Mario Diaz-Balart
Representative for Florida · Republican · United States
“(3) Notification on excess defense articles.--Prior to providing excess Department of Defense articles in accordance with section 516(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, the Department of Defense shall notify the Committees on Appropriations to the same extent and under the same conditions as other committees pursuant to subsection…”
“(a) Prohibition.--None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available pursuant to titles III through VI of this Act shall be obligated or expended to finance directly any assistance to the government of any country whose duly elected head of government is deposed by military coup d'etat or decree or, after the date of enactment of…”
“(a) Prior Consultation and Notification.--Funds appropriated by this Act, prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs, or any other Act may not be used to implement a reorganization, redesign, or other plan described in subsection (b) by the Department of State or any other Federal dep…”
“(B)(i) The President may waive the provisions of section 1003 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989 (Public Law 100-204) if the President determines and certifies in writing to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President pro tempore of the Senate, and the appropriate congressional committees…”
“(h) HIV/AIDS Working Capital Fund.--Funds available in the HIV/AIDS Working Capital Fund established pursuant to section 525(b)(1) of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2005 (Public Law 108- 447) may be made available for pharmaceuticals and other products for child survival, malaria, and tu…”
“(c) Aircraft Coordination.-- (1) Authority.--The uses of aircraft purchased or leased by the Department of State with funds made available in this Act or prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs shall be coordinated under the authority of the appropriate Chief of Mission: Provided,…”
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“american sections, international commissions For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided, for the International Joint Commission and the International Boundary Commission, United States and Canada, as authorized by treaties between the United States and Canada or Great Britain, and for grant programs of the North American Development Bank, including technical assistance grants and the Community Assistance Program, $22,323,000: Provided, That of the amount provided under this heading for the International Joint Commission, up to $1,500,000 may remain available until September 30, 2028, and up to $9,000 may be made available for representation expenses: Provided further, That of the amount provided under this heading for the International Boundary Commission, up to $1,000 may be made available for representation expenses.”
“In addition, for expenses necessary to carry out paragraph (4)(A)(i) of section 5602(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31), $8,000,000, to remain available until expended.”
“construction For detailed plan preparation and construction of authorized projects, $301,300,000, to remain available until expended, as authorized: Provided, That the operating plan required by section 7062(a) of this Act shall include, for each construction project, the expected scope, timeline, and total cost, including out-year cost estimates for construction and operations and maintenance requirements: Provided further, That of the funds appropriated under this paragraph in this Act and prior Acts making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs for the United States Section, up to $5,000,000 may be transferred to, and merged with, funds appropriated under the heading ``Salaries and Expenses'' to carry out the purposes of the United States Section, which shall be subject to prior consultation with, and the regular notification procedures of, the Committees on Appropriations: Provided further, That such transfer authority is in addition to any other transfer authority provided in this Act.”
“In addition, for expenses necessary to carry out paragraph (4)(A)(i) of section 5602(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31), $1,000,000, to remain available until expended.”
“International Commissions For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided for, to meet obligations of the United States arising under treaties, or specific Acts of Congress, as follows: international boundary and water commission, united states and mexico For necessary expenses for the United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico, and to comply with laws applicable to the United States Section, including not to exceed $6,000 for representation expenses, as follows: salaries and expenses For salaries and expenses, not otherwise provided for, $82,900,000, of which $12,585,000 may remain available until September 30, 2028.”
