National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs
Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart
HT-2 The Capitol
(202) 225-2041
Majority | Minority |
| Mario Diaz-Balart – Chair | Lois Frankel – Ranking Member |
| Guy Reschenthaler | Grace Meng |
| Julia Letlow | Norma Torres |
| Juan Ciscomani | Mike Quigley |
| Chuck Edwards – Vice Chair | |
| John Moolenaar | |
| Mark Alford |
Outside Witness Testimony Instructions
Recent Activity
WASHINGTON - Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX) issued the following statement after being reelected by Members of the House Republican Steering Committee to serve as Lead Republican of the House Appropriations Committee.
"It is an honor to have served on the Committee for more than two decades now, and I am once again humbled by the support of my colleagues to continue serving as the Committee's Lead Republican.
WASHINGTON - Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX), Lead Republican for the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement after the House passed yet another partisan coronavirus relief bill forced by Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats.
"Our nation has relied on the actions of Congress and the Administration to weather this pandemic. Up to this point, four bipartisan relief bills have been signed into law, but today that spirit of bipartisanship was abandoned by Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats.
Mister Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this bill.
Unfortunately, by considering this bill today we are abandoning the spirit of bipartisanship that has allowed us to work across the aisle four times this year to pass critical coronavirus relief legislation.
This bill was crafted without input from Members on our side of the aisle, and it does not have the support needed to pass the Senate or be signed by the President.
There are some things included that I support, such as –
- Helping small businesses that are desperate for a lifeline,
- Enabling the airline industry to continue to pay its employees,
- Providing additional assistance to help schools continue reopening, and
- Increasing testing for the virus.
Yet, I cannot overlook – nor can I overstate – the significant problems I have with this bill.
WASHINGTON – Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX), Lead Republican for the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 8337, a short-term continuing resolution (CR) to continue federal funding through December 11, 2020. Among the issues Granger fought for were assistance for farmers and ranchers through the Commodity Credit Corporation and a nutrition program for low-income students who are out of school. The final agreement comes after Speaker Pelosi initially walked away from a bipartisan agreement to include these two items.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 8337, a short-term continuing resolution through December 11th.
The coronavirus pandemic has impacted virtually every aspect of American life.
During this unprecedented time, it is more critical than ever that the federal government remain open and functioning.
By passing this short-term CR, we will:
WASHINGTON – Top Appropriations Committee Republican Kay Granger (R-TX) issued the following statement after opposing the Democrats' first appropriations package, H.R. 7608, which includes for the fiscal year 2021 funding bills for State and Foreign Operations; Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration; Interior and Environment; and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bills. All Republicans present opposed the measure.
Mister Speaker, I offer this motion today to restore funding levels for a bipartisan priority to counter China.
The amendment adds $102 million to restore funding for the Countering Chinese Influence Fund to the current fiscal year level of $300 million.
We can all agree that the Chinese Communist Party is actively working against U.S. interests all over the globe – from space technology, to deceptive trading practices, to their outsized influence in pharmaceuticals and medical equipment.
The threat from China is significant, and now is not the time to retreat in our efforts to stop their destructive actions.
The Countering Chinese Influence Fund was established last year to address the growing reality that Beijing has a foothold in areas of critical importance, including in our own back yard.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I rise today in opposition to H.R. 7608, the first package of fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills to be considered by the House.
I wish the circumstances were different and I could support this very important piece of legislation that funds many key programs.
This bill supports –
- The veterans who have honorably served our country;
- The diplomats who promote American businesses and our values around the world;
- The farmers and ranchers who put food on our tables; and
- The custodians of our parks and public lands who protect our national treasures.
Unfortunately, I am not able to support the bill before us because it has some fatal flaws.
WASHINGTON – Today, the full committee met to consider the fiscal year 2021 subcommittee allocations, known as "302(b)" allocations. The appropriations bills for the subcommittees on State and Foreign Operations; Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration; and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs were also considered. Committee Republicans were unable to support the allocations or the individual bills due to a total spending level that is well above the current budget agreement and controversial policy provisions that are in the bills.
Madam Chair, thank you for yielding.
During this time of instability around the world, it is important to remember that our investments abroad can make us more secure at home. The fiscal year 2021 bill funds many programs that would do just that.
The bill provides $3.3 billion for Israel, demonstrating our unwavering support for the security of our great ally and partner.
It protects funding for embassy security and counter-terrorism programs. The bill also includes funds to advance global health, promote democracy, and address human trafficking.
Unfortunately, while there are areas where we agree, I have serious concerns about partisan riders that have been inserted and the negative impact they could have.
As I said during the subcommittee markup, the bill includes permanent changes in law that would overturn the current Mexico City Policy.
