Thank you, Chairman Diaz-Balart, for presenting the Fiscal Year 2024 State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill.

As the former chair of this Subcommittee, I know the importance of these programs.

But, as I have said before, we must take a hard look at everything we oversee.

I thank the Chairman and the Members of the Subcommittee for doing just that.

This bill strikes the right balance in supporting the highest priorities, while reducing spending where we can.

Instead of funding unnecessary programs, such as climate change initiatives, the bill before us re-focuses spending on programs that strengthen our national security.

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

Finally, the bill includes many provisions important to Members on my side of the aisle. 

The bill strengthens pro-life protections, supports faith-based organizations and promotes religious freedom, and prevents funding for controversial programs.

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

I thank the Chairman for including full funding for our great ally Israel to defend itself – and for including many conditions that address bias against Israel.

To close, I want to thank the subcommittee members and staff – both majority and minority – for their hard work on this bill. 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, I yield back.

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