Diaz-Balart, Cole: Support Our Allies, Promote Freedom and Democracy Abroad
Washington, D.C. – House Appropriations State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) and Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) today remarked on the House floor in support of H.R. 8771, the Fiscal Year 2025 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. They highlighted how the legislation bolsters American security and leadership at home and abroad.
Watch Subcommittee Chairman Diaz-Balart's remarks here.
State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee Chairman Diaz-Balart remarked, “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 priorities in this bill are very clear. If you are a friend or an ally of the United States, this bill supports you. If you are an adversary or are cozying up to our adversaries, then frankly, you will not like this bill. The bill eliminates controversial or ineffective programs that American taxpayers do not support and that, quite frankly, our allies and partners don’t support either. And yet, even with the deep cut to topline spending, this bill fully funds our ally Israel and increases funding above the President’s request to counter Communist China and to combat the flow of fentanyl into our country.”
Full remarks as prepared for delivery here.
In remarks submitted to the record, Chairman Cole stated, “The United States has long been the global leader for peace, stability, and international cooperation. This role did not come easily or through weakness. It is the result of the great sacrifice of the American people. It came about not only because of our armed might, which served to defeat the fascist powers during World War II, but also because of America’s clear commitment to the values of freedom and democracy, not only for ourselves, but for all of humanity. Today’s measure – the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2025 – reflects that persistent commitment to our national values. It also commands American excellence – we will not only be a participant in the international conversation, but the global leader of it.”
Full remarks as submitted to the record here.
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