Secretary Kerry, it’s a pleasure to welcome you before our Subcommittee. Since you were sworn into office, the world has witnessed unprecedented levels of turmoil, requiring strong U.S. leadership on many fronts.
Chief among them is the Middle East.
I commend your attempts to bring about a cease-fire in Syria. However, as recent events prove, this requires the cooperation of Russia and Iran.
I look forward to hearing your estimation of what it will take for both countries to work with the international community to end the senseless bloodshed and atrocities of the Assad regime and, specifically, whether we have the leverage to end the conflict.
To continue on Iran, despite differing opinions on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, it must be vigilantly enforced in combination with other sustained efforts to prevent Iran from ever developing nuclear weapons.
The international community must have mechanisms in place to thwart Iran’s destabilizing behavior in the region, particularly its ability to fund terrorists and export weapons to various proxies.
It is critical this committee understand how the Administration will address these concerns and meet its commitment to bolster the security of our allies in the region; particularly Israel.
These concerns are heightened with recent sanctions relief for the regime and on the heels of the first shipment in three years of Iranian oil to Europe last week.
In addition to threats from Iran, Israel is threatened by radical extremism on several borders and combats almost daily terrorist attacks by Palestinians.
President Abbas has yet to condemn the shootings, car rammings, and stabbings against innocent Israelis, yet he meets with terrorists’ families.
Such behavior only incites more violence and makes the goal of two states for two people even more difficult to achieve.
It has also been reported in the media that there have been talks between Fatah and Hamas to establish a new unity government.
American support is predicated upon the Palestinian leaders' commitment to resolving all outstanding issues through direct negotiations, which cannot progress if one party refuses to abide by the Oslo conditions of recognizing Israel, renouncing violence, and abiding by previous commitments.
A unity government with an unreformed Hamas would be an unacceptable impediment to peace.
As intractable as the conflict may be, I hope you will reassure us that the Administration will maintain its indispensable role of mediator and veto any resolution before the United Nations in keeping with long-standing policy to defend Israel at the UN.
With regard to the Fiscal Year 2017 budget request, I am pleased it includes strong economic and security assistance for Eastern Europe to combat Russian aggression and for Central America to address the root causes of child and family migration.
Continuing our investments to combat climate change, poverty, and disease remain critical, yet the request reduces humanitarian and disaster assistance by more than $1 billion.
With unprecedented human suffering and humanitarian needs around the world, I want to hear your rationale for such a reduction.
Mr. Secretary, I share your concern that much of the Department’s core programs are currently funded through Overseas Contingency Operations, or OCO, which inaccurately reflects our commitment to key partners, international organizations, and humanitarian operations.
Diplomacy and development are critical components of our national security. Diplomatic failure increases the risk of conflict or failed states and makes populations more vulnerable to radicalization.
Congress must find a more responsible budgeting method to provide the resources to meet these challenges today, tomorrow, and into the future.
And finally, I must state yet again my deep frustration with the Administration’s failure to prioritize international basic education.
With more than 120 million children and adolescents currently out of school, the Administration’s proposed cut of $240 million from the amount appropriated by Congress makes zero sense.
We cannot make sustained progress on any of our development goals - from health to growing economies, food security to building democratic institutions- if generations of children grow up without basic literacy skills.
In fact, the White House’s own initiative, “Let Girls Learn," will be impossible to implement with this unacceptably low funding request.
Mr. Secretary, thank you for your testimony here today and your stalwart efforts to advance American priorities around the world.
Source: U.S. Department of HCA