“contributions for international peacekeeping activities For necessary expenses to pay assessed and other expenses of international peacekeeping activities directed to the maintenance or restoration of international peace and security, $489,519,000, of which $280,000,000 may remain available until September 30, 2028: Provided, That none of the funds made available by this Act shall be obligated or expended for any new or expanded United Nations peacekeeping mission unless, at least 15 days in advance of voting for such mission in the United Nations Security Council (or in an emergency as far in advance as is practicable), the Committees on Appropriations are notified of: (1) the estimated cost and duration of the mission, the objectives of the mission, the national interest that will be served, and the exit strategy; and (2) the sources of funds, including any reprogrammings or transfers, that will be used to pay the cost of the new or expanded mission, and the estimated cost in future fiscal years: Provided further, That none of the funds appropriated under this heading may be made available for obligation unless the Secretary of State certifies and reports to the Committees on Appropriations on a peacekeeping mission-by-mission basis that the United Nations is implementing effective policies and procedures to prevent United Nations employees, contractor personnel, and peacekeeping troops serving in such mission from trafficking in persons, exploiting victims of trafficking, or committing acts of sexual exploitation and abuse or other violations of human rights, and to hold accountable individuals who engage in such acts while participating in such mission, including prosecution in their home countries and making information about such prosecutions publicly available on the website of the United Nations: Provided further, That the Secretary of State shall work with the United Nations and foreign governments contributing peacekeeping troops to implement effective vetting procedures to ensure that such troops have not violated human rights: Provided further, That funds shall be available for peacekeeping expenses unless the Secretary of State determines that United States manufacturers and suppliers are not being given opportunities to provide equipment, services, and material for United Nations peacekeeping activities equal to those being given to foreign manufacturers and suppliers: Provided further, That none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available under this heading may be used for any United Nations peacekeeping mission that will involve United States Armed Forces under the command or operational control of a foreign national, unless the President's military advisors have submitted to the President a recommendation that such involvement is in the national interest of the United States and the President has submitted to Congress such a recommendation: Provided further, That any payment of arrearages with funds appropriated by this Act shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations: Provided further, That the Secretary of State shall work with the United Nations and members of the United Nations Security Council to evaluate and prioritize peacekeeping missions, and to consider a draw down when mission goals have been substantially achieved.”
“[[Page H4487]] payment to the foreign service retirement and disability fund For payment to the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund, as authorized, $47,500,000. International Organizations contributions to international organizations For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided for, to meet annual obligations of membership in international multilateral organizations, pursuant to treaties ratified pursuant to the advice and consent of the Senate, conventions, or specific Acts of Congress, $310,200,000: Provided, That the Secretary of State shall, at the time of the submission of the President's budget to Congress under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, transmit to the Committees on Appropriations the most recent biennial budget prepared by the United Nations for the operations of the United Nations: Provided further, That the Secretary of State shall notify the Committees on Appropriations at least 15 days in advance (or in an emergency, as far in advance as is practicable) of any United Nations action to increase funding for any United Nations program without identifying an offsetting decrease elsewhere in the United Nations budget: Provided further, That any payment of arrearages under this heading shall be directed to activities that are mutually agreed upon by the United States and the respective international organization and shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations: Provided further, That none of the funds appropriated under this heading shall be available for a United States contribution to an international organization for the United States share of interest costs made known to the United States Government by such organization for loans incurred on or after October 1, 1984, through external borrowings.”
“In addition, for necessary expenses for the Director of the Office of Cuba Broadcasting to carry out international communications activities for Cuba, including grants for radio, internet, and television broadcasting and other international communications activities, as authorized, $35,000,000, of which $5,250,000 may remain available until September 30, 2028: Provided, That funds made available under this paragraph shall be apportioned to the Director of the Office of Cuba Broadcasting: Provided further, That funds made available under this paragraph shall be made available for medium- and short-wave broadcasting at not less than the fiscal year 2024 level and in a manner able to reach all provinces in Cuba with daily programming: Provided further, That the Office of Cuba Broadcasting shall retain all real property belonging to it as of January 19, 2021: Provided further, That significant modifications to broadcast hours previously justified to Congress, including changes to transmission platforms (shortwave, medium wave, satellite, internet, and television), for activities funded under this paragraph shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.”
