Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018

Floor Speech

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Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the fiscal year 2018 appropriations measure before us today. The committee, as the chairman said, has worked at a historic pace to produce a bill that reflects the priorities of the American people.

Chairman Frelinghuysen should be recognized for his leadership in bringing this legislation through committee and before the House in record time.

While the entirety of the package should be supported, I want to highlight, Mr. Chairman, the funding provided for the Department of State and Foreign Operations. This portion of the bill reduces international diplomatic and development programs by $10 billion, a 17 percent reduction from fiscal year '17. In a tough budget environment, the bill strikes a delicate balance between fiscal responsibility and support for continued U.S. leadership and foreign aid.

First and foremost, over $6 billion is allocated for embassy security, which will enable the State Department to safeguard American diplomatic facilities overseas, in line with the recommendations of the Benghazi Accountability Review Board.

Second, the bill contains $8.4 billion for security assistance to support key U.S. allies and partners. The U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding is fully funded at $3.1 billion. The bill also maintains foreign military financing for Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia; and it increases security assistance for Ukraine, and provides extra support for other countries facing Russian aggression.

In our own hemisphere, the bill will help counter transnational criminal organizations and the flow of illegal drugs by supporting our partnerships with Colombia, Central America, and Mexico.

Third, the bill promotes American values around the world by maintaining funding for key democracy programs.

Fourth, the bill continues our country's strong tradition of helping the most vulnerable, providing $8.3 billion for global health programs and over $5.9 billion for humanitarian assistance. At the same time, the bill protects and preserves life by embracing an expanded Mexico City policy, prohibiting funding for the U.N. Population Fund, and continuing all pro-life riders carried in prior House bills.

Finally, at a time when we must remain focused on balancing Federal spending, this bill eliminates many programs, aims to improve oversight and management, and makes our government more accountable. No funds are provided for President Obama's Global Climate Change Initiative.

Funding for the U.N. is reduced by $900 million, and international banks and financial institutions are cut by over $800 million.

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Mr. Chairman, this legislation advances both our national security and economic interests. I urge support for the bill.

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