North Miami-Dade News

WASHINGTON, D.C.–Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Chairman of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropriations, issued a statement following the House Appropriations Committee's approval of the proposed fiscal year 2025 funding legislation.

“As Chairman of the Subcommittee that funds our national security and foreign policy priorities, I am pleased that the fiscal year 2025 funding legislation which builds on the policy wins of the fiscal year 2024 enacted bill, was approved by the House Appropriations Committee. We achieved a 19% reduction from the President's Budget, and an 11% cut from fiscal year 2024 enacted levels," stated Díaz-Balart.

He continued: "This legislation continues to reestablish American leadership where it has been severely lacking under the current Administration and continues upholding key U.S. priorities by supporting allies such as Israel and Taiwan, and countering adversaries such as Communist China, the terrorist states of Iran and Cuba, and terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah. This proposed legislation continues advancing global freedom, manifests strong solidarity with our allies, and stands firm against the malign forces undermining U.S. national security.”

The bill proposes cuts in spending by reducing $7.6 billion (11%) below Fiscal Year 2024 enacted levels and $12.26 billion (19%) below the President’s Budget Request. It eliminates funding for various international organizations including the United Nations’ regular budget resulting in savings of $761.6 million. Other notable prohibitions include funds for UNFPA, WHO, Gender Equity and Equality Action Fund among others.

Furthermore, it terminates more than 18 programs including those related to OECD, UNESCO, UN Women among others while also prohibiting funds for Special Envoys unless expressly authorized or approved by Senate.

The bill aims to support national security by prohibiting funding for programs that encourage migration towards the U.S.-Mexico border while prioritizing combatting illicit drug flow into the United States. It withholds a portion of Secretary of State's budget until "Remain in Mexico" agreements are reinstated.

In terms of international relations, it provides significant support for allies like Israel ($3.3 billion) through Foreign Military Financing Program while imposing restrictions on adversaries like Iran through measures such as prohibiting funds to implement any nuclear agreement without Senate approval.

The bill promotes freedom and democracy globally allocating specific amounts for democracy programs in countries like Cuba ($35 million), Venezuela ($50 million), Nicaragua ($15 million) while also safeguarding U.S taxpayer dollars by ensuring funds are not used to prevent removal from lists like State Sponsors of Terrorism.

Additionally it emphasizes protecting life by maintaining pro-life protections across health funds along with supporting religious freedom programs abroad banning certain regulations disadvantaging American businesses while refocusing critical diplomatic functions ensuring safety at embassies without implementing COVID-19 mandates.

A summary along with detailed reports regarding this bill is available through provided links.