“international communications activities For necessary expenses to carry out international communications activities, including grants for radio, internet, and television broadcasting and other international communications activities, $540,000,000, of which $81,000,000 may remain available until September 30, 2028: Provided, That in addition to amounts otherwise available for such purposes, up to $72,720,000 of the amount appropriated under this paragraph may remain available until expended for satellite transmissions, global network distribution, and internet freedom programs: Provided further, That of the funds appropriated under this paragraph and made available for international communications activities, not less than $5,000,000 shall be made available for programming produced about Cuba by the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB), which are in addition to funds otherwise made available for OCB: Provided further, That funds appropriated under this paragraph may be made available for broadcasting capital improvements, which may include the purchase, rent, construction, repair, preservation, and improvement of facilities for radio, television, and digital transmission and reception; the purchase, rent, and installation of necessary equipment for radio, television, and digital transmission and reception, including to Cuba, as authorized; and physical security worldwide: Provided further, That amounts made available pursuant to the previous proviso may remain available until expended and shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations: Provided further, That significant modifications to broadcast hours previously justified to Congress, including changes to transmission platforms (shortwave, medium wave, satellite, internet, and television), for activities funded under this paragraph shall be subject to the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.”
“payment to the american institute in taiwan For necessary expenses to carry out the Taiwan Relations Act (Public Law 96-8), $35,964,000, of which $5,395,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2028. international center, washington, district of columbia Not to exceed $1,917,178 shall be derived from fees collected from other executive agencies for lease or use of facilities at the International Center in accordance with section 4 of the International Center Act (Public Law 90- 553), and, in addition, as authorized by section 5 of such Act, $745,000, to be derived from the reserve authorized by such section, to be used for the purposes set out in that section.”
“emergencies in the diplomatic and consular service For necessary expenses to enable the Secretary of State to meet unforeseen emergencies arising in the Diplomatic and Consular Service, as authorized, $8,885,000, to remain available until expended, of which not to exceed $1,000,000 may be transferred to, and merged with, funds appropriated by this Act under the heading ``Repatriation Loans Program Account''. repatriation loans program account For the cost of direct loans, $3,750,000, as authorized: Provided, That such costs, including the cost of modifying such loans, shall be as defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974: Provided further, That such funds are available to subsidize gross obligations for the principal amount of direct loans not to exceed $7,248,588.”
“292 et seq.), preserving, maintaining, repairing, and planning for real property that are owned or leased by the Department of State, and renovating, in addition to funds otherwise available, the Harry S Truman Building, $865,616,000, to remain available until September 30, 2031, of which not to exceed $25,000 may be used for overseas representation expenses as authorized: Provided, That none of the funds appropriated in this paragraph shall be available for acquisition of furniture, furnishings, or generators for other departments and agencies of the United States Government. In addition, for the costs of worldwide security upgrades, acquisition, and construction as authorized, $1,123,640,000, to remain available until expended.”
“representation expenses For representation expenses as authorized, $10,000,000: Provided, That 25 percent of the funds made available under this heading shall not be available for obligation or expenditure until the Secretary of State appears before the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress to testify on the Department's budget request for fiscal year 2027. protection of foreign missions and officials For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided, to enable the Secretary of State to provide for extraordinary protective services, as authorized, $30,890,000, to remain available until September 30, 2028. embassy security, construction, and maintenance For necessary expenses for carrying out the Foreign Service Buildings Act of 1926 (22 U.S.C.”
“educational and cultural exchange programs For necessary expenses of educational and cultural exchange programs, as authorized, $647,000,000, to remain available until expended, of which not less than $287,800,000 shall be for the Fulbright Program: Provided, That fees or other payments received from, or in connection with, English teaching, educational advising and counseling programs, and exchange visitor programs as authorized may be credited to this account, to remain available until expended: Provided further, That not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall consult with the Committees on Appropriations on the allocation of funds made available under this heading by program, project, and activity: Provided further, That any substantive modifications from the prior fiscal year to programs funded under this heading in this Act, including program consolidation and closures, changes to eligibility criteria and geographic scope, and implementing partners, shall be subject to prior consultation with, and the regular notification procedures of, the Committees on Appropriations.”
