Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (D-NY), Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks at the Subcommittee's Member Day:
Good afternoon. The Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs will come to order.
I welcome our distinguished colleagues. It is a pleasure to have you join us for our first hearing of the year.
As we begin crafting the fiscal year 2021 appropriations bill, your testimony will be integral to our process.
The democracy, development, diplomacy, humanitarian, and security assistance programs funded in this bill are critical to maintaining United States global leadership, protecting our national security, and promoting economic growth.
Yet, since coming to office, the President has repeatedly proposed cutting these programs.
Fortunately, Congress has consistently and resoundingly rejected the Administration’s cuts.
For fiscal year 2021, the President’s request included a 20% cut that would decimate United States diplomatic, development, and humanitarian efforts. A bipartisan majority in Congress has rejected short-sighted cuts to overseas programs, and I am confident we will do so again.
That is why I appreciate each of you making the time to testify and draw attention to these critical programs - the very programs that protect our national security and uphold our foreign policy priorities.
Thank you again for coming, and I look forward to hearing about your priorities in the State and Foreign Operations bill. At this point I would like to turn to my Ranking Member, Mr. Rogers, for any comments he may have.
Source: U.S. Department of HCA
