Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2025

Floor Speech

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Mr. COLE. Mr. Chair, the United States has long been the global leader for peace, stability, and international cooperation. This role did not come easily or through weakness. It is the result of the great sacrifice of the American people. It came about not only because of our armed might, which served to defeat the fascist powers during World War 2, but also because of America's clear commitment to the values of freedom and democracy, not only for ourselves, but for all of humanity.

Today's measure--the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2025--reflects that persistent commitment to our national values. It also commands American excellence--we will not only be a participant in the international conversation, but the global leader of it.

The bill prioritizes programs to protect our national security; enhance our working relationships with friends, allies, and partners around the globe; and promote freedom and democracy abroad.

It supports our allies and partners like Israel and Taiwan, both democracies that face external threats.

It includes funding to enhance security partnerships in the Indo- Pacific region, which is critical to countering Communist China's continued aggression.

And it prioritizes funding for combating fentanyl, a crisis that is touching every community in every state in the Nation.

The bill accomplishes these goals in a fiscally responsible way, ensuring that funds are spent where they are needed most. Critically, the bill also maintains longstanding bipartisan policies to promote religious freedom and to protect life, which are of great importance to so many Americans.

I'm deeply proud of the work we have done on this bill, and I applaud Chairman Diaz-Balart for his hard work. I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill.

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