“consular and border security programs Of the amounts deposited in the Consular and Border Security Programs account in this or any prior fiscal year pursuant to section 7069(e) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2022 (division K of Public Law 117-103), $533,000,000 shall be available until expended for the purposes of such account, including to reduce passport backlogs and reduce visa wait times: Provided, That the Secretary of State may by regulation authorize State officials or the United States Postal Service to collect and retain the execution fee for each application for a passport accepted by such officials or by that Service. capital investment fund For necessary expenses of the Capital Investment Fund, as authorized, $413,615,000, to remain available until expended.”
“(4) Security programs.--For necessary expenses for security activities, $3,450,592,000, of which up to $3,423,573,000 is for Worldwide Security Protection. (5) Reprogramming.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, funds may be reprogrammed within and between paragraphs (1) through (4) under this heading subject to section 7015 of this Act.”
“11; Chapter 36), $4,001,579,000, of which up to $738,550,000 is for Worldwide Security Protection. (2) Overseas programs.--For necessary expenses for the regional bureaus of the Department of State and overseas activities as authorized by law, $1,437,707,000. (3) Diplomatic policy and support.--For necessary expenses for the functional bureaus of the Department of State, including representation to certain international organizations in which the United States participates pursuant to treaties ratified pursuant to the advice and consent of the Senate or specific Acts of Congress, general administration, and arms control, nonproliferation, and disarmament activities as authorized, $871,645,000.”
“8595 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in [[Page H4486]] Congress assembled, That the following sums are appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for national security, Department of State, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, and for other purposes, namely: TITLE I DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND RELATED PROGRAMS DEPARTMENT OF STATE Administration of Foreign Affairs diplomatic programs For necessary expenses of the Department of State and the Foreign Service not otherwise provided for, $9,761,523,000, of which $839,910,000 may remain available until September 30, 2028, and of which up to $4,162,123,000 may remain available until expended for Worldwide Security Protection: Provided, That funds made available under this heading shall be allocated in accordance with paragraphs (1) through (4), as follows: (1) Human resources.--For necessary expenses for training, human resources management, and salaries, including employment without regard to civil service and classification laws of persons on a temporary basis (not to exceed $700,000), as authorized by section 801 of the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 (62 Stat.”
“SincereIy, Al Green, Member of Congress, Scion of the Enslaved Africans, Sacrificed to Make America Great, Progenitor of August and August 20th as Slavery Remembrance Month and Day. The Acting CHAIR (Mr. Goldman of Texas). All time for general debate has expired. Pursuant the rule, the bill shall be considered for amendment under the 5-minute rule. The bill shall be considered as read. H.R.”
“I cannot in good conscience vote to authorize sending our tax dollars to a military whose prime minister has been accused by the International Criminal Court of ``the war crimes of starvation as a method of warfare and of intentionally directing an attack against the civilian population; and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts;'' to a military that has killed more than 70,000 thousand Palestinian men, women, and especially children in Gaza. If my request to detach funding our military from funding Israel's military in legislation is not granted, I will oppose the legislation. While I believe Israel should have a military, I will not vote to support funding Israel's military. I make this request on behalf of myself and no one else. On some issues it is better to stand alone than not stand at all.”
“I now believe there should be a standalone vote on all funding to Israel: Dear Speaker Johnson, I ask that funding for our military not be linked to funding Israel's military. I support our military. I do not approve of attaching my support for our military to Israel's military. We who support our military should be allowed to do so without having to fund Israel's military. Those who support Israel's military should be able to do so in a standalone bill.”
“GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to including funding for Israel's military in the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Program Appropriations Act. I respectfully request that funding for Israel's military be considered through a standalone bill, allowing Members to vote separately on question. I first made this request in December 2025, when I opposed legislation linking funding for our military with funding for Israel's military. My position has not changed. Today, I again respectfully request that funding for the Department of State and related programs not be linked to funding for Israel's military. Accordingly, I include in the Record the text of my December 10, 2025, letter to Speaker Mike Johnson.”
