Chairwoman Lowey Statement to House Rules Committee on Appropriations Minibus H.R. 2740

WASHINGTON — House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey delivered the following remarks to the House Rules Committee in support of an appropriate rule for the House to consider H.R. 2740, the first minibus of fiscal year 2020 appropriations bills:

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the opportunity to come before the Rules Committee today to discuss H.R. 2740.

We will have more opportunities to discuss this legislation, and the critical investments it makes For the People, on the Floor this week.

As Chair of the State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee, I am proud tonight to present the Fiscal Year 2020 State and Foreign Operations division, which reflects Congressional priorities that advance United States foreign policy. The allocation of $56.381 billion, a 3.9% increase above Fiscal Year 2019, is critical to support important investments in our national security, fund our international commitments, and repair America’s reputation abroad.

This bill rejects the Administration’s unacceptable budget request and irresponsible policies and, rather, strives to uphold many bipartisan congressional priorities.

America’s foreign policy is strongest when diplomacy, development, AND defense are well-funded and equally prioritized, as many of today’s global challenges cannot be addressed by military intervention alone. 

I want to quickly highlight some of the key provisions in this division. Unlike the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2020 request, this bill would ensure ample funding for humanitarian assistance, multilateral organizations, basic education, and reproductive health services. It would also permanently repeal the anti-woman Global Gag Rule and prevent prior funds from implementing this destructive policy.

To restore U.S. leadership on fighting climate change, the bill would replace the prohibition on the Green Climate Fund with permissive authority and prohibit the use of funds to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement. And it would provide robust funding to our key allies while protecting our investments in the Northern Triangle.

Members on both sides of the aisle know these efforts save lives, promote goodwill, and support American interests abroad. This bill would support these programs and restore American leadership in the world.

Our talented Appropriations subcommittee chairs will tell you more about what this package does For the People. It truly is a product of hard work and bipartisan collaboration, with input from Members on both sides of the aisle, that meets the diverse needs of our nation.

I request an appropriate rule to bring this critical legislation to the floor.

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