National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs

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.

The Subcommittee will come to order.

I'd like to welcome everyone to today's subcommittee markup of the fiscal year 2024 appropriations bill for the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs.

At the outset, I would like to ask my colleagues for their indulgence, as my opening statement is longer than normal to explain the changes in this year's bill.

I want to thank Chairwoman Granger for her leadership and commend her for the substantial work it has taken to get to this point. I also want to recognize her previous leadership of this subcommittee, as well as the Chairman Emeritus and my friend, Hal Rogers.

I also want to acknowledge Ranking Member Lee. While we may not see eye-to-eye on most issues, I know you care deeply about these topics, and I look forward to continuing to work with you as this process moves forward.