North Miami-Dade News

Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, Chairman of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee, expressed satisfaction with the House's passage of legislation that encompasses the remaining six appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2024. Díaz-Balart highlighted the bill's focus on national security and defense funding, emphasizing the reduction of wasteful spending under the current administration's leadership.

In his statement, Díaz-Balart underscored the bill's commitment to prioritizing agencies and programs that protect national security, uphold values, support allies, and promote democracy and freedom abroad. He stated, "As chairman of the subcommittee that provides funds for national security and foreign policy, I am proud this legislation ensures that taxpayer money prioritizes agencies and programs that protect our national security, uphold our values, support our allies and partners, and promote democracy and freedom abroad."

The legislation includes various provisions aimed at promoting freedom, democracy, and national security in different regions. Specific measures for countries in the Western Hemisphere were outlined, such as stringent conditions for allocated funds to Colombia and increased funding for democracy promotion in Cuba. Additionally, support for Venezuela's democracy and human rights efforts, as well as strategic focus on allies in Central America and the Caribbean, were emphasized.

Furthermore, the legislation stands with Israel by providing unwavering support and imposing conditions on assistance to Gaza to prevent diversion to terrorist entities. It also focuses on countering foreign adversaries, with provisions prohibiting funds to China and the Taliban, strengthening defense needs in the Indo-Pacific, and countering the fentanyl crisis.

The bill also demands accountability at the United Nations, supports American values and principles, refocuses spending priorities, and cuts wasteful bureaucracy. Díaz-Balart included legislative priorities in the appropriations bills for FY2024, ensuring critical diplomatic functions, accountability to taxpayers, telework policies, and the maximization of domestic resources for national security.

The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act details the comprehensive provisions of the legislation, highlighting the various measures taken to strengthen national security, promote democracy, and support American values both domestically and abroad.