“When America leads with diplomacy, development, and humanitarian leadership, we make our Nation stronger and safer. When America retreats, our adversaries advance. This bill retreats from American leadership, and it makes America less secure. Mr. Chairman, I hope and I expect that we can still improve this legislation as it moves through the legislative process. Until then, I urge a ``no'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, this is a really good bill. I have already talked about it, and you have heard other people talk about it. It strengthens the national security interests of the United States. It supports our allies. It confronts our adversaries, and, yes, it does all of that while saving taxpayers' money. Mr. Chairman, I urge a ``yes'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr.”
“LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Sadly, this bill arrives at a time when the Trump administration has chosen to put us into a war that is costing our country billions of dollars and countless lives, with no end in sight. I hope I am wrong, but that is what it looks like. This bill should be a moment to strengthen America and show the world that American leadership is more than bombs, bullying, and illegal tariffs. Done right, it could make our Nation more secure, at home and abroad. Instead, it is falling painfully short. A strong America requires both hard power and soft power, because military strength alone cannot prevent every conflict, stop every pandemic, build every alliance, or open every new market for American workers.”
“Prohibiting funding for the United Nations means abdicating U.S. leadership to competitors like China and Russia. Prohibiting funding for an ally like Jordan makes zero sense amidst the fallout of President Trump's war of choice with Iran and the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Cutting off funding for the National Endowment for Democracy, The Asia Foundation, East-West Center, Peace Corps, Millennium Challenge Corporation, Asian Development Fund, and African Development Bank Group further undercuts American leadership and democracy around the world. Sustained investment in our diplomatic and development institutions is essential if you want to prevent wars instead of paying for them. Mr. Chairman, this bill does not deliver, and I urge a ``no'' vote. Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time. Ms.”
“Last year, the Trump administration illegally dismantled USAID and fired over 1,300 State Department employees. {time} 1300 It rescinded $13 billion for critical humanitarian and development programs, and now House Republicans want to approve legislation that amounts to a 20 percent cut from 2025 enacted levels, locking in those dangerous Trump cuts. It isn't penny-wise, and it certainly is pound-foolish. Case in point: When the administration cut funding for global health, it ended key disease outbreak surveillance and prevention programs. Now we have the second largest Ebola outbreak on record and are scrambling to protect U.S. livestock from the New World screwworm. Our Republican colleagues have also made in order many amendments that would further damage our national security interests.”
“We are safest when we work with partners around the world to detect outbreaks early, share information, and respond before disease reaches our borders. Mr. Chair, I include in the Record the text of my amendment. Mr. Amo moves to recommit the bill H.R. 8595 to the Committee on Appropriations with the following amendment: On page 212, strike lines 10 through 17. Mr. AMO. I hope my colleagues will join me in voting for the motion to recommit. Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Meeks), the distinguished ranking member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Chair, I rise today in opposition to the fiscal year 2027 appropriations bill for the State Department and foreign operations.”
“They are facing an uphill battle thanks to Trump and Republicans' deep cuts to the CDC's public health workforce and the program that monitors foodborne illness. The cause and effect is clear. When Republicans slash public health funding and stop monitoring the spread of disease, Americans get sick. For this reason, at the appropriate time, I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to committee. If the House rules permitted, I would have offered the motion with an important amendment to this bill. My amendment would strike provisions that prohibit U.S. participation in international public health efforts through the World Health Organization and the pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response accord. Disease prevention and surveillance at home and abroad protect American families. Infectious diseases do not stop at borders.”
“An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda has taken more than 700 lives and infected more than 1,900 people. American citizens have already been infected, and the outbreak will spread if we fail to contain it. Republicans' solution? Ban the United States from supporting the World Health Organization, the group coordinating the response to the Ebola outbreak. The story of outbreaks fueled by Republican shortsighted cuts does not end there. Here at home, we are responding to a growing cyclospora outbreak that has sickened more than 1,600 people across more than 30 States, with thousands more cases under investigation. Public health officials are still working to identify the source of the outbreak.”
