Lowey statement at SFOPS hearing on Department of State budget request

Secretary Kerry, welcome back. You continue to represent our country with passion and dedication, and I thank you for your tireless efforts. Since you were sworn in two years ago, you have worked diligently on both Middle East Peace and Iranian nuclear negotiations; faced nonstop crisis in Syria, Iraq, and Ukraine; and consistently worked to counter terrorism and advocate for human rights and humanitarian needs.

Since the last time you testified, we have seen unspeakable atrocities committed by ISIL; terrorist attacks in the heart of Europe; multiple humanitarian disasters in Africa; devastating refugee crises even on our own southern border; anti-Semitism once again dangerously on the rise; and several countries on the brink of disintegration. Diplomacy and development are needed now more than ever to address these challenges and countless other global priorities.

I want to start with Iran. With negotiations underway, I hope you can update us on progress made to narrow the gaps since the last extension. We all agree we must make it impossible for Iran to make nuclear weapons, so I hope you will assure the members of this committee that any final deal will verifiably close all possible pathways to a bomb, dismantle crucial elements of Iran's current program, and ensure the IAEA access to Parchin. The final agreement must achieve these objectives.

Additionally, I would like your assurances that the United States will remain in close communication with our key allies in the region during the remainder of the negotiations.

I am also very concerned about any new funding for the Palestinian Authority, given President Abbas' unilateral actions before the United Nations Security Council and the International Criminal Court (ICC). I hope you will update us on your review of U.S. assistance, which, as you know, is intentionally conditioned to discourage provocative actions that undercut the peace process. Has there been any movement at all toward renewed negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis? Since Abbas has pursued action at the ICC, do you think it is even possible for the parties to reach a deal?

With regard to Ukraine, I am pleased to see the request includes strong economic and security assistance to help counter Russian aggression. At the same time, I am very concerned about next steps should the current cease-fire unravel. While I am not ready to start a proxy war, can you explain under what circumstances the Administration would consider providing lethal offensive assistance to Ukraine?

This year's request also includes funding for new initiatives in Central America and Africa as well as a multilateral fund on climate change. Yet the request reduces humanitarian and disaster assistance by $750 million compared to last year's levels. I look forward to hearing your rationale.

I would also ask that you update this committee on our investments in health, women's empowerment, food security, and international family planning, all of which are vital components to our foreign policy objectives of improving lives, expanding economic opportunity, and enhancing our own national security.

Lastly, while an improvement over prior requests, this year's budget request again fails to prioritize international basic education. I know we agree that educated girls and boys better protect themselves from hunger, poverty, disease, and ultimately extremism. As you have heard me say before, we simply cannot build the world we want for ourselves, and for future generations, without education at the center of our efforts.

Thank you again for your leadership and for being here today.