Cole Remarks at FY26 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Bill Full Committee Markup

Thank you, Chairman Diaz-Balart, and thank you to Ranking Member Frankel, Ranking Member DeLauro, and to all our committee members. 

Today’s Fiscal Year 2026 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs appropriations bill marks a critical step toward advancing a sharpened approach to U.S. foreign policy. We ensure that Americans are safer at home and abroad without compromising fiscal responsibility. And we make clear that we will not retreat from the cause of freedom. 

This bill prioritizes our national security through robust support to our allies and through upholding peace through strength. We support essential efforts to advance democracy, defend human rights, and confront the creep of authoritarian regimes. We champion American leadership in the face of bad actors—confronting Communist China, cutting off terrorist financiers in Iran, and standing firm against the evil of Putin. And we reaffirm our steadfast support for our great ally Israel as they fight for their existence amidst terror and evil. 

This measure realigns our foreign assistance to prioritize high-impact programs. Strong accountability and oversight ensure the elimination of waste, fraud, and abuse. Importantly, we uphold religious freedom programs and maintain longstanding bipartisan pro-life protections. America First doesn’t mean America retreats. It means we lead on our terms—in defense of our interests, our values, and our way of life.

This legislation reiterates just that. I thank Chairman Diaz-Balart, Ranking Member Frankel, 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.