Cole Remarks at FY25 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Bill Subcommittee Markup

Thank you, Chairman Diaz-Balart, and thank you to Ranking Member Lee, Ranking Member DeLauro, and to all the members of the subcommittee for being with us this morning.

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.

Further, the measure supports important religious freedom programs abroad, and maintains longstanding bipartisan pro-life protections, such as preserving the Mexico City Policy and prohibiting funds for the United Nations Population Fund.

Robust oversight and accountability of taxpayer dollars are also prioritized. This includes restricting President Biden’s ability to redirect funds to wasteful climate programs that harm energy security and economic development.

I thank Chairman Diaz-Balart, Ranking Member Lee, and the majority and minority staff for their hard work. I look forward to consideration of this bill, which reflects a commitment to freedom and democracy.

With that, I yield back.