the October 7 terrorist attacks, including 50 American citizens, by requiring full accountability for the UNRWA staff involved in this vicious attack. In addition, the bill includes a new provision cutting off funds to any international organization that refuses to cooperate with Inspector General investigations into whether October 7 terrorists are on its staff. A key measure from last year’s House bill, which was enacted in FY26, is maintained, requiring the Secretary of State to consider the UN voting record of countries and in determining the allocation of funds.
The bill supports full implementation of key Executive Orders that reflect a clear commitment to national sovereignty, secure borders, limited government, and American values, including those related to restoring free speech and ending censorship; ending DEI programs; and many others.
Finally, the bill maintains all long-standing pro-life provisions, prohibits funds to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), and prohibits funds being spent in contravention of the President’s policy on Protecting Life in Foreign Assistance. These measures, alongside enhanced oversight and transparency, ensure American taxpayer dollars do not fund abortions, a policy that Americans overwhelmingly support.
Again, I want to thank all our Members for their invaluable contributions to this bill. I also want to thank the staff from both sides of the aisle for their hard work. I would now like to recognize my good friend and the Ranking Member, Ms. Frankel, for her remarks.