“It is a strategic investment in America's security, global stability, and the power of democracy. The Acting CHAIR. The time of the gentlewoman has expired. Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chair, I yield an additional 20 seconds to the gentlewoman from New York. Ms. MENG. For these reasons, I cannot support this bill, and I urge my colleagues to oppose it. Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Amo). [[Page H4485]] Mr. AMO. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 8595. This disastrous bill doesn't just turn America's back on the world. It makes Americans less safe and more vulnerable to disease.”
“By eliminating funding for the U.N., this bill would cede ground to our adversaries, letting Russia and China reshape the U.N. without meaningful U.S. influence. It also doubles down on attacks on women and girls, gutting international family planning and banning funding to the U.N. Population Fund. Instead of abandoning the world's women and girls, we should be investing in them. It also locks in the administration's expanded global gag rule, exporting a radical rightwing agenda, politicizing aid, and targeting women, minorities, and LGBTQ+ people--people who look to America as a beacon of freedom, not repression. Our national security budget is not waste. It is not a playground for radical social ideologies or attacks on the world's most vulnerable populations.”
“This bill cuts our national security budget by another 6 percent to fund more tax cuts for billionaires and a proposed military budget now exceeding $1.5 trillion. That is a ``trillion'' with a capital T. It comes after this administration destroyed USAID, clawed back hundreds of millions in humanitarian aid already approved by Congress, and canceled over 80 percent of our foreign aid programs. Existing cuts have already led to an estimated 760,000 preventable deaths and are projected to cause up to 23 million by 2030. Instead of gutting diplomacy and development to pay for a record Pentagon budget, we should be growing our diplomatic presence and investing in programs that tackle conflict and instability at the roots.”
“I am voting ``no'' because this Republican bill won't make your family stronger, safer, or more prosperous, unless your last name is Trump. The Acting CHAIR. Members are reminded to refrain from engaging in personalities toward the President. Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Meng), the distinguished ranking member of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee and on our committee. Ms. MENG. Mr. Chair, my constituents in Queens are facing an affordability crisis, and this bill will only make it worse by endorsing a failed America-alone policy that diminishes our presence on the world stage, abandons women and girls, and guts our soft power.”
“With the deficit exploding, prices out of control, and Americans crying out for relief, I can't imagine a worse prescription than a blank check for a President out of control. When this bill came out of our committee, I thought it couldn't get any worse. The Acting CHAIR. The time of the gentlewoman has expired. Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chair, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentlewoman from Florida. The Acting CHAIR. Members are reminded to refrain from engaging in personalities toward the President. Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. When this bill came out of our committee, I thought it couldn't get any worse. Yet, stunningly, Republican leadership attached President Trump's racist voter suppression bill to it, caving to far-right extremists who held the House floor hostage.”
“Is anyone surprised the same party that rips away Americans' reproductive rights and guts our healthcare is running the same anti- choice playbook worldwide? Experts predict tens of thousands more unsafe abortions and maternal deaths. No part of this is pro-life. When I filed an amendment to strike this expanded global gag rule, Republicans refused to even allow a vote. This bill does nothing to reverse Trump's America-last self-sabotage, his disdain for our neighbors in Haiti and Venezuela, or his racist refugee exclusion policy. Instead of holding him accountable for his corruption, it offers Trump a $1.5 billion slush fund. That is $1.5 billion siphoned from law enforcement, peacekeeping, global health, and, yes, directly from starving children.”
“Yet, amid this global chaos, Republicans have abandoned investments to make the world a safer, healthier place. Their callous neglect has caused hundreds of thousands of needless deaths along the way. President Trump has given up our seat at the table. He has put down the torch of liberty and democracy, all so he can glad-hand dictators and stuff his family's pockets. All the while, working Americans get poorer as the direct result of Trump's chaotic decisions on tariffs, immigration, and military action. Instead of addressing real threats to our security, our interests, and our values abroad, this bill doubles down on petty, partisan culture war riders. This Republican bill includes a provision to suppress reproductive freedom abroad by boycotting humanitarian groups that provide lifesaving care to women and girls.”
