Antony J. Blinken 71st U.S. Secretary of State | Official Website
Secretary Antony J. Blinken delivered opening remarks before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations regarding the FY25 Department of State budget request on May 21, 2024. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to testify and emphasized the importance of U.S. global leadership.
"The need for U.S. global leadership – and for cooperation with allies and partners – has never been greater," Blinken stated.
During his testimony, interruptions from audience members occurred, with individuals accusing him of war crimes related to Gaza. Despite these disruptions, Chairman Cardin directed security to remove the protesters, allowing Blinken to continue his address.
Blinken highlighted several international challenges, including actions by China and Russia. "The People’s Republic of China is pursuing military, economic, and geopolitical preeminence," he said. He also mentioned Russia's aggression against Ukraine and efforts in the Middle East to support Israel while addressing humanitarian crises in Gaza.
He outlined that U.S. leadership is crucial in tackling global issues such as food security, climate change, transnational corruption, and the fentanyl crisis. According to Blinken, recent actions have strengthened the United States economically, diplomatically, and militarily over the past three years.
"We’ve made historic investments at home in our own competitiveness," he noted while emphasizing renewed alliances and unprecedented alignment with key partners globally.
Blinken stressed that bipartisan support remains strong for Ukraine following Congress's approval of President Biden’s supplemental funding bill by a significant margin last month.
"Our investment abroad does not come at the expense of our strength at home," he asserted.
Blinken detailed that President Biden's FY25 budget request seeks $58.8 billion for the State Department and USAID to fund essential missions and build sustainable infrastructure worldwide. This includes a $2 billion fund for high-quality infrastructure projects that create American jobs and expand markets for U.S businesses.
The budget also proposes $1 billion for World Bank funding aimed at unlocking $36 billion in development capacity for emerging economies—a strategic move against China's influence globally.
Additionally, $1.7 billion is requested for international organizations like the United Nations to align them with U.S interests and values. Another $500 million is allocated to provide secure internet access globally which supports American technology exports.
Addressing synthetic drug crises alongside irregular migration issues are other priorities within this budget request which also includes educational exchanges promoting American values internationally.
To maintain competitive advantage over strategic rivals like China or Russia requires investment into diplomatic corps according Blinken who proposed expanding overseas presence particularly Pacific Islands Eastern Caribbean regions among others while modernizing department operations enhancing agility innovation efficiency processes overall.
Last year’s enacted budget represented five percent cut challenging efforts deliver results Congress Americans expect urging committee support new proposal address pressing foreign policy priorities coming year laying foundation strong leadership future ahead concluded thanking committee recent confirmations ambassadors senior officials noting delays undermine national security weaken ability deliver Americans ultimately looking forward answering questions concluding statement chairman ranking member respectively end session overall
