National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs

I rise in support of the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act to provide much-needed assistance to our democratic and unwavering ally, Israel, as it combats terrorism against its citizens.

I commend my colleague, Chairman Ken Calvert, for his leadership in drafting this critical legislation, as well as Chairwoman Kay Granger. I want to thank Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise for bringing this bill to the House floor.

As Mr. Calvert just said, there has been genocide, but the genocide has been from Hamas. If the world needed yet another reminder of the importance of Israel as a safe haven for the Jewish people, then the heinous attacks on innocent men, women, children – even babies – of October 7 should be that wake-up call. This is not that complicated.

Nearly four months ago, we watched Hamas brutally attack the Israeli people. Unfortunately, the situation in the region has only gotten worse.

Israel, and now U.S. Forces, have been attacked by terrorist groups backed by Iran. Funding is needed to address the growing threats we face.

The bill before us provides a total of $17.6 billion in emergency resources. Specifically, the bill includes funding for Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Iron Beam Defense Systems and other weapons through the Foreign Military Financing program.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5860, a bill that keeps the government open until November 17^th.

While I would rather be here speaking on the floor about final appropriations bills, I want members to understand why passing this short-term funding bill today is so important.

First, I want to explain how we find ourselves in this situation.

Just nine months ago, when Republicans took back the Majority in the House, our commitment was to Regular Order for appropriations.

No more omnibus measures released in the dead of night. No more Christmas Eve votes on thousands of pages of text that Members of Congress had not read.

Unfortunately, there were a few stumbling blocks as we sought to change the process.

For example, the Administration's budget request was more than a month late. It then took months for the President to come to the table on the debt ceiling negotiations.

Madam Chairwoman, I am proud to speak on the Fiscal Year 2024 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs appropriations bill for floor consideration today.

If you've read the bill, you know it is very straightforward.

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.

I am extremely proud of this bill, which was carefully and thoughtfully developed over many months.

In my judgment, it reflects the values and interests of most Americans.

We carefully reviewed all the organizations and programs that receive U.S. taxpayer dollars.

Among the key factors:

As we continue our work on the Fiscal Year 2024 bills, I want to remind everyone of the situation we find ourselves in.

During the last Congress, trillions of dollars were spent outside of the appropriations process.

We have no choice but to take a hard look at the spending this Committee oversees.

The State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill before us strikes the right balance.

It funds important national security priorities while reducing spending on unnecessary programs.

For example, the bill prioritizes resources to counter China, Russia, Iran, and other hostile countries.

At a time when our enemies are becoming more aggressive, we must continue to support our partners and allies around the world.

For example, the Chairman has included the funding requested for Israel to defend itself. The bill also addresses the harmful and growing bias against Isreal at the United Nations.

Thank you very much, Madam Chairwoman.

I am pleased to present the fiscal year 2024 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs appropriations bill to the full committee for consideration and for approval.

I want to thank Chairwoman Granger for her leadership to get us to this point in the process. I also want to recognize her previous chairmanship and leadership of this subcommittee, as well as the Chairman Emeritus and my friend, Hal Rogers.

I want to acknowledge Ranking Member Lee. While we may not see eye-to-eye on most issues, I know she cares deeply about the programs funded in this bill, and I look forward to continuing to work with her as this process moves forward.

Finally, I want to thank the Members of the State-Foreign Operations Subcommittee on both sides of the aisle for their meaningful engagement during this budget process.