“8595 further advances a bold new agenda of American foreign relations, and I commend Chairmen Diaz-Balart and Cole for their leadership. Mr. Chair, I encourage all of my colleagues to support this bill. Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz), the distinguished ranking member of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee. Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Chair, the State Department funding bill that we are considering here fails to meet this critical, historic moment. Our Nation is at a dangerous crossroads. We are at war, a war that Congress never voted to authorize, a war so recklessly managed that our allies increasingly see us as a threat rather than a reliable partner.”
“Foreign countries and global environmentalists are seeking to target our country and energy producers at the expense of the U.S. taxpayer. This bill aligns with legislation I have introduced to block climate reparations. {time} 1250 Secondly, Washington, D.C., has turned a blind eye to the Chinese Communist Party's infiltration of the United Nations, with our taxpayer dollars being used to fund the CCP's malign influence agenda. The CCP has been successful in winning elections to lead various strategic U.N. agencies and then modifying their policies to the benefit of Beijing rather than the West. The legislation before us today cuts off U.S. resources to those U.N. agencies that embrace CCP leadership. America should be steering the decisions of these organizations, not the CCP. H.R.”
“Chair, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. I commend Chairman Diaz-Balart for his bold leadership to reform U.S. foreign aid over the last several funding cycles. Today, we have a bill before us with additional important reforms. This bill puts forward a second consecutive year of spending cuts, counters the global climate lunacy agenda, and holds rogue U.N. agencies accountable. Specifically, this bill delivers real solutions on issues I have prioritized over the last several years. Since 2023, the U.N. has been setting the stage for nations to sue one another for violations of climate change treaties, with the spoils of these lawsuits being for so-called climate reparations.”
“Third, it cuts over $1 billion from the United Nations. When we walk away from the table, we don't leave a vacuum. We just invite China and Russia to step in, take our place, and write the global rules. Finally, this bill slashes $1.5 billion from emergency humanitarian aid. Cutting off food, clean water, and medicine during historic global instability is a guarantee for more regional chaos and health emergencies that eventually end up at our borders. [[Page H4484]] These are just a few of the cuts in the bill that compromise our national security and strengthen our adversaries. Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Wyoming (Ms. Hageman), but this is proof that you don't have to be on the Appropriations Committee to have a huge impact on the bill. Ms. HAGEMAN. Mr.”
“When we look at where these cuts actually hit, they defy any commonsense strategy for our national security. First, this bill completely defunds the Inter-American Foundation. This agency funds local community-led programs in Latin America that keep young people out of drug cartels and gangs. One of these very programs cut youth criminal activity by 90 percent. We cannot claim that we want to see a secure border and stop drug trafficking while simultaneously defunding the most cost-effective, proven programs that stop cartel recruitment at the source. Second, it completely defunds the U.S. Institute of Peace. We are being asked for billions for the Iran war, but they want to close down the tools we have to stop conflicts before we are forced to send our young men and women in uniform into harm's way.”
“It provides the critical tools to fight human trafficking these syndicates engage in and, frankly, rely upon while building up the law enforcement capacity of partner nations to stop these scammers. Mr. Chair, I support these commonsense provisions in the underlying bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Torres), a member of our committee. Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman and ranking member of our committee for their work, but unfortunately, I rise today to speak about hard facts, not political talking points. This bill cuts our security and diplomatic resources by $12 billion compared to last year. This is a 20 percent gutting of our global tools in just 2 years.”
“I do not yield my opposition to tyranny. Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Shreve), a member of the Appropriations Committee. Mr. SHREVE. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of fiscal year 2027 National Security and Department of State Appropriations Act. This legislation candidly and simply delivers on conservative promises, helps put America first while conducting vigorous oversight of our foreign assistance programs. It upholds longstanding pro-life protections, and holds foreign governments that violate religious freedoms are held accountable. Importantly, this legislation delivers on my number one priority, pushing back on the Chinese-linked foreign scam operations that have bilked Americans out of countless of billions of dollars.”
