State, Foreign Operations

"The budget request demonstrates that the Administration does not grasp the impact of global development on our own national security, nor the benefit of efforts that promote economic growth while engaging American companies. Though the Administration touts increases to private sector engagement in global development, the budget proposes exorbitant increases to some programs while cutting, or even completely eliminating, others that have proven to have a substantial role in engaging the private sector to invest in risky emerging markets."

"USAID helps the world’s most vulnerable, assists in recovery from natural disasters and humanitarian crises, and supports countries’ efforts to strengthen governance, rule of law, and human rights. This isn’t just the 'right thing to do'; it strengthens our national security and advances American interests. ... Our development and humanitarian efforts are our best hope to tackle these issues. This is why Congress has disregarded the Administration’s last three budget requests, instead providing sufficient resources to effectively and efficiently fund some of our most critical foreign policy priorities."

"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."

"The oversight of programs and operations to ensure accountability and effectiveness of taxpayer dollars must be a paramount focus of all government agencies, and I am glad you are here today to provide your assessment of where improvements need to be made at the Department of State and USAID."