Rep. Cisneros Questions the Dod on Central America Diplomatic Relations

Press Release

This month, House Armed Services Committee Member Congressman Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. (CA-39) questioned Assistant Secretary of Defense Kenneth Rapuano and Commander of U.S. Southern Command Admiral Craig S. Faller from the Department of Defense about the negative impact of cutting off foreign aid to Central American nations. The hearing testimony highlighted the effectiveness of U.S. foreign aid and assistance in Central America and the need for utilizing every tool in the United States' national security toolkit, including diplomacy.

Additionally, Rep. Cisneros pressed for answers on what military construction projects will lose funding in order to pay for the President's proposed border wall. Rep Cisneros questioned Assistant Secretary Rapuano about the status of deliberations within the Department of Defense regarding the criteria the Department intends to use to identify military construction projects that will be delayed. While news reports indicate the Secretary of Defense sent a memo to the Department's Comptroller requesting a list of military construction projects for his consideration by May 10th, that memo and the responding list of military construction projects have not been shared with Congress.

Rep. Cisneros is a 10-year Navy veteran and is staunchly opposed to the diversion of military construction funds to the President's border wall.

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