“I hope that all of us in the House and Senate will honor his memory by continuing to vigorously support Ukraine. Its drone strategy is creating space on the battlefield for real movement. Something is in the air, and it is the feeling that victory is not only achievable but increasingly within reach. This bill does not send a strong message of that objective. Not the end of the beginning, but finally, hopefully, perhaps the beginning of the end. The Acting CHAIR (Mr. Weber of Texas). The time of the gentleman has expired. Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chair, I yield an additional 10 seconds to the gentleman from Maryland. Mr. HOYER. Let us be clear: America does not abandon our allies. America does not shrink from the fight. Democracy will not yield 1 inch to tyranny. We should be saying that in this bill.”
“Yesterday marked 40 days since the House passed the Ukraine Support Act. That bipartisan legislation would provide Ukraine with an additional $8 billion in loans for military procurement as well as $1.3 billion in direct security assistance. It also would impose new sanctions that will further erode Vladimir Putin's ability to continue this illegal, immoral, and unjust war. Now, it is the Senate's turn to act. Over the weekend, America lost a champion in the effort to stand with Ukraine. Senator Graham understood that America's responsibility was to ensure that Ukraine has every resource it needs, but none in this bill. Not just to survive but to win. Senator Graham died just hours after returning from Ukraine and securing bipartisan agreement on a new punishing sanction bill.”
“Chair, the United States must never turn a blind eye to our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill. Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the distinguished ranking member of the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee. Mr. HOYER. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Chair, sadly, I cannot agree with Chairman Cole. This bill does not send a strong message to our friends, nor does it send an unmistakable message to our adversaries. Sadly, this bill has zero for Ukraine, our ally fighting the Russian invader. That is a grave mistake and absolutely the wrong approach. It is a dangerous signal at a time when we ought to show unwavering support for Ukraine's defense of its homeland.”
“Since then, we have worked with the Trump administration to develop a strategy that provides assistance to the Nigerian Government in their defense of Christians while holding President Tinubu's government accountable if they fail. The U.S.-Nigeria security agreement is already bearing fruit, including eliminating ISIS' number two globally. This bill bolsters our strategy by conditioning 50 percent of all U.S. assistance to Nigeria on measurable actions to protect Christians. It also puts a spotlight on the Middle Belt where we have not seen nearly enough progress in protecting Christians against Fulani Islamic terrorists. With this vote, we will express the support of this Chamber for the report we presented to the White House on how to end the Christian genocide in Nigeria. Mr.”
“It ignores the reality of what has already been lost. Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Moore), an important member who has brought great experience to the subcommittee. {time} 1240 Mr. MOORE of West Virginia. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of this legislation, and I thank Chairman Cole and Chairman Diaz-Balart for their leadership on this bill. This bill reinforces the important work we have championed to combat the persecution of Christians in Nigeria where nearly 100,000 Christians have been killed since 2009. Last year, President Trump asked Chairman Cole and myself to investigate the slaughter of Christians in Nigeria, with myself and Chairman Diaz-Balart going to Nigeria.”
“Building the capacity of a local community abroad to combat deadly diseases like malaria, Ebola, tuberculosis, and HIV is not just the right and just thing to do. It serves American interests. Disease outbreaks do not respect borders, and investments in global health protect Americans at home. That is why the dismantling of USAID is so dangerous. USAID isn't a charity. It was boots on the ground, a force multiplier for the CDC and our broader national security efforts. Let's be honest. Slashing foreign aid will not balance the Federal budget. Anyone with a calculator knows you are not going to address the skyrocketing deficit by cutting programs that amount to a rounding error in Federal spending. This is about American values and American security. Mr. Chairman, that is why I cannot support this bill.”
“It should stay in America to support our defense, to support our industrial base, and to strengthen Made in America procurement. When we do spend abroad, it should serve American interests, supporting our allies like Israel and Taiwan. This bill, Mr. Chairman, is about security. It is about accountability, and [[Page H4483]] it is about putting America first. That is why I strongly urge its support. Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Walkinshaw). Mr. WALKINSHAW. Mr. Chairman, America's strength in the world has never been that we are perfect. It is that, unlike our adversaries, we have consistently aspired to lead by example and with our values.”