Diaz-Balart, Cole at FY25 State and Foreign Operations Bill Subcommittee Markup
Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Appropriations State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee met to consider its Fiscal Year 2025 bill. The measure was approved by the Subcommittee.
State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) began the markup with the following remarks, “There are some who say cuts of this magnitude jeopardize United States leadership in the world and make us less safe. I completely disagree. In fact, it is just the opposite.
"The bill before us today prioritizes funding that directly supports U.S. national security. It eliminates controversial or ineffective programs that American taxpayers do not support and that, quite frankly, our allies and partners don’t support either.
"As the saying goes, the world is on fire right now. We should not be throwing fuel on the flames by funding organizations requested in the President’s budget that employ terrorists – UNRWA; provide a platform on the global stage to the worst human rights abusers – the Human Rights Council; take bogus legal action against Israel as it fights for its very existence – the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice; cower to communist China and deny Taiwan observer status – the World Health Organization; pay other countries climate reparations – the Loss and Damages Fund; or promote and mobilize migrant caravans to the U.S. southern border – any number of international organizations, thanks to this Administration’s open borders policy."
Full remarks, as prepared for delivery, are available here.
Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) delivered the following remarks during the markup, "The United States has long been a world leader in global cooperation and stability. Our work on today’s Fiscal Year 2025 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs appropriations bill continues that posture. The bill prioritizes funding that supports our national security and interests. We ensure that Americans are safer at home and abroad without compromising fiscal responsibility.
"The legislation makes clear that we will not retreat from the cause of freedom. It confronts the growing creep of hostile regimes by countering Communist China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region and intimidation of Taiwan and our other partners in the area. It also reaffirms our steadfast support for Israel as they face a life-and-death struggle against vicious and evil terrors."
Full remarks, as prepared for delivery, are available here.
A summary of the bill is available here.
Bill text is available here.
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