Granger Remarks on H.R. 4373, FY22 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 4373, the fiscal year 2022 State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill. 

This bill has many fatal flaws, in spite of Republican efforts to improve it. The concerns raised during markup were not addressed, and many of the amendments we offered at the Rules Committee have not been made in order on the floor today.

I’ll begin with our list of major complaints.

To put it simply, the spending level is too high, and the policies are too controversial.

This bill alone includes a 12% increase over current levels, with $3 billion directed to climate change programs like the green climate fund.

For the sake of generations to come, we cannot afford to spend like this.

In addition to these unrealistic spending levels, the Majority has made policy decisions that will complicate any attempts to come to a bipartisan agreement.

Most concerning, this bill includes alarming changes to long-standing language to protect the unborn. 

Language that prohibits foreign aid from being used to pay for abortions was dropped entirely. 

The bill also includes other controversial changes, such as a permanent repeal of the Mexico City policy, which prohibits organizations who receive foreign assistance from performing abortions. 

As the former chair of this subcommittee, I am very disappointed to see life-saving global health activities put in jeopardy because of partisan politics.

We must develop topline spending levels that both sides can support, and we must agree to drop controversial policy provisions. 

If we want to avoid a long-term continuing resolution—or worse, a government shutdown—we must get serious and do the work our constituents sent us here to do.

I urge my colleagues to vote against this bill, and I yield back.