Diaz-Balart, Cole, Subcommittee Members Question Secretary Blinken, White House National Security Decisions
Washington, D.C. – House Appropriations State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) and Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) today reiterated the need for strong American leadership against rising threats and emboldened adversaries during a hearing on the Department of State’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request. Their remarks laid out deep concerns with the Biden Administration’s weak foreign policy posture that has harmed both the security of America and our allies.
Subcommittee Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart said, “This Administration is playing a dangerous, dangerous game with Israel’s security and, by extension, our own national security. Here's what we know. The Biden Administration is withholding certain weapons to Israel in its time of greatest need, as it faces a threat to its very existence as a nation-state… In just that one moment he made it harder for hostages, which includes Americans, to be freed; he emboldened Hamas, Hezbollah, and the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism—Iran; and let’s be honest, gave a green light to the International Criminal Court. That one statement was likely viewed around the world as a defining moment, creating even greater doubts about the strength and reliability of the United States as a security partner. Communist China and Russia must have been overjoyed by the President’s pronouncement, as I’m sure it will be their talking point of choice when wooing foreign leaders to their corner. Despite the Biden Administration’s grand rhetoric about countering the malign influence of China and other adversaries, their policies are doing the exact opposite.”
Full remarks, as prepared for delivery, are available here.
Chairman Cole reiterated, “Meanwhile, in what some have called an ‘axis of upheaval,’ our sworn adversaries in Beijing, Moscow, and Tehran are increasingly joining hands in their challenge to Western institutions, democratic values, and the cause of freedom. The prospect of greater military, economic, and technological cooperation between these hostile, authoritarian powers can only be deeply disturbing to the United States, our allies, and our partners. Here at home, the unprecedented flow of migrants to the border and the uptick in dangerous and deadly drugs such as fentanyl into our country have brought America to an important crossroads that demands clear leadership. Mr. Secretary, your budget request for the coming year aims to address some of these challenges, but I am concerned that, in other respects, it has missed the mark.”
Full remarks, as prepared for delivery, are available here.
Subcommittee members also questioned Secretary Blinken on issues related to the rising threat of China, U.S. relations with Cuban dictators, normalization efforts in the Middle East, and the Administration's failed border policies.
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